Hoka’s brand-new Skyward X trainers are a perfect example of this kind of shoe. They are like the Bondi — one of the brand’s longtime bestsellers — on steroids, with the same beefy shape and carbon plates sandwiched between more-advanced foams.

Hoka and Brooks are mainstays among the most popular shoe brands for dedicated runners. Both are known for making comfortable, durable shoes. Both offer models to suit a wide range of running scenarios.