Neo Vista 1 vs Endorphin Trainer 1

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.

The Endorphin Trainer 1 is Saucony's take on the super trainer: a tall, cushioned daily running shoe with a carbon plate, built to soak up big weekly mileage and still turn over when you want to press. It sits above the tempo-focused Endorphin Speed in protection, and it is aimed at the runner who wants one do-everything trainer for easy days, long runs and the odd faster session. At 285g it is not the lightest plated shoe out there, and the £200 price puts it firmly in premium territory, so it is a considered buy rather than an impulse one. What you get for that is a shoe that shields your legs on long efforts and keeps rolling forward thanks to the plate. We rate it as a cushioned workhorse first and a speed tool second. If you want a lighter, snappier ride, the Superblast 2 is worth a look. If you want plush daily miles with a bit of pop, this delivers.