The Wave Creation, Mizuno’s high end tribute to premium cushioning and a plush ride has metamorphosed throughout the years but has always stayed true to its roots. The latest version does not disappoint combining great durable Mizuno construction with their ultimate conception of wave technology.

Kissaki as translated from Japanese means the tip or point of a Japanese sword. “Weapons for your feet” are what the folks at Pearl Izumi are referencing with their newest shoe. The Kissaki is designed to be a lightweight neutral race/train shoe. So are they really weapons, or just shields? Let’s find out!

At 10.9 ounces the Triumph becomes more of a performance oriented shoe somewhere between the super plush Powergrid Cortana (4mm heel drop, 10.7 oz) and the Progrid Ride 4 (12 mm drop, 11.3 oz).

How could Adidas make a lightweight neutral trainer even better? How about keeping the same great fit and cushioning but reducing weight? But the question remains, how can shoe companies get a trainer under 10 oz while maintaining protection and durability

Adidas stepped up its game and made a couple a bigger improvements this year to the Glide 4. This newer version now lighter that the previous Glide 3 and with a reduced midsole hopes to promote a more natural foot position than its predecessors.

This Radically new and impressive line of minimalist shoes has began to create a lot of buzz within the running community. With its anatomical fit and use of lightweight flexible materials the collection has definitely impressed us along with many other runners

High mileage runners and weekend warriors alike have gravitated towards the Mizuno Wave Rider as a lightweight but durable shoe with a smooth ride.

Over all, a fantastic trainer / racer for the neutral runner that wants a pure road running shoe that’s extremely flexible, super light, yet cushioned enough to put in some serious mileage

By all means give the ON Cloudsurfer a try. I really enjoy my pair and racing results from the athletes the company sponsors make me believe we will hear more from ON – and we’ll definitely be listening

The Gel Kinsei 4 is a maximum feature, moderate neutral shoe designed for daily training and high mileage

Brooks designed a very plush shoe and cut an entire ounce off the last version. Full length DNA in the midsole does seem to add additional firm but responsive cushioning

It’s been around for 28 years and doesn’t feel old at all. Nike renews its flagship cushioning workhorse shoe with luxury details such as Flywire and delivers a shoe that can withstand serious mileage. Ideal beginner shoe

Perhaps best of all, the Ghost 4 is a versatile shoe that performs well in a variety of conditions. I felt just as comfortable in them on the track as I did on my favorite roads or a light trail.

The Asics Blur 33 is a shoe that gives me the free and flexible sensation of wearing a minimalist shoe with the protection of a neutral daily trainer.

The bottom line is you can’t go wrong with a shoe like the Asics Cumulus. Great cushioning, fairly lightweight, and an extremely durable ride make it the training shoe of choice for American marathon record holder Ryan Hall

The Nike Vomero 6 has a simple no-nonsense upper and a sole unit that just looks exactly the same of the one on the Pegasus. But Oh boy! it’s different

The queen of cushioning is back, here in its 13th incarnation. In order to reduce weight, the Nimbus 13 features newer, lighter materials which seek to provide the same amount of cushioning and support as those foundin previous models—all while boasting less bulk and weight

Not having worn a pair of New Balance running shoes since my high school gym days, I was excited to see what had changed in the past few years with my old favorites. Immediately after lacing them up, I remembered why I loved them so much at sixteen–the snug but unrestrictive fit felt natural from the start