“New and innovative” denotes either new shoe models or in, at most, their second update (i.e. version 3). Note: this review appears in the September & October 2025 print issue of Canadian Running, on newsstands now.
Under ArmourInfinite Pro Breeze
Category: Neutral cushioningMen’s: 326 g (11.5 oz.)Women’s: 312 g (11.0 oz.)Offset/drop: 8 mmStack height: 32 mm/24 mm$175
This is a fine and very nice-looking shoe for easy runs or long runs, and could easily double as a casual-wear shoe. (It’s not intended for high-performance workouts or racing, but more for easy paces and weekend long runs.)
The UA Infinite Pro Breeze is similar to the Infinite Pro 2 terms of geometry and design, with a very light, almost translucent upper (though it’s less breathable than we would like for warm weather) and broad, flat laces that stay done up well. The fit is generous without being sloppy. It’s built on a wide, stable platform, and the cushioning is comfortable and surprisingly responsive. The shoe’s very moderate 8-mm heel drop will accommodate most runners. In particular, while it is not being marketed as a stability shoe, heavier runners or those with a tendency to overpronate (i.e. to roll inward excessively after planting the foot) will appreciate the shoe’s wide base. This is a somewhat heavy shoe, but also very affordable.
BrooksGhost Max 3
Category: Neutral cushioningMen’s: 306 g (10.8 oz.)Women’s: 275 g (9.7 oz.)Offset/drop: 6 mmStack height: 39 mm/33 mm$190
The way to judge a max-stack shoe is to compare it with another max-stack shoe, rather than with the OG model it’s named for. In Brooks’s case, the Ghost Max 3 has more in common with the Glycerin Max (also by Brooks, released last year) than with the regular Ghost, whose heel-to-toe drop is twice that of the Ghost Max 3 (12 mm, as opposed to 6 mm for the Ghost Max 3), even though it’s lower to the ground. This is because, to make a max-stack shoe, the brand has added cushioning under the forefoot, which reduces the drop and gives it a completely different feel.
So, in that sense, the Ghost Max 3 is more like the Glycerin Max than the regular Ghost, except its midsole is made of DNA Loft v3, which is a bit softer than the DNA Tuned used in the Glycerin Max.
The Ghost Max 3 has a super-comfortable new upper that’s softer and more forgiving than the previous shoe’s; otherwise it’s mostly unchanged. This is a plush and very comfortable shoe for easy runs and long runs, but you’ll likely find it too bulky for anything else. The toe box is ridiculously roomy; runners with narrow feet will likely find it excessively wide.
OnCloudsurfer Max
Category: Neutral cushioningUnisex: 292 g (10.3 oz.)Offset/drop: 6 mmStack height: 37 mm/31 mm$220
This is a high-stack daily trainer or long-run shoe from the very popular brand On, and an update to the Cloudeclipse (which is more akin to the regular Cloudsurfer).
The height of the midsole stack is the same as the Cloudeclipse’s, as is the stated heel drop of 6 mm, but the cushioning is considerably softer—a welcome update, even though the brand went to some lengths to make the Cloudeclipse feel less hard than previous models. Like the Cloudeclipse and Cloudsurfer, Cloudsurfer Max uses the brand’s CloudTec Phase system, in which the “clouds” are slanted forward, making for a more efficient compression and rebound of the foam midsole that’s aligned with the runner’s gait cycle.
Our tester found the overall ride comfortable, the toe box sufficiently roomy for expansion on long runs and the fit to be just right. The cushioning feels perfect—not too firm and not too plush, and the smooth rocker feels efficient and natural. The shoe also retains the conventional rubber outsole from the Cloudeclipse, which is thick enough to be very durable and provides good traction on wet pavement.
We are lukewarm about the shoe’s unusual lacing system (the laces don’t stay tight as you crank them down) or the shiny plastic coating on the midsole. Also, at almost 300 grams, it’s a little heavier than we would like for long runs. But it’s a great shoe for easy runs, recovery runs, or even tempo or fartlek training (especially if you’re already an On fan).
NikePegasus Premium
Category: Neutral cushioningMen’s: 330 g (11.6 oz.)Women’s: 278 g (9.8 oz.)Offset/drop: 10 mmStack height: 45 mm/35 mm$270
If you like Nike’s go-to Pegasus daily trainer (now in its 41st iteration), you’ll love the new Pegasus Premium, which is being heralded as the most responsive Pegasus yet. The combination of the brand’s ZoomX cushioning next to the foot and ReactX cushioning under a full-length, visible “air bag” delivers a smooth, bouncy ride that works great for any type of running (and looks pretty cool).
According to the brand, the air cushioning customizes itself to each runner’s gait; all we know is, it’s fun to run in and can be used for just about anything from casual jogs to long runs, tempos and fartleks.
The highly breathable upper is a loose knit, with an equally breathable padded tongue (i.e. it has large perforations that encourage plenty of air flow in warm weather). And its intricately textured outsole will keep you glued to the road in any conditions, and should last a decent amount of time before showing wear.
We do have some caveats: considering the role that air plays in the design of this shoe, it’s surprisingly heavy—more than 30 grams heavier than the regular Pegasus 41. It may not be the right shoe for runners who need added stability, since the stack is very high and the shoe itself is relatively narrow (though there is some reinforcement along the sides of the upper, which helps). Consider going up a half size, since the fit is a little skimpy.
HokaRocket X 3
Editor’s Pick: Best Racing Shoe
Category: Neutral cushioning (plated)Unisex: 227 g (8.0 oz.)Offset/drop: 7 mmStack height: 42 mm/35 mm$300
You know it’s a good shoe when your tester plans to keep it in their rotation. The Hoka Rocket X 3 is quite a significant update in the very popular Rocket X carbon plated series, intended for half-marathon or marathon racing or speedwork. It is extremely light (slightly lighter than the 2), very comfortable, bouncy, fast and stable, with a fairly stiff “winged” plate—and a lot of fun to run in, at a variety of paces.
Cosmetically, the 3 looks quite different from the 2, which had a very thin and minimalist collar; this has been replaced with more daily-trainer-like padding around the collar, and the fit around the ankle is quite relaxed; despite its internal heel counter, runners looking for a really tight lockdown may find that elusive. The heel drop has been raised by a couple of millimetres, to a more moderate 7 mm, which will appeal to a wider range of runners. While the shoe is less aggressively rockered than some racers, the updated dual-density peba midsole strikes a nice balance between firm and soft, with the addition of a new, softer cushioning material under the forefoot.
Despite challenges with Hoka’s traditionally long, narrow fit, our tester found the fit almost perfect. The updated warp-knit upper is very breathable, with a thin, stretchy, non-gussetted tongue and textured laces that stay done up well. The outsole has a good layer of durable rubber and provides more than adequate traction in all conditions. The price has gone up $20, but if you like it as much as we do, it will be worth it.
BrooksHyperion Max 3
Category: Neutral cushioning (plated)Men’s: 281 g (9.9 oz.)Women’s: 249 g (8.8 oz.)Offset/drop: 6 mmStack height: 46 mm/40 mm$250
We were big fans of the second version of the Hyperion Max, Brooks’s very accessible trainer/racer whose peba propulsion plate and 6-mm drop made it more accessible and less aggressive than most carbon-plated racers. So we were a bit dismayed to find that the 3 is quite different.
The main updates are that the stack is considerably higher, and the peba foam and plate have been updated. Despite the increased stack height, we didn’t notice any issues with stability, possibly due to the outsole cutout on the medial side. We found the cushioning slightly less firm than in the previous version of the shoe (a welcome change), but the shoe is much less flexible in the forefoot; the increase in springy cushioning and reduced flexibility may make it faster, in theory, but it’s also noticeably heavier (the shoe is inching closer to our 300 g “cutoff” for a light shoe). The 2 had a conventional upper with a gussetted tongue, while the 3 has a very snug, stretchy tongue that’s integrated with the shoe’s knit heel collar. Runners with a higher instep may find it a bit snug through the midfoot.
The North FaceSummit Vectiv Pro 3
Category: Trail (carbon-plated)Unisex: 294 g (10.4 oz.)Offset/drop: 6 mmStack height: 37 mm/31 mmLug depth: 3.5 mm$350
This is The North Face’s premier ultra-distance racing shoe, and it has taken some of the best trail runners (such as 2023 Western States 100 champion Katie Schide) to podiums around the world. Now in its third iteration, this is a “winged” carbon-plated shoe with thick cushioning and an aggressively rockered sole, and it’s designed for racing on hard-packed, runnable (i.e. not overly technical) trails.
With each iteration of the shoe, the brand has aimed to make it higher and faster. The dual-density midsole features four additional millimetres of the brand’s nitrogen-infused peba/EVA DREAM cushioning, incorporating not one but two stacked carbon-fibre propulsion plates (with wings that extend laterally to the edges of the midsole). It’s definitely fun to open up your stride and see how fast you can go down hills in this shoe.
Unlike some reviewers, we found the firmness of the midsole to be just about perfect, but the shoe feels very stiff across the base of the toes (where the wings are located); despite the expanded width of the platform, the toe box still feels slightly confining. Changes to the upper are minimal; it’s still a very durable but open-weave mesh and considerably more breathable than most of the trail shoes we tested.
KeenSeek
Category: TrailMen’s: 309 g (10.9 oz.)Women’s: 248 g (8.75 oz.)Offset/drop: 6 mmStack height: 38.5 mm/32.5 mmLug depth: 4 mm$230
The Portland, Ore.-based Keen, well known in the hiking and outdoors space for more than 20 years, has entered trail running with the new Seek shoe, an all-around trail cruiser that launched in July. The brand has more trail models planned for the coming seasons.
We found it comfortable, stable and highly protective. The shoe has a snug-fitting collar that’s of a piece with the stretchy, well-padded integrated tongue, which helps keep debris out. Grip and traction are both above-average. The upper is durable, with a reinforced toe bumper; between this and the thick midsole, this is a very protective shoe. The fit is just slightly long, but otherwise accurate. We really enjoyed the comfort of the midsole cushioning.
The shoe is billed as having a wider toe box, but we found the width adequate without being particularly generous. It’s not the lightest or the most breathable shoe for the warmest days, but for anything else, it will serve you very well.
ScarpaRibelle Run 2
Category: TrailMen’s: 325 g (11.5 oz.)Women’s: 280 g (9.9 oz.)Offset/drop: 4 mmStack height: 35.5 mm/31.5 mm*Lug depth: 6 mm*Specs published on the Scarpa website do not include lugs or footbed, which total 9 mm$199
If you’re looking for a very rugged and durable, thickly cushioned mountain running shoe for difficult technical terrain, look no further. Like the first version of the shoe, this one has a tensioned rand (the rubber connecting the upper to the midsole), similar to a climbing shoe, which makes it super supportive. It fits snugly, and the supercritical EVA midsole feels reasonably responsive underfoot, though the shoe is heavy, and really intended for the most demanding conditions.
The new version now has a knit collar, which helps keep out debris, and better traction and grip, thanks to deeper lugs (which were 4 mm and are now 6 mm deep). The very durable upper has a cord lacing system and lace keeper. It could be a good choice for cooler days or winter running; it’s just a little too much shoe for warm weather or less technical terrain/conditions. It will appeal most to runners who like a very protective and firm feeling underfoot. The fit is long and slightly narrow; our tester was able to comfortably go down a half size.
NNormalKjerag 02
Category: TrailUnisex: 230g (8.1 oz.)Offset/drop: 6 mmStack height: 26 mm/20 mmLug depth: 3.5 mm$260
Here’s how versatile this new version of the Kjerag is: it was worn not only by Elhousine Elazzoui of Morocco and Joyce Njeru of Kenya, who conquered the men’s and women’s 23K distance at this year’s Broken Arrow Skyrace in California, but also Kilian Jornet (the brand’s founder), who flew to a podium finish at the much longer, but less technical, Western States 100.
This second version of the NNormal performance shoe has an updated midsole with 2.5 mm more supercritical foam cushioning (and therefore more protection from sharp objects underfoot) and an increased rocker, for a ride that’s more supportive, more comfortable and more responsive/propulsive than the original version. It also has a thinner, lighter, more breathable upper, with a more durable lacing system, textured laces and a stretchy new knit tongue that’s gussetted well back toward the ankle, for a more comfortable and secure fit. Our tester loved this new socklike upper and the shoe’s lightness, while finding the cushioning to be a bit on the firm side.
The unbeatable Vibram Megagrip outsole is unchanged.
AltraLone Peak 9+
Category: TrailMen’s: 327 g (11.6 oz.)Women’s: 264 g (9.3 oz.)Offset/drop: 0 mmStack height: 25 mm/25 mmLug depth: 3.5 mm$195
Having just reviewed the Lone Peak 9 in our Trail Special issue (which came out in March/April), there is now a new Lone Peak—the 9+, which has been given the much-lauded Vibram Megagrip outsole, which means greatly improved durability, traction and grip.
As an all-purpose, zero-drop trail shoe, the Altra Lone Peak just works. Issues with the durability of the upper were dealt with in the 9, which was given a new ripstop mesh upper, with seamless overlays in strategic areas.
The shoe also has a rock plate and gaiter attachments, and employs the brand’s Original Footshape fit—the roomiest of the three Footshape styles (the other two being Standard and Slim). For many runners with wider feet, putting on a pair of Altras is like breathing a sigh of relief. Our only quibble is that the 9+ is slightly heavier than the 9, which itself is not particularly light.
Our tester is a big fan of the cushioning in the brand’s 4 mm drop shoes, but had relatively little experience with zero-drop. They were pleasantly surprised by the 9+, particularly regarding the feeling of security from the Virbram outsole, even while descending and cornering in a sudden downpour. (They also commented that their feet stayed relatively dry, which may also point to improved durability, though possibly a lack of breathability, in the upper.)
ColumbiaKonos Trillium ATR
Category: TrailMen’s: 337 g (11.9 oz.)Women’s: 278 g (9.8 oz.)Offset/drop: 8 mmStack height: 35.5 mm/27.5 mmLug depth: 4 mm$160
The Konos Trillium ATR is more of a conventional trail shoe, compared to the Konos Featherweight, which we reviewed in the 2025 Trail Special issue (and which we would classify as road-to-trail, with the emphasis on road). The 8-mm drop is high for such a high-stack shoe, and will appeal most to newer trail runners looking for an affordable shoe for occasional off-road adventures. It has a breathable mesh upper, with a padded and gussetted tongue and decent protection around the heel, toe and lacing system.
The shoe has the feel of a high-stack, plush road trainer. The single, vertical flex groove in the outsole makes it very flexible, and the softness of the cushioning allows good ground-feel, especially for such a high-stack shoe. The outsole delivered decently good traction; the closely-spaced lugs did trap a few small stones, but it wasn’t a problem. The fit is slightly long, and we found the toe box slightly confining, but it felt lighter than it actually is. It definitely works as an entry-level trail shoe, or for those transitioning from roads to trail-running. (Also, the price is right.)
