Superblast 2 vs Deviate Pure Nitro 1

Two years on, the Superblast 2 is still the shoe other super trainers get measured against. Asics has since released the Superblast 3, but reviewers were close to unanimous on this one, and with the newer model out, the v2 is the one more likely to turn up discounted. It's a big, plate-free running shoe with a 45.5mm heel and a weight of 249g, and it copes with almost any pace: slow marathon-block long runs at one end, races from 10K upwards at the other, for runners who'd rather not wear a carbon racing shoe. Ben Parkes kept reaching for it for months after launch and ranks it among the best shoes they have run in, and Believe in the Run gave its performance their top grade. The catches are a ride that's firmer than it looks and a £200 RRP. If you want one shoe for most of your week and you run long, this is the one we'd pick. If most of your running is easy and short, the cheaper Novablast 5 gets you most of the way there.

The Deviate Pure Nitro is Puma's plateless super trainer, and it sits in a clever spot: most of the bounce of a race shoe, without the plate telling your legs what to do. It runs on a full PEBA Nitrofoam midsole with a 38mm heel and 30mm forefoot, an 8mm drop, and a listed 220g, so it is light for how much shoe you get underfoot. This is a fast everyday trainer rather than a marathon racer. It shines on tempo runs, progression runs and honest daily miles where you want a lively, energetic ride but still want your foot to do the steering. Because there is no carbon plate, it feels more natural and forgiving than a plated super trainer like the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 4, which makes it easier to run slow in. If you want one bouncy running shoe that covers most of your week, this is a strong pick.