Mach X 2 vs Deviate Pure Nitro 1

The Mach X 2 is Hoka's do-it-all super trainer: a carbon-plated running shoe that is light enough to race a half in but cushioned enough to soak up your midweek miles. It sits a rung above the simpler Hoka Mach 7, adding a snappy plate and a bouncier foam so it can push into tempo and race territory. At 260g with a low 5mm drop, it wants you to run through the whole foot and roll off the toes. That plate gives you real pop when you lift the pace, yet the ride stays forgiving enough for a two-hour long run. In our view this is one of the more versatile daily-and-fast trainers going, and the sort of shoe that quietly becomes the one you reach for most. It is not cheap at £180, but as a single shoe that covers easy days, workouts and shorter races, it earns the spot.

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.