Al-Hurr Al-Dalli

Al-Hurr Al-Dalli
“AL” underwent a successful transition from couch potato to running fanatic. Afflicted with a need for speed, he logs five runs a week with an average pace of 5 min/km, and was able to crack a sub-two hour half marathon on his first attempt. As a result he has accumulated quite a graveyard of worn-out shoes. He now uses his film and theatre background to add a touch of flair to his reviews, as well as fund his never-ending thirst for running shoes.

Lab tests and in-depth reviews

ASICS Dynablast 4
96
Superb!

The Dynablast 4 is a neutral road shoe offering from ASICS that sets a high standard for versatile daily trainers on a budget. The FF Blast midsole foam doesn't just feel comfy during our test runs bu[…]

Altra Rivera 4
84
Good!

The Rivera 4 is a moderately cushioned neutral daily trainer from Altra, the zero-drop specialists, that shines when it comes to versatility. This workhorse of a shoe never let us down whether we took[…]

Hoka Skyline-Float X
76
Decent!

The Skyline-Float X from Hoka is a maximalist hiking shoe with a prominent and robust midsole that pampers our feet with every step on our adventures. Its high stack stays true to the shoe's moniker a[…]

Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 5
82
Good!

The Levitate Stealthfit 5 from Brooks is a road running shoe that we recommend best for short to mid-distance runs. We found that it's perfect for cruising along the pavement in comfort and style. Eve[…]

Brooks Launch GTS 9
87
Good!

The Launch GTS 9 is the stability version of the versatile and speedy daily trainer from Brooks. However, unlike most shoes aimed at overpronators, it's a lightweight and nimble shoe that unobtrusivel[…]

Allbirds Tree Flyer 2
79
Bad!

The Allbirds Tree Flyer 2 proves that being eco-friendly isn't just for the birds. From its eucalyptus-based upper to the BioPebax midsole derived from castor beans and the heavy use of recycled mater[…]

New Balance 510 v6
81
Decent!

The New Balance 510 v6 is a versatile runner that takes us seamlessly from road to trail. Offroading novices will do well with the shoe's subtle yet grippy lugs that feel quite natural underfoot almos[…]

Nike Structure 25
81
Decent!

With its distinct lack of medial posts or a rigid shank and ridiculously cushy midsole, we're hard-pressed to describe the Nike Structure 25 as a stability shoe. However, the way its smooth and suppor[…]

Adidas 4DFWD 3
88
Great!

The third iteration of the Adidas 4DFWD continues to amaze us. Not just with its head-turning aesthetic charm that hooks us in, but with its soft yet vibrant touch that keeps us coming back for more.[…]

Mizuno Wave Inspire 20
86
Good!

The Mizuno Wave Inspire 20 is a daily trainer aimed at runners with mild overpronation that makes great use of the brand's various technologies to keep us as neutral as possible. Its cushy and respons[…]

Nike Free RN NN
62
Bad!

When it comes to lightweight daily trainers on a budget, Nike nailed it with the Free RN NN. "Barely there", is the most apt way we can describe this shoe that truly feels like we're running barefoot.[…]

ASICS Gel Pulse 14
79
Bad!

Like its previous iteration, the ASICS Gel Pulse 14 is a comfort-oriented daily trainer that feels way more premium underfoot than its wallet-friendly price might suggest. While it may not be the best[…]

ASICS Dynablast 3
82
Good!

The ASICS Dynablast 3 maintains the comfortable and responsive ride we came to know and love about its predecessor. With even more cushy and responsive FF Blast foam in its rockered midsole, we couldn[…]

Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX
83
Good!

The Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 GTX is a waterproof trail runner that supports, protects, and pampers our feet while keeping them dry through all our outdoor adventures. Thanks to its 3D Chassis and grippy o[…]

Salomon XA Pro 3D v9
86
Good!

Whether we're out for an easy run in nature or a long sauntering hike, the Salomon XA Pro 3D v9 is a trail runner that tackles all our outdoor needs in comfort and style. We found that it truly shines[…]

Altra Vanish Carbon
79
Bad!

For their first foray into the realm of carbon-plated super shoes, we're impressed with how much Altra got right with the Vanish Carbon. The shoe's half plate and supercritical Ego Pro midsole foam wo[…]

Asics Jolt 4
88
Great!

The ASICS Jolt 4 is a budget daily trainer that's best suited for beginners and casual runners. It's a stable and well-padded shoe that feels great right out of the box. While its EVA midsole is nothi[…]

Skechers GO RUN Ride 11
93
Superb!

The Go Run Ride 11 is an unassuming offering from Skechers that comes packed with features that make it an excellent addition to any runner's rotation regardless of experience level. From the Goodyear[…]

Altra Rivera 3
88
Great!

The Rivera 3 delivers a velvety-smooth ride that exemplifies what we want from a daily trainer. From the super comfy and plush midsole to the generously padded and roomy interior, these neutral runner[…]

New Balance CT302
85
Decent!

The CT302 is an unexpected entry from New Balance that looks, and kind of feels, like a tennis shoe on steroids. We discovered that the understated design doesn’t betray the luxurious comfort of[…]

Salomon Outpulse
90
Great!

The gist concerning the Outpulse from Salomon is a simple one—it's laser-focused on propelling every step forward. We found it to be a dreamy trail shoe for warm weather that envelopes the foot[…]

Hoka Rincon 3
87
Good!

Versatility is a crucial quality for any daily trainer, and the Rincon 3 has it in spades. We experienced a fun and reliable workhorse for any occasion with this shoe's protective and delightfully res[…]

ASICS Gel Excite 10
85
Good!

We commend the tenth iteration of ASICS' budget line of daily trainers, the Gel Excite 10 because it features a much more durable upper than its predecessor, and it’s worth every penny of its mi[…]

Adidas Switch FWD
94
Superb!

“Holy Cow!” was the predominant thought we had when unboxing this monstrosity from Adidas. While it’s certainly more geared toward sneaker-heads looking for an eye-catching fashion a[…]

Brooks Levitate Stealthfit 6
82
Good!

The Levitate Stealthfit 6 merges the reliable daily trainer from Brooks with a comfy, sock-like fit. Locked and loaded with the bouncy DNA AMP v2 foam underfoot, we were ready to tackle any of our dai[…]

Brooks Glycerin Stealthfit 20
84
Good!

Offering an updated upper that differs from the standard version, the Brooks Glycerin StealthFit 20 is a compelling shoe that gained our admiration. It’s kind of a perfect mix, where softness me[…]

New Balance Fresh Foam Arishi v4
87
Good!

New Balance brings us back to basics with the Fresh Foam Arishi v4, a reliable and versatile daily trainer that goes seamlessly from work to play. Whether walking around town all day, hitting the gym,[…]

New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road
84
Good!

At only $85, the New Balance Fresh Foam X Kaiha Road is as easy on the wallet as it is on the foot, delivering premium levels of comfort to our daily runs. With its generous padding and luxurious mids[…]

Brooks Levitate 6
90
Great!

The Brooks Levitate 6 might be a little too heavy to hover, but it sure can bounce! The shoe’s updated DNA Loft midsole provides us with a responsive and springy ride that feels peppy and protec[…]

On Cloudstratus 3
90
Great!

This third edition of the Cloudstratus by On is a daily trainer that takes comfort seriously! Our test runs were a pleasure over all distances thanks to its high quality and generously padded upper, t[…]

Adidas Ultrabounce
90
Great!

Is it a bird? Is it an Ultraboost Light? No! It’s the Ultrabounce by Adidas! This daily trainer shines in versatility, whether we take it for easy to moderate days, to the gym, or just for walks[…]

Adidas Alphabounce+
89
Great!

In my opinion, the Alphabounce+ is a daily trainer cunningly disguised as a stylish sneaker. Its ace-in-the-hole is the Bounce midsole foam found at the heel that delivers a premium feeling ride at a[…]

Altra Torin 7
82
Good!

The Altra Torin 7 is a zero drop daily trainer that can tackle pretty much whatever challenge we throw at it. The midsole is energetic enough to pick up the pace for tempo sessions with ease while als[…]

Brooks Hyperion
88
Great!

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it seems to be the ethos behind Brooks’ update to the Hyperion Tempo, which was simplistically redubbed as the Hyperion. Apart from the name, we discover[…]

On Cloudsurfer 7
87
Good!

The Cloudsurfer 7 is On’s most cloud-like shoe we’ve tested to date. From the frankly decadent level of internal padding that feels like sliding our feet into fluffy balls of cotton, to th[…]

Adidas Supernova 2
87
Good!

The Supernova 2 from Adidas is a daily running shoe that we deem great for easy and recovery runs on the road. With its $100 price tag, it's also a great-value option for newbies who want comfort and[…]