Mach X 2 vs Endorphin Speed 5

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 Endorphin Speed 5 is Saucony's do-it-all tempo trainer, and in our view it is one of the most useful running shoes you can own. It sits below the carbon race shoes and above the plush daily trainers: a springy, nylon-plated shoe built for the fast half of your week. At 155 pounds it costs less than a carbon racer, and the nylon plate means it flexes rather than dictating your stride, so it stays friendly across a range of paces. Push into a tempo and the PWRRUN PB foam gives you real bounce and rebound. Slow it down for a steady long run and it still feels smooth and protective. Plenty of runners will race a half or even a marathon in it. If you want one lightweight shoe to cover workouts, tempo days, progression runs and the odd race, this is the running shoe we would point you to first. The nearest rival is the adidas Adizero Boston 13.