With shoe brands launching the most advanced line-up of running shoe tech we have ever experienced, we are spoiled for choice. From high-end carbon-plated racing supershoes to deep-cushioned mileage munchers, we have an incredible selection available. We shopped around to see what’ s new for 2025 and trained in some of them to save you time when it comes to narrowing down what could work for you.
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With shoe brands launching the most advanced line-up of running shoe tech we have ever experienced, we are spoiled for choice. From high-end carbon-plated racing supershoes to deep-cushioned mileage munchers, we have an incredible selection available. We shopped around to see what’ s new for 2025 and trained in some of them to save you time when it comes to narrowing down what could work for you.
STYLISH SPEEDSTER
Diadora Gara Carbon | RRP R5 999 | diadorasouthafrica. co. za We remember Diadora for football boots and cycling shoes, so we weren’ t expecting to be so impressed when we received their new range of running shoes. The top-tier Gara Carbon is a great-looking supershoe( 240g in size 10.5) featuring a carbon plate developed for maximum curvature: it’ s high on the heel height and low on the forefoot with a high toe spring. The full-length plate extends through the length of the shoe, stiffening the sole to prevent the energy you discharge from dissipating into the ground. It pairs with a midsole in Anima PBX, which the brand says improves rebound by 55 % while keeping the weight low, and a matrix mesh upper with carbon yarns that further shaves weight. The outsole is made of a wear-resistant Duratech 5000 compound. Our verdict: We were instantly impressed. The lightweight shoe is stylish and uses premium construction material. It has a soft heel counter and a non-gusseted but wide and jagged lace lockdown. It’ s wide enough in the heel strike to not feel unstable later on in the run, like some supershoes do, and feels softer underfoot than many carbonplated racers we’ ve tried. The midsole stack height is 39mm rear and 34mm front, so midway on a scale of aggressive design. For some the lower level of rocker and obvious kick compared with a Nike Alphafly or Saucony Endorphin Pro may not seem racy enough, but we’ re fans of the Asics Metaspeed Sky and Nike Vaporfly which are much closer comparisons to the Gara. This neutral shoe is both stable and comfortable, and would be happy for longer under most amateur runners seeking faster run times.
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30 | RUN FOR YOUR LIFE