NorthernRunner.com Blog

The Hoka Challenger 8 is a trail running shoe designed for hard-packed tracks and trails, and it also performs well on road-to-trail routes. With a balance of cushioning and traction, it’s a solid all-terrain option. Like the Hoka Arahi 8 and Clifton 10, the Challenger 8 features increased stack height and heel-to-forefoot drop, delivering a much softer ride. In many ways, it feels like the trail version of Hoka’s neutral road shoe, the Clifton 10. Stack heights are high for a trail shoe—38mm in the heel and 30mm in the... Read More

The Hoka Arahi 8 is a road running shoe designed for everyday use. It has anti-pronation support to help resist overpronation for runners who need a mild to moderate level of stability. A lot has changed in the latest version of the Arahi. The Arahi 8 has a new midsole, last shape, and upper. The heel-to-forefoot drop is now 8mm, and the midsole stack height has increased by 3mm—making the men’s Arahi 8 39mm at the heel and 31mm at the forefoot, and the women’s version 37mm and 29mm respectively. The... Read More

The Brooks Hyperion 3 is a lightweight road running shoe that is versatile enough to be used for short-distance easy running, yet is lively and fast when you pick up the pace. They are an ideal shoe for tempo runs, fartleks, or runs with pick-ups in. If you like to use one running shoe to warm up in, complete your faster intervals or repetitions, and then warm down, then the Brooks Hyperion 3 would do this job admirably. The original Brooks Hyperion was a modern take on the old-fashioned racing... Read More

The Topo MTN Racer has been a favourite trail running shoe since its launch, combining grip and cushioning to create a truly versatile option. It handles everything from road-to-trail transitions and hard-packed paths to softer ground and technical single track. Version 4 makes a few updates—nothing radical—but continues to refine the formula. Like all Topo shoes, the MTN Racer 4 is designed to let your feet function naturally and support good posture, rather than trying to control or correct your gait. The broad, rounded toe box gives your feet space... Read More

The Brooks Hyperion Max 3 is a highly cushioned training shoe designed to deliver both comfort and propulsion—perfect for runners prepping for race day. The cushioning feels soft on landing with a noticeable rebound, and the addition of a SpeedVault plate adds a subtle but effective push. This is a shoe best suited for tempo runs, steady long runs, and even some interval or track work. However, it’s not a natural fit for easy running—the aggressive rocker, which Brooks calls RapidRoll, constantly nudges you forward. As a result, it often... Read More

The Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 is a carbon-plated road racing shoe built to help you run faster over distances up to the marathon. Compared to its predecessor, it feels softer underfoot, has a noticeably bouncier ride, and comes in lighter—just 195 grams for a UK8. Super shoes (carbon-plated road racing shoes that provide extra propulsion) have typically been designed for elite runners. They’re most effective when the runner can load the carbon plate properly and maintain good posture throughout the race. The plate works like a spring—loaded at impact, then... Read More

The Altra Superior 7 is Altra’s most minimal, natural-feeling trail running shoe. Like its predecessor, it’s designed to maximise ground feel so you can move nimbly over obstacles and get instant feedback from the terrain. That responsiveness encourages a lighter stride and helps promote good posture. There are a few key changes in the Superior 7 compared to the Superior 6, and in my opinion, these improvements make it better suited to UK trails. The Superior 6 featured a soft upper with a ‘burrito’ closure—where the tongue was attached to... Read More

The Brooks Cascadia is Brooks’ most well-known and versatile trail running shoe. The Cascadia 19 introduces significant changes over its predecessor, making it a far better road-to-trail option than it has been in the past. The midsole shape and design are reminiscent of the Brooks Caldera, with a broad heel base and flared forefoot, delivering enhanced stability. It’s made from DNA Loft v3, one of Brooks’ nitrogen-infused foams. This sealed construction prevents air from escaping and blocks grit or moisture from getting in, meaning the midsole breaks down more slowly... Read More

The Inov-8 Trailtalon Max is a well-cushioned trail shoe designed to handle a wide range of terrain. Its 6mm lugs provide enough bite for softer, broken ground, yet they’re low-profile and flexible enough to feel comfortable on hard-packed trails and short road sections. It’s a versatile shoe that delivers both grip and comfort without being overly bulky or stiff. Like the rest of Inov-8’s newer lineup, the Trailtalon Max features a rounded, roomy toe box. This allows the feet to splay and function more naturally inside the shoe, promoting better... Read More

The Altra Mont Blanc Speed is a lightweight, cushioned trail running shoe designed to work with the body, encouraging natural foot function and better posture. Like all Altra shoes, the Mont Blanc Speed features a broad, rounded toe box. This gives your feet room to spread and function properly inside the shoe. It’s also a zero-drop model, meaning the heel and forefoot sit at the same height from the ground. Essentially, the shoe is flat. This promotes a more natural running gait, encouraging a midfoot strike rather than landing on... Read More