Simply flawless

This is the most comfortable shoe I’ve ever worn! If you’re looking for top-tier shock absorption with a soft ride, you’ve come to the right place. The shoe acts like a spring once you get used to its relatively high stack. Let’s be clear about what it is NOT. It’s not a stability shoe, nor is it very fast, and it’s not for those who want a firmer ride or immediate energy return. I personally got it for recovery/easy runs (5:40–5:15) and long runs (4:50–5:10). I was choosing between this, the Vista 1, and the Novablast 5. Coming off Achilles tendinitis, I ultimately chose this shoe (bought it for €120 on Black Friday), as the doctor-runners at Doctors of Running recommended it, and they were probably right. (For reference, I’m 1.85 m, 74 kg, and do 4–5 workouts per week, with times of 3:18 for the marathon and 1:28 for the half, and a neutral foot strike.)

I’m giving it 4 stars only because of the fit. I have a relatively wide foot and don’t buy narrow shoes because I have an issue with my bunion. I want room up front, and this shoe is—excessively—comfortable. I generally wear a 46; only with the Boston 12 did I go down to a 45 1/3. For these, I initially tried a 45 based on the measurements. Then I also tried a 44.5, which was perfect in length but borderline in the toebox. Since I intended to use them for long workouts, I ultimately got the larger size (45), which was essentially perfect up front but just a touch too long. At first I was worried my foot would swim around, perhaps because of the knit upper, and also because the ankle isn’t held ideally. But even so, during workouts, with a regular or thick sock, you don’t notice it to that extent, at least, and the shoe fits well. Beyond that, I wanted something softer, even though I’m no longer crazy about very soft midsoles, for days when my legs feel heavy or to make long runs feel easier. Last year I ran in the Ride 17; you can read my corresponding review, as they’re at the opposite end of the spectrum. They’re durable, but firmer and without much shock absorption (around 122 according to the respected Cut in Half, using 129 as the reference, whereas the Vista 2 scores 170!!!).

This shoe, then, is very good. I’ve already done 150 km in it and am completely satisfied. It’s definitely relatively heavy. There’s plenty of material underfoot, but how else could it provide that much shock absorption? I also think it’ll suit those who land around the midfoot and forefoot, since that’s where you feel the pop. You land and don’t feel the propulsion abruptly, as with carbon shoes, but “more smoothly” and perhaps a little more slowly. Still, after easy, relaxed runs, I feel as if I haven’t run at all. Even after a 1.5-hour workout at 5:15, I finished feeling like I’d just gone for a walk. I haven’t tried it yet at marathon pace/tempo (4:30–4:40). In a few short segments at 4:50, though, it was fine. I didn’t say wow, but it did the job. I should also mention that there’s no wear at all, and I run in them on asphalt. I only tried them on a track once, but I think that setting does them a disservice, since the track surface is already soft, combined with this very soft shoe, and its natural bounce was somehow lost; it felt mushier. Finally, if you have a more rolling style and don’t land as forcefully as I do, I think you’ll appreciate it even more. In conclusion, I recommend this shoe if you’re looking for something in its category, but not at its original launch price. At €130 or less, yes, it’s worth it!!
UPDATE (400 km): The shoe remains amazing. Not the slightest bit of wear on the outsole, and it still feels the same. I tried it on 30+ km long runs with tempo sections in them (4:30–4:35), and it fully delivered, even in heavy rain!! I reaffirm my initial recommendation, and above all, it leaves my legs feeling very fresh afterward!!
Update 880 km: Final rating: an unequivocal 5 stars! I’m retiring it from long runs. I’m keeping it for easy and recovery runs… fresh legs, fantastic shock absorption!! Ideal for tempos up to 4:25–4:30, no faster!! Fantastic shoe, as long as you get used to its stack height—which you will!!