Weight 414gEvaluation Asics has been trying to make the motion-control more natural on some of its shoes over the last couple of years by slowing and guiding the foot, rather than just restricting it with firm medial posts. Now it’s the turn

under the laces, and the fact that the upper lets water out easily. The upper is nicely sculpted, especially around the midfoot, though two of our women weartesters noted that the shoe slipped on their (narrower) heels up hills. More significantly, more

an exceptionally smooth shoe that’s cushioned enough for neutral runners, heel strikers and forefoot strikers, stable enough for mild to moderate overpronators, light enough for quick runners and protective enough for midweight runners. The most visible change

. 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

This model may still be available on clearance. But we've reviewed a newer version since we published this.Weight 314gEvaluation Some of New Balance’s shoes you either like or you don’t – such as the firm but responsive 854. By contrast, the 760

agreeable trail shoe. The one-piece, sock-style, reinforced upper is comfortable, and although initial fit is pretty generous, it laces quite a way down to the forefoot, so getting the shoe snug is easy. Grip is slightly better than the new Trail Pegasus

Last year the Wave Mercury received quite a hefty update with the addition of carbon fibre to its double fan-shaped wave. That meant extra stability in this light, smooth and responsive shoe. All that Mizuno have done for 2004 is improve the upper

shoe, the Lafuma Active Trail has a durable, but stiff, Vibram outsole. The outsole has generous lugs, though, so there's a fair amount of grip in wet mud. The Active Trail also has a “twin” lacing system – pull a toggle towards the front of the shoe

fractionally less grippy – alternative to classic bare-bones fell shoes such as Walshes and Felldancers. The new version has softer lugs for better traction on wet rock, but the lace loops don’t extend as far down the shoe as before, which makes the forefoot