Fitness review
Stride One Road Running Shoes
A daily trainer that behaves itself at slow paces and does not fall apart at 400km.
Verdict
For most runners doing most of their miles, this is the safe, comfortable default. Speed work wants something stiffer.
Four months, 612km, mixed road and towpath, plus a half marathon. The One is not exciting and that is precisely the point: a daily trainer should be furniture. It should absorb mileage without asking for attention and without inventing a new ache.
How we tested
One reviewer, 612km over 16 weeks, roughly 38km per week. Two pairs rotated to isolate wear. Data from a foot pod plus written notes after every run, with photographs of the outsole at 0, 200, 400 and 600km.
Ride
Soft but not mushy, and stable enough for tired legs at the end of a long run. The rocker is gentle, so it does not force a forefoot strike on people who heel strike. There is no plate, and you will not miss one on easy days.
Durability
This is where the One earns its money. At 600km the lateral heel has lost about 1.5mm of rubber and the midsole has softened noticeably but not collapsed. Most foams at this price are dead by 450km.
Where it falls down
It has no interest in being fast. At tempo pace the foam goes vague and you lose the ground feel you want for intervals. Buy it as the 80 percent shoe and keep something firmer for the other 20.
What we liked
- Midsole still springy at 600km, unusually good longevity
- True to size, accommodating toe box, no blistering in 612km
- Outsole barely worn at the lateral heel
- Works from easy 6:30/km runs up to tempo pace
What we did not
- Feels vague when you push under 4:30/km
- Laces are thin and untie themselves
- Wet road grip is only average
Full specification
| Stack height | 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot |
|---|---|
| Drop | 8mm |
| Weight | 268g (UK 8) |
| Midsole | Supercritical foam |
| Outsole | Rubber, full coverage |
| Upper | Recycled engineered mesh |
| Tested distance | 612km |
If this is not the one