Versatile trainer with an 8 mm drop

Asics Novablast 5

The multi-use Novablast 5 is our favorite 8 mm drop trainer.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Asics Novablast 5 here.

The Asics Novablast 5 is softer and more spacious than the Novablast 4, so it lacks the focused feel of the older models. While the accommodating fit will be appreciated by wide-footed runners, the relaxed upper creates a weaker foot-to-midsole connection.

Heavier runners will find the softer ride less stable than the V4, and long-term durability will be affected negatively. A softer foam midsole is easier to compact and crease over time.

Despite the changes, most runners will find much to like about the Novablast. It’s a deeply cushioned shoe with a peppy ride, making it versatile enough for daily training and tempo runs.

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The Flytefoam Blast Max midsole blends ride comfort with speed-friendly responsiveness. The rocker midsole makes it easier to ‘roll’ forward, but in a less aggressive manner than the Novablast 4. The softer midsole of the V5 reduces the forefoot stiffness, affecting the rocker effect in the process.

The Novablast 5 also works well as a forefoot striker’s shoe; its 8 mm drop should be taken with a grain of salt.

The comfortable mesh upper fits true to size with a relaxed fit. Thanks to the thinner mesh and redesigned lacing, it’s not as narrow as the previous model. Also, the ventilation has improved over the V4.

Daily trainer with an 8 mm drop

Saucony Ride 18

This 8-mm drop trainer is versatile enough for everything between daily runs and a half-marathon.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Saucony Ride 18 here.

As long as we can remember, the Saucony Ride has been an 8 mm drop shoe. And that makes a lot of sense, considering the Ride 18’s use case. It’s supposed to be a versatile trainer for runners of all experience levels – which it is.

For this year, Saucony has updated the midsole with a softer and lighter version of Pwrrun+ foam.

Until recently, this expanded PU foam was also used on the Triumph (21 and earlier). The Ride 17 was the first in the series to switch to Pwrrun+, replacing the EVA midsole of the Ride 16.

Rocker assist is unavailable on the Saucony Ride 18.

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On the road, the updated Pwrrun+ midsole delivers cushioning with a bouncy feel – just what long runs like a half-marathon need.

Also, Pwrrun+’s durability allows you to log daily miles without compacting the foam. A rubber outsole protects the midsole and improves traction during landings and take-offs.

A thick Pwrrun+ footbed adds step-in comfort under the foot.

All these features make the Ride 18 very versatile. The just-right midsole softness makes the runs comfortable and efficient; at no point does the Ride 18 feel sluggish. A mild rocker makes it easier for the foot to roll forward.

The true-to-size upper combines optimal fit security with interior comfort.

Runners will find a plusher and tighter interior than the Ride 17. That’s because of added heel and tongue padding; the softer mesh helps too.

Versatile cushioned trainer with an 8 mm drop

Asics Superblast 2

The versatile Superblast 2 combines an ultra-cushioned ride with a lightweight and peppy ride character.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Asics Superblast 2 here.

Make this your everyday trainer or pre-marathon trainer; the Superblast V2 can fill the role of both. You can even race in them, as long as the speeds are slower than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).

The versatile character is the result of a well-thought-out design; the lightweight Flytefoam Turbo foam is stacked over a thinner (and firmer) base.

Not only does this cut down on the weight, but it also makes the Superblast comfortable yet peppy enough for tempo runs. Also, the rocker midsole propels the foot forward.

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.

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The Superblast 2 is also very user-friendly. The 8 mm drop midsole doesn’t have a learning curve, and in most cases, the shoe is good to go right out of the box. The snug (and true to size) upper combines ‘fast shoe’ elements like a racer tongue while retaining a padded heel for interior comfort.

Asics has made changes to the upper, so it’s more breathable than the Superblast V1 and has more toe-box space.

As a result, the SB2 is noticeably less aggressive than the SB1. The fit doesn’t quite lock the foot down as the SB1 did. Also, the rocker effect is slightly toned down because of the upper fit and softer midsole.

Cushioned easy run trainer with an 8 mm drop

Brooks Glycerin 22

The Glycerin’s design overhaul makes it softer and more fun to run in.

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The 10 mm drop comes from a 38 mm heel and 28 mm tall forefoot, but that’s not what this mini-review is about. The Brooks Glycerin 22 is the most changed version to date.

For this year, Brooks has updated the Glycerin 22 with a dual-density midsole. The DNA Tuned technology uses a firmer density foam under the forefoot; the rest of the midsole is softer. Both foams are co-molded, so there are no glue lines involved.

That sounds fancy, but what difference does it make to the ride?

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The Glycerin 22 is the softest model in the series to date. We say that with good authority – we’ve reviewed different versions of the Glycerin since 2012.

The tall rearfoot and under-heel cavity produce soft landings and transitions. The forefoot is firmer, but only relatively so. Forefoot strikers will still find cushioned landings and push-offs.

The missing rocker effect is worth mentioning. Unlike the rockered Glycerin Max, the Glycerin 22 has a ‘regular’ midsole profile. The toe spring lacks the height needed for a rocker, so the roll-forward effect is conspicuous by its absence.

Easy pace running (5:30 min/km, 8:50 min/mile, and slower) is where the G-22 delivers the most value.

The DNA Tuned midsole is more enjoyable to run in than the Glycerin 21, but it’s not quick or springy. What the midsole has is smooth cushioning that makes long runs less punishing on the feet.

The upper doesn’t fit as narrow and short as the Glycerin 21; the less aggressive heel padding doesn’t push the foot forward as the 21 did.

On the flip side, the tongue length falls short when using a runner’s loop. There’s no inner sleeve either, so a minor tongue slide will happen. We love the new heel loop though. It’s Asics-inspired, obviously.

Bouncy versatile trainer with a 10 mm drop

Nike Vomero 18

A 44 mm heel stack minus 34 mm forefoot stack equals a 10 mm drop, but there’s more to the shoe.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Nike Vomero 18 here.

Historically, many Nike running shoes have been within the 8 – 10 mm range. That includes the former versions of the Pegasus and Vomero.

Judging a shoe just by its drop is reductive. A 10 mm drop is simply the difference between the heel and forefoot stack heights. What matters more is what happens within the confines of the midsole stack.

Vomero has turned a brand-new page with the 18th version. A softer ZoomX layer joins forces with the rubbery ReactX foam. That produces a highly cushioned shoe capable of wearing many hats.

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The ultra-deep cushioning (44 mm and 34 mm stack) makes it an ideal marathon trainer and daily mileage hauler. However, this shoe is nothing like the Invincible 3. Whereas the Invincible 3’s forte was just a super soft ride, the Vomero 18’s versatile nature has a broader appeal.

A tall midsole doesn’t have to be mushy, and here’s proof. The firm and bouncy ReactX foam base adds a satisfying contrast to the soft ZoomX foam layer on top. The well-defined rocker makes the ride tempo-friendly by making it easier to roll the foot forward.

There’s a lot to like about the upper too. The fully-sleeved upper delivers a plush wrap in a true-to-size form factor.

10 mm drop trainer for overpronators

Asics Kayano 31

Overpronators will like the Kayano 31’s cushioned yet supportive ride.

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1. Read our detailed review of the Asics Kayano 31 here.

The Kayano has changed drastically over the last couple of years, so here’s a quick recap.

Last year, the Kayano 30 finally lost its medial post – a harder wedge of foam that was meant to control the inwards roll of the foot.

In its place was a cushioned trainer with a wide and supportive 10 mm drop midsole. The Kayano 30 was still a ‘motion-control’ shoe with pronation management features, except that it went about it in different way.

The Asics Kayano 31 is also available in a wide and extra-wide.

The Asics Flytefoam last - cushioned, yet firm and supportive.

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The inner midsole was more supportive than the outer side, and the groove under the heel sloped towards the outer side. This directed the ‘lean’ towards the outer side – something that most pronation-control shoes should do.

The Kayano 31 has a similar design, except for one major difference. The 31’s Flytefoam midsole foam isn’t the same as the type used on the 30.

Whereas the Kayano 30’s foam felt like an EVA blend, the new Flytefoam feels like a blend between Flytefoam Turbo and EVA. It’s not soft, though. To provide some context, the ride is much firmer than the Asics Nimbus.

On the road, the Kayano 31 produces a cushioned ride that excels at daily runs and long-distance training. At the same time, stability features like the hard heel counter, firm midsole, and wide base make the Kayano supportive.

The comfortable engineered mesh upper is offered in multiple widths. The fit is true-to-size.

8 mm drop trainer for overpronators

New Balance Vongo V6

The Vongo’s ‘stability plane’ plate controls pronation without affecting ride comfort.

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As a stability shoe, the Vongo V6 does something novel. While you can’t see it from the outside, the soft dual-density midsole hides a stiff plate. The said plate has large windows (or holes) on the outer side, whereas the inner half (when viewed longitudinally) is solid.

This unique construction makes the inner midsole more supportive than the outer side. Meaning, when loaded, the midsole is easier to compress on the outer side, thus giving the Vongo V6 a noticeable cushioning bias.

Other than that, the Vongo V6 is a comfortable do-it-all trainer. The reformulated Fresh Foam midsole and articulated outsole work together to make it the softest Vongo ever, a trend that we’ve also seen on the redesigned 1080V13.

Road-trail hybrid with a 9.5 mm drop

Nike Pegasus Trail 5

The 9.5 mm heel drop of this ‘soft-roader’ makes running easier on mild trails.

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Except for the firmer ride and updated upper, the Pegasus Trail 5 is similar to the Pegasus Trail 4. It’s a road-trail hybrid that performs equally well on the road as it does on mild gradient trails.

The ReactX midsole offers greater stability than the Pegasus Trail 5 without compromising ride comfort. It’s similar to the Infinity RN4, Nike’s now-discontinued cushioned trainer. A glued-on footbed adds plushness closer to the foot.

The toned-down outsole gives away the shoe’s dual-purpose character. The shallow rubber lugs expose a sizeable section of the midsole. There’s no protective rock plate either. This (deliberate) design makes the Pegasus Trail 5 a comfortable road shoe when needed.

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When running off-road, it’s best to limit the shoe to gravel paths, cinder chip trails, and unpaved surfaces of a lower grade. The shoe’s capabilities will be challenged on technical terrain, so it’s best to keep the Pegasus Trail 5 off them.

The upper is very protective; more so when you get the waterproof GTX version. The toe-box gets the rubber bumper from the Pegasus Trail 3 for front-end protection. The durable ripstop mesh prevents premature tear.

The midfoot and forefoot are reinforced with fused panels. The GTX version has a faux gaiter to keep the moisture out. The true-to-size upper has a spacious fit that can accommodate thicker wool socks.

Plated marathon racer with an 8 mm drop

Saucony Endorphin Pro 4

The Endorphin Pro 4 has everything one expects of the Carbon-plated super shoe. It’s cushioned, lightweight, fast, and breathable.

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The Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 isn’t just any running shoe with an 8 mm heel offset.

The lightweight PEBA midsole (7.5 oz/212 gms) is perfect for high-mileage speed work; the springboard effect under the heel and the rocker forefoot make the Endorphin comfortable yet fast at the same time.

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The rigid Carbon plate and flared midsole make the ride more supportive than many other plated racers of this category. The 39.5 mm (rear) and 31.5 mm (forefoot) stack heights keep the feet fresh during a marathon.

The soft and breathable mesh shell breathes extremely well while securing the foot over the midsole.

Despite its ‘wing’ plate, the Speed 4 is not as stable as the Pro 4.

Surprisingly, the Endorphin Pro 4 is more supportive than the Endorphin Speed 4. The Carbon plate is stiffer than the Speed 4’s Nylon plate, so the foot doesn’t roll as much.

We just wish that both the Saucony Speed and Pro didn’t stink so much – their midsoles (or paint) have an unpleasant industrial smell.

Lightweight tempo trainer with an 8 mm drop

Brooks Hyperion 2

The unofficial successor to last year’s Hyperion Max is a lightweight and comfortable trainer for tempo runs.

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When we reviewed the original Hyperion Tempo three years ago, we fell in love with the shoe.

It’s not often that a running shoe combined a speed-friendly character, durability, and ride comfort without adding weight. But that’s what the Hyperion Tempo did. It was also an 8 mm drop tempo trainer, a relative rarity during the time.

Non-EVA compounds like the Brooks DNA Flash fares well under heavy loads.

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The 2024 Hyperion 2 has most of the things we loved about the H-Tempo, but there are noteworthy changes.

Not only is the DNA Flash midsole softer (for greater ride comfort), but it’s also taller (34 mm and 26 mm stack). And if the specs sound familiar, that’s because the Hyperion 2 is the unofficial successor to the Hyperion Max from last year.

The Hyperion 2 weighs just over 7 ounces, so it makes itself useful during interval training, tempo runs, and 5K/10K races. The DNA Flash foam has a nice rebound, and the grippy rubber outsole helps with the push-offs.

The lightweight upper complements the Hyperion 2 perfectly well – it’s breathable, comfortable and keeps the foot locked in.

5K/10K racer with a 7 mm drop

Asics Hyperspeed 4

This entry-level speed shoe can take a beating.

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Okay, this is a 7 mm drop racer, not 8 mm. That’s close enough, and besides – there aren’t many options available. The Adios 9 and Nike Streakfly 2 are in short supply, the New Balance SC Pacer 2 costs $200, and the Hoka Cielo Road is a low-drop racer.

That leaves us with the Hyper Speed 4 – a short-distance racer that’s easy on the wallet and feet. The 7 mm drop doesn’t stress the Achilles, and the Flytefoam midsole delivers the ride comfort for high-cadence runs.

You even get a full rubber outsole for hard-wearing traction. The stiff heel counter and supportive midsole make the Hyper Speed 4 suitable even for heel strikers. This user-friendly 5K racer has long been an underrated offering in Asics’s line-up.

How we selected: What to look for

Also known as the heel-to-toe offset, the ‘drop’ is the difference between the heel and forefoot thickness. For example, if a midsole has an 18 mm thick heel and 10 mm thick forefoot, it would have an 8 mm drop.

When it comes to footstrike patterns, heel drops do not matter as much. There, we’ve said it.

However, getting fixated on just the ‘drop’ isn’t always helpful – even if someone is looking for a midfoot strike-friendly shoe.

There’s a lot more involved in what makes a running shoe compatible with forefoot landings. For instance – what does the heel design look like? How wide is the forefoot? Does the upper heel allow the foot to fit flush against the heel? Is there a heel bevel for smooth transitions? Is the outsole a full-contact type?

We wrote a detailed buyer’s guide examining the various factors that make a running shoe suitable for midfoot or full-contact landings.

Based on our experience and reader feedback, a running shoe with an 8 – 10 mm offset is the ideal sweet spot for a variety of reasons:

An 8 mm offset is the perfect middle-ground

There’s a reason why most shoe brands produce running shoes with an 8 – 10 mm heel-to-toe offset. Even Saucony, the maker of the 4 mm drop shoe (aka the Kinvara), focuses on running shoes with a higher heel-to-toe offset. For example, the popular Ride 18 and Triumph 22 have 8 mm and 10 mm gradients respectively.

(Related read: The best running shoes with a 4 mm drop)

The Achilles tendon is less likely to experience soreness

A lower ‘drop’ also lowers the position of the heel, thus stretching the Achilles tendon. Though the human foot has a zero mm ‘drop’, most people aren’t accustomed to footwear without a heel.

Therefore, transitioning from a 12 mm drop shoe to 0 mm may require an adjustment period. An 8 mm drop running shoe needs little to no acclimatization.

It works for all experience levels

An 8 mm offset is versatile enough to be used across all running shoe classes.

New runners can quickly find comfort in this offset range, and so can runners who are shaking off their winter hibernation. With an 8 – 10 mm drop midsole, it’s easy to pick up where you left off.

A higher heel is useful in the gym

The Asics Kayano 31’s high drop and supportive ride also works inside the gym.

Not everybody runs on the road. For many runners, the treadmill is where most of their runs take place. That’s also usually preceded – or followed by – strength training.

A higher heel-to-toe offset moves the center of gravity forward. This is helpful during lifts, where a forward bias is desirable. That’s why training shoes that are designed for strength training have a high drop. We reviewed such a shoe (Nike Metcon 7) on this site.

(Related read: The best running shoes for treadmill runs)

Lastly, running shoes with an 8 mm offset are readily available

Even though many running shoes with 0, 4, 5, and 6 mm offsets exist, it’s way easier to find a running shoe with an 8 – 10 mm drop.

And again – it’s not just about the drop, so an abundance of choices also makes it likely to find the right combination of upper fit, styling, and midsole cushioning levels.