Novablast 5 vs Aero Glide 3

The Novablast 5 is Asics at its most fun: a bouncy, do-it-all daily training shoe that turns easy miles into something you actually look forward to. It sits in the high-stack daily trainer bracket, with an 8mm drop and a springy ride that rewards a relaxed cadence. At 135 pounds RRP and around 255g it is not the lightest in its class, but the energy you get back more than pays for the weight on everyday runs. This is a versatile running shoe rather than a one-trick pony. It will cover recovery jogs, steady long runs and the odd faster session without complaint, even if it is happiest cruising. If you want something firmer and more locked-down for tempo work, the Asics Superblast 2 is the pricier, sharper sibling. But for most runners after one shoe to carry the bulk of their training, the Novablast 5 is an easy shoe to recommend. We rate it as one of the most enjoyable daily trainers you can buy.

The Salomon Aero Glide 3 is a road-focused, max-cushioned daily training shoe from a brand better known for trail. It is a soft, protective cruiser built for easy miles and long runs rather than chasing pace. At 275g it is not a light shoe, and the 8mm drop plus deep stack put comfort and leg protection first. What you get is a stable, planted ride that keeps your legs fresh when the run drags on past an hour. This is a versatile running shoe for the runner who wants one dependable trainer for the bulk of their week, not a race-day tool. If you already know Salomon from the trails, the road manners here will surprise you. It sits in a crowded max-cushion daily market, and the Aero Glide 4 has since arrived, so at RRP the 3 is best bought on a deal.