Adizero Boston 13 vs Endorphin Speed 5

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 Endorphin Speed 5 is Saucony's do-it-all tempo trainer, and in our view it is one of the most useful running shoes you can own. It sits below the carbon race shoes and above the plush daily trainers: a springy, nylon-plated shoe built for the fast half of your week. At 155 pounds it costs less than a carbon racer, and the nylon plate means it flexes rather than dictating your stride, so it stays friendly across a range of paces. Push into a tempo and the PWRRUN PB foam gives you real bounce and rebound. Slow it down for a steady long run and it still feels smooth and protective. Plenty of runners will race a half or even a marathon in it. If you want one lightweight shoe to cover workouts, tempo days, progression runs and the odd race, this is the running shoe we would point you to first. The nearest rival is the adidas Adizero Boston 13.