The fit is true-to-size, though perhaps a touch on the narrow size in the toebox area. They feel very comfortable from the get-go, with a nice bit of padding on the tongue and in the heel. Ironically enough, it might be fans of old-school racing flats who will really enjoy these carbon plate shoes. And if your form is strong, you’re certainly going to feel the real benefit of the Cloudboom Echo 3s on race day. Now on its 13th iteration, it’s clear why the shoe has stood the test of time. It’s highly versatile, responsive enough for interval sessions – albeit perhaps not for the most advanced – yet comfortable for long runs. Further weight savings come from that new midsole and a redesigned mesh upper. This also, along with additional padding around the heel and collar, provides more structure, increasing comfort over those longer miles. The original Magnify was a neutral daily training shoe with a responsive, cushioned and super-comfy ride – and the second iteration offers more of the same. Where there are tweaks, these are all to the good, making this a great shoe for seasoned runners and beginners alike. Featuring one of the softest foams out there, this trainer has had quite a substantial redesign. It’s part of the new generation of stable, neutral shoes with lots of cushioning, and is designed for everyday easy runs. It’s also a great choice for new or low-mileage runners.

If you're bored of the same old shoe designs, look no further. The Velociti 3’s flat-knit upper definitely has a unique look, which promises ‘dynamics tretch and compression’ as well as breathability. Does it deliver? Well, how dynamic you feel might differ day to day, but it offers a super-comfy fit. The pronation control, provided by the Hollow Tech support frame, is excellent. It’s essentially a lighter and less intrusive version of a medial post. There’s also a sturdy heel counter to provide more stability. The shoe fits true to size with a roomy toebox. Though it’s certainly not a speeds hoe, it’s surprisingly lightweight, with reasonable firmness. Our testers commented that it felt light and nimble, with just as much comfort from the first mile to the last of even a long run. Carbon-plated training shoes may no longer be a novelty, but given they tend to come with maximal cushioning, the Magic Speed 3 feels like one nonetheless. It’s a lightweight shoe that looks – and even feels – more like an old-school racer.

6. Best for Track Workouts: Saucony Kinvara 14

To reduce the colossal footprint of the global trainer industry, we support the idea of running every possible mile in the shoes you already own, revelling in every last run you can share. The Pegasus 40 includes two Zoom Air units – at the forefoot and heel – which helps to give that responsive, energised feel. While it’s certainly not one of the new generation of maximalist cushioned shoes, when you step in to the Pegasus, you do immediately feel that comfort hugging your foot securely in place. It has a really plush feel, and fits true to size. Our team continually road-test the best new models as and when they're released. We assess shoes for their performance across every area runners need to consider: fit, feel, cushioning, responsiveness, comfort, grip, breathability and overall ride. There are no real grand departures from the Hoka norm with the upper of this shoe; the cushioning at the heel is soft enough to feel snug, the heel counter and laces provide a secure fit and the shoe fits true to size.

If you were judging a shoe on looks alone, you’d be forgiven for assuming the Wave Rider 27 would feel a touch heavy or a little flat underfoot. But you’d be wrong, because this is a deceptively good and lightweight trainer you can use every day. Over the years, Puma has taken their models to the next level. In 1991 Puma designed what is called a disc system. The Puma did not have any laces, but a adjustable fit. In 1996 Puma released the “Cell” which it is said to be the first foam free midsole. From then on, Puma has incorporated them into new models. If you’re new to running, it’s a good idea to visit a running shop to get a gait analysis. This looks at your running technique and the way in which your foot hits the ground, so you can find the right shoe for you and your gait. There are generally three main foot types:It fits true to size, with a comfortable engineered mesh upper. The tongue and the heel are both lightly padded, and the lacing system adjustable – but without needing much. Finally the superior Pumagrip rubber on on the outsole means that this is a really robust and hard-wearing shoe that will see you through hundreds of training miles. The fourth iteration has an all-new midsole, made with the new ReactX foam – which, according to Nike, gives you 13% more energy return compared with the standard Nike React foam –and also reduces the carbon footprint of the midsole by at least 43%. With On’s signature CloudTec technology, a full-length carbon speedboard and new Helion HP hyperfoam, it’s undeniably a very good looking shoe. The upper consists of a single woven structure with On’s classic minimalist styling. The updated Velociti features a cushioned Flow midsole that tends towards the firmer end of the scale– but this is a shoe that definitely gives a little as you wear it in.