Fresh Foam X 1080 13 vs Invincible 3

The Fresh Foam X 1080v13 is New Balance's plush daily training shoe, a max-cushion running shoe built to soak up the miles rather than chase a personal best. At 285g with a 6mm drop it is not light, but that is not the point. This is the shoe you reach for on easy days, long runs and recovery jogs when you want a soft, forgiving ride and a bit of luxury underfoot. The Fresh Foam X midsole is on the softer, bouncier end of the daily-trainer scale, and the knit upper is one of the most comfortable New Balance has made. It is a neutral shoe with no plate and no stability posting, so it leans into cushioned comfort over speed. If you want a do-everything cushioned trainer for steady mileage, we rate it highly. Just know that the newer 1080v14 has since taken over the line, so v13 is often the smarter buy on price.

The Nike Invincible 3 is Nike's big, bouncy neutral trainer, a max-cushion running shoe built to eat up easy miles and keep your legs fresh for the next session. This is not a race shoe and it is not trying to be. The stack is tall, the foam is soft and springy, and the whole point is protection over distance. You get a rolling, energetic ride that flatters recovery runs and long steady efforts. At a 9mm drop it sits in familiar territory for most runners, and at 310g it is on the heavier side, which you feel if you try to push the pace. In our view this is one of the best daily training shoes for a neutral runner who wants maximum comfort and does their speed work in something lighter. If you want a similar soft ride at a lower weight, the Nike Vomero 18 is the leaner sibling. Priced at 180 pounds it is a premium buy, so it earns its place as your dedicated cushioning workhorse.