Gel Cumulus 28 vs Velocity Nitro 3

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 Velocity Nitro 3 is PUMA's do-it-all daily training shoe, and it is one of the better value picks in its class. This is a neutral road running shoe built to soak up your everyday miles, from easy recovery jogs to the odd tempo, without asking you to think about it. At 266g with a 10mm drop it sits in that reliable middle ground: cushioned enough to protect your legs over a long run, but light and lively enough that it does not feel like a chore when you pick up the pace. PUMA's Nitro foam gives it a bit more spring than you would expect at this price. There is no carbon plate and no gimmick here, and that is the point. If you want one honest, versatile trainer to carry the bulk of your training, the Velocity Nitro 3 earns its place. The step-up Deviate Nitro 3 adds a plate if you want more pop for faster days.