felt much more natural for faster runners than slower ones. At 225g it’s not the lightest short-distance racing shoe around – very light runners would often be looking nearer 200g – but the Pro Plate makes a noticeable difference. It helps your running

Weight 228gEvaluation The Competition completes Reebok’s impressive Premier line, launched at the start of 2003. It’s a simple, no-frills racer – light, flexible and responsive. There’s a decent amount of cushioning in the rearfoot, although

More about racing shoesRACING SHOES2005 MODELSADIDASSupernova Competition ASICSGel DS Racer Gel Kanji 2004 MODELSADIDASAdistar Competition Response Competition MIZUNOWave Revolver NEW BALANCERC205 RC750PUMAComplete Aello SAUCONYComplete Aello

ADIDASPO Box 39, The Adidas Centre, Pepper Road, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 5SD; 0161-419 2500; www.adidas.com/uk2005 MODELSSTABILITYSupernova Control Revenge CUSHIONEDAdistar Cushion MOTION CONTROLAdistar Control PERFORMANCERotterdam

AdidasAdistar Competition (racing) £80 Climacool Rotterdam (performance) £65 Response Competition (racing) £55 AsicsGel Empire (stability) £95 Gel Evolution (motion control) £90 Gel Nimbus (cushioned) £90 Gel Cumulus (cushioned) £65 Gel Flash DS

in the forefoot) as the Asics Gel 1060 or Nike Air Arma, and not as plush as the Mizuno Wave Conviction.In short The Aztrek is a competent, reliable shoe, but it falls into a highly competitive section of the market. If you want a broad fit, though, it could

REEBOKMoor Lane Mill, Moor Lane, Lancaster LA1 1GF; 01524 580100; www.reebok.co.uk2005 MODELSCUSHIONEDPremier Ultra DMX 2 STABILITYPremier Road Plus II DMX PERFORMANCEPremier Road Lite DMX III Premier Lite III MOTION CONTROLPremier Control II 2004

Weight 364g Evaluation This winter, Nike has introduced a raft of new shoes designed for running in inclement weather and on the trails. From its All Conditions Gear range comes the Phassad. It's a competitively-priced shoe that will appeal

Weight 355g Evaluation Despite being an outdoor brand rather than a running company, The North Face has produced a number of shoes that have proved popular with our off-road and adventure-racing weartesters. The Flight Trail is a decent entry

Weight 344gEvaluation The Jazz 8 delivers what you’d expect of a shoe bearing the Jazz name. Soft cushioning, a wide, comfortable upper and probably the best grip you’ll find on a road shoe. There’s some added stability compared with the outgoing