“Test Camp”: Finishers is reinventing the running shoe test

In close collaboration with FINISHERS, Marathons.com will host the first edition of the Road Test Camp in Lyon from March 23 to 26, 2026. Billed as France’s biggest running shoe test, the event will take a modern, participatory and transparent approach, with every model tested in real-world conditions. The idea is built around a simple but essential question: how can you choose the right running shoe when you can never truly try it first? Here is everything you need to know about an event set to challenge the usual rules.

What if running shoes were finally tested differently? Social media is full of videos showing a ball being dropped onto a shoe’s midsole through a transparent tube to demonstrate foam responsiveness, as well as unboxings that often offer little useful analysis. Nothing replaces testing in real-world conditions. Running has become such a major phenomenon that every brand now has a dedicated range. In a market worth €900 million, nine million pairs of running shoes are sold in France every year. Even so, finding your way through the sheer number of options is not always easy.

Road Test Camp: running shoe testing, reinvented

An event matching runners’ passion for footwear was long overdue. That is exactly what the Road Test Camp is about: a unique event powered by Finishers, with the ambition of becoming the largest participatory running shoe evaluation ever held in France. Combining experience, real-world testing and digital coverage, the event will bring together 20 carefully selected runners of all levels, 10 men and 10 women, with no contract tying them to any brand, for an exceptional testing experience.

100% product-focused testing

Over four days, from March 23 to 26, at Lyon’s prestigious Matmut Stadium, the selected testers will try and compare some of the best running shoes on the market across four categories: daily trainer, super trainer, racer and gravel. Each category will be tested on dedicated courses selected by experts. Participants will try several models blind, with the aim of comparing each shoe’s comfort objectively and without outside influence. No treadmills, no marketing spiel: just miles, sensations and honest opinions.

Test, compare and... feel the difference. After each roughly 40-minute shoe test, participants will complete a feedback form summarizing their sensations, identifying each model’s strengths and weaknesses against precise criteria: comfort, responsiveness, stability and grip.

Product testing is, above all, criticism. It can be positive, but it can also be negative. Even negative feedback can help brands improve their products. Feedback also fuels the thinking behind future innovations. Runners of all levels bring relevant perspectives, and that has real value for manufacturers. That is the Test Camp’s great strength.

Which shoes will win their category?

Finishers has invited every major player in the running industry to provide testers with the broadest possible selection and improve objectivity. The brands’ enthusiastic response demonstrates the relevance and credibility of this innovative concept. At the end of the Test Camp, two awards per category, chosen by the 20 testers, will be presented during a major evening event at the Lyon-based startup’s offices.

Extensive media coverage

An ambitious media operation will run across France’s leading running websites and social platforms, including Finishers.com, Marathon.com and Stadion.com, which have 350,000 followers combined. Our photographers and videographers will follow every tester’s journey, bringing the event to life as if you were there.

A Trail Test Camp in May

The Road edition takes place in March. The Trail edition follows in May. We can already announce that a trail-focused event will be held in the heart of the Cantal region from May 18 to 21. The biggest brands have responded positively, further underlining the concept’s relevance and legitimacy.

DAYS OF TESTING

TEST RUNNERS

BRANDS

► AWARDS

More information coming soon

► CATEGORY: DAILY TRAINER

The Daily Trainer category brings together versatile shoes designed for everyday mileage, easy runs and long outings. The full product selection will be tested blind by the 20 participants, with detailed feedback covering comfort, responsiveness, stability and grip.

ADIDAS HYPERBOOST EDGE

KEY FEATURES OF THE ADIDAS HYPERBOOST EDGE

➜ The adidas Hyperboost Edge is designed to combine comfort and performance. Its Hyperboost Pro midsole combines maximum cushioning with energy return for a lively ride suited to different types of training, from daily runs to long-distance sessions.
➜ Cushioning: Hyperboost Pro foam (PEBA)
➜ Weight: 255 g (men’s 42) – 230 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 45 mm heel / 39 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 6 mm
➜ Price: €200

WOMEN – Available from I-RUN

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28

KEY FEATURES OF THE ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28

➜ The GEL-NIMBUS 28 is one of the most comfortable running shoes in the ASICS range. Around 20 g lighter than its predecessor, it continues to deliver excellent cushioning for easy runs, recovery runs and long outings.
➜ Weight: 272 g (men’s 42) – 232 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 43.5 mm heel / 35.5 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 8 mm
➜ Price: €200

MEN – Available from I-RUN

WOMEN – Available from I-RUN

BROOKS GLYCERIN 23

KEY FEATURES OF THE BROOKS GLYCERIN 23

➜ The Brooks Glycerin 23 delivers soft, balanced cushioning through its dual-cell DNA TUNED foam, with smooth transitions and good stability from heel to toe. Built for comfort and consistency, it is ideal for daily runs, long outings and recovery, with a soft, breathable upper.
➜ Weight: 309 g (men’s 42) – 272 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 8 mm
➜ Price: €180

MEN – Available from I-RUN

WOMEN – Available from I-RUN

CIRCLE SUPERNATURAL RUNNER

KEY FEATURES OF THE CIRCLE SUPERNATURAL RUNNER

➜ The Circle Supernatural Runner is designed for daily runs, faster sessions and easy aerobic running. Launched 18 months ago, the Supernatural Runner Edit 1.0 is made in Portugal and contains 75% natural materials, including wool. Developed with The Woolmark Company and Arkema, it combines comfort, durability and performance for regular road use.
➜ Eco-conscious design: Made to reduce its environmental impact through natural materials, ethical manufacturing, recyclability and circular-economy principles
➜ Weight: 283 g (men’s 42) – 257 g (women’s 40)
➜ Stack height: 31 mm heel / 24 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 7 mm
➜ Price: €175

MEN – Available from I-RUN

WOMEN – Available from I-RUN

CRAFT ENDURANCE 3

KEY FEATURES OF THE CRAFT ENDURANCE 3

➜ With improved breathability and supportive features, the Craft Endurance 3 is a versatile shoe for runners tackling different terrains and conditions. It offers exceptional comfort and performance for everyday running and a wide range of athletes.
➜ Weight: 245 g (men’s 42) – 215 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 38 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 9 mm
➜ Price: €160

MEN – Available from CRAFT

WOMEN – Available from CRAFT

► CATEGORY: SUPER TRAINER

The Super Trainer category focuses on fast, versatile shoes built to handle demanding training sessions, long runs and, in some cases, racing. These models combine a more energetic ride with enough cushioning for high weekly mileage.

ADIDAS ADIZERO EVO SL

KEY FEATURES OF THE ADIDAS ADIZERO EVO SL

➜ Lightweight and responsive, the adidas Adizero Evo SL is ideal for fast road running. Its Continental rubber outsole delivers grip and durability, while the design provides comfort and support. Built for neutral runners, it suits fast runs, tempo sessions and distances from 5K to the half marathon.
➜ Weight: 224 g (men’s 42) – 188 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 38 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 6 mm
➜ Price: €150

ASICS SUPERBLAST 3

KEY FEATURES OF THE ASICS SUPERBLAST 3

➜ The ASICS Superblast 3 delivers an exceptionally energetic ride through its FF LEAP midsole foam, inspired by the METASPEED racing models. Lightweight and responsive, it is suited to daily running. A trampoline capsule in the outsole maximizes toe-off for a smooth, explosive stride.
➜ Weight: 239 g (men’s 42) – 215 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 46.5 mm heel / 38.5 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 8 mm
➜ Price: €220

BROOKS HYPERION MAX 3

KEY FEATURES OF THE BROOKS HYPERION MAX 3

➜ The Hyperion Max 3 is built to cover the miles with comfort and speed. Its high level of cushioning protects the joints and absorbs impact, while the nylon SpeedVault propulsion plate provides a powerful boost. Together, these technologies support faster running, easier recovery and more effective training, from long runs to harder sessions.
➜ Weight: 280 g (men’s 42) – 245 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 46 mm heel / 40 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 6 mm
➜ Price: €190

HOKA MACH 7

KEY FEATURES OF THE HOKA MACH 7

➜ The Hoka Mach 7 follows the brand’s line of versatile training shoes, balancing low weight, responsiveness and comfort. It is aimed at runners looking for a fast shoe for both daily running and tempo sessions.
➜ Weight: 237 g (men’s 42) – 203 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 37 mm heel / 32 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 5 mm
➜ Price: €160

► CATEGORY: RACER

The Racer category is reserved for competition-focused models, with lightweight builds, aggressive propulsion and enough cushioning to hold race pace from 5K through the marathon.

ADIDAS ADIOS PRO 4

KEY FEATURES OF THE ADIDAS ADIOS PRO 4

➜ The adidas Adios Pro 4 is a lightweight, highly responsive racing shoe. Its energetic foam and carbon-infused rods deliver efficient propulsion, while the cushioning remains comfortable at high speed. It is a strong option for fast training and racing from 10K to the marathon.
➜ Weight: 201 g (men’s 42) – 181 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 39 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 6 mm
➜ Price: €250

ASICS METASPEED SKY

KEY FEATURES OF THE ASICS METASPEED SKY

➜ The METASPEED SKY is a competition shoe designed for speed over long distances. Very lightweight, it combines energetic foam with a carbon plate to maximize energy return and propulsion. Designed for stride-style runners, it helps lengthen the stride while maintaining speed and efficiency, with enough cushioning to hold marathon pace to the finish.
➜ Weight: 184 g (men’s 42) – 170 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 39 mm heel / 34 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 5 mm
➜ Price: €270

HOKA CIELO X1 3.0

KEY FEATURES OF THE HOKA CIELO X1 3.0

➜ The Hoka Cielo X1 3.0 is a road racing shoe designed for competition. Lightweight and responsive, it combines high-performance cushioning with a dynamic platform that helps maintain speed over fast distances. Its energetic, efficient ride suits runners targeting performances from 5K to the marathon.
➜ Weight: 295 g (men) – 240 g (women)
➜ Stack height: 37 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 7 mm
➜ Price: €275

MIZUNO HYPERWARP ELITE

KEY FEATURES OF THE MIZUNO HYPERWARP ELITE

➜ The Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite is a high-end racing shoe combining a dual-density ENERZY XP midsole with a full-length carbon plate. It balances dynamic propulsion with stability at high pace. The lightweight, breathable upper wraps the foot securely, while the outsole provides dependable road grip. Responsive and efficient, it is designed for performances from 5K to the marathon.
➜ Weight: 170 g (men’s 42) – 150 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 38 mm heel / 35 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 3 mm
➜ Price: €270

► CATEGORY: GRAVEL

The Gravel category brings together hybrid shoes designed to move smoothly between road, hard-packed paths, light gravel and easy trails, without sacrificing the comfort needed for longer outings.

BROOKS GHOST TRAIL

KEY FEATURES OF THE BROOKS GHOST TRAIL

➜ The Brooks Ghost Trail is a road-to-trail hybrid for runners who want to extend their outings beyond the pavement without moving into technical trail terrain. It draws on the legendary comfort of the road Ghost series while adapting it for paths, easy trails and light gravel.
➜ Weight: 300 g (men’s 42) – 280 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 38 mm heel / 30 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 8 mm
➜ Price: €150

SALOMON AERO GLIDE 4 GRVL

KEY FEATURES OF THE SALOMON AERO GLIDE 4 GRVL

➜ The Salomon Aero Glide 4 GRVL is designed for runners who want one pair capable of handling everything from smooth roads to gravel paths and easy trails. It combines the generous, dynamic cushioning of the Aero family with an outsole built for mixed terrain, offering unusual versatility between asphalt and softer surfaces.
➜ Weight: 280 g (men’s 42) – 230 g (women’s 38)
➜ Stack height: 41 mm heel / 33 mm forefoot
➜ Drop: 8 mm
➜ Price: €160