Top 10 shoes our testers are loving in December

The Adidas Adizero EVO SL is a lightweight, high-performance running shoe that gives you Adidas’ premium Lightstrike Pro midsole foam.

Weighing just 224 g (7.9 oz.) , it’s designed for speed and versatility. The ride is ideal for tempo runs, long training sessions and even race day. A nylon midfoot shank adds stability without compromising flexibility, while the engineered mesh upper ensures breathability and a secure fit. 

The wide toe box promotes natural foot splay, and the foam is firm enough for a little added stability. This is intended as a road shoe, but the Continental rubber outsole gives it enough traction to handle slippery surfaces, or even some gravel or hard-packed trails.

For runners seeking a single shoe that can do it all, the EVO SL is a compelling choice.

 

The FuelCell Rebel V5 is that shoe you reach for when you want to run fast and feel good doing it. We loved the last version, but this might be the best Rebel yet.

True to its name, it comes with FuelCell midsole featuring a mix of peba and EVA foam to deliver a propulsive ride that’s made to last. This shoe is also remarkably light at only 227 g (8 oz.) in a men’s size 9, despite having more foam than the last version and adding rubber at the forefoot to improve grip.

Another selling point is that it’s a good-looking shoe. New Balance provides a ton of colourway options that complement the streamlined mesh upper design. The redesigned heel and tongue add comfort and a cool retro vibe to the aesthetic.

New Balance describes it as an upbeat trainer that can easily transition from long, steady runs to something swifter and more spontaneous. Basically, you’ll want to have this on your foot every time you leave the door.

The third generation of the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Flash series is built for speed and comfort. It features Smooth Speed Assist to promote an ideal gait, Mizuno Enerzy XP for lightweight cushioning and energy return, and Mizuno Enerzy NXT for added midsole stability.

A glass-fibre-infused nylon Wave plate enhances propulsion, while the engineered mesh upper, internal support strap, and lightweight heel counter ensure a secure, breathable fit. With a triple shoelace loop system and durable rubber outsole, it’s ready for intense workouts, races, or daily training.

Weighing just 244 g (8.6 oz.) with a 3-mm drop and a stack height of 34.5 mm–37.5 mm, it offers a responsive ride in a lightweight package. Eco-friendly materials round out this performance-focused shoe, making it a smart choice for sustainability-minded athletes.

Daily Trainers

The Brooks Ghost Max 3 offers a plush ride with smooth transitions. This shoe is on the heavier side at 306 g (10.8 oz.) in a men’s 9, but it comes in a comfortable package that’s perfect for crushing slow or steady miles.

There’s a 6-mm heel-to-toe drop, ideal for runners who prefer a low-offset platform. The midsole is built with DNA Loft v3 cushioning, Brooks’ self-described softest and most responsive foam. A GlideRoll Rocker geometry helps effortlessly guide the foot through heel-to-toe transitions.

The shoe has a broad base for added stability which supports a neutral stride without interfering with natural movement. It’s also orthotic-friendly, with a roomy toe box and adaptable fit. The upper is engineered for breathability and comfort, and the outsole is designed for road traction and durability.

The Ghost Max 3 is designed to make running easier and delivers on that promise.

 

 

Winter weather has arrived in Canada and the Saucony Triumph 23 GTX is the perfect trainer for this season.

The Triumph 23 GTX pairs a thick stack of responsive PWRRUN PB cushioning with Gore‑Tex Invisible Fit technology, keeping your feet warm, dry and comfortable. There’s extra protection in the outsole, as well, from redesigned XT-900 carbon rubber. The super-responsive sock liner (SRS) remains the same as the regular Triumph 23, for great comfort on step-in.

Weighing in at a very light 285 g (10.0 oz.) in a men’s 9, you’ll barely notice any extra weight from these enhancements. This is a great option to protect your feet from rain, slush and snow without sacrificing the premium cushioning you want in a daily trainer.

Stability Shoes

Brooks’s flagship stability trainer returns with a smoother ride and softer cushioning. The Adrenaline GTS 25 uses GuideRails support to keep excess motion in check without feeling restrictive, while nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 foam delivers plush comfort for long miles.

A beveled heel improves transitions, and the engineered mesh upper offers a secure, yet breathable, fit. Plus, at just over 301 g (10 oz.) for a men’s 9 , it’s not the lightest shoe, but its durability and dependable stability make it a go-to choice for runners logging steady mileage or building toward race day.

The ASICS Gel-Kayano 32 is a premium stability running shoe built for long-distance comfort and adaptive support.

It features FF Blast Plus foam in the midsole, offering cloud-like softness and responsiveness with a lighter weight and higher stack height. The 4D Guidance System provides dynamic stability by responding to excessive load, helping maintain a balanced stride throughout your run. A reinforced tongue wing adds arch support and comfort, while Rearfoot Pure Gel technology enhances shock absorption.

The engineered mesh upper improves breathability, and the knit heel pull tab makes the shoe easy to slip on and off. There’s lots of great features you might not notice right away too like reflective features around the upper to add visibility in low-light conditions and a durable rubber outsole with enough grip for any road surface.

This shoe is ideal for runners seeking reliable support with plush comfort.

The GT-2000 14 GTX is a stability shoe built for runners who won’t let cold, wet weather slow them down. Its Gore-Tex Invisible Fit upper offers seamless waterproof protection, keeping feet dry and comfortable through rain and snow. All of this comes in a package with over 50 per cent recycled content in the upper, making it a sustainable choice, too.

The FF Blast Max cushioning proves that you don’t need to wear neutral shoes to get responsive and bouncy foam. In combination with PureGel technology in the rearfoot, it makes for a soft, energized ride.

The stability comes from Asics’ 3D Guidance System, which keeps you locked in position through your stride. The outsole is very grippy, which adds stability when tackling different terrain or weather conditions.

Whether you’re logging winter miles or navigating icy sidewalks, the GT-2000 14 GTX offers warmth, traction and bounce in every step.

Trail Shoes

If you’re hunting for a trail running shoe that blends innovation with performance, the Salomon S/LAB Pulsar 4 is a standout. Engineered for runners who train across mixed terrain, this shoe delivers both precision and propulsion.

Its dual foam cushioning system provides a rocket-like boost to each stride, while the specially crafted outsole with 3.5 mm lugs grip confidently on unpredictable surfaces. Weighing in at just 250 g, it boasts a lightweight build with a snug, foot-hugging fit that enhances speed and control. With a moderate level of cushioning, standard width, and a 6 mm drop, it strikes a balance between comfort and responsiveness.

Though specific safety features aren’t listed, its design and materials suggest reliable support and durability on rugged trails. For runners chasing performance without sacrificing stability, the S/LAB Pulsar 4 is trail-ready and raring to go.

Brooks takes its fan‑favourite Ghost and adds in some extra padding and small lugs to create a hybrid shoe for roads and trails.

The Ghost Trail features the same nitrogen‑infused DNA Loft v3 cushioning as the original Ghost lineup, a TrailTack Green outsole with 3-mm lugs for confident grip, and a reinforced upper for durability. This might be a trail-focused model, but it keeps to the weight of a road shoe, weighing at 300 g (10.6 oz.) in a men’s size 9, an almost unnoticeable 3 per cent increase from the road-focused Ghost 17 model.

Turning to the upper, you still get the breathable air mesh of the Brooks Ghost, but with some modifications to withstand dirt and debris. This includes a toe cap and a mudguard–features that will not only keep you comfortable, but also supply the protection you need for a variety of terrain.

 

Products reviewed in this article: