Novablast 6 vs Pegasus Plus 2

The big change for version 6 is a small pod of FF Turbo Squared foam under the forefoot, set into an FF Blast Max midsole. It gives the Novablast a quicker toe-off, and most reviewers think it's the better shoe for it. Ben Parkes rates it the best Novablast so far. Fordy Runs likes the changes too, but wonders whether the series has swapped the fun of the early versions for something dependable and a little safe. One reviewer liked it much less, finding the heel dull and the transition slappy.

This is a daily training shoe for easy miles and long runs, and it can still pick up the pace for strides or a steady tempo. Both UK reviewers share one worry: the Novablast 5 lost its bounce over time for plenty of runners, and most of this midsole is the same foam. At £140 RRP it costs £5 more than the version it replaces, and the older shoe is worth a look while stock lasts.

Nike sells the Pegasus Plus 2 as an up-tempo trainer, and that's the claim reviewers push back on hardest. What you actually get is a comfortable, well-built daily running shoe, with full-length ZoomX foam, an Air Zoom unit under the forefoot and a far roomier fit than the first Pegasus Plus, which reviewers found firm and flat. It doesn't like going fast. At 252g on our spec sheet it's heavy for the category, and the forefoot pod adds stiffness without much obvious spring. Ben Parkes was blunt about it and put several rivals ahead of it for anything quicker than easy running. Run To The Finish was far warmer, rating it as a daily trainer that copes with moderate efforts. We lean towards the second view, with a caveat: for easy and steady miles with the odd marathon-pace block it's a good shoe, but if you want a tempo shoe, the Adizero Evo SL or SC Rebel will serve you better.