Road Test Camp by Finishers: The 2026 Awards Are In

From March 23 to 26, 20 carefully selected testers put the market’s best running shoes through their paces at the first-ever Road Test Camp, held at Matmut Stadium in Lyon. And the Awards, chosen by the testers themselves, are… drumroll, please! 🥁

➜ The adidas Hyperboost Edge challenges the conventions of the daily trainer with a distinctly dynamic profile designed to combine everyday versatility with a taste of speed.

From the moment they slipped it on, testers noted an overall impressive level of comfort, with some describing a slipper-like feel thanks in particular to a welcoming fit and a reasonably comfortable toe box. The fit was considered precise, sometimes snug, with an upper that wraps the foot securely. There were reservations about the collar and tongue, however, which some found stiff or prone to creating pressure points. The first impression therefore shifts between immediate comfort and demanding fit.

Once moving, the foot hold proved effective. The lacing provides a solid lockdown, and the overall support feels reassuring, particularly for runners with narrow feet. Some testers did mention a less-than-perfect ankle hold and either a floating sensation at the heel or, conversely, an overly tight fit depending on their foot shape. Its technical character confirms a shoe that takes some getting used to.

Stability proved more divisive. Although the platform can feel stable in a straight line, the stack height and relatively narrow base may lead to lateral instability, particularly when changing direction. Several testers therefore stressed the need for strong ankles and a controlled stride, placing this model at the demanding end of what runners expect from a daily trainer.

It is in the transition and forward drive that the shoe really stands out. The pronounced rocker, combined with a responsive, bouncy foam, delivers a strong sense of propulsion. The speed feels immediate, with the ability to pick up the pace easily and hold faster efforts. Unusual for the category at this level, that behavior sometimes brings the shoe closer to a tempo or threshold model. Underfoot comfort remains good, despite cushioning that some found firm or slightly lacking in softness.

Overall, the adidas Hyperboost Edge emerges as an unconventional, highly dynamic and versatile daily trainer that demands something from its runner. It will appeal to intermediate to advanced runners, looking for a shoe that can inject energy into everyday runs and handle faster paces without giving up a solid level of comfort. Less suited to beginners or anyone prioritizing security and softness, it is aimed at runners who want to add some pace to their everyday running.

OVERALL COMFORT: 8.1

➜ The KIPRUN Kipride Max embodies a daily trainer built around maximum comfort, while retaining enough dynamism to handle everyday runs effectively.

From the first try-on, testers were struck by its soft, enveloping feel. The fit is welcoming, with plush cushioning that absorbs impact immediately without feeling excessively soft. The foot sits securely, with a comfortable, reassuring upper, although some found the mesh a little thick and warm. The overall sensation is reassuring, ideal for setting off on a run with confidence.

The foot hold confirms this comfort-first approach. Support is consistent, with the foot held securely from heel to toe and lacing that is effective and easy to adjust. A few testers mentioned less-than-perfect heel hold or a slightly bulky feel, partly due to the thick materials. Even so, the shoe remains stable and reassuring, making it suitable for a wide range of runners.

On stability, the testers largely agreed that the platform is dependable, particularly in a straight line. Grip was even highlighted as a strength, inspiring confidence on asphalt and slightly rougher surfaces. Combined with generous cushioning, that stability delivers exactly what runners expect from a comfort- and protection-oriented daily trainer.

The transition feels smooth and natural, with a good balance between flexibility and liveliness. It is not a performance-first shoe, but it can still lift the pace thanks to a responsive foam and a slight rocking sensation. Its DNA, however, clearly favors easy to moderate paces, where its soft, protective cushioning is at its best. Overall comfort was praised across the board, especially on longer runs.

Ultimately, the Kipride Max is a highly comfortable, stable and reassuring daily trainer, ideal for easy runs, recovery and longer efforts at moderate pace. It will particularly suit runners looking for protection and softness, especially beginners and intermediate runners, while offering enough liveliness to keep every run interesting.

OVERALL COMFORT: 8.6

➜ Take your training to another level with the Brooks Hyperion Max 3, a Super Trainer that redefines the balance between generous cushioning and a hard-hitting energy return for demanding runners.

The Hyperion Max 3 makes an immediate impression with its unusual construction and imposing design, which testers often described as a “boat shoe.” The first sensation is plush comfort in a very snug package. The one-piece upper, with an integrated tongue, creates an instant sock-like feel that wraps the foot firmly. Some found it difficult to put on and the toe box quite narrow, even oppressive for wide feet, but the quality of the mesh and secure heel hold immediately convey the shoe’s premium positioning .

Once moving, the contrast between the shoe’s bulky appearance and its dynamic ride is striking. The shift from the first few steps to active running reveals this Super Trainer’s real personality. The fit is highly precise: effective lacing and a rigid heel counter keep the foot perfectly aligned. Although the shoe can feel slightly heavy or stiff during the first low-speed meters, it transforms as soon as the pace picks up. A very pronounced rocker eases the transition and projects the runner forward, creating a mechanical sense of propulsion similar to that of racing models.

The Hyperion Max 3’s defining feature is its explosive dynamism. Testers highlighted exceptional bounce, often compared to a “spring-loaded heel,” which promotes excellent running economy during threshold and tempo sessions. At faster paces, particularly below 4:00/km, the stiff sole, which many said felt as if it contained a plate, becomes a major asset for maintaining speed without excessive effort. That demanding geometry comes with a trade-off: stability. Because of the substantial stack height and occasionally narrow profile, the shoe can feel less secure through tight corners or on uneven ground such as cobblestones. It therefore demands focus and strong ankles to master its technical character.

Overall, the Brooks Hyperion Max 3 establishes itself as a formidable training partner, capable of recreating race-day sensations while protecting the joints with its effective cushioning. It is an ideal tool for marathoners and middle-distance runners looking to sharpen long intervals and faster training runs. The model is best suited to runners with narrow to medium-width feet who want a technical shoe that turns every landing into a dynamic push forward.

OVERALL COMFORT: 8.0

➜ Discover the Mizuno Neo Zen 2, a Super Trainer that deftly combines featherlight weight with slipper-like comfort to make every training mile count.

From the moment they put it on, testers were unanimous about the welcoming feel: this is a genuine performance slipper. They described high-quality mesh that is soft and highly breathable, wrapping the foot in immediate comfort. The traditional tongue is replaced by an elastic integrated sockliner, creating a sock-like feel that eliminates unnecessary rubbing and delivers instant ease. A few testers noted minor pressure points across the instep during initial adjustment, but the dominant impression is plush, almost luxurious comfort, described as a genuine “cloud” by the most enthusiastic runners.

On the road, field testing highlighted the shoe’s technical versatility. Foot hold was considered excellent thanks to an upper that follows the foot’s contours precisely, although the generous lace length sometimes requires careful adjustment for an optimal lockdown. In terms of stability, the Neo Zen 2 feels balanced and reassuring on dry roads. However, its highly flexible foam and tall stack can create slight heel instability during sharp changes of direction or on poor surfaces. This trait, typical of models that prioritize comfort and bounce, calls for a slightly more stable foot strike to unlock the shoe’s potential without losing balance.

The shoe’s transition and forward drive are the highlight of the ride. Unlike some rivals with very rigid sole geometries, this Super Trainer offers a smooth, highly natural transition. The foam delivers generous energy return and responsiveness that becomes more apparent as the pace rises. Very fast runners may find it lacks a little punch during short, explosive intervals, but the shoe excels at saving the legs over longer efforts. It works with the runner rather than fighting the stride, offering a remarkably effortless feel during tempo sessions and longer runs at pace. It meets the category’s central promise: a shoe that can handle everything, from an active recovery run to a structured workout.

With the Neo Zen 2, Mizuno successfully combines maximum protection with an exciting response. Its strengths, including outstanding comfort, surprising lightness and protective bounce, make it an ideal choice for regular runners preparing for a long-distance goal, from the half marathon to the marathon. It is the right tool for runners who want to protect their bodies without giving up the pleasure of a lively stride, for a smooth, confident and genuinely versatile running experience.

OVERALL COMFORT: 8.3

➜ Set new personal bests with the adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, a Super Racer designed as a natural extension of the foot for runners chasing explosive speed and absolute lightness.

When first laced up, the Adios Pro 4 surprises with its balance of uncompromising technology and immediate comfort. Several testers called it a genuine “cloud,” and it feels astonishingly light from the very first steps. The mesh is soft, breathable and clearly high quality, following the contours of the foot with surgical precision, while the fixed tongue ensures a smooth fit without wrinkles. Although the step-in comfort is considered excellent for a racing shoe, some testers found the forefoot particularly snug and the heel counter firm, immediately reflecting the shoe’s sharp, no-compromise character.

In motion, the shoe reveals its pure racer DNA. The lacing system uses very thin laces that some found slightly short or prone to loosening, but it delivers the effective lockdown essential at high speed. Stability is one of the Super Racer’s major strengths, providing complete confidence when accelerating, although a few runners felt the heel sink slightly under intense pressure. A pronounced rocker smooths the transition and quite literally projects the runner forward. This is where the sole technology is at its best: the bounce is described as explosive and extraordinary, with energy return and propulsion that turn every stride into a tangible gain in speed.

Unlike some comparable models that sacrifice cushioning in the name of responsiveness, the Adios Pro 4 maintains remarkable protection. That combination promotes genuine muscular economy, making the shoe not only fast over short, aggressive distances but also durable during prolonged efforts. It meets the expectations of the most demanding athletes with its responsiveness and ability to hold a high pace with remarkable ease. The one drawback noted was slightly limited grip on surfaces other than concrete, confirming its primary purpose: road racing performance.

In short, the adidas Adios Pro 4 is a precision weapon combining astonishing lightness with fierce dynamism. It is the obvious choice for a competitive runner with a strong, efficient stride who wants to chase personal bests from 10K to the marathon. This model is aimed at athletes unwilling to choose between comfort and explosiveness, offering a formidable partner for intervals and race day.

OVERALL COMFORT: 8.4

➜ With the Metaspeed Sky Tokyo, ASICS delivers a radical Super Racer built for speed and runners chasing pure sensation.

From the moment they put it on, testers discover an extremely light shoe with thin, highly ventilated mesh that immediately creates a minimalist impression. Some found that the upper wrapped the foot well and delivered an effective slipper-like feel, while others experienced a more divisive fit, with pronounced pressure under the arch that could feel uncomfortable or even hard. The lacing is broadly praised for its effectiveness, and the midfoot hold convinces despite a thin, understated tongue. Step-in comfort is nevertheless secondary, in keeping with the model’s performance-first DNA.

In motion, the shoe fully reveals its character. The pronounced rocker encourages a forward-oriented stride and invites the runner to accelerate. The bounce and energy return are universally noticeable: the very soft foam creates a trampoline effect that helps maintain high paces and produces a strong sense of propulsion. This efficiency is particularly evident at speed, when the shoe becomes more stable and coherent in its behavior.

That pursuit of dynamism comes with compromises, however. Stability is the issue mentioned most often: several testers reported instability in corners or during lateral loading, with the ankle sometimes feeling insufficiently supported. The fit can also be demanding, especially for wide or flat feet, intensifying the sensations under the arch. The slim, narrow sole contributes to this technical feel and requires an efficient stride, ideally landing toward the forefoot.

Ultimately, the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo is clearly aimed at experienced runners, looking for a pure racing shoe. Ultra-light, explosive and relentlessly performance-focused, it will shine over fast efforts from 5K to the half marathon, and beyond for the most experienced runners. A formidable weapon for going fast, provided your feet and technique can unlock its full potential.

OVERALL COMFORT: 7.3