Bondi 9 vs Triumph 22

The Bondi 9 is Hoka's maximum-cushion daily running shoe, the plushest, most protective trainer in the range. This is not a speed tool and it never pretends to be. It is built for one job and does it well: soaking up impact mile after mile so your legs finish easier than they started. At 297g with a 5mm drop it is a substantial shoe, and you feel that heft, but the reward is a deep, forgiving stack of foam and one of the most stable max-cushion platforms on the road. The foam in this version runs a touch softer and more balanced than older Bondis, so the ride feels less firm underfoot. We rate it as a recovery-day and easy-miles specialist, and a genuinely good option for heavier runners, tired legs and anyone who spends long hours on their feet. If you want the same brand cushioning with less weight, the lighter Hoka Clifton 10 is the natural alternative.

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.