of their shoes, and that’s what New Balance has done with the 1021. Half of the depth of the midsole is now made from its Abzorb material (the purple layer). Coupled with the shoe’s deep flex grooves, this gives the 1021 a lot of appeal for forefoot

We've reviewed a newer version since we published this.Weight 350gEvaluation The 1021 was a plush, nicely cushioned shoe that appealed to runners who loved a soft ride. It’s replacement, the 1022, is all that and more. New Balance has softened

NEW BALANCE320 Firecrest Court, Centre Park, Warrington, Cheshire WA1 1RG; 0800 389 1055; www.newbalance.co.uk2005 MODELSCUSHIONED 1060 844 STABILITY 854 1050 766 718 2004 MODELSCUSHIONED 1023 STABILITY 856 1221 PERFORMANCE TRAINING 834 900 MOTION

Weight 368gEvaluation Once known purely as a big-guy company, New Balance is now making more shoes for lighter and faster runners. Like its decent 730 and 830, the all-new 1040 is built for responsiveness, with a low-profile midsole and a very

to challenge the responsiveness of the Asics 2070. Now it’s beefed up to go alongside the protectiveness of the Nike Air Structure Triax instead. Try it on if you liked Nike Air Structure Triax (£69.99); Saucony GRID Web (£69.99); New Balance 1021 (£74

| Equipment Gazelle Pro Plate | Response Cushion | Ride | Supernova Cushion ASICSGel Cumulus |Gel NimbusAVIA2069 |257 BROOKSHyperion 2FILAF1 |FGT320MIZUNOWave Phoenix |Wave RiderNEW BALANCE879 |1021 |1040 |2000NIKEAir International Triax |Air Max |Air Presto

(£80); Nike Air Structure Triax (£70); New Balance 1020/1021 (£70/£75)