for protection. It’s fine for multi-day multisport races – especially if you bike with toe clips and straps and want to use the same shoe for running and cycling – but faster teams will want a lighter, more running-oriented shoe.Try it if you liked North Face

radically different, but the main change in this fourth version is that a cradle has been incorporated into the rearfoot to guide the foot through the gait cycle. As well as further smoothing an already exceptionally smooth ride, the cradle should add a

. And – given the shoe’s clumpy look – faster, smooth running is surprisingly easy.On a purely visual level, the main difference between the Shox D and R4 is the removal of the zipped shroud over the laces. The shoe now looks far more runner – rather than street

runners shouldn’t discount it.Try it on if you liked Saucony 3D GRID Hurricane 4 (£79.99); Asics Gel Kayano (£104.99); Adidas A3 (£99.99); Asics Gel Creed (£89.99)

and midweight runners who have no biomechanical problems but want a smooth shoe with a relatively stable base.Try it if you liked Reebok Sky DMX Lite (£90); Asics Gel Cumulus (£65); New Balance 1020 (£70); Nike AirExeter (£80)

-suited to bigger runners. It’s also moderately heavy, though not as heavy as the Shox R4. The ‘no’ is in that, while Nike focuses on the ultra-long-lasting, springy rearfoot cushioning of Shox, Adidas emphasises the guidance of the foot through a stable gait cycle

can throw at them. With the latter camp in mind most manufacturers now produce an off-road shoe that, as well as providing traction on rough ground, also offers complete protection from H2O. We've put 10 of them to the test.Asics Gel-Eagle Trail Gore