Gel Cumulus 28 vs Fresh Foam X 1080 15

The Gel Cumulus 28 is Asics at its most dependable: a cushioned, neutral daily training shoe built to soak up easy miles without asking anything clever of your stride. It is not a max-cushion plush ride and it is not a tempo shoe, it sits in the sensible middle as a do-everything running shoe for the bulk of your week. The 13.3mm drop is high by modern standards, which makes it forgiving and natural if you land on your heel, and the gel cushioning under the rear foot takes the sting out of harder landings. At 252g it is no featherweight, but it carries that weight as stability and longevity rather than dead bulk. We rate it as one of the safest first running shoes you can buy, and a reliable second pair for more experienced runners who want a soft, no-drama trainer for recovery days. If you want more pop, look elsewhere. If you want miles, this is it.

The Fresh Foam X 1080v15 is New Balance at its most comfortable: a premium, max-cushioned daily training shoe built to soak up easy miles and long runs without ever feeling harsh. This is the brand's flagship cushioned trainer, and the pitch is simple. You get a big, soft slab of Fresh Foam X underfoot, a smooth heel-to-toe roll and a knit upper that feels more like a slipper than a race shoe. At 261g it is not light, and it is not trying to be. It is a neutral running shoe for runners who put comfort first and want one dependable pair for the bulk of their weekly mileage. We rate it as one of the best plush daily trainers you can buy right now, especially if your legs like a forgiving landing. It will not thrill you at pace, but for recovery days, steady runs and marathon training blocks it is hard to fault.