In this product guide:
- 1. Durable everyday trainer: Saucony Ride 17
- 2. Durable everyday trainer: Nike Pegasus 41
- 3. Durable versatile trainer: Asics Novablast 4
- 4. Durable long run trainer: Asics Superblast 2
- 5. Durable recovery run trainer: adidas Ultraboost 5X
- 6. Durable marathon shoe: adidas Adios Pro 3
- 7. Durable tempo/10K shoe: Brooks Hyperion 2
- 8. Durable 5K racer: adidas adios 8
- 9. Durable trail running shoe: Brooks Cascadia 18
- How we selected
Nobody should be surprised to see the Ride 17 on this list; its new Pwrrun+ midsole adds miles to its lifespan.
Unlike the EVA foam sole used on the Ride 15 and 16, the Ride 17’s midsole is made of long-lasting Pwrrun+. It’s a material that is similar to the adidas Boost foam.
The Ride 17's insole is made of Pwrrun+ E-TPU foam. It's thick enough to be replaced by a stability Orthotic.
The Ride 17's insole is made of Pwrrun+ E-TPU foam. It's thick enough to be replaced by a stability Orthotic.
The outsole geometry also helps. Most of the rubber lugs are nearly flush with the midsole, so they don’t take direct hits from the footstrike and the transitions that follow.
The lightweight upper is backed with an inner sleeve for superior structural integrity.
- Saucony’s marketing pitch: A truly versatile shoe, from warm up to tempo runs.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, internal gusset.
- Midsole: Expanded Polyurethane (Pwrrun+) foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 282 gms/ 9.9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 35 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – Wide.
- Previous model: Saucony Ride 16.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Median lifespan: 500 miles.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Just-right upper fit
- Neutral and supportive ride
- Smooth cushioning
- Versatile ride character
- Optional widths
- Comfortable interiors
Cons
- Upper runs warm in summer
- Low reflectivity
- Heel loop needs to be bigger
For all its changes, the Pegasus 41 is (still) a chip off the old block.
Its compression-molded ReactX midsole delivers a cushioned yet muted ride character. Zoom Air is the only ‘special’ part of the Pegasus 41, but it feels dated against new-age midsole materials.
That criticism aside, the Pegasus 41 gets its fundamentals right. This is an ‘easy reach’ everyday trainer with just the right balance of cushioning comfort and support.
This is a heel striker’s running shoe, though – the forefoot gets the short end of the cushioning stick.
This neutral trainer is also very durable – thanks to the React midsole, Zoom Air, and the thick rubber outsole. And it’s not just about the quality of rubber. The outsole geometry also plays a role in extending the shoe’s lifespan.
The outsole lugs ‘pistons’ into the foam during the gait cycle to minimize damage, all while providing durable traction.
The sleeved construction of the engineered mesh upper resists premature failure.
- Nike’s marketing pitch: An energized ride for everyday road running.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, sleeved upper.
- Midsole: Two Zoom Air bags inside ReactX foam, 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber.
- Weight: 297 gms/ 10.4 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 37 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 4E – extra wide.
- Previous model: Nike Pegasus 40.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Versatile comfort
- Supportive ride
- Secure fit
- Outsole grip
- Multiple widths
Cons
- React behavior is temperature dependent
- Better for heel strikers than forefoot strikers
- Boring ride when compared to peers
- Fewer/wider lacing rows add top-down pressure
- Scarce reflectivity
What can the Novablast 4 do that the Saucony Ride and Nike Pegasus cannot? As it turns out, a lot more.
For example, the Novablast 4’s taller midsole stack heights (43 mm and 35 mm) make it more comfortable for longer runs and races. It’s cushioned enough for marathons and everyday runs alike.
Also, the Novablast 4 has a tempo-friendly midsole. The pronounced rocker profile is good at propelling the foot forward, so runners can put the Novablast through slightly aggressive paces (4:00 min/km, 6:30 min/mile) – but with the comfort of a cushioned trainer.
The snug and secure upper also drives the power from the foot to the midsole for smoother loading and transitions.
Their durable build quality is another reason why the Novablast and Superblast are so popular. Expect to get a mileage lifespan of high triple digits (in kilometers) because of the durable upper, midsole, and outsole.
- Asics’s marketing pitch: Add bounce to every step.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, tongue gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size, narrow.
- Midsole: Full-length Flytefoam Blast foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 260 gms/ 9.17 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27
. - Stack heights: 43 mm (heel), 35 mm (forefoot) – Solereview verified.
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E (wide).
- Previous model: Asics Novablast 3.
- Country of origin: Indonesia.
- 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
- Upper runs hotter vs. the Novablast 3
- Outsole grip is (still) average
Sure, the Asics Superblast is a durable running shoe. But that’s not the only reason why it is immensely popular and always short in stock.
Its 9-ounce weight gives an excellent cushioning-to-weight ratio, with most of the ride comfort delivered by the thick Flytefoam Turbo midsole. The firmer midsole base and rocker profile makes quick transitions happen.
That being said, the Superblast 2 is a very forgiving shoe, thus making it equally suited for easy runs and daily training.
The rocker effect of the midsole is toned down by the less-than-ideal fit and softer Flytefoam Turbo.
The lightweight and uber-cushioned Superblast 2 is missing two things that contributed to the Superblast 1's success.
The midsole stability is excellent relative to its stack height and deep cushioning.
There’s one major difference between the Superblast 1 and Superblast 2. The updated Superblast has more upper room than the Superblast 1, so there are pros and cons of that change. On one hand, runners will appreciate the extra space during longer runs.
On the flip side, the connection between the foot and midsole is weaker than before, so the Superblast 2 doesn’t feel as fast as the Superblast 1.
There isn’t a lot of outsole rubber covering the midsole. However, the outsole-midsole relationship is what makes the Superblast long-lasting.
The spaced-out rubber lugs flex with the Flytefoam midsole rather than taking direct hits during landings. The Flytefoam midsole is also resistant to long-term cushioning loss.
- 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:
- Brooks Hyperion Max 2
- 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 Paris or Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 for marathons
- Use the Asics Hyperspeed 4 or adidas Takumi 10 for intervals, tempo runs, and short races
Key to the Ultraboost 5X’s durability is the Boost midsole and hard-wearing Continental rubber outsole.
adidas Boost foam is made of an expanded Polyurethane foam which is highly resistant to creasing and gradual cushioning loss. The rubber outsole perfectly complements the long-lasting midsole.
As always, the Ultraboost’s Primeknit upper is stretchy and thick for better longevity.
On the road, the Ultraboost 5X offers decent levels of versatility. The highly-cushioned midsole makes short work of everyday runs, and is comfortable enough for a marathon.
Also, this version is much better for forefoot strikers than any of the previous Ultraboosts.
The forefoot now has a 28 mm stack for improved cushioning comfort during landings and take-off. Overall, the Ultraboost 5X is softer than the Ultraboost Light because of the taller midsole.
The bouncy Boost midsole benefits the transition quality, so even 4:30 min/km (7 min/mile) speeds are in its wheelhouse.
- adidas’s marketing pitch: Delivers continual energy return across the miles.
- Upper: Stretchy Primeknit upper with a bootie construction.
- Midsole: Full-length ‘Light Boost’ foam, Torsion midfoot shank. 10 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Single piece Continental rubber.
- Weight: 275 gms/ 9.7 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8.5/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 38 mm (heel), 28 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: Single, D – regular (reviewed)
- Previous model: adidas Ultraboost Light.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily cruiser, half-marathons, marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Orthotic compatibility: Low.
- Median lifespan: 500 miles.
- Recommended paces: Slower than 5:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile).
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Soft and bouncy comfort
- Very secure fit
- Outsole traction
- Long term durability
- Highly reflective upper
Cons
- Lower stability than before
- Shallow toe box
- No optional width(s)
- Short Torsion piece affects transitions
Within the high-performance marathon racer category, the adidas Adios Pro 3 stands out due to three reasons. It doesn’t use a soft PEBA midsole, nor does it have a Carbon plate.
Instead, the Adios Pro 3 extracts its cushioning through a set of articulated ‘Energy Rods’ inside a responsive Lightstrike Pro midsole.
Lastly, the Adios Pro 3’s outsole coverage is generous when compared to competing shoes like the Nike Vaporfly. The brushed texture of the Continental rubber outsole lacks lugs that can wear down faster.
These unique components make the Adios Pro 3 more durable than its peers.
The Lightstrike Pro foam is much better at retaining its shape and cushioning over PEBA foam variants. The combination of the outsole coverage and compound (Continental rubber) means that you’ll be spared the durability concerns associated with Carbon-plated supershoes.
On the road, the Adios Pro 3 delivers the sweet spot of mileage-friendly cushioning. It’s not too soft nor too firm, and yet sufficiently comfortable for a marathon. The Energy rods and the inflexible rocker forefoot make the transitions speed-friendly.
The Hyperion 2’s firm ‘DNA Flash’ foam is unique to Brooks. The cushioning produced by this supercritical foam (we explained what that means, here) isn’t of a soft kind. In fact, it’s borderline firm.
That’s what we like about it – the midsole is comfortable enough for up to a 10K distance with the speed to match. The firm midsole efficiently loads the weight during the gait process without slowing you down.
Despite lacking an internal plate, the Hyperion 2 is a capable tempo and Fartlek trainer, with speeds as fast as 3:30 min/km (5:30 min/mile) within its reach.
Non-EVA compounds like the Brooks DNA Flash fares well under heavy loads.
The midsole foam is resistant to bottoming out, and the thick rubber outsole slows down the rate of wear and tear. For a shoe that weighs just over 7 ounces, you get very decent miles/gram output.
Lastly, the Hyperion 2 replaces (unofficially, though) the Hyperion Max 1. So it’s like an updated H-Max, but at a cheaper ($140) price.
- Brooks’s marketing pitch: Tap into that punchy, speedy feeling.
- Upper: Perforated engineered mesh, no sleeve or gusset.
- Upper fit: True to size.
- Midsole: Supercritical DNA Flash v2 foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Harder rubber under the heel with softer forefoot blown foam.
- Weight: 201 gms/ 7.1 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 36 mm (heel), 24 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular.
- Previous model: Brooks Hyperion Max v1 (not a typo).
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Everyday training, 10K, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: All types (heel/midfoot/forefoot).
- Median lifespan: 400 miles.
- Recommended paces: 4:00 min/km (8:00 min/mile) and slower.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Lightweight and speed-friendly ride
- Stable midsole
- Good for all footstrike positions and speeds
- Upper fit and ventilation
- Value for money
- Outsole grip
Cons
- Not as soft as Brooks claims
- No reflectivity
Despite being a low-profile road racer, the adidas Adios 8 isn’t light on durability-enhancing features.
The grippy Continental rubber outsole is the first layer of protection, as it shields the midsole from accelerated wear and tear.
The firm, dual-density midsole is also resistant to premature fatigue. The Lightstrike EVA rear midsole resists compression well, and so does the softer Lightstrike Pro insert under the forefoot.
And even though the upper uses a thin breathable mesh, the insides are reinforced with a supportive frame for durability. High-wear areas like the toe bumper, heel, and lacing panel are layered with synthetic suede.
The Adios 8 went through a comprehensive redesign, and the result is a softer ride and roomier upper than the Adios 6 and 7. That makes the Adios 8 less harsh on the feet during a road race, but without compromising its speed-friendly character.
Following design best practices extends the lifespan of any running shoe.
The Brooks Cascadia 18 is a good example. The grippy Trail Tack rubber outsole protects the DNA Loft V2 midsole, which, by the way, is a firm EVA foam blend that is resistant to compacting over time. The stiff ‘Trail Adapt’ plate adds structural reinforcement to the midsole.
On top is a protective upper that is built to last. Fused panels are applied liberally to guard against scratches and bumps during trail runs.
The robust build quality isn’t the only reason why we recommend the Cascadia 18. This is a very versatile trail running shoe for many reasons. The segmented outsole design encourages proprioception on off-road surfaces. Deep midsole grooves run through the center and sideways for better spread (and grip) on the trail.
This isn’t a soft trail running shoe, so the ride is very supportive. The firm EVA blend (DNA Loft V2) cushions the impact without sinking in; the winged plate also stabilizes the shoe.
The snug upper forefoot fits keeps the foot secure. That said, it’s much tighter fitting than the Cascadia 16 from a couple of years ago.
HOW WE SELECTED
Three factors determine the shoe’s potential durability or the lack thereof:
1. The upper: Decoding the estimated lifespan of the upper is difficult for several reasons. At a very basic level, the materials used – be it the mesh or synthetic overlays – must flex and have a certain amount of thickness. But what’s of greater importance is the working relationship between the materials.
Even an upper made of thin materials can be durable – as long as it gets a few things right. The first is the absence of friction between the materials, and the second is the lack of pressure points. This can be made clear by a few examples.
If the big toe rubs the area where the stitched toe-bumper (if applicable) and mesh meet, there is a chance that a tear could develop over time.
The Rebel 2’s lightweight mesh was great for ventilation, but was fragile.
This often happens if the toe-box mesh is thin and lacks an inner lining. However, this is becoming less of a concern since newer running shoes are based on knit uppers with internal bumpers. But every once in a while, an imperfect shoe with a fragile upper shows up – the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel 2 was a good example.
Certain brands rely on a fabric backer as a reinforcement, and you can feel this by inserting your hand under the upper. Other shoes skip the lining and rely on a thicker base material or an inner sleeve instead.
Some shoes use stiff materials around the last two rows of lacing. We’ve come across cases where this portion tears prematurely due to friction. There are a few cases of the heel lining coming apart, but that’s usually due to improper (shorter) sizing.
Lacing eyelets rarely tear these days. But if you want to make sure that this doesn’t happen, turn over the lacing panel to check for reinforcement.
The upper durability is also affected by how well (or not) the shoe fits; it is important to buy the right size and have enough room in the front. In many cases where the heel lining tears too soon may indicate a short size.
Lastly, high-end uppers like the kind used on the adidas adizero line-up are tough as nails – even if they seem paper-thin.
2. The midsole material: The lifespan of the midsole depends on three things – the compound, the density (firmness, softness), or a combination of both.
Polyurethane, PEBA, and SBES-based foams last longer than EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) ones. Polyurethane (PU) is used in two forms; a poured kind like the Puma Ignite and Brooks Levitate, or the popular variety known as E-TPU.
The durable adidas Lightstrike Pro foam is supportive and temperature resistant.
These materials have a higher resistance to abuse from repeated compression and temperature, making them extremely durable. E-TPU is commonly used as adidas Boost or the Saucony Pwrrun+.
As for the adidas Lightstrike Pro, we don’t know what exactly it’s made of. That said, it’s very resistant to compression fatigue – unlike the crease-prone PEBA foam. The Saucony Endorphin Elite also uses a similar material as the adidas Lightstrike Pro.
Standard Polyurethane midsoles can be distinguished from EVA with a few visual cues; read this solereview article for more. The Brooks Levitate also uses a Polyurethane midsole.
Meet Pwrrun PB – Saucony’s spin on the PEBA foam cushioning.
Saucony uses PEBA (Poly Ether Block Amide) foam for its Endorphin Speed and Pro models. The feedback on Pwrrun PB’s durability has been very positive so far.
The Superblast 2’s Flytefoam midsole is a durable cushioning material.
EVA midsoles are ubiquitous and form the majority of running shoe midsoles. Though not as durable as newer foams, most last reasonably long.
That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. The softer the EVA midsole, the shorter its life. A softer-density EVA midsole is more likely to lose its cushioning properties sooner.
The Zoom Air bag of the Pegasus 41 makes the cushioning durable.
Besides the firmness, midsole inserts such as Nike Zoom Air (like the one inside the Pegasus 40) increase cushioning durability.
3. The outsole: In the majority of cases, the rubber outsole is the first point of failure. The upper and midsole may be in perfect condition, but the outsole could get shredded into wafer-like thinness after a few hundred kilometers.
Three things matter when it comes to the outsole life – the rubber material, the layout/geometry, and how well it works together with the midsole.
A running shoe that uses only hard rubber for its outsole will outlive a model that uses a mix of soft blown rubber (forefoot) and a harder rubber under the rearfoot.
The adidas Continental rubber compound has proven durability.
Generally speaking, compounds like Saucony’s XT-900 rubber and adidas Continental are more durable than regular rubber.
A flat and full-coverage outsole will outlast a design that features prominent lugs. Pointy outsole lugs take the brunt of the wear and tear – as opposed to a flat profile outsole that spreads the wear and tear over a wider area.
Using a hard rubber compound with a flat profile usually delivers a higher mileage. We’re always surprised at the extent of the positive effect a flat outsole has on durability – even with soft rubber.
At times, the outsole lifespan depends not on the material but on how it works together with the midsole. The Asics Superblast is a good example of what we mean.
Its thin outsole flexes along with the soft midsole and slows down the rate of wear and tear. Our readers have unanimous praise for the Asics Superblast’s high mile-per-dollar value.
The shoes in this guide satisfy most of the selection criteria. The adidas Continental rubber outsole used to be the only show in town, but that time has passed. Other brands have caught up and now offer a wide selection of durable running shoes.
Under normal usage conditions, these shoes will last at least 400 miles. Unless you’re a heavy runner living in a warm country, most of these shoes will give you 600 miles (and beyond) without any degradation in performance.