Solid and dependable, Asics are the golden retriever of shoes. Laterally they’re very stable, which is good for sports that require a sudden change of direction, and they fit quite snugly but could do with a touch more arch support. Your knees will be thankful for the cushioning ‘gel’ system in the heel.

These look great and they’re as light as a feather, but that’s probably because they’re made mainly of fabric, with fewer rubbery bits than the others. As a result they lack stability and shock absorption. After a few weeks of bouncing around in these they’d almost certainly lose some of their shape.

This is the heaviest shoe on test, but with good reason. New Balance takes its cross-training shoes as seriously as its running shoes, so these are built like tanks and will take any amount of punishment. They’re snug, support the foot arches firmly and perform well on every level. Not the most attractive, though.

These manage to look futuristic while being conservative enough to keep tennis club toffs happy. They perform well across a spectrum of activities, without excelling at any. The support is adequate, the fit is snug and the price is great, but you won’t be awed by any aspect of these shoes.

These are as comfortable as your slippers thanks to an integral sheath and a lacing system that draws the shoe snugly around your foot. They’re stable and springy – you’ll feel like you have more energy than normal. They’re also the coolest thing you can put your feet into without standing in an ice bucket.