Novablast 4 vs Triumph 22

The Asics Novablast 4 is a bouncy, high-stack daily training shoe built to make easy and steady miles feel fun. It sits in the cushioned-but-springy corner of the running shoe market, the sort of trainer you reach for when you want soft landings without a dead, sink-in feel. At 257g it is not the lightest max-cushion shoe out there, but the energetic midsole hides the weight well once you are moving. The 8mm drop keeps you in a slightly lower, more natural position than a traditional 10mm trainer, so midfoot and forefoot strikers tend to get on with it quickly. This is a do-most-things daily trainer rather than a specialist. It will happily soak up recovery jogs, cover a long run, and still has enough pop to enjoy the odd faster stretch. If you want one cushioned shoe for the bulk of your week, the Novablast 4 is an easy shoe to live with. The newer Novablast 5 refines the same recipe.

The Saucony Triumph 22 is the brand's plush, do-it-all max cushion daily training shoe, and it is one of the most comfortable neutral running shoes you can put on for easy mileage. This is not a speed tool. It is a soft, protective ride built to soak up long runs, recovery days and the steady base miles that make up most of a training week. At 286g it sits on the heavier side of the daily trainer market, and the traditional 10mm drop suits heel and midfoot strikers who want a familiar, supportive feel underfoot. In our view the Triumph earns its keep on the days you want to switch off and just clock the distance in comfort. The trade-off is the £170 RRP, which is steep, and a ride that feels muted when you try to pick up the pace. If you want one cushioned shoe for the bulk of your running, it is a strong pick. The newer Triumph 23 refines the same recipe if you want the latest version.