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

and the upper offers minimal support, the XA Series is only suited to biomechanically efficient runners. In short Not an off-road shoe for every day training or runners needing support. But if you’re a light, efficient and fast runner, it might be suitable

A new, better-fitting seamless upper for this firm, durably-cushioned staple of the big-guy and big-girl market. It’s not forrunners with stability problems, but the polyurethane midsole and Max Airrear- and forefoot cushioning is designed for heavy impacts. The 384g Internation...

Weight 209gEvaluation Think of the Speed Racer as the more basic alternative to Nike’s Air Sock Flame – which is a brutal thing to say, as Reebok perfected the outsole-free technology that both shoes use years ago. Both shoes have cushioning that’s impressively disproportionate t...

FILA Fila House, Follingsby House, Follingsby Park, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear TN10 8YG;0191-495 4900; www.fila.com2003 MODELSCUSHIONEDFGT1000 2002 MODELSCUSHIONEDFGT320STABILITYFGT340PERFORMANCE TRAININGFGT300FGT LightRACINGRacer2001 MODELSCUSHIONEDF1FGT320STABILITYFGT340Pantera P...

SALOMONSalomon UK, Annecy House, Wade Road, Basingstoke, Hants RG24 8FL;0800 389 4350; www.salomonsports.co.uk2005 MODELSOFF-ROADXA Pro 3D 2004 MODELSOFF-ROADXA Pro 2003 MODELSOFF-ROADXA-Series 2002 MODELSOFF-ROADFlagstaff |XA-Pro 2001 MODELSOFF-ROADRaid Race Raid Sport

AKZO Nobel Abingdon Marathon: Sunday, October 20WHY RUN IT?Speed, Oxfordshire countrysideA well-established autumn marathon, run over reasonably flat country roads.FEESLast year £9/£10ENTRIES TOAbingdon Marathon, PO Box 57, Abingdon OX13 6XR (01235 523351)E-MAILbobevans1@btintern...

Blackpool Marathon Sunday, June 23WHY RUN IT?Speed, sea airOne of Britain’s fastest courses (a new one this year) at the North’s premier resort along coastal paths and promenades, including the Golden Mile. Includes a half-marathon.FEES£16/£18, payable to Blackpool MarathonENTRY ...

Bungay Black Dog Marathon: Sunday, April 8WHY RUN IT?A low-key, mostly flat event over two laps of country roads on the Norfolk and Suffolk borders. There is also a half-marathon option. FEES£8/£9, payable to Bungay Black Dog Marathon. Entries accepted on day (+£3).ENTRIES TOJ Je...

Powerhouse Cardiff Marathon, Sunday September 1WHY RUN IT?It's new. Speed. Cardiff.A new marathon around Cardiff City Centre and the suburbsFEES£15/£16 payable to Barnardo's (Cardiff Marathon) by August 23. No entries on day.ENTRIES TOCardifff Marathon, 11-15 Columbus Walk, Atlan...