2024 is here and we know that all you running lovers are mad to hit the road! So before you do, we’ve put together this comprehensive Running Shoe Review so you get the pair that you need.

This comprehensive review meticulously examines each contender, ensuring that whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a casual jogger, your next step is supported by the best.

The landscape of running footwear evolves rapidly, and this year’s lineup showcases groundbreaking advancements that cater to diverse running styles and environments.

Whether you’re running, walking or working out, wearing proper footwear is essential for many reasons.

We’ve got all the big running brands included – Hoka, Nike, adidas, ON Running, ASICS and Brooks.

You might find some worth in our Running Shoe Size Guide Blog.

Runner Review Cushion Explained

So before we go through the contenders, it’s important that you are aware of your foot type.

On the Intersport Elverys website, you may notice discriptions like Neutral, Stability and Maximum Comfort. These are all to do with your pronation.

Make sure to call into select Intersport Elverys stores to aveil of our SafeSize 3D foot measuring service to find exactly what type of pronotation you have.

2024 Runner Review: Our Top Picks

Nike Air Winflo 9 Shield Weatherized

Overview: The Nike Winflo 9 is celebrated as an all-around versatile shoe, perfect for various activities and notable for its stylish design. It’s a shoe that fits well into both athletic and everyday contexts, offering comfort and versatility at a budget-friendly price.

This sure to be a popular choice for the roads of Ireland this year.

Key Features:

• Weight: 10 oz (283 g).
• Price: €125.
• Design: Updated upper, utilizing a translucent mesh for breathable comfort, and a new sole unit with Cushlon foam and Nike Air technology for enhanced impact support.
• Performance: Ideal for easy 3-5 mile runs, various workouts, and casual wear. It works well for speed workouts but might not be the first choice for longer distances due to a lack of responsiveness.
• Fit and Comfort: True to size with a roomy toe box. The shoe provides a secure and stable fit, and the heel feels cushy. However, the upper is harder to clean compared to previous models.

Pros:

1. Budget-friendly.
2. Versatile for different activities.
3. Available in many color options.

Cons:

1. Less responsive over longer distances.
2. The upper material is challenging to clean.

Conclusion: The Nike Winflo 9 is a great value for its price, offering a stable and comfortable ride for moderate distances up to 5 miles or 10km.

It stands out as a versatile training shoe and is suitable for everyday wear too, even if you’re not a runner.

However, for those looking for a racing shoe or for very long-distance running, this might not be the ideal choice​​​​​​.

Nike Zoom Fly 5

Overview: The Nike Zoom Fly 5 stands as a transformative update in the Zoom Fly series, shifting from a fast workout/tempo run shoe to one that caters to

long, slower runs. I

t’s noted for its increased comfort, stability, and cushioning.

Key Features:

• Weight: 9.5 oz (270 g).
• Price: €170
• Design: The Zoom Fly 5 features a full-length ZoomX core in the midsole, a more traditional upper with a detached, gusseted tongue, and a wider midsole base for extra stability.
• Upper: The upper unit has been revised for better comfort and lockdown, feeling more like a daily trainer.

Pros:

1. Improved outsole durability.
2. The most stable version in the Zoom Fly series.
3. Softer and more comfortable than its predecessors.
4. Excellent upper comfort.
5. Increased cushioning.

Cons:

1. Slower than previous versions of the Zoom Fly.
2. The ZoomX core does not feel as bouncy as expected.

Conclusion: The Nike Zoom Fly 5 has evolved into a shoe better suited for longer runs, offering a softer and more cushioned midsole.

However, it’s noted for a lack of bounce and energy return, making it less suitable for speed work or uptempo runs.

The shoe offers stable and protective padding for long distances but falls short in responsiveness and agility compared to other options in the same category​​​​​​. However, it’s still a great all-rounder and everyday shoe for you busy people.

Adidas Adizero Boston 12

Overview: The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 has evolved to feel more like a daily trainer than a speed trainer.

It features a softer ride and more flexible Energyrods, making it less rockered than previous versions. And we have to say, it looks really, really cool.

Key Features:

• Weight: 9.4 oz (266 g).
• Price: €160.
• Design: Updated midsole with Lightstrike Pro foam and glass-fibre energy rods, softer and more flexible forefoot.
• Upper: Lighter and more flexible than previous version, but less comfortable.

Pros:

1. Softer and more stable ride.
2. Sleeker design.
3. Weight reduction.

Cons:

1. Less rockered.
2. Less akin to the ride of the Adios Pro.

Conclusion: The Adidas Adizero Boston 12 is best suited as a durable daily trainer for those easy runs.

While it provides a softer ride and is lighter compared to its predecessor, it leans more towards being a daily trainer than a workout shoe or speed trainer.

The durable outsole, featuring Continental rubber, is a standout feature for its longevity, so you will get a good healthy lifespan out of it.

However, it may not be the top choice for runners seeking a shoe similar to the Adios Pro 3 or a more energetic, light speed trainer​​​​​​.

Brooks Ghost Max

Overview: The Brooks Ghost Max is a well-rounded daily trainer offering a balanced ride with good stability.

As a spinoff of the regular Ghost series, which has proven hugey popular with Intersport Elverys customers, it offers a softer, more cushioned, and lively ride compared to the Ghost 15, making it a good choice for various runs.

Plus, it looks really cool too!

Key Features:

• Weight: 10 oz (283 g).
• Price: €160
• Design: Higher stack height, softer cushioning with DNA Loft v2 foam, and a stable, wide base.
• Upper: Comfortable fit, true to size, but laces may fray easily.

Pros:

1. Comfortable, luxurious upper.
2. Softer and more cushioned than the regular Ghost.
3. More forefoot cushioning.
4. Modern and stable ride.

Cons:

1. Lower than average outsole durability.
2. Laces prone to fraying.

Conclusion: The Brooks Ghost Max emerges as a more modern and engaging version of the traditional Ghost.

It’s suitable for a variety of runs, offering a balance between softness for easy runs and firmness for uptempo paces. However, it may not be as stable as the regular Ghost due to its firmer midsole and more lean bias.

The Ghost Max is ideal for those who found the Ghost 15 too firm but might not appeal to Ghost loyalists who prefer its consistent firmness and stability​​​​​​. The Ghost 15 was one of the best all-rounders we’ve ever had and this is picking up where it left off.

ASICS Novablast 4 Running Shoes

Overview: This shoe is designed with energy return in mind, and ASICS have spent hours testing it at their Institute of Sports Science (ISS) in Japan.

The NOVABLAST™ 4 is characterised as a firm-riding daily trainer, leaning more towards faster-paced runs.

Compared to its predecessors, it offers increased stability but sacrifices some of the signature bounciness that Novablast shoes were known for. But that might suit a lot of you die-hard ASICS fans!

Key Features:

• Weight: 9 oz (255 g).
• Price: €150
• Design: New FF Blast+ Eco midsole for better stability, modern upper design.
• Performance: Suited more for uptempo runs due to its firmer ride.

Pros:

1. Better stability with firmer midsole.
2. More comfortable and cooler upper.
3. Faster ride compared to previous versions.

Cons:

1. Less bouncy and fun than earlier Novablast models.
2. Increase in weight.
3. Firmer ride, which might not be suitable for all runners.

Conclusion: The ASICS Novablast 4 marks a shift in the series, moving away from the playful and bouncy characteristics towards a more stable, but firmer ride.

This change might appeal to runners looking for a firmer, more responsive trainer but may disappoint those who enjoyed the distinctive bouncy feel of the earlier versions.

While its design remains sleek and modern, the Novablast 4’s firmer direction has altered its overall appeal and versatility​​​​​​. Plus, there’s a variety of colours to choose from.

Hoka Stinson 7

Overview: The Hoka Stinson 7 Shoes are a top-tier choice for runners who prioritise comfort and stability on a variety of terrains.

They stand out with their maximalist design, featuring an exceptionally high stack height for superior underfoot protection and plush cushioning.

Ideal for road-to-trail runners and non-technical trail enthusiasts, the Stinson 7 offers a stable and cushioned ride, though it may not be the best fit for those seeking agility and speed on more technical terrain.

Hoka have burst on to the scene in recent times, and the Stinson 7 is another running shoe that will make waves.

Key Features:

• Weight: The shoe is relatively heavy, 12.7 oz (360 g) for men and 10.8 oz for women.
• Price: €180.
• Design: The Stinson 7 features a Jacquard mesh upper, known for its protection and breathability. It includes a durable rubber toe cap for additional protection and a partially gusseted tongue to prevent debris entry​​​​.
• Performance: This shoe is best suited for road-to-trail runners, non-technical trail runners, or hikers. It offers stability and comfort on varied surfaces, including roads, grass, gravel, or dirt​​​​​​.

Pros:

1. Comfort and Fit: It fits true to size, offering comfort without a breaking-in period. The plush heel cup provides soft cushioning and support around the ankle​​​​​​.
2. Durability: The shoe is highly durable, with significant wear only visible on the outsides of the outsole and midsole after extensive use. It is described as a durable workhorse capable of handling long distances​​.
3. Versatility: Suitable for a variety of terrains, it’s particularly reliable for long training days where speed is not the goal, as well as for longer races with variable terrain​​​​.

Cons:

1. Weight and Agility: Due to its weight, the Stinson 7 might not be suitable for runners seeking agility and responsiveness, particularly on technical or rocky terrain​​​​​​​​.
2. Toe Box Pressure: Some users experienced pressure and rubbing on the big toe after long uses or during the initial period of wearing the shoes​​​​.

Conclusion: The Hoka Stinson 7 is ideal for those seeking a highly cushioned, stable, and durable shoe for mixed terrain running.

Its maximalist design and innovative technology provide comfort and protection, especially for long distances.

However, its heavier weight and limited agility on technical terrains might not appeal to all runners.

This shoe is a strong contender for runners prioritising comfort and stability over speed and agility on trails and roads​​​​. The grip is amazing too.

ON Cloudflow 4

Overview: The ON Cloudflow 4.0 is an evolution of its predecessor, designed as a lightweight training/performance shoe with a versatile and low-profile build.

It excels in stability and responsiveness, making it a standout option among the lightest daily trainers available​.

ON Running shoes really make you stand out from the crowd the Cloudflow 4 will do just that too.

Key Features:

• Weight: The shoe is impressively light, weighing 8.7 oz (247 g)
• Price: €170.
• Design: It features a new engineered woven upper for breathability and a new dual density Helion midsole with a spoon-shaped speedboard. The shoe also has a new outsole with a closed channel to prevent stone trapping​​.
• Performance: Classified as a lightweight training shoe, it offers firm and responsive cushioning. The shoe is designed with a Rocker geometry around the forefoot area, enhancing forward momentum. Suitable for various paces and distances, it’s particularly effective for interval training speeds​​​​.

Pros:

1. Comfort and Fit: Fits true to size with a medium width, accommodating average-sized feet. The upper is breathable, flexible, and roomy, providing comfort during runs​​​​​​.
2. Performance Enhancing: The rocker geometry combined with the new speedboard aids in smooth transition and forward movement. It’s excellent for tempo training and offers an enjoyable rolling momentum​​.
3. Sustainability: ON incorporates sustainably made, recycled materials into the shoe, showcasing a commitment to eco-friendly practices​​.

Cons:

1. Price: Some may find it expensive relative to the features provided​​​​.
2. Cushioning: The foam may be excessively firm for some runners, particularly those who prefer a softer, more cloud-like feel​​​​​​.
3. Narrow Fit: The midfoot fit is somewhat narrow, potentially making it less suitable for those with wider feet​​​​​​.

Conclusion: The ON Cloudflow 4 is a high-performance, moderately cushioned running shoe that shines in tempo training. Its innovative design, including the rockered forefoot and lightweight, breathable upper, offers a unique running experience.

While its firm cushioning and price point may not appeal to everyone, its stability, durability, and unique rolling momentum make it a strong contender for those seeking a reliable and versatile training shoe.

It is particularly recommended for fans of the ON brand looking for a daily trainer suitable for various paces and distances, as well as for those seeking an environmentally conscious option​.

Conclusion

The 2024 running shoe lineup brings forth an array of options that excel in durability, comfort, and technology from Intersport Elverys.

We love our running and we’re committed to bringing you the best Running Shoe Review you can get.

So we hope you enjoyed this blog and all your running for 2024.

Don’t miss our Ultimate Guide to Running Blog.

Remember, the perfect running shoe not only complements your stride but also enhances your journey towards personal bests and beyond

Don’t forget about other important pieces of equipment you might need too.

Our Guide to Finding the Right Sports Bra and our Guide to Finding the Right Leggings is sure to help.

Enjoy the run, we’re with you every step of the way.