has slightly more protection in the upper than the very light, breezy mesh the 730 provided. How does it compare with other shoes that straddle the line between performance trainer and racer? The most obvious alternative is the £65 Asics Gel Verdict

Weight 291g Evaluation The term 'performance trainers' probably frightens off more people than it should. The category's old tag of 'racer/trainers' gives more of a hint about how versatile they are. Admittedly only extremely light runners

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

), subscribe online now. Neutral Cushioned | Stability | Motion Control | PerformanceNEUTRAL CUSHIONEDRecommended for runners who need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial support. These shoes are best for biomechanically efficient runners (with

Weight 298gEvaluation For a brand that has such good road-racing shoes, it’s a surprise that Adidas hasn’t been able to make one of the top performance trainers as well. The Rotterdam will elevate the company to that upper level. It’s a lighter

and rocks. The Stoneshield protective layer in the midsole performs a similar function for the soles of the feet. The fit is slightly narrower than normal Nike running shoes and, while cushioned and comfortable, the shoe is slightly stiff in the transition

in the rearfoot, but the Aura is a little firmer.In short The Aura is Saucony’s performance trail shoe. It’s not as good in mud as Saucony’s £50 GRID Approach, but it has a faster, more confident feel.Recommended for Biomechanically efficient runners who train

Hi-Tec Lava Run £50If you associate Hi-Tec with the old-fashioned, budget Silver Shadow running shoe, it's time to broaden your mind. The relaunch of Hi-Tec as a running brand has resulted in some surprisingly good shoes. The Lava Run is more of a

's Gel DS Trainer performance shoe, change to the DS Racer and your marathon time could drop by up to 52 seconds.Nike Air Zoom Elite – £80Weight 290gWith plenty of cushioning, a big medial post for support, and a smooth, responsive ride, the Air Zoom

predecessor. Simply put, this is a groundbreaking shoe. It uses materials in different shapes and places to create a lightweight performance trainer without sacrificing stability.Despite its standard single-density midsole, the Boston provides surprising