NEUTRAL-CUSHIONED SHOES are recommended for runners who need maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial support. These shoes are best for biomechanically efficient runners (minimum pronation) and mid-foot or forefoot strikers with high or nomal arches.

ADIDAS SUPERNOVA CUSHION 7
A$180 NZ$240
WE SAY The latest Supernova Cushion offers an outstanding fit, thanks to the new last. It’s wider through the midfoot, which many testers found comfortable. Also new are two heel plates, found in the midsole, that slide slightly on top of one another to isolate impact forces and slow side-to-side movement. This makes this update slightly more stable. Recommended for runners with normal to high arches looking for a soft shoe with a good mid-foot wrap.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “The cushioning and arch fit were excellent.” – Lisa Benvenuto, 28
“I loved the breathability; a very comfortable shoe.” – Tyler Ernst, 21
WIDTHS Standard–4E (M) Standard–2E (W)
WEIGHT 320g (M) 260g (W)

BROOKS GLYCERIN 6
A$240 NZ$270
WE SAY The latest Glycerin is softer. First, there is a larger cutaway section of outsole under the heel for the foot to sink into just after impact. Also, Brooks added softer foam to the midsole directly under the heel. The improved cushioning was confirmed by RW Shoe Lab tests. Another cool feature is the forefoot, which is curved slightly upward for
a smoother toe-off. Recommended for runners with higher arches who want a soft, stable, neutral shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “This shoe had excellent cushioning but was rather heavy.” – Michael Derstine, 46
“The shoe was extremely comfortable.”
– Dominic DeFlorrio, 21
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 337g (M) 275g (W)

MIZUNO WAVE RIDER 11
A$209.99 NZ$239.95
WE SAY The Rider has the same new heel design we saw in the Inspire 4 (page 74). A stretchy panel in the rearfoot makes the upper less likely to lose its shape at footstrike, which improves the shoe’s heel fit. Deep forefoot flex grooves make this the second most flexible shoe in the guide, and a new sockliner that’s dimpled under the heel and forefoot yields a softer feel underfoot. Recommended for runners with high arches seeking a lightweight and flexible shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “This is a superb shoe for long runs.” – Lauren Garges, 33
“Great overall fit; the upper part of the shoe
was really comfortable around the ankle.”
– Lance Blaskowski, 25
WIDTHS Standard–2E (M) Standard–D (W)
WEIGHT 320g (M) 270g (W)

NEW BALANCE 1062
A$220 NZ$240
WE SAY New Balance overhauled the sole of the 1062 to make it more supportive than its predecessor. The transition bridge is now thicker, and the heel is segmented into three independent pods to better isolate impact forces and promote a smoother transition from heel-strike to toe-off. It’s still the stiffest shoe in this guide. Recommended for bigger runners with normal to high arches who want good cushioning with a bit of added support.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “The arch wrap kept my feet secure, but the weight could be reduced.”
– Todd Davidson, 21
“The shoe had excellent cushioning, great breathability, and an ingenious lace design.”
– Jonathan Laughter, 22
WIDTHS B–4E (M) 2A–D (W)
WEIGHT 380g (M) 289g (W)

REEBOK PREMIER ULTRA KFS V
A$220 NZ$240
WE SAY A new sockliner and an extra layer of foam directly underfoot go a long way to improve the overall comfort of the Ultra. Lab test scores showed that the Ultra remains firm. Reebok added mesh stretch panels to the toebox to accommodate a broader range of foot shapes. As with other shoes in this review, the Ultra was also updated with a price increase. Recommended for bigger runners with high arches looking for a durable everyday training shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “I have wide feet, so the toebox width is great.” – Jim Wilson, 63
“It had great breathability, but the upper was a bit stiff.” – Chea Thaing, 25
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 340g (M) 280g (W)

REEBOK PREMIER CUSHIONING V
A$160 NZ$180
WE SAY This update has a new last that is narrower in the heel and through the mid-foot for a snug fit. Reebok improved the shoe’s durability by adding sections of heavy-duty foam under the heel and forefoot. Some testers felt the upper was stiff even though the shoe uses memory foam in the collar and moulded foam in the tongue to better distribute pressure over the top of the foot. Recommended for runners with high arches looking for a durable everyday shoe.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “I really like how the shoe fit, and it had great cushioning.” – Mike Richmond, 42
“Good durability, but the tongue needs more cushioning.” – Katey Fryzol, 21
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 330g (M) 286g (W)

SAUCONY PROGRID TRIUMPH 5
A$219.95 NZ$239.90
WE SAY The focus of this update is an improved ride, which comes from a new segmented heel that works with a piece of rubber over the heel crash pads (think box spring) to disperse impact forces no matter how the heel lands. The footbridge is now one piece (it had been two in the Triumph 4) to ease the transition from heel impact to toe-off. Our one complaint: the laces are too thin to provide a good fit, even with an arch wrap that connects the eyelets to the midsole. Recommended for runners with high arches who wear down their heels.
WEAR-TESTERS SAY “I liked the shoe’s overall fit.” – Louise Forsythe, 57
“Good support and cushioning, but the laces were hard to use.” – Aron User, 28
WIDTHS Standard
WEIGHT 326g (M) 295g (W)