

A daily trainer needs to be the Swiss Army knife of your running shoe rotation, offering enough versatility to handle everything from easy miles to tempo runs while maintaining comfort throughout. The perfect all-rounder delivers a balanced mix of cushioning and responsiveness, making it suitable for both recovery days and moderate-paced training sessions.
If you find the Novablast 4 too firm and flat, the Novablast 5 is a worthy upgrade.
If you’re looking for a versatile, neutral daily trainer that won’t break the bank, the Novablast 5 is one of the best in its class.
If you like the firm ride of the Novablast 4, you might find version 5 too soft/mushy.
If you like your daily trainers to have a stiff forefoot with a prominent rocker, the Novablast 5 is not the shoe for you.
When we talk about performance value, we're looking for shoes that pack high-end racing or speed training features into a more affordable package. These shoes should feel fast and responsive while costing significantly less than super shoes, making speed work accessible without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a speed trainer or racer without a stiff midsole, the EVO SL is a great choice.
If you like the Adidas Adios Pro 3 but you want a softer ride with a more comfortable upper, the EVO SL is a great option.
If you need a trainer with a high level of stability, the EVO SL is not the shoe for you.
If you want a really durable trainer that will last over 1000 kilometres, the EVO SL is also not a good choice.
Stability cushioning combines two essential elements: support features to help control excess motion, and ample cushioning to keep you comfortable on long runs. The ideal shoe in this category guides your foot without feeling intrusive, while maintaining a plush, protective feel mile after mile.
Runners in cross country or track, or anyone who wants a versatile, fast-feeling training shoe for interval workouts through 10-15 mile runs, will want to try this shoe.
Skip on this shoe if you need a strong heel counter, have high stability needs, or have heavy wear patterns on your lateral forefoot.
Recovery run shoes need to excel at one thing above all else: comfort. These shoes should provide maximum impact absorption and cushioning to protect tired legs, making them perfect for those easy days when you're bouncing back from hard workouts or long runs.
Any runner inn need of a highly cushioned yet stable daily trainer that excels at both long and short distance runs capable of faster efforts.
Runners with higher volume feet or those seeking an ultra plush running experience.
Durability champions are built to last, featuring high-quality materials and construction that maintain their performance characteristics over hundreds of miles. These workhorses need to deliver consistent performance from day one until retirement, making them a smart investment for high-mileage runners.
This is a great choice for the individual who wants a daily trainer that offers all-day comfort. I would also recommend them to someone who doesn’t want a massive shoe collection. They can suit various needs, such as long distances, tempo runs, leisure walks, and some race-day miles.
I would not recommend this shoe to someone who is looking for a very plush shoe. It’s similar to a max cushioned shoe but on the firmer side.
Uptempo shoes strike the perfect balance between race-day speedsters and daily trainers, offering enough responsiveness and propulsion for faster-paced running while maintaining enough cushioning for longer tempo efforts. These shoes should feel snappy and efficient without the aggressive stripped-down feel of pure racers.
When I say anyone, I mean anyone should buy the Neo Zen. Realistically the perfect running scenario for this shoe would be a long run with tempo miles mixed in. A runner who wants a do it all shoe in their everyday training should purchase the Neo Zen.
The only runner who should not buy it are those who are particular with the fit of their shoes. The upper is a one piece knit upper. While I thoroughly enjoyed it. It might not be for every runner.