Mach X 2 vs Neo Vista 1

Heel rub is the first thing to know about the Mach X 2. Nearly every review mentions it: the heel collar is thin and unpadded, several testers got blisters in the first few runs, and another found it dug into the Achilles. Get past that and the ride is why people put up with it. It's a rockered, snappy super trainer that reviewers took from easy runs to track reps, and Believe in the Run graded its performance an A.

Doctors of Running were less convinced, finding it heavy for fast running and unstable for one of their testers. Hoka has since released the Mach X 3, which reviewers rate more highly, so the 2 makes most sense as a discounted buy. At £180 RRP it's hard to choose over its successor, but check the price table, because an older super trainer at a good discount is a different proposition.

The Mizuno Neo Vista is a plated super trainer, a big-cushion running shoe with a plate inside that wants to do a bit of everything. It is Mizuno's answer to the do-it-all trainer that can handle easy miles on Monday and a tempo session on Thursday without you swapping shoes. At 265g it is not the lightest in the class, and the 8mm drop keeps it grounded and stable rather than tippy. What you get is a smooth, rolling ride with plenty of foam underfoot and just enough pop from the plate to make faster running feel worthwhile. It is not a carbon marathon racer and it does not pretend to be. Think of it as one shoe for a busy training week: comfortable enough for long runs, lively enough for strides and progression efforts. At an RRP of 180 pounds it sits at the premium end, so we rate it best for runners who want a single versatile trainer rather than a quiver. In our view it is one of Mizuno's most likeable road shoes in years.