NorthernRunner.com Blog

The La Sportiva Prodigio 2 is a versatile trail shoe designed for use on hard-packed trails, but suitable for road-to-trail use. It is the training model within La Sportiva’s Prodigio range of trail running shoes. La Sportiva is the typical Italian brand. Its trail running shoes, climbing shoes and walking boots are all narrow, with quite pointed toe boxes. The midsoles are firm and initially stiff. They have a good level of ground feel and, after a breaking-in period, generally become the type of shoe that feels like it fits... Read More

The Topo Pursuit 3 is a zero drop trail running shoe designed to be cushioned and versatile. It is ideal for runners who want a zero drop platform that allows a more natural midfoot landing and better foot function. When transitioning to zero drop running shoes, or regularly running in them, you must be aware that the more work your body does, the more recovery time it needs before you can stress it again. A flat, flexible running shoe with no midsole, or a very thin 2-3mm midsole, like a... Read More

The Brooks Ghost 18 is a well-cushioned everyday running shoe designed with an exceptional level of step-in comfort, together with a level of cushioning and durability that makes it the ideal partner for your daily runs. It is cushioned enough for long runs and makes easy recovery runs a joy, yet the cushioning is responsive enough for some steadier-paced runs too. Brooks is a running brand built on function, not hype. New models are often released with slight tweaks, very much with an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’... Read More

The Mount to Coast C1 is a max-cushioned road running shoe. It has a softer ride than the other Mount to Coast running shoes and a more pronounced rocker. It is ideal for keeping you moving on long runs or helping tired legs recover. The upper is made from a soft engineered mesh. This is much softer than the upper on the other Mount to Coast running shoes and, together with the plush padding in the heel cup and around the cuff, gives the C1 a comfortable step-in feel. The... Read More

The Saucony Peregrine 16 is a low-to-the-ground, nimble-feeling trail running shoe with some cushioning. The 4mm lug doesn’t give the Peregrine enough lug depth for cross country, but the lively, nimble feel does make them responsive enough for more than just plodding down a disused railway line. There is a vast array of trail running shoes on the market at the moment. Trail running varies from country to country due to the terrain available and the weather conditions, and as running shoes are usually designed for the global market, most... Read More

The Topo Atmos 2 is a neutral road running shoe offering a maximum level of cushioning. It is best suited to easy runs and long runs. Like all Topo running shoes, the Atmos 2 features a broad, rounded toe box designed to give the feet room to spread on impact. This allows you to gain cushioning, stability, and propulsion from your feet, while also helping them become stronger over time as they are able to function more naturally inside the shoe. The Atmos 2 has a good level of padding... Read More

The Topo Ultrafly 6 is an everyday road running shoe that offers a mild level of support for runners who overpronate. This sixth version of the popular model includes some significant updates but, like all Topo shoes, retains a broad, rounded toe box to allow the feet to spread and function naturally inside the shoe. When the foot hits the ground while running, the arch compresses to absorb shock. It should then quickly reshape, allowing the runner to push off from the big toe. If the arch does not recover... Read More

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 5 is a carbon-plated road racing shoe designed to deliver a stable ride. This makes it a more approachable race-day option for less elite runners, as the shoe helps guide the foot through the gait cycle rather than relying on the runner maintaining perfect posture and effectively loading the carbon plate. Many carbon road racing shoes are designed for runners with near-perfect form. The supercritical foam in the midsole is soft and only performs optimally if the carbon plate is loaded correctly. When this happens, the... Read More

The New Balance 860, now in its 15th version, is a cushioned road running shoe with anti-pronation support. Designed for everyday running, the 860v15 is a reliable daily companion for those who need a degree of pronation support in their road shoes. The New Balance 860v15 has changed significantly compared to the previous version. The 860v14 offered plenty of cushioning but had a firmer, more responsive and nimble feel, allowing it to be used for more than just easy and long runs. The updates in the 860v15 increase the amount... Read More

The VJ Fuzion Tempo is a road-to-trail running shoe with a difference. Like the VJ Fuzion Aerofly, the Tempo has been designed to run smoothly on tarmac while remaining flexible and nimble enough for technical singletrack. This is not a road-to-trail shoe limited to easy paths such as disused railway lines or bridleways. Instead, it performs more like a fell shoe that remains comfortable on the road. The key difference from the Aerofly is that the Tempo is designed for faster running, with a firmer and more responsive midsole. As... Read More