Running training shoes: how to choose.

What to look at

• Weight: a lighter shoe helps at lively paces; a heavier one usually offers more structure.
• Stack and softness: more stack and softer foam protect against impact, but can feel less stable.
• Where you land: heel or midfoot/forefoot changes which shoe works best, as the energy-return measurements show.
• Use: easy miles, faster sessions, long runs.

Three starting points

• adidas Adizero Evo SL: Lightstrike Pro midsole with no carbon plate, light. In RTINGS tests, cushioning and energy return are high for the weight.
• ASICS Novablast 6: FF BLAST MAX foam with FF TURBO SQUARED pods under the forefoot. Very cushioned. In RTINGS tests the forefoot rebounds more than the heel.
• Brooks Ghost 18: Classic neutral trainer with DNA Loft v3 foam. In RTINGS tests the platform is very stable and the heel protected, but it is heavy with little energy return.

Go to the comparison →

Sources

Lab measurements and independent reviews are listed on the shoe pages and the comparison. Last checked: 28 October 2026.