Fresh Foam X 1080 15 vs FuelCell Propel 5

The Fresh Foam X 1080v15 is New Balance at its most comfortable: a premium, max-cushioned daily training shoe built to soak up easy miles and long runs without ever feeling harsh. This is the brand's flagship cushioned trainer, and the pitch is simple. You get a big, soft slab of Fresh Foam X underfoot, a smooth heel-to-toe roll and a knit upper that feels more like a slipper than a race shoe. At 261g it is not light, and it is not trying to be. It is a neutral running shoe for runners who put comfort first and want one dependable pair for the bulk of their weekly mileage. We rate it as one of the best plush daily trainers you can buy right now, especially if your legs like a forgiving landing. It will not thrill you at pace, but for recovery days, steady runs and marathon training blocks it is hard to fault.

The FuelCell Propel 5 is New Balance at its most sensible: an affordable neutral daily running shoe built to soak up easy miles without emptying your wallet. At around £120 it sits at the value end of the daily trainer market, and it plays that role honestly. The FuelCell foam gives you a firm, stable, dependable ride rather than a soft bouncy one, so this is a shoe for logging steady mileage, easing into a training habit, or keeping your knees happy on recovery days. At 280g it is on the heavier side for a modern daily trainer, and it is not going to make you feel fast. That is fine. If you want more pop for tempo days, New Balance's own FuelCell Rebel 5 is the livelier sibling, and the Nike Pegasus 42 is the obvious workhorse rival. But as a first proper running shoe or a rugged easy-day option, the Propel 5 earns its keep.