All the news that's fit to run
Not long ago considered safe and predictable (see: boring), Mizuno continues to refresh their lineup with great results, significantly improving long-time pairs like the Wave Rider and introducing several innovative premium models within the past few years. One of many standouts is the Neo Vista, a nimble, plated super trainer designed to provide a bouncy, energetic ride. Did my first experience with the shoe live up to the hype?
Making it to the 30th edition of a running shoe is no small feat. Hell, there are some movie franchises that last longer than running shoes. Fittingly, Mizuno decided to celebrate the momentous occasion with a totally revamped iteration of their flagship trainer. Does the update move the needle?
The new incrediLUX foam is just one element of what makes this shoe so special. Somehow, despite adding 6 millimeters of foam to both the heel and forefoot, the Triumph shed nearly half an ounce from the 23. Do all these updates make this the best Triumph yet?
One of only two plated shoes in the Brooks lineup, the Hyperion Max is a neutral super trainer that’s evolved significantly since the launch of the original in 2023. Back then, its paltry 34/26 mm stack height certainly didn’t fit its “Max” moniker. The first edition didn’t even have a plate! Fast forward to version 4, and there’s a gigantic 45/39 mm stack along with a nylon plate and second foam made of Peba. While the shoe has evolved a lot over the years, there are just minimal updates from last year’s v3. Is v4 the best version yet?
It’s official: The HOKA Skyward X 2 has made history. It’s the first running shoe to actually subtract stack height in an update, instead of adding a couple millimeters…or 5. Fine, it’s not the first ever, but you’d have a much better chance finding a pull tab in a hay stack than wearing a circumcised updated pair.
It’s easy to dismiss the Brooks Ghost as an unserious shoe for unserious runners. Or, worse yet, a serious shoe for serious walkers [gulp]. The Ghost is, after all, the most frequently recommended neutral running shoe for beginner runners by running stores. Source: step inside your local running store. And yet, the Ghost 18 deserves to be taken seriously; it’s a surprisingly great shoe.