With almost two inches of Nike Air mid-sole cushioning support at the heel you could probably get away with wearing these to a Gary Numan concert - as long as you wore your black running vest, of course. They're not bad on the road either, and the 'waffle fill' sole gives good grip on muddy trails. Ideal for supinators and low-mileage neutral footers who want a bit of extra comfort.

The latest instalment in Saucony's longest-running shoe series, the Jazz 6000 combines no-frills cushioning with Saucony's famous triangular lug sole designed to handle both road and trail with equal alacrity. It's an ideal entry-level shoe, especially at the price.

Part of Reebok's new Premier range, Road features a stability-enhancing 'transition bridge' at the arch, while heel inserts offer a little backbone to its luxuriant DMX cushioning system. A carbon and blown rubber forefoot provides extra traction and longevity. Good value for money and suitable for neutrals as well.

Motion-control specialist New Balance has long been the favoured brand of heavier runners. Control-providing heel, arch and forefoot inserts ensure this shoe doesn't disappoint. A 'stability web' does exactly what it suggests while 'Abzorb' cushioning offers the comfort that may make it worth a look for neutrals. Made in England, too.

The GTS 4 does all the right things for the neutral runner. A stable, well-cushioned 'hydroflow' heel energy transferral set-up and mid-sole inserts provide the foundation of a solid road and trail performer. Robust enough to handle heavier runners.

The 3D Grid errs on the side of cushioning over control but delivers enough stability to make it a viable option for most neutral runners. The 3D should preserve the life of the shoe, as will additional mid-sole inserts and a grippy sole that had no trouble handling sandy trails, slippery footpaths and lots of road miles.

A pricey but damn fine running shoe. It has wedges inserted in the heel and the forefoot to absorb, store and return energy to the wearer - what Adidas calls an 'energy management system'. The pronounced springiness would be exacerbated by heavier runners. Some shoes just feel fast - this is one of them.

Asics won a 'best update' award from a prominent running magazine in America for the latest in a range that has long been a favourite of runners on both sides of the Atlantic. It offers tremendous durability, a roomy toe box, a hardy sole that can accommodate both trails and bitumen and a comfy feel. Perfect for neutrals, but control inserts in the heel, arch and forefoot accommodate heavier runners and overpronators. Structured cushioning at its best.