6 of the best summer road shoes for every type of runner

As warm weather approaches, brands continue to release great new models for all surfaces, from roads to hills.

Here, our resident running shoe guru takes a look at some of the best new shoes for every type of run.

BEST Update of 2022 – Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 39 – £109.95

Sportsshoes.com

One of the most popular running shoes of all time gets refreshed in what might be the best version ever. 39^and The Pegasus model edition offers a familiar yet updated ride while retaining some styling details from the original.

Now featuring the brand’s React foam midsole that houses Zoom Air cushioning units in the heel and forefoot, the ride is soft and fluid yet responsive enough to pick up the pace. It is also more stable than the last two editions, but still a shoe that is best suited for the neutral runner.

The upper uses engineered mesh with Flywire lacing technology and a midfoot taping to provide a secure midfoot fit with simple styling for a clean look.

The sole takes the original Waffle design and reinvents it for a versatile traction pattern that works well on a wide variety of surfaces.

In conclusion, this is a great update and it will definitely be popular with Pegasus fans as well as those trying it out for the first time.

BEST for Cushioning – On Cloudmonster – £140.00

on-running.com

The game changer from On, the “Monster” increases cushioning and performance and should see this model become a more mainstream contender. An everyday mileage shoe, the Monster retains the brand’s Helion foam and CloudTec midsole, but it’s softer and there’s more!

The shoe is instantly welcoming and plush and once you start running, that chunky midsole simply absorbs impact and welcomes every stride. It’s softer than any of the brand’s previous models and an instant hit.

The upper is typical of the brand, with neat finishes and a perfect fit. It’s well made, uses premium materials, and wraps the foot beautifully.

If you’ve always been intrigued by the brand but have never tried them, now is the time to do so, as this is undoubtedly their best model yet and could boost the already hugely popular brand. to new heights!

BEST ‘stable’ super shoe – Craft CTM Ultra Carbon Race Rebel – £210.00

Craftsportswear.co.uk

Craft brings its carbon racing shoe to the road with this lightweight model. The previous version of the shoe had an outsole intended more for light trails. Here we see a new, smoother sole in a lighter package that’s perfect for road racing.

The deep stack height (40mm) and 10mm heel-to-toe drop, combined with an aggressive “rocker” shape, help the shoe “roll” quickly throughout the gait, while the tread plate carbon adds to the thrust. At just 185g it feels light and fast, with a bit firmer feel than many carbon options and with it more stable.

The upper uses an engineered mesh, seamless design that hugs the midfoot while leaving plenty of volume in the forefoot, allowing the toes to spread out.

This is a stable carbon “super shoe” that will appeal to those who find most other options on the market too soft or unstable.

BEST for tempo racing – HOKA Mach Supersonic – £125.00

Hoka.com

Hoka fans will already be familiar with the Mach model and, as the name of this shoe suggests, it takes many features from the Mach and adds a new PROFLY+ midsole. It’s that ‘+’ that makes the real difference here, giving this model a much more ‘bouncy’ ride and which will hopefully be used in the brand’s carbon plated running shoes in the future.

It’s a much improved feel that’s a joy to run at any pace. Like the brand’s other models, it’s a simple design and construction, a midsole that integrates the outsole, and a seamless jacquard mesh upper.

It all adds up to a lightweight shoe (about 235g) that fits great and performs like a running shoe even on easy days, making it a really fun shoe to slip on as a daily trainer.

BEST High Mileage Shoe – New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v12 – £130.00

Newbalance.com

Now featuring a dual-layered midsole that includes the brand’s premium Fresh Foam X material, the new 880 gets a great update.

The large layer of fresh foam adds a softer, more responsive feel to the shoe, giving it a superior level of cushioning.

The upper is also refreshed, with a new engineered mesh design that offers a good level of stretch that accommodates the foot and complements the cushioning. The ankle collar retains the flared Achilles tongue which reduces the risk of chafing and helps the foot lock into place.

The new model is a great daily trainer that’s comfortable right off the bat and thanks to the new foam midsole it should maintain that comfort for many miles.

BEST value – Puma Velocity Nitro 2 – £100.00

puma.com

Lightweight with a responsive feel and PUMAGRIP outsole, this shoe offers exceptional value for money.

NITRO foam padding is part of the new generation of padding foams now favored by manufacturers for its responsive, almost “elastic” feel. At any pace, the shoe is snappy and exciting to run. The soft, breathable mesh upper fits well and the simple design works well to support the foot.

The PUMAGRIP rubber outsole was a revelation for the brand and is now present on all their running specific shoes. It is durable and provides excellent traction on a variety of surfaces.

At just £100, this model really offers great value for money.

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