The best speed-day shoes without a carbon plate

Best for runners seeking a versatile shoe for tempo and long runs

The Mach X 2 is inspired by Hoka’s no-compromise Cielo X1 super-shoe, so it should not be surprising that it provides impressive performance, but at a more accessible price.

Starting with the midsole, Hoka has spec’d a multi-layer construction consisting of a highly responsive top layer of Peba foam, a bottom layer of more conventional EVA foam, and sandwiched in between is a Peba plate. This combination delivers a bouncy, propulsive ride that is ideal for speedwork, races and longer runs. The shoe mimics the Cielo X1’s rocker profile, which ensures aggressive toe-offs and encourages runners to pick up the pace.

For those who are interested in numbers, the men’s Mach X 2 clocks in with a 44-mm heel stack and a 39-mm forefoot stack, while the women’s version comes in with 42 mm in the heel and 37 mm in the forefoot. Looking at the upper, Hoka is employing a light and highly breathable woven mesh with a very minimalist heel collar. The combination provides a secure fit during fast workouts, but some runners may prefer a slightly more structured, padded collar.

Underfoot, the outsole showcases the now seemingly standard operating procedure of placing rubber only in high-wear areas to ensure proper grip and low weight; it works. If you want a fast training or racing shoe without the cost of a carbon plate, check out the Mach X 2.

A versatile shoe that can pick up the pace

Looking for a daily training shoe that has plenty of cushioning while retaining enough pop for faster training? Then check out the Asics Novablast 5.

Asics has updated the midsole (FF Blast Max foam), resulting in a bouncy ride that you’ll appreciate on runs of any distance. The upper has also been updated with a unique jacquard mesh that is noticeably more breathable while providing a secure foot-conforming fit. Asics has maintained the height from the previous model: 41.5 mm in the heel and 33.5 mm in the forefoot for the men’s, while the women’s is 40.5 mm/32.5 mm. These numbers nudge the Novablast 5 into maximalist territory, which contributes to the shoe’s plush ride. It’s also worth noting that the outsole uses the same geometric, trampoline-inspired shape as the previous model, which was a hit with many runners.

If you are looking for a fast, well-cushioned daily trainer with a bouncy ride, check out the Novablast 5.

Best for neutral runners seeking a fast, versatile shoe for training and racing

If you’re looking to pick up the pace, but don’t want or need a carbon-plated super-shoe, then check out the new Endorphin Speed 5. Built with a midsole featuring an updated version of PWRRUN PB foam that sandwiches a full-length nylon (not carbon) plate, the Endorphin 5 delivers a firm, responsive ride that is perfect for speedwork, tempo runs or racing.

The addition of Saucony’s Speedroll construction further encourages smoother and faster transitions. From a numbers perspective, the Endorphin Speed 5 clocks in with a 36-mm heel stack and a 28-mm forefoot stack, for 8 mm of drop. These are proven numbers and should work for the majority of runners. For the upper, Saucony has employed a new lightweight engineered mesh that provides excellent comfort and breathability.

Underneath, an XT-900 carbon rubber outsole provides solid traction and has been strategically beefed up in high-wear areas for increased durability.

If you want a fast training and racing shoe with a firm, responsive ride, consider the Endorphin 5.

Best for runners seeking an affordable, bold-looking shoe for fast training

If you are looking for a fast and affordable shoe with more traditional geometry, the Noosa Tri 16 may be perfect for you. Built on an FF BLAST PLUS midsole, the Noosa Tri 16 offers a wonderful blend of cushioning and responsiveness. When combined with the shoe’s rocker geometry, this combination results in a smooth ride with a powerful toe-off.

Some runners might be surprised by the Noosa Tri 16’s relatively diminutive numbers by modern standards. While the shoe has a very typical 5-mm drop, the 34.5 mm heel stack and 29.5 mm forefoot stack allow runners to stay closer to the ground without completely compromising impact protection. As a side benefit, this construction enables the shoe to achieve a feathery 215 g weight (and who’s not a fan of light shoes?) without having to use a minimalist upper. Speaking of the upper, Asics has spec’d a vibrantly-coloured, engineered mesh textile that is comfortable, hugs your foot, and is incredibly breathable (runners training in hot conditions take note). Finally, an ASICSGRIP outsole does an admirable job of providing exceptional grip without excess weight.

Best for runners seeking a responsive, cushioned shoe for fast workouts and longer runs

The new Hyperion Max 2 manages to hit a compelling running sweet spot by delivering enough responsiveness and propulsion for fast workouts while retaining the cushioning necessary for longer daily runs.

Brooks has achieved this by updating the Hyperion Max 2 with a new midsole construction that features a peba SpeedVault plate for additional propulsion. The midsole also uses Brooks’ DNA Flash v2 foam, which is 10 per cent more responsive. These updates, combined with the shoe’s RapidRoll rocker geometry, deliver exceptional cushioning, increased responsiveness and faster heel-to-toe transitions. The stack height has also been increased by 4 mm in the heel and 6 mm in the forefoot, for extra softness and protection.

While midsole updates may get most of the attention, it would be unfair to ignore the Hyperion Max 2’s new upper. Constructed with an engineered mesh, the new upper offers exceptional fit and breathability. If you are looking for a versatile shoe for fast workouts and longer runs, look no further.

Products reviewed in this article: