Clifton Pro 1 vs Wave Rider 29

The Clifton Pro is Hoka taking its most famous daily training shoe upmarket. Where the standard Clifton is the safe, do-everything running shoe, the Pro swaps in a supercritical ProGlide+ midsole to chase more bounce and energy return from the same easy-day brief. With a tall 42mm heel, a moderate 8mm drop and a max-cushion feel underfoot, it is built for soaking up easy miles, long runs and recovery days rather than chasing pace. In our view it sits in the premium daily training shoe bracket, priced accordingly at £155. At 298g it is not light, so this is not a shoe you buy for speed. What you get instead is a plush, protective ride that stays comfortable deep into a long run. If you already love the Clifton 11 and want a bouncier, more energetic version of the same idea, this is the one to try.

The Wave Rider 29 is Mizuno at its most dependable: a neutral daily training shoe built to soak up mile after mile without drama. This is the workhorse of the Mizuno road range, and version 29 leans softer and smoother than the firm, snappy Riders longtime fans remember. At 258g with a 37.5mm heel stack it sits right in the middle of the daily trainer market, cushioned enough for long runs but stable and grounded enough that it never feels wobbly or vague underfoot. You get a versatile running shoe that handles easy days, steady miles and the occasional longer effort with the same unfussy composure. It will not win you a personal best and it is not trying to. What it offers instead is comfort, consistency and the kind of build quality that racks up big weekly mileage. If you want one road shoe to do the bulk of your training, the Wave Rider 29 is an easy shoe to recommend and an easy one to live with.