Senior Writer Michelle says

The promise: The latest of New Balance’s 1080 line, the v12 sees an updated midsole mapping, which applies more foam (it uses an EVA foam blend) to wider areas of the midsole and increases flexibility at the narrower points. It also offers a supportive, second-skin style fit with an engineered Hypoknit upper.

First impressions: A fan of its predecessor the v11, I was excited to try the v12. On first look, the midsole appear wider than the v11. It’s spongier and more padded, but is true to size and hugged my feet comfortably. The v12 comes in two colourways for women, an energetic apricot hue with pink accents, as well as a dusky blueish hue with pink and orange accents for those who prefer more subtlety.

How they fared: With bad knees from sports, I’m always on the lookout for shoes with good cushioning that take the pressure from my joints. And this doesn’t disappoint. From the get-go, the shoe feels plush underfoot, but with adequate responsiveness. The rocker design helps the foot roll forward for easier running, and I can clock a few km without having my knees hate me. In terms of breathability, it’s on the thicker side and feels warmer, but that’s not to say my feet got sweaty after a workout.

I also tried the shoes for a boxing and HIIT workout during New Balance’s Fresh Foam X 1080v12 launch, and the stretchy Hypoknit upper accommodated the various lunges and twists without digging into my feet.

Verdict: Again for folks, especially those with knee issues, who prefer good cushioning, it makes for a smooth, comfy, and enjoyable run — a solid shoe for the average runner looking to log daily miles. But it’s also on the clunkier side, and might not be the best fit for those after a light, speedier shoe, or for sports that require agility and footwork.

Editor Estelle says

The promise: Featuring a rubberless Flow technology in the cushioning and sole system, these shoes promise lightweight and responsive cushioning to help you run faster. The outsoles are said to be super durable and grippy, while the Warp™ uppers are made with flexibility and breathability in mind

First impressions: I like that the shoes look sleek and come in a pleasant colourway (halo grey/fresco blue) that matches easily with my running clothes.

The shoes were easy enough to slip into and lace up in. I could feel the uppers wrapping around my feet snugly, and the heel lockdown was decent. The only thing that bugged me at that point was the stiffness of the soles. But of course, the proof is in the pudding.

How they fared: My first run in the Under Armour Flow Velociti Wind 2 running shoes was a speedy mile (1.6km) run, in line with Under Armour’s launch of All Out Mile’s campaign launch in Singapore. Maybe it was because I’d stopped running for three months before that and my fitness level had declined – I was struggling to sustain my usual “fast” pace throughout the run. It didn’t feel like the shoes helped me to run easier – for instance, speed up faster or experience more energetic strides. What I appreciated though, was how breathable the uppers were. No sweaty feet even though I was doing a hard run in 70 per cent humidity.

After doing a few more 4-5km runs in these shoes, my experience has been pretty much consistent. The cushioning feels rigid and not responsive as I’d like it to be, which is quite a letdown. That said, I think that the shoes would be more suitable for larger frames (I’m 50kg, for reference) who would benefit from firmer cushioning. I also find the shoes a tad clunky for speed and tempo runs.

On the plus side, the shoes accommodated my wide feet and bunions well – no toe abrasions or blisters so far. I also like how the padded tongue stayed in place throughout my runs. No adjustments needed during runs. The outsoles have been reliable too, as my balance hasn’t been compromised even when I ran on wet ground.

Verdict: Since these shoes didn’t give me the responsive cushioning I was looking for, I’d save them for easy, short-distance runs. Those who prefer firm midsoles and sturdy construction can consider this pair. Also, it’s good to know that the shoes contain Under Armour’s run tracking sensor that’s connected to UA’s MapMyRun app. What this means is that you can tap on the app to track and analyse your running metrics, and experience real-time form coaching.

Editor Estelle says

The promise: This third iteration of the GOrun Horizon Vanish is made virtually seamless, with an extremely lightweight mesh for breathability and comfort. The ultra-lightweight cushioning provides responsiveness for a smooth and fast ride, while the rocker bottom facilitates smoother transition between strides.

First impressions: The two colourways – coral and black/white – for the women’s version, are safe choices, whether you prefer a splash of colour or neutral colours in your running wardrobe. Having experienced the power of comfort in Skechers’ walking shoes, I was curious to see if these running shoes would be just as comfy, and how they could possibly elevate my running journey.

My first encounter with the Skechers GOrun Horizon Vanish 3 shoes was at a run workshop organised by Skechers at the 100PLUS promenade. There, coach Fabian Willam, founder of Fabian Williams Coaching Concepts shared some running tips, which included making sure that your shoes are laced down to the last set of eyelets to ensure optimal lockdown. Having a snug fit around the ankles helps to minimise movements during runs (particularly landings), which will in turn reduce unnecessary strain on the calves.

Unfortunately, the last eyelets on my pair of shoes weren’t sufficiently cut out for the laces to pass through, so I struggled trying to achieve that desired method of lacing and lockdown.

How they fared: I did some running drills before an easy 2.4km run on the track. Even though I didn’t manage to lace the shoes down to the last set of eyelets, the fit was sufficiently snug. The shoes didn’t budge much when I did clawbacks, alternating heel-to-butt skips and powerful high knee movements. They felt so plush and welcoming against my feet that I could imagine wearing them all day – something that’s hard to find in running shoes.

The flexible forefoot proved to be a bonus during the 2.4km run, as it helped me toe off and switch to different paces easily. The lightness of the shoes made me feel more energetic. However, I didn’t experience much energy return from the cushioning; just softness. After one lap around the track, my feet started feeling clammy, and by the end of the run, they had become surprisingly sweaty. I couldn’t wait to head home so I could remove my shoes and socks to air my feet.

Verdict: The sleek, low-distraction design of the shoes means they will have a place in my shoe closet. But the lack of breathability would relegate them to treadmill runs in air-conditioned gyms, where I wouldn’t get as sweaty as I do compared to outdoor running. The impressive comfort of the shoes – especially the in-soles, outsoles and uppers – makes this a versatile pair I would wear to an indoor playground trip or mall crawl with my kids. An air-conditioned environment is absolutely necessary, as these shoes are no match for Singapore’s humidity, according to my feet.

Senior Writer Michelle says

The promise: Designed specifically for women in mind after extensive research, the PUMA Run XX Nitro is fashioned with a more generous forefoot (according to the brand, women have wider feet). It also employs advanced foam technology for good responsiveness and cushioning in a lightweight package. Its Runguide tech, by way of a firm density rim, promotes proper alignment and keeps the foot centered through each stride.

First impressions: The shoe oozes a chic vibe, decked in either a striking fuchsia or black colourway with metallic elements. Lacing up was easy, and it hugged my foot, with enough wiggle room in the toe box while keeping my heel and ankle snugly in place. Overall, the shoe fit well but the upper, especially the mesh tongue, felt a little stiff and kind of dug into the top of my foot when bent.

How it fared: I took the shoe for an easy 2.5km run at Puma’s launch for the Run XX Nitro. The midsole leans firmer while remaining cushy though I would have preferred more flexibility. The Runguide tech did as promised and kept my feet centred while the grippy outsole also added traction — handy for those post-rain runs or on unpredictable terrain. My gripe was the stiff mesh tongue that marred the otherwise comfy ride.

Verdict: While relatively lightweight, it makes for a secure and stable running experience, and those who appreciate sturdier cushioning and structure would enjoy the shoe. Bonus points for the sleek style and trendy colourways that pair well with athleisure wear — and it’s comfortable for all-day wear, too.