Best Running Shoes For 2019 (Part 7)

13. New Balance 880 v9
Price: £ 120
Weight: 306 g (M), 252 g (W)
Heel / Toe Drop: 10 mm

If you wore version eight of this shoe and liked it, then be happy: The 880 was hardly touched. The only structural change that has been made until now is a more open mesh for improved breathing space. The aesthetics have also been refreshed, but otherwise New Balance wisely left it alone and allowed a popular neutral shoe to hit again for a second inning without disturbing it.

The testers really liked the wide flare of the front half of the shoe, that gives a feeling of robustness and stability (which was particularly appreciated by heavier runners) and a moderate level of cushioning that hits the sweet spot between protection and firmness. Essentially, the 880 V9 embodies what NewBalance is best known for: stable, reliable shoes and sneakers with high mileage. You will be led through many long training runs and races with half marathon distance and more. As always, New Balance is small, half a size bigger.

14. Saucony Ride ISO 2
Won: Best In Test 2019
Price: £ 120
Weight: 278 g (M), 249 g (W)
Heel / Toe Drop: 8 mm

If this hadn’t won the top gong, it would probably have won the best update award. The changes Saucony made to this shoe weren’t numerous, they were all
was significant and improved its performance. The Ride is a very soft, neutral padded shoe (equivalent to a Brooks Glycerin or an Asics Cumulus), which is designed more for comfort than for speed.

All of the improvements in this latest iteration were aimed at making the run more enjoyable.
Kacamata Rayban

The mesh upper has been optimized to not only make it more breathable, but also structurally firmer so that the foot stays in place, especially over the toe box when you spread your toes. The heel counter has been tightened slightly to improve the fit at the back. Additional Saucony 2mm premium midsole foam has been added for a softer feel. The stretchable Isofit lacing system has been adapted to accommodate more runners with different foot widths. All in all, a brilliantly unobtrusive and durable marathon training shoe.