. The key to the shoe is the Gore-Tex upper, which has all the advantages and flaws of other fully waterproof, breathable uppers. They are fine when running through wet grass or if there is moisture in the air, but a disaster if the water comes over the top

The latest incarnation of one of Nike’s longest running shoes continues last year’s trend to a more runner-friendly product. In truth, this was a move that started last year, but the new shoe has extended the Tubular Air midsole technology from only

lightweight runners need apply. Good rearfoot cushioning comes courtesy of a small Cell pad, heel-to-toe transition is swift and smooth, and the featherweight feel to the whole shoe simply encourages fast running.

will look familiar, because it shares the same outsole and medially-posted midsole. That gives it a broad, stable ride, and cushioning that’s softer than in shoes from many non-running brands that venture into the trail-running market.The difference over

Weight 415gEvaluation This is a good shoe from a non-running brand. The North Face has been building up a small collection of trail-running models, and the Ultra 100 is the most serious in the range. As its name suggests, it’s made for distance

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

and faster. Would you go out of your way to buy the Prevail? Possibly, if you were limited to £55 and didn’t want to buy a discount shoe. In short The Prevail rides better than it looks, and as you run faster, it feels better. It’s best as a brisk training-run

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

Weight 289gEvaluation Performance trainers often capture what’s best about running. The best ones make you feel fast and free, while providing far more cushioning and support than a racing shoe ever could. Many runners find them ideal for 10-mile

Weight 360gEvaluation Salomon has carved itself a healthy niche in the adventure-racing market with a range of shoes that are wonderfully protective, if a little hefty and rigid for those who just want to run in them. That has changed with its new