ALLSWIFIT Active5K review

After testing the ALLSWIFIT Active5K, we found that:

• It is a great pick for beginners who want to start with a high-stack, well-cushioned running shoe right away.
• Runners on a tight budget under £100 looking for a shoe for long runs will find amazing value here.
• Heel strikers who want an affordable, responsive, and dependable daily trainer will enjoy this shoe.

The biggest drawback of the ALLSWIFIT Active5K is clearly its high weight. It may not bother some runners, but those who dislike a bulky feel will not enjoy this model. While it shows above-average energy return, this did not match our experience running in the shoe. If you prefer a lighter feel, we suggest the ASICS Gel Pulse 16, which is slightly more expensive but noticeably lighter.

We also think the maximalist stack height may not suit many beginners or runners who do not need that much foam underfoot. If that sounds like you, we recommend the Brooks Revel 8 or the ASICS Versablast 4 instead.

With 141 SA in the heel and 121 SA in the forefoot, the ALLSWIFIT Active5K stands out as a strong option for joint protection, clearly showing it can handle distances well beyond the 5K suggested by its name.

In fact, it offers one of the best shock absorption-to-price ratios we have seen in the lab.

We also measured energy return from the supercritical foam named Propelix™, and it is impressively strong for such an affordable shoe. With 63.1% in the heel and 63.8% in the forefoot, the Active5K rises above the average and clearly outperforms many daily trainers that cost nearly twice as much.

Maximalist running shoes are quickly becoming the new normal, and the Active5K is a clear example of that trend.

It features a massive 40.5 mm heel stack, something that would have been unthinkable in a budget-friendly shoe just a few years ago, as brands respond to the growing demand for more foam underfoot.

The forefoot also clears the 30 mm mark, reaching 30.7 mm in our measurements. And when it comes to value, it’s hard to find another shoe that packs this much foam at such a low price—that’s exactly where ALLSWIFIT stands out.

We measured a 9.8 mm drop that works especially well for heel strikers, while still feeling comfortable for midfoot runners. On the other hand, it may feel excessive for forefoot strikers, who will also miss the thick, cushioned heel.

The Propelix™ foam in the ALLSWIFIT Active5K measured 34.0 AC on our Asker C durometer.

That result matches what we felt on our runs. The shoe delivers a clearly cushioned, soft-leaning ride without becoming overly plush, and considering its tall stack, we think going softer would've been a mistake.

The rocker features a high toe spring that rises smoothly without feeling overly aggressive, keeping transitions easy despite the tall stack height. In the heel, we found a moderate bevel combined with a flared platform, a setup that aligns well with modern running shoe design.

Overall, this geometry prioritises comfort and smooth flow over speed, which fits perfectly with the daily training focus of the Active5K.

We have been pleased with the Active5K lab results so far, but this is where things shift more toward personal preference than pure performance. Let’s take a closer look at how it fits.

Starting with width, we measured 94.4 mm. It is not ideal for wide feet, but it should work well for most runners.

The toebox follows a classic tapered shape, limiting toe splay but avoiding a restrictive feel at 73.3 mm. Like many other shoes, it sticks to a familiar, standard fit.

We also measured a toebox height of 26.3 mm.

It provides enough room for some toe movement without creating a loose or sloppy fit inside.

The ALLSWIFIT Active5K continues to deliver better results higher-priced daily trainers. In this case, it scored 0.65 in our test performed on wet concrete, a fantastic result that delivers reliable grip even in heavy rain.

The outsole design of the Active5K is very simple, and that brings up an interesting point.

In recent years, some brands have tried to reinvent outsole designs, but that may not be necessary for a daily running shoe. Solid rubber coverage and reliable grip already meet the needs of most runners.

In our 30-degree bend test, the Active5K registered 17.7N, which sits above our current lab average.

That result is not surprising given the large amount of foam, which naturally adds stiffness, but it’s important to note that flexing the shoe is harder than in lower-stack models.

The ALLSWIFIT Active5K has surprised us in most tests with strong scores, often outperforming many competitors despite its very low price. However, this is one area where it falls short.

Our scale showed 10.3 oz (292g), placing it clearly above the current lab average. On our slow runs, the shoe felt noticeably bulky underfoot, and we don't recommend it for faster paces.

Breathability and upper quality are often weak points in budget running shoes, but the Active5K holds up well in this area.

A 3/5 score in our test is not outstanding, yet it provides enough airflow for year-round use, especially if you adjust your sock choice in hotter conditions.

We also liked that ventilation is not limited to the toebox, as the upper extends airflow into the midfoot area for a more consistent feel.

Under the microscope, we found a classic engineered mesh with regular openings and a secondary inner layer. At this price point, it meets our expectations.

Comfort in the heel area is another highlight, with plush padding that feels great, although it likely contributes to the higher weight we measured earlier.

The ALLSWIFIT Active5K is best suited for neutral runners, mainly due to its tall stack and soft foam. It does not feel unstable thanks to the wide midfoot and forefoot, but we do not see it as a strong choice for runners with pronation issues looking for a daily trainer.

Despite showing moderately high longitudinal stiffness, the Active5K still offers a fair amount of torsional flex, earning 13.6 Nm in our test. That makes it appealing for everyday use beyond running, handling walks or daily tasks with ease and... adding even more value!

The heel counter shows moderate stiffness with a 3/5 score. That’s another reason we don’t see this shoe as a top choice for runners who typically need strong stability support.

One thing is immediately clear with the ALLSWIFIT Active5K: it is a large shoe, both in height and overall footprint.

Using our digital callipers, we measured 120.3 mm in the forefoot, which aligns with modern standards and helps add a bit of stability to the ride.

The heel is more conservative at 91.6 mm, aligning with a more standard design. This further positions the shoe toward neutral runners, as those with moderate pronation typically benefit from a wider landing platform.

With so many ventilation holes, we expected a poor durability result. That proved true, as the shoe received our lowest rating of 1 out of 5.

Fortunately, the heel padding improved to a 4/5, which suggests strong resistance to wear despite its plush feel.

Finally, we also tested outsole durability. While we liked the strong grip, the result was less impressive, with 1.2 mm of wear.

That said, it’s not a concern given the 3.2 mm outsole thickness. If there is a second version, a more durable rubber could allow for less thickness and help reduce overall weight.

The insole is made of EVA foam and measures 5.6 mm in thickness.

Finding premium details in one of the cheapest shoes we have tested in a long time is surprising. Here we also discovered that the removable insole is perforated.

The midsole of the Active5K became 28% firmer after 20 minutes in our freezer. Not the best result we have seen, but far from a dealbreaker.

We found that the ALLSWIFIT Active5K also includes reflective elements in the heel area. Even some premium shoes skip this feature, so we were glad to see it in such a budget-friendly model.

This shoe offers outstanding value, which makes small misses like this more frustrating. Adding an extra eyelet for alternative lacing would have been simple and is almost expected nowadays even in super-cheap running shoes.

As for the tongue, we found the padding adequate. At 4.5 mm, it delivers a comfortable feel, and it makes sense that they kept it restrained given the high weight of the shoe.

The tongue is not gusseted, which is not ideal. However, the lace loop helps keep it centred, and at this price point, a gusseted design is very uncommon anyway.

The Active5K features a tall, sturdy heel tab with strong stitching.