the doubly-cushioned area to the rest of the forefoot, which can be distracting.Other changes for this year are minor: a slightly tweaked rearfoot cushioning pad for better heel-strike; a tweaked midfoot shank for a smoother lateral ride; and a midsole

and a slightly reinforced upper). They still have the smooth forefoot ride, with Fila’s carbon-fibre flex plate, but a softer midsole means the ride feels even and protective from the moment of heel-strike. Fila has also been happy to ditch its 3A

should avoid any premature wear. Also, a visible VS1 cushioning pad has been added to the heel-strike area, and the upper’s cosmetics have been changed. In theory, the changes should give a slightly softer heel-strike and a fractionally less flexible

, unrestrictive and responsive, and it has great grip for all surfaces but the thickest mud. The key is its thin midsole, which positions the foot close to the ground (in fact it’s so low in the heel that you may need to ease into using it, especially if you

post; an external heel counter, which cups the heel; and a tough support overlay on the upper that is integrated into the lacing system. The Durham also has a polyurethane midsole to suit heavier runners, which is bolstered with rear- and forefoot Air

wouldn’t want to run much on wet pavement in them, as they slip, but that’s nearly always the cost of good off-road grip. If you have any biomechanical problems, this is not the shoe for you. The heel area is too narrow and the heel counter is too soft

toe-off has been narrowed, too (though the upper’s shape hasn’t changed). Even the speed lace loops have been removed. And small details reduce confidence – such as the fact that the bevelled heel is angled differently from the crash pad around it

polyurethane section of midsole in the rearfoot and midfoot with a lighter, more flexible EVA forefoot. The GRID Shadow is built on a straight last, with a good heel counter and a tough upper, all of which gives it the basic stability that all big runners need

stable in the rearfoot but balanced with a longer medial post, and also extended in the forefoot to increase stability there. There’s also a bigger Gel pad to cope with a wider range of heel strikes. Will you notice the difference? Only that the heel sits

the shoe doubles the laces over your midfoot, ensuring a tight fit.Problem: Heel slipping in your shoe.Solution: Lace the shoe using the normal criss-cross technique, then tie a loop-lacing lock on the last eyelet.To stop heel slippage