NEUTRAL CUSHIONED SHOES
HOKA – CLIFTON 3 - £100
hokeoneone.eu
The main change to the Clifton this season is a slight increase to the width of the shoe. Although we didn’t have any reported issues with the fit of the previous model, general feedback pointed to the demand for a broader-fitting shoe. Now approximately 4mm wider, the shoe should keep more people happy without disappointing those that were okay with the previous model. The upper is slightly revised, with a seamless design that, along with the broader forefoot, is smooth and accommodating. Elsewhere the shoe remains unchanged, with the familiar plush, deep cushioning and the rocker design for a smooth ride that soaks up mile after mile. The shoe is now firmly established as a go-to model for those seeking a soft, neutral ride and, having retained its RRP, it’s a competitively priced option for such high levels of cushioning.
ASICS – DYNAFLYTE- £130
asics.com
Asics’ lightest-ever training shoe is designed to offer the high levels of cushioning found in the brand’s training shoes, but with the low weight of competition shoes. It does this thanks to the new FlyteFoam midsole material, which is around half the weight of the usual midsole materials, yet performs much better at absorbing impact. The last and fit of the shoe will be familiar to Asics users, the new midsole material doing the job precisely as intended; it feels very cushioned, but light and very responsive. The upper has a new engineered-mesh construction that provides a seamless and comfortable fit, with testers commenting on the soft, plush nature of the upper, in particular the heel cup, collar and tongue of the shoe which feel instantly welcoming. For neutral runners covering high mileage who like a lightweight shoe, this should be the perfect solution.
ASICS – GEL CUMULUS 18 - £115
asics.com