Adizero EVO SL 1 vs Endorphin Speed 4

Few running shoes of the last couple of years got talked about as much as the EVO SL, and the reason is simple. adidas took the Lightstrike Pro foam from its race shoes, left out the carbon rods, and sold it at a daily-trainer price. At 224g with a 39mm heel, it's a light, bouncy tempo shoe that reviewers keep calling a bargain.

It shines when you pick up the pace. Tempo runs, intervals and goal-pace work are its home, and plenty of runners race half marathons in it. It's less happy at a slow shuffle, and it isn't a stable shoe, so it won't suit everyone as a do-everything trainer.

If you want a plate for race day, the Adios Pro 5 is the step up. As an unplated speed trainer, though, this is the one others in the category get measured against, and the few flaws people mention (laces, tongue, some early outsole wear) are small ones.

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is the do-everything plated trainer, and one of the most complete running shoes in its class. At 233g with an 8mm drop it sits in the sweet spot between a cushioned daily trainer and a stripped-back race shoe, so one pair covers your tempo days, your long runs and the odd parkrun. The plate gives you a gentle nudge through toe-off without the aggressive, all-or-nothing feel of a full carbon racer, which is exactly why so many runners keep coming back to it. We rate it as the shoe to reach for when you want speed without committing to a dedicated marathon shoe. It is not the cheapest tempo option at RRP, and the plusher Endorphin Speed 5 has since taken over the line, but the Speed 4 remains a brilliant buy when it drops in price. If you want the plate but not the price, this is the one to watch.