Trusted running brand Saucony managed to make a great shoe even better — again. We loved the previous version of the Endorphin Speed so much that we awarded it an Editors' Choice Award in 2023, and this latest version may top it. In short, it can do no wrong, whether you’re logging tempo runs, zooming around a track, or powering through high-mileage days. Saucony opts for their PWRRUN PB technology, a high-performance PEBA-based foam that is soft yet uber responsive. When combined with the nylon plate, the Endorphin Speed 4 is an unwitting speed machine — so much so that our New York-based tester suggested avoiding these kicks for recovery runs. “This shoe is so smooth and responsive that it may encourage you to run too fast,” she reports. 

The redesigned upper uses zonal engineered mesh, which means it has mixed densities, flexibility, and breathability depending on the location on your foot, leading to maximum comfort. For those with mid- or narrow-wide feet, it was a dream fit. However, wide-footed brethren made need to size up a half size to get a comfortable ride. 

Speaking of change, this latest version includes an integrated tongue and an updated Super Responsive Sockliner (SRS). This is code for a fancy insole technology designed to enhance energy return by increasing propulsion and turnover. It’s a lot of tech jargon that’s tough to decipher in real-world testing, but our crew reported 10/10 for responsiveness. “It makes runs feel easier and springier even without a full-on carbon plate,” says our New York-based tester. However, our Washington tester, who logged hundreds of miles in the shoe while marathon training, noticed that springiness dampened somewhat over time.

The Clifton series continues its legacy of cushy comfort with the latest iteration of HOKA's venerable classic. HOKA kept what we loved and made the 9 even better, making it an Editors' Choice Award Winner in 2023. These changes begin with an additional 2 mm of stack height and a new EVA foam. End result: A (little) bit more pop on the return and plenty of padding for those recovery miles. "They still feel like pillows under my feet, but with more energy," says one Colorado tester after a summer in the 9's.

HOKA changed more than foam, though. The reconfigured mesh upper has less stretch than it did previously, and it has no overlapping fabric. This creates a secure fit; we didn't experience any slipping or hot spots. Some who have wider feet griped at the more snug fit. If that's you, fear not: You can grab the Clifton 9's in a wide size. The new mesh also adds breathability which was especially nice for our Virginia marathoner on his humid summer runs.

Otherwise it's business as usual for the Cliftons, whose wide base and slight midsole walls add lateral support and stability while on the move. This shoe is still an all-around soft ride that feels like you wrapped your foot in a marshmallow, but we'd argue there is no better way to recover from those challenging runs.

Long runs come in various forms. There's the classic slow and steady effort, which starts and ideally stays relaxed, but will inevitably feel harder as the miles click on. Then there's the long-run workout, where a tempo or some faster-paced intervals are sandwiched between a lengthier warm-up and cooldown to help you prep for a long-distance race. Whatever you're up to on a Sunday (or whenever you do your long run), ASICS has designed an excellent shoe for those committed to distance.

The much-awaited update to their Novablast line, the Novablast 4, packs in a whopping 40.5 mm of FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO cushion in the women's version and 41.5 mm in the men's (the "eco" refers to the nearly 20% bio-based content the midsole is made with). Testers raved about the shoe's comfort and responsiveness on both slow-long and up-tempo efforts while noting that it remained stable at various paces, even for those inclined to roll an ankle. For that, and more, the shoe earned an Editors' Choice Award in 2024. Substantial yet unobtrusive heel stabilizers help keep you on balance—still, if you're used to more moderate cushioning, you may need a short mental adjustment period. Our Washington-based tester was initially hesitant to make any sharp movements in the super-cushioned shoe, "but eventually I got used to it and more comfortable with the occasional quick cut or turn. The shoes were much more supportive than I expected."

All of our testers found the fit comfortable out of the box, especially the heel cup, which was secure without causing blisters. Our Colorado-based tester (who also tested in Iowa, Illinois and New Zealand), pointed out that "the toebox isn’t oversized à la Altra or Xero, but there’s plenty of room under the balls of my standard-width feet." Still, wide-footed runners may want to size up, since there is a "pretty strong taper towards the big toe," she noted.

When all is said and done, the Novablast 4 doesn't only live up to its beloved predecessors but maximizes its returns. Not only is it plusher than ever while maintaining crucial stability on the run, it was also designed more thoughtfully when it comes to the environment. At least 75% of the main upper material is made with recycled materials and the sockliners were dyed using a process that reduces water usage by ~33% and carbon emissions by ~45% compared to conventional dyeing technology. Even when you're going long, less, as it turns out, is more.

Swiss brand On is a relative newcomer to the running shoe world, but they continue to impress with the Cloudmonster 2. While the first iteration of this turned heads with its high-stack honeycomb midsole design, we found ourselves loving this latest version even more. The secret: a soft-yet-firm ride in the updated midsole was snappy enough for rogue speed workouts yet comfortable enough to keep feet happy as a daily driver. On managed this by using a dual-density, proprietary blend of foams with softer cushioning in the forefoot. Plus, they sandwiched a thin, semi-regid plate (they call it a Speedboard®) between the two foams. End result: “The experience is soft on the landing and firm on push-off — it kind of feels like a Goldilocks shoe in that way,” reports one tester after logging over 100 miles in the Cloudmonster 2.

On also redesigned the upper this go ‘round, using engineered mesh made from 100% recycled polyester. There’s ample padding in the heel counter, but our testers still enjoyed a snug fit — no slipping here. Breathability was top shelf too, with one tester noting that he enjoyed these kicks on hot days and on wet runs thanks to their ample drainage. Narrow-footed runners be warned: there's a lot of room in the toe box. Our crew with mid-wide and wide feet found the Cloudmonster 2 to be quite comfortable, but they may feel sloppy if you have a slim foot. Fortunately, the lacing system helps with a solid lockdown.

The real highlight of these shoes is their versatility. Our testers say their sweet spot is as a daily trainer — roughly 6-10 miles a pop — but found them responsive enough for occasional intervals or even longer runs exceeding 12 miles. Bonus: They look darn good, too.

If you're ready to pick up the pace, reach for the Brooks Hyperion Max and their "elemental" support. Like so many other shoe brands, Brooks took the basic EVA-foam midsole and added its own twist: The company injected tiny nitrogen bubbles into the cells of the foam to slash weight and increase energy return. The Hyperion Max isn't light enough for speed intervals, but it finds that sweet spot during tempo runs when you need to cruise just a bit faster than your comfort zone allows. "Zero foot fatigue even when I picked up the pace," reports one Montana-based tester who routinely logs 50-mile weeks.

The stretchy woven mesh upper is fairly standard for running shoes. This one expands more than the mesh on the Cliftons, though, so it feels like a gentle hug and allows for movement on this neutral shoe. Our entire testing crew felt that the Hyperion Max fit slightly narrow and with low volume in the forefoot, but the stretchier mesh provided extra wiggle room. Plot twist: Even though these kicks feel narrow in the forefoot, they boast a wider sole that adds stability. "I felt secure in every step," says our Colorado tester.

Though an oddly-thin tongue slid around more than we'd prefer, when laced up, the upper felt streamlined and secure. Plus, we're guessing the slight tongue slashed ounces—the Hyperion Max is pretty darn light for such a max-cushioned sneaker.