In this product guide:
With massive stack heights of 45 mm (heel) and 35 mm (forefoot), the Vomero Plus never seems to run out of cushioning. The midsole is made entirely of ZoomX foam, Nike’s premier cushioning material that’s also used on the Vaporfly. Until a few years ago, a shoe like the Hoka Bondi 9 would have occupied the top spot for a recovery trainer. That honor now belongs to the Nike Vomero Plus – a max-stack trainer that’s best for recovery runs, long runs at easy speeds, and marathon finish times of over 4 hours and 30 minutes. The ZoomX midsole delivers a deep and bouncy cushioning that keeps the feet fresh during high-mileage runs.
The plush upper is a good match for the cushioned ride. The foam-filled tongue and heel deliver fit security in comfort, and there’s an optional extra-wide (4E) width available. The standard fit has a snug forefoot and a roomy toe box.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: Full-stack, ultra-soft max cushioning.
- Upper: Textured mesh with reflective details and midfoot lining, no sleeve.
- Upper fit: True to size, just-right fit.
- Midsole: 100% ZoomX foam, Ortholite insole. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Single-piece carbon rubber.
- Weight: 292 gms/ 10.3 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 10/UK 9/EUR 44/CM 27.1
- Stack heights: 45 mm (heel), 35 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single – D (regular), 4E- (extra-wide).
- Recommended use: Recovery runs, long runs, walking.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Max cushioning that doesn’t feel lethargic
- Mild rocker assistance
- Plush interiors
- Reflective details
- Secure fit
- Optional width
Cons
- Average grip on wet roads
- Runs warm because of thick mesh and tongue
Also consider:
- Hoka Bondi 9
- Brooks Glycerin Max
- New Balance More V6
- Puma Magmax Nitro
- Use the Nike Vomero Plus for long runs, recovery runs
- Use Nike Pegasus Plus for daily training and tempo runs
- Use the Nike Vaporfly 4 for 5K, 10K, and marathons
Asics has updated the Novablast 5’s FlyteFoam formula to increase the cushioning softness, so this version rides less aggressively than the previous models. The midsole is easier to compress, resulting in a rubbery-soft ride that feels similar to that of Nike React. The substantial stack heights are great at cushioning; the heel and forefoot are 41.5 mm and 33.5 mm tall, respectively. There’s ample cushioning for everyday runs, long training runs, and even the occasional tempo run. The softer ride weakens the rocker effect, so while faster runs are doable, the Novablast 5 feels like more work compared to the firmer versions, such as the Novablast 3.
The Novablast always had a snug fit, but the last version was tighter and hotter than it needed to be. The Novablast 5’s fit returns to baseline, delivering a true-to-size fit that’s neither too narrow nor too loose. The ventilation has improved, and so has interior comfort. A wide version (2E) is optional.
- Asics’s marketing pitch: Dynamic bounce and responsive energy return.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, tongue gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size, narrow.
- Midsole: Full-length Flytefoam Blast Max foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 255 gms/ 9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27
. - Stack heights: 41.5 mm (heel), 33.5 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E (wide).
- Previous model: Asics Novablast 4.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, tempo runs, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 500 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Tempo-friendly ride comfort
- Smooth transitions
- Cushioning to weight ratio
- Secure upper fit
- Optional width
Cons
- Less stable than the Novablast 4
- Weaker rocker effect than the Novablast 4
The Asics Superblast 2 delivers the high levels of ride performance without using a plate. Instead of a plate, Asics places a firmer foam layer (Flytefoam Blast+) between the cushy FF Turbo foam and the outsole. Most of the midsole cushioning comes from the soft Flytefoam Turbo foam – the same material that’s used on the Asics Metaspeed. Long runs and marathons are easier on the feet, thanks to the soft and lightweight Flytefoam Turbo midsole. The foam density is softer than the Superblast v1.
The transition quality benefits from the firmer midsole base and the rockered forefoot. Despite the extremely tall stack heights (45.5 mm and 37.5 mm, rear and front), the Superblast feels agile. This is a fairly lightweight shoe for what it offers. Its versatile ride and durable build quality also makes the Superblast an excellent daily trainer. This places the Superblast 2 in rare company, as most running shoes that are this cushioned lack the versatility and durability levels required for everyday miles.
The midsole stability is excellent relative to its stack height and deep cushioning.
So what’s new for the Superblast 2? The roomy forefoot is the change most runners will notice first, followed by a slight improvement in the outsole grip. The extra room inside the upper has its advantages and drawbacks. Wide-footed runners will appreciate the new-found space. On the flip side, increasing the forefoot room has a detrimental effect on the power delivery to the midsole. The softer FF Turbo stack also negatively affects the speed capabilities of the SB2.
Without exception, a tighter upper will always do a better job of establishing a (stronger) connection between the foot to the midsole. That has a huge effect on how the shoe behaves, so choose your version of the Superblast well. Both the V1 and V2 are great, but different.
- Asics’s marketing pitch: Supercharged cushioning.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, gusseted tongue.
- Midsole: Flytefoam Turbo and FF Blast, 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Asicsgrip rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 250 gms/ 8.8 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 45 mm (heel), 37 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed).
- Previous model: Asics Superblast 1.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, recovery runs, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 450 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Lightweight yet deep cushioning
- Supportive ride
- No performance penalty for slow speeds and heel landings
- Ventilation
- Long-distance comfort
- Multiple widths
Cons
- Weak upper fit lockdown
- Diminished speed capabilities versus the V1
- Under-utilized rocker because of excess upper space and softer ride
- Lack of optional widths
- Scarce reflectivity
Also consider:
- Asics Megablast
- New Balance SC Trainer v3
- Nike Zoom Fly 6
- Use the Asics Superblast 2 for daily runs, recovery, and long runs
- Use the Asics Metaspeed Sky Tokyo or Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 for marathons
- Use the Asics Hyperspeed 5 or adidas Takumi 10 for intervals, tempo runs, and short races
Other marathon super-racers like the adidas Adios Pro 4 or Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 have evolved by leaps and bounds, but the Nike Vaporfly 4 plays it safe with incremental updates. A full-length carbon plate works together with a ZoomX foam midsole to produce a cushioned and fast-friendly ride. The plate adds a propulsive rocker-enabled push to forefoot transitions. Under the heel, the far end of the plate delivers a snappy feedback. The ZoomX midsole adds lightweight comfort for road races, from a 5K to a marathon.
Two improvements make the Vaporfly 4 better than the Vaporfly 3. The molded ridges and Flyplate window on the midsole side add stability and resist excessive deformation under heavy loads. The true-to-size upper fits more securely than the Vaporfly 3; we view the new upper as a refined version of the Vaporfly 2’s upper.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: A fine-tuned shoe that’s trusted from a mile to a marathon.
- Upper: Perforated mesh, no sleeve.
- Upper fit: Secure, true-to-size fit.
- Midsole: Full-length ZoomX foam with carbon plate. 6 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 190 gms/6.7 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 10/UK 9/EUR 44/CM 27.1
- Stack heights: 35 mm (rear), 29 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed).
- Previous model: Nike Vaporfly 3.
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 10K races, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 300 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) and quicker.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Lightweight and springy ride
- Seamless plate-foam integration
- Ventilation
- Secure upper
Cons
- No innovation except for minor updates
- No widths
- Not ideal for heavy runners and overpronators
Two adidas shoes work well for tempo runs, intervals, mile repeats, and short-distance road races. The first is the adidas Boston 13, and the second option is the EVO SL. The Boston 13 delivers quicker forefoot transitions due to its Energy Rods. Its dual-density midsole blends bouncy cushioning with moderate stability. On the other hand, if you want a midsole that’s made entirely of super-foam, the EVO SL is just the trainer for you. The EVO SL is modeled on last year’s adidas Adios Pro 3, using a similar Lightstrike Pro foam and midsole geometry.
The Lightstrike Pro foam midsole offers cushioned landings and take-offs that feel propulsive. The inherently springy foam works with the rocker midsole and grippy outsole for quicker turnovers. The tall stack (39 mm and 32 mm) adds bouncy comfort at faster paces. The lightweight upper fits securely and runs true to size. The tongue isn’t attached to the upper, so it slides over the foot to some extent.
Also consider: The adizero Boston 13 – a dual-density speed trainer with Energy Rods.
- adidas’s marketing pitch: Experience the feeling of fast.
- Upper: Lightweight mesh, no inner sleeve.
- Midsole: Full-length Lightstrike Pro foam. 7 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Continental rubber (forefoot), Clear rubber (heel).
- Weight: 224 gms/ 7.9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 39 mm (heel), 32 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
- Country of origin: China.
- Recommended use: 5K, 10K, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Orthotic compatibility: No.
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -0° C/32° F.
Pros
- Soft and bouncy comfort
- Effective midsole rocker
- Outsole traction
- Breathable, just-right fit
- Works well even at slow speeds and heel strikes
Cons
- No reflectivity
- No optional width(s)
The Brooks Caldera 8 is like a rugged, off-road version of the Ghost Max. The midsole is wide, tall, super cushioned, and cups the foot around the heel to keep it seated. It’s much firmer than the Ghost Max for better on-trail stability.
Though there’s no rock plate, the thick midsole and Trailtack outsole offer ample protection over the rough stuff. The wide outsole footprint delivers solid footing, while the articulated layout offers dependable grip on the trail. The DNA Loft midsole makes long trail runs comfortable; the 39 mm heel and 33 mm forefoot stacks keep the feet fresh. It’s a great shoe for longer trail runs where the extra cushioning proves useful.
Only the upper has changed between the Caldera 7 and 8, so the ride quality is identical. Removing the Caldera 7’s forefoot overlays on the sides makes the Caldera 8’s upper roomier. The toe bumper is reinforced with synthetic overlays for protection and abrasion resistance. The velcro-assisted gaiter attachment point over the Caldera 7’s heel has been removed. If you don’t use a gaiter, then this change won’t affect you.
How we selected: What to look for
The word ‘comfort’ means different things to different people. Some runners equate a soft midsole with comfort. Others don’t care about how soft the ride is, and instead, use a plush and roomy upper as a yardstick. At times, running shoe comfort is activity-dependent. Something that works for a 5K run may not be for a marathon – with the opposite being also true.
What is Solereview’s definition of a comfortable running shoe? After all, we’ve reviewed hundreds of shoes and clocked thousands of miles over the last 16 years.
If you ask us, it’s about finding the sweet spot between the different attributes. For example, the midsole should be cushioned with a level of step-in comfort that’s immediately accessible. At the same time, the upper should (preferably) be made of soft-touch materials for a plush over-the-foot experience. The fit shouldn’t be overly snug or have hot spots. So which shoes are on this list? Glad you asked.
Along with the ‘safe’ choices like the Asics Novablast and Nike Vomero Plus, there are other interesting products. Asics’s innovative max-cushioned shoe – the Superblast – combines its premium Flytefoam Turbo foam with a firmer base to deliver a comfortable and very versatile ride. The very capable adidas EVO SL reserves one of the spots in this guide, and so does the Nike Vaporfly 4 – it offers a fast yet cushioned ride experience for both short and long-distance races.
To make things simpler, we’ve mentioned the recommended use cases for each shoe. After all, a shoe that’s comfortable for speed runs isn’t the same kind that works during high-mileage cruising.