Best Running Shoes For 2019 (Part 17)

38. Saucony Triumph ISO 5
Price: £ 125.99
Weight: 331 g (M), 276 g (W)
Heel / Toe Drop: 10 mm (M), 8 mm (B)

At a time when the shoe industry sees less than more, it is interesting to note that the heaviest shoe in the test was also the outstanding choice. The reason is that Saucony ignored the weight issue and focused on making every parts of the shoes and sneakers as good as possible – as befits a trainer who is considered the brand’s standard wearer. There is plenty of EVERUN (Saucony’s upholstery foam) in the midsole and a thinner layer over it.

The tongue is squeezing, the heel cup is plush and tight-fitting, the insole nestles against the sole of the foot, the upper wraps up tightly without being restricted, and the ride is somehow very responsive and soothing. The overall effect? We couldn’t put it any better than tester Richard Clarke-Williams: “With this shoe, you should consider selling your bed and sleeping while standing because it is comfortable.”

39. Brooks Launch 6
Price: £ 95
Weight: 266 g (M), 222 g (W)
Heel / Toe Drop: 10 mm (M), 9 mm (B)

The Best Buy award goes not only to the cheapest test shoe in the Runner’s World manual, but also to the shoe with the best price-performance ratio. The Launch 6 happens to hit the mark in both respects. The midsole has been updated to include Biomogo DNA’s additional wedge. Biomogo DNA is a Brooks biodegradable midsole foam that adjusts upon impact to provide the right cushioning for your landing.

The upper has been redesigned as a tight one-piece affair, and the shoe has lost a bit of weight compared to version 5 – all of this was welcomed by our intrepid Kacamata Rayban testers. The toebox is also pleasantly wide so that your toes can spread properly. On the other hand, the shoe received an average score for energy return. Overall, however, this is a brilliant marathon training shoe with a good price-performance ratio that fully deserves its award.`