“Tried and true” refers to running shoe models that have proven their worth over many iterations and are in their third or higher update. Note: this review appears in the September & October 2025 print issue of Canadian Running, on newsstands now.
AsicsGT-2000 14
Editor’s Pick: Best Stability Shoe
Category: StabilityMen’s: 273 g (9.6 oz.)Women’s: 239 g (8.4 oz.)Offset/Drop: 8 mmStack Height: 36.5 mm/28.5 mm (men’s), 35.5 mm/27.5 mm (women’s)$180
The GT-2000 has been around for a long time, and with good reason—it’s supportive without being restrictive, and makes a reliable daily trainer or long-run shoe for those with a slight tendency to overpronate. GT-2000 stalwarts won’t notice any major changes to the shoe’s geometry (stack height and drop) with this latest update, or the way the 3D Guidance System gently corrects excessive rolling-in. It is just a touch heavier than the 13.
The midsole now uses FF Blast Max, a polyolefin cushioning foam that’s both soft and bouncy, and which is also in the Novablast 5 trainer. This has given the GT-2000 a little more bounce than it’s had in the past. The GT-2000 now also has the “trampoline pod” under the forefoot, which is designed to give a springier toe-off. Plus it still has the PureGEL cushioning in the rear; this, combined with the shoe’s 8-mm drop, will be quite appealing to heel strikers and casual or heavier runners.
Our tester found the fit a little roomy and less precise than the brand’s other models; we suggest trying a heel-lock lacing if this is an issue.
AdidasAdizero Boston 13
Category: Neutral cushioningMen’s: 276 g (9.7 oz.)Women’s: 157 g (5.5 oz.)Offset/Drop: 6 mmStack Height: 36 mm/30 mm$190
If you’re a fan of the Boston 12, you’re going to love the 13, since the specs are very similar. This high-stack trainer from Adidas is a tiny bit (1 mm) less high at the heel than the previous version, giving it a slightly lower drop and feels nicely cushioned without any hint of instability. There’s 14 per cent more Lightstrike TPEE between the foot and the glass-fibre-infused EnergyRods 2.0 embedded in the midsole (which are like a multi-pronged propulsion plate), and it’s a bit softer than in the 12. There’s a layer of regular Lightstrike (EVA-based) cushioning below the rods. Designed for faster workouts or races, the shoe is reasonably responsive without being excessively stiff or firm.
The main updates are to the shoe’s very breathable mesh upper, which has been modified with more padding in the tongue and collar, a more traditional lacing system and a more supportive heel counter. The fit is quite generous; you might be able to go down a half-size. The 13’s outsole has been slightly modified, and is relatively smooth—probably best for dry pavement. The shoe is versatile enough to work well for just about any type of training or racing.
PumaVelocity Nitro 4
Editor’s Pick: Best Long Run Shoe
Category: Neutral cushioningMen’s: 250 g (8.8 oz.)Women’s: 190 g (6.7 oz.)Offset/Drop: 10 mmStack Height: 36 mm/26 mm$175
We were pleasantly surprised by the new Velocity Nitro, now in its fourth iteration. The shoe now has a full Nitrofoam (nitrogen-infused EVA) midsole, which feels very soft and cushy. It’s an excellent choice for the casual or recreational runner who wants good quality and soft cushioning in a shoe that can be used for a variety of purposes. (The high drop will appeal most to heel strikers.) We have found the fit to be a little idiosyncratic, but the very cushy and comfortable midsole makes up for any slight imperfection in the fit.
Though the price has gone up $10 since the previous version, the shoe still gives good value, and has a lot to recommend it. The upper has been made lighter and more breathable, with a nicely padded, perforated tongue, and the rolled heel collar has been modified slightly; apart from these and the midsole update, it has been pretty consistent from version to version. Notably, the brand has shaved almost 15 grams (half an ounce) off the weight, without compromising things like outsole durability.
Arc’teryxNorvan LD4 GTX
Category: TrailUnisex: 280 g (9.9 oz.)Offset/Drop: 6 mmStack Height: 25 mm/19 mmLug Depth: 4 mm$240
This is a waterproof version of the Norvan LD4 (reviewed in this year’s Trail Special edition), a shoe that works equally well for daily training or long ultras on all types of trails, and particularly for mountain running. It’s very well made and durable, and will keep your feet dry and warm in rain, stream crossings or mud, as well as providing excellent grip and decent traction on wet surfaces.
This fourth version’s stack height is 4 mm lower than the third, promoting better ground feel and stability. The durable upper has an integrated tongue, which makes a very snug fit across the top of the foot, though the fit around the ankle feels less secure. The very durable upper has TPU reinforcements in strategic areas. The Gore-Tex version is only marginally heavier than the regular version; both are unusually light for a trail shoe.
The shoe is noticeably firmer than the previous version and will appeal most to those who like a very firm midsole; the consensus is it’s noticeably firmer than the previous version, which we found quite firm.
New BalanceFuelCell Rebel v5
Editor’s Pick: Best Daily Trainer
Category: Neutral cushioningMen’s: 218 g (7.7 oz.)Women’s: 174 g (6.1 oz.)Offset/Drop: 6 mmStack Height: 36 mm/30 mm$180
The FuelCell Rebel has changed quite a bit since it was first introduced in 2019, but it’s still a very light, fast, highly cushioned and responsive trainer/racer with all the bells and whistles—except a propulsion plate. This means it’s significantly more accessible, both in price and performance, for runners who just want to have fun, without the eye-popping price of a carbon-plated shoe.
This fifth iteration of the model has two additional millimetres of peba cushioning in the midsole, making it cushier than ever, yet it’s still very light. It has a lightweight, breathable mesh upper, a gussetted tongue that won’t move around while you run and a futuristic look that will make you stand out in a crowd. Serious, competitive racers will want something more responsive for workouts, but for daily miles, this shoe does the trick.
SalomonS/LAB Pulsar 4
Editor’s Pick: Best Trail Racing Shoe
Category: TrailUnisex: 250 g (8.8 oz.)Offset/Drop: 6 mmStack Height: 34 mm/28 mmLug Depth: 3.5 mm$260
Salomon has made some significant adjustments to its short-distance trail racer, which took Canadian ultrarunner Marianne Hogan to a third-place finish at this year’s Western States 100. While some runners might opt for something a little softer and more forgiving for ultras, it’s worth noting the following: the carbon Energy Blade is gone, since the brand’s research cast doubt on its value for technical ascending and descending, and this has made the shoe significantly more flexible and forgiving. They’ve also widened the toe box and the platform for greater comfort and stability, though it still fits very snugly and securely through the midfoot. (This also means more lugs on the ground and better traction on soft terrain, even though the lugs are slightly shallower than before; we found it more than adequate, especially on less technical surfaces, such as gravel). The stack height has gone up 5 mm, with the softer, more responsive peba/EVA OptiFoam+ (formerly known as EnergyFoam+) next to the foot, which feels great and still lets you feel the trail well. OptiFoam (formerly EnergyFoam) sidewalls deliver medial and lateral support from the midfoot to the rearfoot.
The shoe’s Matryx upper is both highly durable and very breathable, with a secure, socklike fit, thanks to the long, gussetted tongue that comes well up onto the ankle. (Save your no-show socks for your road shoes.) The shoe has the brand’s much-loved QuickLace system and lace garage.
It’s slightly heavier than the 3, but still more than acceptably light for short-distance trail racing.
We rarely comment on shoes’ aesthetics, preferring to focus on performance, but we don’t love the bright red of this model and the S/LAB Ultra Glide (reviewed in our Trail Special issue), and they do not come in any other colours. (We plan to get them as dirty as possible.)
