Competition shoes in the test | runner's World

Welcome to the Formula 1 of running shoes! The latest competition models and light training shoes are lined up here. In addition to all the details about the individual shoes, you can also find out here when such high-performance shoes are worthwhile for you and what alternatives there are if you are looking for a shoe for speed training, for example. So start signal for the best of the race track!

Minimum weight for maximum speed

Runners always talk about their fast shoes, but of course it's not the shoes themselves that set the pace. Competition shoes are designed for high running speeds, which is why they are characterized above all by their extra-light construction. The manufacturers are developing special constructions that make the upper and outsole as light as possible. For comparison: A normal training shoe (US size 9) weighs around 300 grams. A lightweight trainer – i.e. a particularly light training shoe – weighs around 50 grams less. And a competition shoe only weighs between 150 and 250 grams.

This shows that running shoes today are generally built at a very light level. Nevertheless, the minimal weight of a competition shoe has a positive effect on running speed. The reason is the acceleration of the feet, which has to be done anew with every step - the lighter a shoe is, the less energy has to be expended by the runner. Another characteristic of competition shoes is the more curved last, which supports the rolling movement at higher running speeds.

The downside of this high-performance construction are the subordinate comfort properties: As much as the weight benefits from the low use of materials, the damping and stability recede into the background - just like in a racing car, which also does without a comfort chassis.

Low cushioning, extra-light material, a thin sole and a more curved last are the most important features of competition shoes.

When does it make sense?

Designed for high speeds on the road, competition shoes are clearly aimed at ambitious, well-trained runners on medium distances up to marathons. There is no clear limit above which a light running shoe is objectively worthwhile. But the closer you run to your performance limit, the more all the details that can affect your target time count. But a racing shoe can also be worthwhile for non-professionals. Because the psychological effect should not be underestimated - you simply feel fast in the ultra-light shoes.

On the other hand, runners with orthopedic problems should be careful with competition shoes. The lower cushioning and support properties of the shoes lead to a greater load on the musculoskeletal system. Ultimately, the positive effect of the lightweight construction can be neutralized or even provoked a negative effect on running speed. In addition, the risk of injury increases.

Good alternative: lightweight trainers

For many runners, light training shoes, so-called lightweight trainers, are the better choice - also for competitions. They have a light construction, but do not completely do without supporting elements. Lightweight trainers are therefore suitable for well-trained runners who do not care about tenths of a second in competition.

And the light shoe models are also a nice change for fast units in normal training. So while you can turn into a real racing machine in competition shoes, lightweight trainers are just right for all runners who want to turn the street into a race track during training! The models in this overview include the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 2, the Hoka Mach 4 or the True Motion Solo.

The current best running shoes

Here we show you a selection of current competition shoes and light shoes for high running speeds.

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2

ManufacturerAdidas Adizero Adios Pro 2

Order here: unisex model (220.00 €)

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 2 is a good, fast and, compared to other carbon models, flexible, inexpensive shoe - other models often cost 250 euros and more - for street competitions from 5 kilometers to marathons to ultra distances. Ultimately, there are hardly any noticeable changes or even improvements compared to the predecessor - the only thing that remains incomprehensible is that Adidas specifies a lower weight, but in our test the shoe is even slightly heavier than the first version.

Weight: 249 grams (size 44) Drop: 8.5 millimeters Price: 220 euros

Asics Metaspeed Sky

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€250.00) or men's model (€250.00)

With the Metaracer, Asics had already presented its running shoe for the Olympic marathon in its home country of Japan. Asics is now launching the new Metaspeed in the Sky and Edge variants for different types of runners and running styles. According to Asics, the Metaspeed Sky should be specially adapted to the requirements of runners with a rather long, dynamic stride, while the Metaspeed Edge is intended for higher cadence. According to Asics, runners need 1.2 percent fewer steps in the Metaspeed Sky to finish a marathon, and running economy should improve by 3 percent.

The Metaspeed Sky comes with a 33 millimeter thick midsole on the heel (women's model 31 millimeters), under the forefoot it is 28 mm (5 mm drop). The voluminous foam is called Fastfoam Blast Turbo, but it is super light. Visually, the Asics Metaspeed Sky looks wider than it is. The fit is rather narrow, as is typical for competition shoes. The first time you slip on you notice the very soft midsole. When standing, you have the feeling that your heel is lower than your forefoot. The thin, airy and rather firm mesh upper is very comfortable. Like the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%, the Metaspeed Sky has a very soft feel paired with high resilience. The ZoomX midsole in the Next% is a little softer in direct comparison. The gentle rocker construction of the Metaspeed Sky noticeably supports the rolling process, with the stiff carbon plate being particularly noticeable in the last moment of the push-off process. The Asics Metaspeed Sky is a marathon competition shoe for the street and smooth asphalt. For endurance runs in the park or speed runs on the track, there are still better models that can handle curves and bumps better.

Weight: 165 grams (women), 199 grams (men) Drop: 5 millimeters Price: 250 euros

Brooks Hyperion Elite 2

Manufacturer

Order here: Unisex model (€249.95)

The current model has hardly anything to do with the first Hyperion Elite. The midsole is now made of "DNA-Flash", in the first model it was DNA-Zero. But DNA Flash is much more reactive, softer and, according to our test runners, can be compared to Nike's React material in terms of running comfort. It is also more durable, according to Brooks, the nitrogen-enriched DNA flash should offer a constant material quality in terms of energy return for at least 300 to 600 kilometers.

The rocker construction and an integrated carbon plate ("propulsion plate") ensure the "modern", trendy running feeling, where you feel "pushed" forward in the entire attachment and roll-off process. "It's not quite as extreme as in the models from the competition, but it's very noticeable," says one test runner. The walking behavior is amazingly direct, despite the voluminous sole (37 mm at the back, 29 mm at the front, sole thickness 8 mm), it is similar to the Saucony Endorphine Pro. The Hyperion Elite 2 is also extremely light.

Even in size US 12, a test model weighed only 245 grams. Incidentally, the running behavior of this model seems to be more stable than that of the Nike or Adidas carbon models, especially with regard to the heel attachment. A test runner recommends: "This might make the Hyperion Elite 2 a little more suitable for recreational runners who don't run that fast!" The light mesh material in the shaft has ventilation slots, the tongue is conventional, i.e. not sewn on. The laces are stretchy. In order to guarantee a good heel fit with a minimal heel cap construction (weight saving!), the heel end is padded with a bulge. This prevents slippage, but is unfavorable for runners with a sensitive Achilles tendon attachment.

Weight: 215 grams, drop: 8 millimeters, price: 250 euros

Craft CTM Ultra Carbon

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€249.95) or men's model (€249.95)

Looking at this shoe, you immediately think of competition models à la Nike Vaporfly or Adidas Adizero Pro. But the conspicuous CTM Ultra Carbon offers an alternative that is more suitable for everyday use: It can go fast, but the sole adjustment with the very reactive cushioning foam also works well at a slightly slower pace and is definitely ultra-suitable.

The stiff carbon plate is divided in the toe area and is somewhat flexible. The most striking difference to the pure road racing shoes is the profiled outsole of the CTM, it is also suitable for paved field or forest paths and is significantly more durable, Craft promises 600 kilometers. So the shoe is more like a sheep in wolf's clothing. The outsole offers good traction and durability, even off the asphalt.

Weight: 215 grams (women), 240 grams (men) Drop: 5 millimeters Price: 180 euros

Hoka OneOne Carbon X 2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (180.00 €) or men's model

In terms of construction, the Hoka Carbon X 2 belongs to the pure competition shoes - with a stiffening carbon fiber plate (continuous) and its high-energy Profly foam in the midsole. Compared to the predecessor (Carbon X), the changed heel construction is noticeable, the middle and outer sole layers are designed to be expansive towards the back and extend the rolling surface.

It looks dynamic and, with the rocker construction, conveys "a driving feeling when running: you always want to go faster," according to one test runner. "Due to the shape of the sole and the carbon plate it contains, you feel like you're standing on a seesaw - and when you're moving you can feel the improved propulsion with every step you take," says a tester. The tongue-like construction in the area of ​​the Achilles tendon was highly praised.

Because the material reaches a little further up towards the calf and is padded, the pressure on the tendon is reduced. For an improved fit suitable for racing shoes, reinforced yarns have been incorporated into the upper material as well as a reinforced cuff. The shoe sits very securely, and compared to carbon shoes designed for speed, the Hoka Carbon X 2 is, as one test runner puts it, "one of the most suitable models for everyday use", in which not only absolute elite runners will feel comfortable.

Weight: 198 grams (women), 239 grams (men) Drop: 5 millimeters Price: 180 euros

Hoka OneOne Mach 4

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€139.95) or men's model (€139.95)

The Mach 4 is a shoe for Hoka fans and combines the brand qualities: Very light, maximum cushioning. The midsole is well cushioned, but not as reactive as in comparison models. Otherwise, the testers praised: The fit is excellent, the rolling comfort is very comfortable in view of the low weight, "an alternative to the Hoka Clifton", according to one tester, or a training shoe supplement to the CarbonX. A test runner approvingly: "Definitely suitable for fast running, but without being too "elitist". An average runner will also get along well with him.”

Weight: 192 grams (women), 232 grams (men) Drop: 5 millimeters Price: 140 euros

Mizuno Wave Rebellion

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€155.99) or men's model (€155.99)

Mizuno designed the Rebellion for fast training and competition speeds. The voluminous midsole ensures that the shoe is not excessively hard: the midsole material is 22 percent lighter and 35 percent more resilient than the previous model. "When rolling, the forward push through the midsole is clearly noticeable," says a test runner. The wave plate is glass fiber reinforced for the first time: This supports the foot as well as the wide sole shape in the forefoot area and ensures unique stability in this light shoe, which is suitable for light and heavy runners. The fit is rather wide.

Weight: 215 grams (women), 230 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 200 euros

New Balance FuelCell RC Elite v2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€229.95) or men's model (€229.95)

The FuelCell RC Elite v2 impresses above all with the combination of very soft, very reactive midsole foam and a surprisingly flexible carbon plate. The shoe offers the dynamic propulsion that you would expect from a carbon shoe, but at the same time is less agitated. The combination of comfort and dynamics is equally fun for speed runs on the track, but also for long runs and competitions from 5 kilometers to marathon distances on the road.

Weight: 183 grams (women), 219 grams (men) Drop: 10 millimeters Price: 230 euros

New Balance FuelCell Rebel 2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€126.00) or men's model (€126.00)

The previous model was already popular, but in this test the FuelCell Rebel 2 has risen to become one of the top rated shoes by RUNNER'S WORLD testers. It spoils you with very good cushioning properties and a very high reactivity of the midsole made of FuelCell. "The material from New Balance plays in the top league," judged a test runner. The Rebel 2 features FuelCell material along the full length of the midsole. The shoe is extremely light, weighing only 221 grams even in US size 12, but has a pronounced rocker construction. And it does without a carbon element, which makes for a very attractive price range.

A test runner: "The midsole is great fun both at high speeds on the track and when running in the park." Good: The slightly wider midfoot area also makes the shoe attractive for runners with wider feet (or lowered midfoot), who otherwise have problems with the tailored fit of "fast" shoes. The shaft is extremely airy, lightly worked, "although less textile-socked than in the first Rebel model," according to a tester. The hologram in the midsole is an eye-catcher: it shows FuelCell/New Balance alternately.

Weight: 167 grams (women), 204 grams (men) Drop: 6 millimeters Price: 140 euros

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€249.99) or men's model (€249.99)

Nike was brave when in 2018 all previous wisdom about competition shoes was thrown out for the previous model. Elite runners showed that the mixture of a carbon plate-stiffened midsole and reactive foam can lead to better performance, meanwhile many everyday runners also rely on the shoe. However, the somewhat capricious running characteristics, which put more strain on the Achilles tendon in particular, are repeatedly criticized. The Vaporfly Next% 2 has the same sole construction, but its upper is softer and offers more support.

Weight: 184 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 250 euros

On Cloudflash

ManufacturerOn Cloudflash

Order here: men's model (€189.95) or women's model (€189.95)

Compared to the On Cloudracer, the Cloudflash looks even faster. And indeed, the flash is something for the very fast. The 14 buffer elements in the outsole (clouds) are very flat in the forefoot area (3 millimeters) and hardly promise any comfort under the heel (12 millimeters). The shoe has correspondingly little cushioning and requires an active running style from the runner. The On Cloudflash is almost reminiscent of spikes, the power transmission is so direct.

This makes the shoe fast on the street or the tartan track, but it is not for gravel or mud. The fit is neither tight nor loose and should accommodate most feet. The flexible upper and lacing ensure comfort and support. Important: The On Cloudflash is extremely large. You should choose one to one and a half sizes smaller than your normal running shoe size. Conclusion: The On Cloudflash is suitable for light runners with an active running style. For this target group it is a top competition shoe up to the half marathon mark. Because of the really very low cushioning, only a few runners will be able to complete marathons without any problems.

Weight: 210 grams, drop: 5 millimeters, price: 190 euros

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2

Manufacturer

Order here: men's model or women's model

The Endorphin Pro was Saucony's first model with a carbon element. The second version of the competition shoe is almost unchanged compared to the first - and therefore just as good.

The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is one of the best carbon running shoes on the market. In comparison, he runs less extreme. You could also say: safer. On the one hand the midsole material is less spongy, on the other hand the carbon plate offers a certain flexibility. As a result, there is less restlessness in the running step in tight curves and on uneven ground. "For a carbon running shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 conveys an amazingly direct and trustworthy running behavior," judged one test runner.

If other carbon competition shoes are too unstable, you should try the Endorphin Pro 2 times. After all, this is suitable for a broader target group than comparable shoes from other manufacturers.

Weight: 214 grams (men), 179 grams (women) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 220 euros

Saucony Endorphin Speed ​​2

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€180.00) or men's model (€180.00)

The model version Speed ​​is the everyday alternative to the Endorphin Pro. The Speed ​​2 offers the same pronounced rocker construction as the Pro, and the midsole foam is also the same: "PWRRUN PB", one of the best compounds currently on the market, according to the verdict of the test runners. But instead of a carbon plate as in the "Elite" version, the Speed ​​2 uses a somewhat more flexible nylon plate: This combination provides noticeable forward propulsion, but does not put too much strain on the ligaments (Achilles tendon). That's why the Speed ​​2 runs more comfortably and is a good alternative for fast hobby runners, especially since the geometry and weight of the shoe are absolutely suitable for competitions.

Weight: 198 grams (women), 224 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 180 euros

Saucony Kinvara 12

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€135.00) or men's model (€135.00)

One looks in vain for complicated-sounding technologies or carbon with the Saucony Kinvara. Now in its twelfth generation, the Kinvara remains one of the best lightweight trainers precisely because of its simplicity and is exactly what Saucony promises - a light, flexible, uncomplicated and fast neutral shoe that light to moderately heavy runners with an active running style can use in training and competition can have a lot of fun.

Weight: 184 grams (women US 8), 213 grams (men US 9) Heel drop: 4 millimeters Price: 135 euros

True Motion U-Tech Solo

Manufacturer

Order here: women's model (€159.95) or men's model (€159.95)

Manufacturer True Motion has developed a U-TECH technology that is used in the Solo as "Double U". The foot sinks into the double U-shaped construction of the midsole and outsole under the forefoot and rearfoot as it strikes. The U-shaped construction is reminiscent of a horseshoe and is intended to center the impact forces. The "Speed ​​MotionBridge" is a fiberglass-nylon plate integrated into the midsole, which provides stability and supports the push-off. “I was surprised how conventional the solo runs.

For a "fast" shoe, the model has an amazing amount of stability," summarizes a test runner. The newly designed last ensures a skin-tight fit. "The upper material is extremely comfortable," said one test runner, but the toe area is very narrow and tapered medially and laterally due to the reinforcements in the front toe area. The heel cap is well padded, so the heel seat is very secure without any annoying properties. A test runner sums it up: "I like the lightness, the flexibility and the cushioning, which is not too soft and yet sufficient." The shoe is recommended for light runners who have a normal rolling behavior and a dynamic running style.

Weight: 190 grams (women), 220 grams (men) Drop: 8 millimeters Price: 160 euros

This article may contain links to providers from whom RUNNER'S WORLD receives a commission. These links are marked with the following icon:19.11.2021Urs WeberJonas MüllerTo the homepage