Adizero Boston 13 vs Deviate Nitro 3

Adidas left the Boston 13's ride close to version 12 and put most of the update into comfort, with a padded heel and tongue and a new mesh upper. There's also more Lightstrike Pro sitting above the stiff carbon-infused rods. It's still a firm tempo shoe that's happiest once the pace picks up, and at £140 it's a cheaper way into rod-assisted speed than a proper carbon racing shoe. Its biggest rival is another adidas. Ben Parkes and Fordy Runs both liked the Boston 13, and both reckoned most runners would have more fun in the lighter, softer Adizero Evo SL. The Boston's argument is durability and a steadier platform, so we'd point it at runners who want one hard-wearing pair for workouts and marathon-block long runs. If you already own a Boston 12 you get on with, the changes are small.

The Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is a carbon-plated do-it-all running shoe: enough pop to handle tempo work and race day, enough cushioning and rubber underfoot to survive your everyday miles. That dual-purpose brief is what sets it apart from a pure racer. Think of it as one shoe for the runner who wants a single versatile trainer rather than a rotation. With a 10mm drop and a firm-but-lively ride, it rewards you when you get on your toes and press the pace, while staying stable enough for steady runs. At 250g it is not the lightest plated shoe out there, and you notice that on the fastest reps, so treat it as a workhorse tempo and long-run trainer rather than a featherweight 5k weapon. For the £160 RRP you get real durability and a genuinely versatile ride. If you want one carbon shoe that does a bit of everything, it earns its place.