Shoe Reviews
Every shoe on this site is assessed by Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS — a double board-certified foot and ankle surgeon. Each page states its evidence tier up front, and no brand has ever paid for a review, a score, or a place on this list.
26 shoes published · Updated 8 Sep 2026
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All reviews
Altra Paradigm 8
Spec AnalysisZero-drop, wide toe box with a medial GuideRail — not yet tested.
Altra Torin 8
Spec AnalysisSpec analysis only. Zero-drop, 30 mm stack, FootShape Standard toe box; not yet worn or measured.
Altra Torin 9
Spec AnalysisZero-drop daily trainer with the widest toe box in the category — not yet tested.
ASICS GEL-CUMULUS 28
Spec AnalysisLight neutral gel trainer, 8 mm drop, 4E available at $145 — not yet tested.
ASICS Gel-Kayano 32
Spec AnalysisUntested. The most honest spec sheet of the stability trainers - every figure within 1.4 mm of measurement.
ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 28
Spec AnalysisMax-cushion neutral, 8 mm drop, lighter than the 27 — not yet tested.
ASICS GT-2000 15
Spec AnalysisLight, soft, geometry-guided stability at 8 mm drop — not yet tested.
Brooks Addiction Walker 2
Spec AnalysisMotion control, leather, four widths, high drop — not yet tested.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
Spec AnalysisUntested. A 13.5 mm measured drop makes this one of the highest-drop mainstream trainers on sale - which is the point, not a flaw.
Brooks Beast GTS 26 (Ariel GTS 26)
Spec AnalysisThe last true maximum-support shoe, 10 mm drop, APMA-listed — not yet tested.
Brooks Ghost 17
Spec AnalysisUntested. Unusually honest spec sheet - every published figure lands within half a millimetre of the lab measurement.
Brooks Ghost Max 4
Spec AnalysisRockered max-cushion neutral, 6 mm drop, orthotic-friendly fit — not yet tested.
HOKA Arahi 8
Spec AnalysisLight H-Frame stability at 8 mm drop, three widths — not yet tested.
HOKA Bondi 9
Spec AnalysisUntested. HOKA states a 5 mm drop; an independent lab measured 9.1 mm, and the forefoot stack is nearly 6 mm off the published figure.
HOKA Clifton 10
Spec AnalysisUntested. HOKA states an 8 mm drop; an independent lab measured 12.4 mm - the largest published-to-measured gap we have logged.
HOKA Gaviota 6
Spec AnalysisHOKA's most supportive road shoe, 6 mm drop, $180 — not yet tested.
HOKA Transport 2
Spec AnalysisUntested. HOKA and an independent lab disagree on the drop by more than 6 mm.
KURU ATOM 2
Spec AnalysisLow, firm, 10 mm drop heel-cup walking shoe, heavy — not yet tested.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v15
Spec AnalysisHeavy, plated stability in four widths — not yet tested.
New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v15
Spec AnalysisNeutral, tall, four widths, 6 mm drop — not yet tested.
New Balance Fresh Foam X More v6
Spec AnalysisNew Balance's tallest shoe, 38 mm forefoot, 4 mm drop, APMA seal — not yet tested.
On Cloudmonster 3
Spec AnalysisMax-cushion rocker with a plate and hollow Clouds, 6 mm drop, $190 — not yet tested.
On Cloudrunner 2
Spec AnalysisSpec analysis only. Stability-leaning daily trainer, 10 mm drop per retail listing; not yet worn or measured.
Saucony Guide 19
Spec AnalysisSidewall stability at 6 mm drop, three widths — not yet tested.
Saucony Ride 19
Spec AnalysisLight neutral daily trainer, 8 mm drop, wider base than the 18 — not yet tested.
Vionic Walk Max
Spec AnalysisSpec analysis only. Rocker-bottom walking shoe with a removable footbed; not yet worn or measured.
What each tier is allowed to claim
The tier on a page governs what we are willing to say about the shoe. We would rather publish a smaller number than imply we measured something we did not.
Measured, then worn
Weighed and measured on the bench, then worn for recorded miles on recorded surfaces. Scored on all nine criteria. The only tier eligible for the seal.
Measured, not yet worn
Physically weighed, measured and stress-tested for stability, but not worn far enough to judge comfort over distance or durability. Carries measurements and an Orthotic Volume Rating — no overall score.
Not in our hands
A podiatrist's reading of the manufacturer's published specification, plus what the clinical literature says about that construction. No score and no seal, on purpose.
No brand has ever paid for a score
No sponsorship, no gifted-shoe quid pro quo, no paid placement. Where we earn a commission, the link says so and the score does not change.