Adizero Boston 12 vs FuelCell Rebel 5

The Boston 12 is where adidas fixed the Boston. Versions 10 and 11 had a reputation for a hard, brick-like midsole, and reviewers mostly agreed this one rides softer and livelier while keeping the snap that makes it a tempo running shoe. On paper it's 267g with a 7mm drop and fibreglass rods rather than a carbon plate, so think of it as a training partner for faster sessions and marathon-block long runs, though one reviewer reckoned it could double as a budget racer. Women's Running UK gave it four stars, and Runnea's reviewer picked out how stable it stays on long runs. Where it falls down is fit: a thin tongue, laces that slip and a soft heel counter that heel strikers may not trust. Adidas has since released the Boston 13, which keeps a similar ride and pads the heel and tongue. So the 12 makes most sense when it's clearly the cheaper of the two.

The FuelCell Rebel 5 is New Balance at its most likeable: a lightweight, plateless running shoe that wants to do almost everything in your week. At 220g it is genuinely light for the stack you get, and the FuelCell midsole gives you a soft, springy pop that flatters easy miles and comes alive when you lift the pace. There is no carbon plate here, so this is not a marathon racer. Think of it as the fun, do-it-all uptempo trainer that handles easy days, strides, tempo efforts and even a parkrun without complaint. If you loved the FuelCell Rebel 4, the 5 keeps that playful character and refines the fit. For runners who want one versatile daily training shoe with a bit of race-day spirit, we rate it highly at the price.