Article by Sam Winebaum, Sally Reiley, Michael Ellenberger, Renee Krusemark, and Reed Breuer
For its fifth version, the Insurgent continues with its FantomFit mild and breathable higher including a extra substantial (and welcome) heel counter development, a padded tongue and a bit extra dialed toe field.
Underfoot we’ve the identical FC foam, a brand new sculpting of the geometry with extra flowing traces, a barely narrower forefoot platform and barely wider midfoot platform, a shallow rear cavity, barely extra pronounced rockers and extra steady forefoot rubber protection. The stack peak stays the identical whereas the burden will increase 15g.
Whereas a extremely popular shoe with our testers I discovered the v4 a bit blocky on the rear with its higher maintain for my medium to slender ft not fairly as much as the platform’s speedy goal. I used to be curious to see what distinction, if any, the delicate adjustments made a distinction.
Professionals:
Versatile: day by day coach to racer: Sam/Sally/Michael/Renee/Reed
Strong possibility for a plateless racer: foam reactivity, mild weight, stability: Sam/Sally
Notably secure for such a light-weight shoe: Sam/Sally/Michael/Renee
Much less heel “lumpy/flat” heel landings and higher transitions: welcome extra pronounced longer entrance and rear rockers: Sam/Michael
Considerably improved higher maintain entrance to again, much less saggy: Sam/Sally/Michael/Renee/Reed
Cons:
Weight achieve of 15g / 0.53 oz US8.5: Sam
Not fairly as broad upfront round lace up, additionally a professional for narrower ft: Sam/Sally/Michael
What occurred to the Insurgent of outdated? Michael/Renee
Most comparable footwear
Adidas EVO SL
Craft Nordilite Tempo
Nike Pegasus Plus
Nike Zoom Fly 6
Saucony Endorphin Velocity
Hoka Mach 6
Stats
Approx. Weight: males’s 7.7 oz / 219g US9
Pattern Weights:
males’s 7.48 oz / 212g US 8.5 (prior model weight 6.95 oz / 197g US8.5)
males’s 8.22 oz / 233g US M11
ladies’’s 6.53 oz / 185 g US W8 (prior model V4 6.38 oz / 181g US W8)
6.60 oz / 187 g US W8
Stack Peak:
V5 males’s 35 mm heel / 29 mm forefoot US M8.5
V4 34 mm heel / 28 mm forefoot US M8.5
Platform Width:
v5 95 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot US8,5
v4 95 mm heel / 80 mm midfoot / 115 mm forefoot US8,5
V5 97mm heel / 87mm midfoot / 120mm forefoot US M11
v5 89 mm heel / 81 mm midfoot / 107 mm forefoot US W8
v4 95 mm heel / 79mm midfoot / 112 mm forefoot US W8
First Impressions, Match and Higher
Sam: The brown and tan coloration of my check pair is extra way of life in seems than a coloration that telegraphs pace as the intense blue and yellow of my v4 does. And that’s OK as I wouldn’t hesitate to put on them as a extra informal shoe or take them alongside as a single shoe for a visit.
New Steadiness continues with a FANTOM match higher for the v5. The mesh is similar to the prior version in being skinny and mushy upfront with in depth supportive parts.
At midfoot the N brand and the tan space behind it and in the direction of the laces is sort of stiff, and for positive stiffer than v4’s in that space. The lace eyelets at the moment are a steady strip as a substitute of being made of two impartial items.
The gusset tongue is now frivolously padded. The online result’s a much better midfoot lockdown for me which was clearly felt throughout an A/B run with one on every foot. Lace up is tremendous straightforward, as soon as and accomplished
The heel counter and ankle collars are additionally extensively revised with a better profile achilles collar. a extra inflexible semi inflexible heel counter and deeper padding throughout.
As with the midfoot rear maintain is considerably improved.
There are fewer adjustments to the toe field development though I word the toe bumper is barely extra inflexible with, it appears like, a slight discount in quantity and with elevated underlays proper on the final eyelet space additionally noting that the brand new reflective silver strip the place the lacing space ends additionally supplies a bit extra construction.
The match is true to dimension for me and my medium to narrower quantity ft.
Backside Line: an higher now tuned for efficiency and pace with barely decrease quantity however much better maintain. Even when the adjustments could be the purpose for the 15g improve in weight I believe they’re nicely price it.
Sally: The New Steadiness Insurgent has been a favourite day by day coach of mine because it first hit the scene in its authentic model: a no nonsense, unplated, comfy, inexpensive, versatile, uptempo impartial coach that’s enjoyable to run in. I used to be curious to see how the evolution would proceed after V4, which I preferred so much; there’s at all times the worry that the shoe firms will spoil our favourite footwear with “new and improved” updates. So if it ain’t broke, why repair it? The excellent news right here is that New Steadiness appears to have saved the great issues concerning the Insurgent V4 and tweaked issues that actually enhance the shoe.
As Sam factors out, the match is now extra dialed in, particularly within the midfoot and the heel. The heel is now a lot larger and extra structured and extra padded, enhancing the match and the maintain. The step in really feel is straight away comfy, mushy underfoot however not squishy.
My barely slender girl’s foot is securely held with a easy preliminary tug of the laces.
I wasn’t positive what to make of the brown and ivory colorway at first; it’s merely very totally different from the same old operating shoe vibrant colorways.
However it has grown on me, and can actually be nice for day by day put on as an unobtrusive way of life shoe.
Michael: From first step-in, the Insurgent v5 indicators a transparent evolution – not revolution – of the road. Sure, gone is the slipper-like minimalism and agency, plated really feel of v1, however what’s arrived as a substitute over the previous few generations is a extra comfy, usable, and, performance-focused day by day coach that feels constructed for real-world mileage and lockdown.
The brown and ivory colorway of my pair is subdued and extra lifestyle-leaning than prior vibrant editions – divisive, sure, however I actually dig the aesthetic. It’s fashionable sufficient to put on casually and sufficiently subtle to not scream operating shoe off the roads (if that’s what you’re going for).
The “FantomFit” higher stays skinny and breathable up entrance, with a stiffer midfoot and improved heel.
The redesigned gusseted tongue provides simply sufficient padding, and lace-up is simple and safe.
The semi-rigid heel counter and better ankle collar padding present a marked enchancment in rearfoot maintain in comparison with v4, which may really feel borderline free at tempo, however did present some discomfort for my Haugland’s deformity (“heel bump”).
The toebox feels barely decrease quantity with a firmer toe bumper and added construction from overlays, however nonetheless accommodates my medium-width foot comfortably. Match is true to dimension in my 8.5.
All in, that is essentially the most locked-in Insurgent but. Sure, the added supplies could account for a measly 15g weight achieve, however for the efficiency features, it’s a worthy commerce.
Renee: The Insurgent v2 is certainly one of my prime 5 footwear, plated or unplated, street or path. I used to be a bit unfavorable concerning the v4 of the Insurgent with its blocky look and lowered floor really feel. Nonetheless, it’s nonetheless the most effective, most versatile footwear out there.
Whereas I do miss the simplicity of the primary variations of the Insurgent, the upper stack supplies consolation for lengthy runs, and the Insurgent stays ridiculously mild weight.
Sure, v5 is barely heavier in weight than v4, but it surely’s nonetheless lower than 7 ounces in my ladies’s dimension 8, and the updates present a greater match. I had no severe points with the higher match of v4, however the heel cup of v5 supplies higher safety and the higher bunches much less throughout the toe field. The shoe seems very large/broad due to the platform width, however the match itself will not be large: an asset for common to slender width ft shapes. Huge footed runners might need some tightness within the midfoot.
Match is true-to-size in my typical New Steadiness ladies’s dimension 8. I’m between half sizes in different manufacturers (7.5 to eight).
Reed: I could be the sole tester right here who hasn’t accomplished a big quantity of operating in prior Insurgent variations. That being stated, my first impression matches our different reviewers in nearly each method.
The match is unbelievable on my slender foot whereas leaving loads of wiggle room. Lockdown is simple to attain with the easy lacing setup and frivolously padded tongue. In lots of lighter footwear I’ve to comfortable down the laces fairly a bit to really feel safe at quick speeds however that wasn’t a difficulty right here. After carrying these for mere minutes, I felt that these have been among the many most comfy footwear I’ve worn in years both for strolling or operating. I attribute that to the sunshine weight, the mushy however secure really feel, and the efficient help of the higher. You possibly can’t ask for a greater begin in a shoe check, and for under $140.
As others have talked about, the pattern I obtained was a two-tone brown coloration scheme that I really feel comfy carrying round casually.
Midsole & Platform
Sam: The midsole is a PEBA mix with New Steadiness not specifying the proportion of PEBA or the opposite compound within the combine which is probably going EVA. The froth is mushy to urgent but on the run is extra springy than reactively bouncy as say Puma’s Nitro within the Deviate 3 or mushy and bouncy as the most recent PWRRUN Pb and has a really feel extra just like say ZoomX or Lightstrike Professional.
Regular and notably secure for such a light-weight shoe, the cushioning is plentiful, if for my tastes not significantly thrilling.
The brand new sculpting of the midsole and what seems to be a extra pronounced rear rocker and barely longer entrance rocker for positive assist ship smoother much less “flat” rear landings and a barely smoother toe off which can also be helped by a 5mm narrower entrance platform
With a 35mm heel / 29mm forefoot on a comparatively broad 95 mm heel / 85 mm midfoot / 110 mm forefoot US8,5 platform we’ve loads of shoe right here for day by day coaching with a weight mild sufficient at 7.7 oz / 219g US9 for tempo and pace work.
Michael: New Steadiness’s signature FuelCell midsole – a PEBA mix of some kind – leans springy quite than squishy, however decidedly lives below the “mushy” umbrella. FuelCell doesn’t ship the trampoline pop of Puma’s Nitro, maybe, however is analogous in character to Nike’s ZoomX: mild, secure, and clean. Once more, not revolutionary right here.
New Steadiness has reshaped the midsole geometry in v5 (aesthetically, you’ll discover it instantly!), and the adjustments work. The extra pronounced rear rocker and barely prolonged entrance rocker contribute to simpler transitions and fewer of the “blocky” heel touchdown that many complained about on v4.
The result’s a midsole that feels extra fluid underfoot whereas retaining the flexibility that has made the Insurgent line a standout. We’re nonetheless sitting at a 6mm drop (the bottom drop that I personally get pleasure from, however I do know this can be a very contested matter!) and a very spectacular ~7.5 oz, making the Insurgent v5 mild sufficient for uptempo (and even tempo!) days however substantial sufficient for day by day coaching. The platform is secure, and for an unplated shoe, it holds its type nicely at tempo.
Renee: Michael writes it greatest: the midsole is mushy total, however not squishy and leans springy. And not using a plate, the midsole doesn’t have a “pop” some runners may want, and I discover the “rocker” to really feel pretty impartial (one thing I choose). Michael and Sam have a superb comparability to Puma’s Nitro, which feels firmer and due to this fact maybe extra springy. I are inclined to choose a extra pure underfoot really feel for day by day operating, which is why I benefit from the Insurgent. The geometry and cutouts look much less dramatic than v4, though I discover the underfoot journey to be the identical. The large platform makes the shoe secure for street operating; in fact, on my gravel roads the other may be true.
The large platform and mushy midsole can current issues in having a nimble touchdown on uneven surfaces and thick gravel. Regardless of this, the Insurgent is so mild weight that it wasn’t a difficulty.
The general sturdiness of the midsole may be an element long run. My v4 felt the identical up till 100 miles, after which I observed a slight deterioration within the spring of the midsole. I normally weigh between 120 and 130 kilos, and heavier runners may discover the midsole shedding its magic sooner. I continued to put on my v4 into the 200+ mile vary, and I’d put on it extra if not for different footwear to evaluation. Whereas the midsole felt much less full of life at that time, the shoe itself is so mild that I choose it to different brisker footwear for that purpose. At 50 miles, my v5 midsole has not modified.
Sally: What Michael stated! Smooth, springy however not squishy. The FuelCell foam and the marginally revamped geometry work collectively to supply a clean, secure, straightforward journey. Nothing trampoline-like bouncy, nothing agency and explosive in toe-off, however mild and fast and fluid. It’s nearly refreshing to really feel the bottom considerably and sense a extra pure stride underfoot, and I for one get pleasure from it.
Reed: When you can’t inform by now from the consistency of our suggestions, we’ve a outstanding stage of settlement concerning the character of the Insurgent v5. Smooth however not mushy. Springy however not explosive. Persistently nice however not mind-blowing. It’s straightforward to match the Insurgent to tremendous trainers and even supershoes resulting from its mild weight and mix of premium foam, however want we remind you that this can be a $140 coach?! I discover it price emphasizing and I hope it’s appreciated by many! I don’t have a lot so as to add to the feedback made by different testers, however I’ll simply repeat that this can be a nice day by day coach at really any tempo or distance. It might not be the squirrely and nimble Insurgent you might have as soon as cherished, but it surely’s now able to a lot for a single shoe at a particularly reasonable worth.
Outsole
Sam: The outsole options an in depth steady entrance floor with small home windows to help with flexibility and cut back weight.
The v4 had a extra separated entrance outsole with longitudinal grooves. Each have a far ahead flex level with the v5 being barely stiffer than v4 to the rear. Throughout my A/B check the v5 felt barely smoother at toe off
The rear rubber is made up of two patches with the lateral patch of the v5 now strong and I sense it’s a firmer rubber than the forefoot rubber.
A brand new considerably deeper decoupling groove is now included. My sense throughout my A/B run is that the landings are ever so barely softer and transitions off the heel are much less blocky in really feel than in v4
Sally: Sam has described the adjustments to the outsole from V4 to V5 in depth. Suffice it to say that this outsole checks all of the bins for me: it’s lots grippy and supplies good traction on various street surfaces; it appears fairly sturdy primarily based on the enough amount of rubber strategically positioned; it doesn’t have any dreaded gravel catching grooves; and it’s comparatively quiet underfoot on the run.
Michael: The outsole sees sensible, if comparatively unexciting, updates (although, I’ll say – a fairly cool-looking outsole). Up entrance, we now have a extra steady rubber structure with small cutouts for weight financial savings and suppleness – welcome, positive, however I by no means had a difficulty with v4. My impression is that the outsole is barely stiffer than v4, but it surely’s actually slight.
Rear protection can also be revised, with firmer lateral rubber and a deeper decoupling groove that aids in smoother transitions. We’ve been largely dry right here in my testing (I’ve put about 30 miles on my pair) and I had no points to talk of in any way.
Renee: The main points are properly coated by Sam, Sally, and Micheal. The outsole isn’t something thrilling, with protection solely the place wanted. I ran 25 miles complete on gravel with the Insurgent v5. Clearly there’s no traction in any way on the steep hills with thick gravel, so I used to be having enjoyable balancing.
In any other case, with no deep cutouts, I don’t have to fret about small pebbles wedging within the outsole. The uncovered midsole part seems good. Whereas I had some sticker burs to select off, no hurt accomplished. Reed: With no additional must nerd out about rubber compounds, I’ll briefly contact on my expertise off-road with the Insurgent. As a year-round path man, I can’t assist however take street footwear to the paths. Delicate trails, to be honest. There’s nothing concerning the stats of the Insurgent that claims you must take it out on trails, however when you’ve got clean singletrack or hearth roads with minimal technicality or mud, the Insurgent is a enjoyable departure from even a contemporary path shoe as a result of weight distinction and the springiness of the midsole. You’ll positively see me carrying these this summer time on my native “California Carpet”.
Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions
Sam: In search of a light-weight and full of life street coach with a pace quite than restoration focus? The Insurgent v5 is a best choice. Not considerably modified underfoot in journey really feel, if now a bit extra fluid and fewer blocky in really feel, its new higher supplies a clearly safer lockdown and refined match than the v4’s higher which for me barely saved up with the remainder of the shoe underfoot. To perform this, it does achieve 15g in weight however nonetheless checking in at about 7.7 oz US9 on its comparatively broad and notably secure platform I didn’t discover the rise in weight throughout my runs together with A/B run with v4 on the opposite foot.
The FuelCell foam will not be my favourite foam as whereas it’s reactive and mushy I discover it comparatively uninteresting in really feel missing considerably in rebound/ return pleasure and smiles. Nonetheless, given the Insurgent v5 versatility at mild weight and particularly reasonable $140 pricing, it’s a excellent and versatile worth.
Sam’s Rating: 9.2 /10
Journey (50%): 9 Match (30%): 9.4 Worth (15%): 9.4 Fashion (5%): 9.3
😊😊😊 ½
Sally: I’ve been a fan of the New Steadiness Insurgent because the OG, and am happy that V5 stays true to its DNA as a light-weight, versatile, energetic unplated uptempo impartial coach. At simply $140, this can be a strong alternative for a do-it-all peppy day by day coach that may play a frequent function in my rotation. My outdated bones may want extra cushioning underfoot for lengthy coaching runs, however the Insurgent 5 is a superb decide for day by day coaching at fast paces. Not too long ago I’ve been listening to so much about how we shouldn’t be doing all of our operating in plated footwear, so the Insurgent 5 presents a prime notch unplated possibility for any and your entire runs. I choose the V5 over its predecessor significantly due to the extra dialed in and safe higher and the marginally smoother subtly rockered journey. The Insurgent 5 continues the custom and stays a prime shoe for me!
Sally’s Rating: 9.6 / 10.0Smiles Rating: 😊😊😊😊½
Michael: The Insurgent v5 is a transparent step ahead—even when it’s an odd evolution when in comparison with the place the road began. Gone are the stripped-down, nearly (old style) racing-flat days of v1; this can be a extra refined, structured shoe that also delivers the enjoyable. It’s not the wildest journey on the market, but it surely’s bouncy, fluid, and versatile. An enchancment over v4, however nothing that makes you have a look at the predecessor with distaste.
However that is the place the Insurgent has been for a couple of years now, and it’s welcome – in the event you’re after a light-weight street coach with actual vary, from day by day runs to tempo days and possibly even a plateless race effort, the Insurgent v5 must be excessive in your listing. The higher is a pleasant enchancment (not large, however materials) and the journey is as partaking as at all times. As a bundle, this shoe is simply plain good: mild, locked-in, full of life, and fairly priced at $140.
Michael’s Rating: 9.5 / 10Smiles Rating: 😊😊😊😊½
Renee: I’ve been a fan of the Insurgent since v2. Sure, I miss the low stack and slender platform at instances. Nonetheless, the present Insurgent stays one of many lightest footwear out there particularly for its stack.
For day by day coaching, the impartial journey, delicate rocker (which I don’t discover), and midsole are excellent. At instances, I would want a better drop or a firmer midsole, however total the Insurgent stays my best choice for an unplated street shoe.
When you didn’t like v4, you gained’t like v5. I believe a reduced v4 can be a superb purchase though the higher is improved on v5.
I used the Insurgent for one gravel hill run at reasonable paces, one interval/pace exercise (additionally gravel), a ten mile base run (gravel), and a 15+miler with 13.1 miles at perceived marathon tempo (was about 7:31 min/mile common, in all probability quicker than my precise marathon tempo). I’m curious how the midsole will really feel after 100 miles so an replace may be wanted. By the point the shoe releases, I’ll probably have greater than 100 miles. As a mediocre runner the Insurgent is a shoe I can use for mainly each run other than trails. At $140, it’s a superb purchase particularly for runners preferring mild weight footwear.
Renee’s Rating: 9.8/10 (larger rating than v4 for the higher adjustments; nonetheless lacking the simplified v2 qualities)
😊😊😊😊😊
12 Comparisons
New Steadiness FC Insurgent v4 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: Described intimately within the evaluation. A safer higher joins a change in sculpting of the midsole geometry (similar stack peak) and extra considerably extra in depth rubber. The journey and match are refined even when the burden will increase 15g.
Michael: Evolution, not revolution – despite the fact that that is greater than a brand new coat of paint. If I didn’t stress it above, NB has accomplished an awesome job right here in making real adjustments to a fan-favorite shoe whereas holding the spirit of current variations alive. That’s only a bizarre factor to say on this line, which is characterised by seismic shifts (I imply, simply have a look at v1 under!).
Renee: Like Sam and Micheal, I’ve comparisons within the evaluation. I don’t discover any variations within the journey regardless of the shoe having totally different geometrical shaping/cutouts alongside the midsole. The higher match is improved with a safer heel cup and fewer materials throughout the toe field. Sizing is similar. A reduced v4 could be a good selection except you usually want/need a good heel safety. The v5 is barely heavier though nonetheless a lot lighter than different comparable footwear.
Sally: Once more, there are V4 vs V5 comparisons all through the evaluation. The improved streamlined match of the higher and the safer heel are a noticeable enchancment for me. New Steadiness succeeds in holding true to the DNA of a beloved shoe and tweaking it to make it a bit higher but.
Adidas EVO SL (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: Direct opponents within the mild throughout coach class with a give attention to pace. But, I discovered very totally different rides even when they each have a really related far ahead flex level. The EVO SL has an all Lightstrike Professional midsole that’s barely softer than the Insurgent’s FuelCell, a barely larger stack peak and features a small midfoot plastic plate slightly below the sockliner. Whereas each are inflexible behind that toe off level the EVO is significantly stiffer on the run and in contrast to the Insurgent will not be a lot enjoyable at any type of slower tempo, coming alive at quicker tempo paces for me. The Insurgent v5 higher is more true to dimension when it comes to quantity for me with the EVO baggier with not pretty much as good rear maintain truly a shakier maintain just like the Insurgent v4. Straightforward alternative for me, Insurgent on this class of shoe.
Michael: These are two of the most effective to do it on this class – not simply this 12 months, however ever. The Insurgent runs a bit extra comfortably at slower paces – the geometry and foam aren’t so efficiency tuned – which some could admire (since my solely actual criticism concerning the SL was that it was too a lot enjoyable!).
If I had to decide on just one do-it-all coach, I might in all probability take the SL only for its liveliness and vital upside, however I’m guessing most runners have a particular race or workout-day shoe already – during which case, the NB is greater than enough for “every thing else.” Each are genuinely enjoyable choices.
Craft Nordilite Tempo (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: Heavier at 8.95 oz / 254g US9 with a larger stack peak of 40mm heel / 34 mm forefoot the Craft is a extra substantial shoe in the identical tempo class however one which leans extra in the direction of being a day by day coach than pace shoe because the Insurgent is. Its midsole can also be a PEBA mix with a considerably denser really feel. It’s considerably extra secure than the Insurgent. Each true to dimension with extra minimal uppers with the Tempo’s barely extra supportive and substantial if not fairly as comfy
Nike Pegasus Plus (RTR Evaluate)
Michael: I really like the Pegasus Plus! The resurgence of the Pegasus Turbo line, this factor is enjoyable and bouncy and only a pleasure for all types of runs. Sound acquainted? In fact we’re coping with direct opponents right here. For my foot and my operating model, I did barely choose the Nike – I simply discovered myself having a greater match and a extra comfy toe-off. However it’s slight, and now that I’ve worn by way of my Nikes, I plan on placing many extra summer time miles on the Insurgent v5. You possibly can’t go unsuitable!Reed: I discovered the Pegasus Plus to be missing a little bit of forefoot safety and I had hoped for a extra refined higher. The Insurgent solves each of these points for me whereas saving $40.
Nike Zoom Fly 6 (RTR Evaluate)
Sally: The Zoom Fly 6 is certainly one of my prime decisions for tempo runs. It’s a lot firmer than the Insurgent 5 because of its full-length carbon fiber FlyPlate sandwiched between layers of ZoomX foam and one other foam. With a extra performance-oriented journey,the ZoomFly 6 is an ideal coaching companion to the Alphafly or Vaporfly The Insurgent 5 is softer and extra versatile and extra pure in really feel, fast and peppy with out the rigidity or explosive toe-off. Each are versatile uptempo footwear that can be utilized on race-day, however one is plated and the opposite isn’t, one is $170 and the opposite is $140. Each are in my rotation.
Saucony Endorphin Velocity (RTR Evaluate)
Renee: I’ve the v4 of the Velocity (not the v5). The plain distinction with the Velocity is the plate and firmer midsole. For an aided tempo exercise the plate offers a bonus though for coaching runs I choose the extra mellow midsole of the Insurgent. The Velocity has a way more slender platform as in comparison with the large Insurgent. The v4 higher wasn’t essentially the most safe so stability factors go to the Insurgent. Sizing is comparable.
Sally: I’ve not too long ago been operating within the new Endorphin Velocity 5, and once more, a prime favourite shoe that has been tweaked to be even higher. The Velocity and the Insurgent have each been my favourite footwear of the 12 months, so I suppose I like uptempo shoe. The Velocity is firmer and extra slender total with a nylon plate, whereas the Insurgent is softer and wider and extra versatile (and unplated). If I may solely decide one of many two favorites, I admit I might decide the Endorphin Velocity. Robust alternative.
ASICS Noosa Tri 16 (RTR Evaluate)
Sam: Barely lighter at 7.5 oz / 213g US9 with the identical stack peak these are shut opponents in goal and journey really feel. The Noosa is a bit firmer and faster responding as its platform is significantly narrower and depends extra on its rocker than the Insurgent to maneuver the runner to toe off. Its higher is a bit decrease quantity, much less complicated and smoother becoming if denser over the toes.
ASICS Novablast v5 (RTR Evaluate)
Renee: Each of those footwear are amongst my favourite street footwear with out plates, though they’ve their very own differing qualities.
The Novablast has the excessive drop and bouncier journey. The latest Novablast has a much less clunky heel than its earlier variations, one thing that made it quicker for me. The Insurgent’s decrease drop and forefoot provide a extra impartial journey. The Insurgent is lighter in weight and thus higher for pace or tempo work in that regard.
Go together with the Novablast for the excessive drop and bounce and the Insurgent for the sunshine weight. Sizing is comparable.
Reed: Nice comparability right here. From my retail expertise, select the Novablast in the event you’re trying to smash a number of miles with most consolation. Select the Insurgent in the event you admire the sunshine weight and don’t thoughts the tradeoff for sturdiness.
Topo Cyclone v3 (RTR Evaluate)
Renee: When you miss the outdated variations of the Insurgent, the Cyclone 3 affords a decrease stack and slender platform. The midsole is dynamic though firmer. The Insurgent v5 has extra stack for longer runs. The rocker of the Cyclone is a bit noticeable, a professional or con relying on how the runner feels about rockers. The Cyclone is lighter weight albeit with much less stack. I put on a half dimension smaller within the Cyclone.
Brooks Hyperion 2 (RTR Evaluate)
Renee: One other nice shoe for these liking mild weight unplated trainers, the Hyperion 2 (to not be confused with the numerous different Brooks footwear with “Hyperion” within the identify), has a extra dramatic forefoot rocker and fewer stack. For pace or tempo work when a rocker and firmer midsole is required, the Hyperion 2 is an effective possibility. For stack, consolation, and total various utilization, the Insurgent. The Hyperion 2 is a mere 6.10 ounces in a ladies’s dimension 8 as in comparison with the Insurgent 6.8. In fact, the Insurgent has extra stack. Sizing is comparable.
Diadora Frequenza (RTR Evaluate)
Renee: I nearly overlook about this shoe, but it surely’s a superb one. If the Novablast v5 and the Insurgent v5 had an costly child, it might be the Frequenza. The midsole has that supercritical foam really feel, mild and springy with softness just like the Insurgent however in a 8mm drop just like the Novablast.
At 7.20 ounces in my ladies’s dimension 8, the burden is between the Novablast and Insurgent. The Frequenza has much less below the forefoot for lengthy runs and at $180 it’s a troublesome purchase. A significant word on this shoe was the higher. The supplies of the tongue above the toe field had clunky stitching that dug into my foot no matter sock thickness. Sizing is comparable. Hoka Mach 6 (RTR Evaluate)Reed: Two footwear that straddle the road of day by day coaching and high quality coaching. Each mild sufficient (though Insurgent has the sting by about half an oz.). The Mach 6 was actually the one shoe I believed stacks up nicely towards the Insurgent, with some variations that in all probability might help you select which could go well with you extra. The Mach is slimmer becoming and offers the sense of extra management. The Insurgent is a bit wilder in nature and identify. The Insurgent felt higher at slower paces and each felt sufficient at quicker paces though I’ll choose the turnover of the Mach. Each are priced equally and out there in large.
Index to all RTR opinions: HERE
The Insurgent v5 will launch July 1, 2025
Tester Profiles
Sam is the Editor and Founding father of Street Path Run. He’s in his 60’s with 2025 Sam’s 53th 12 months of operating roads and trails. He has a many years outdated 2:28 marathon PR. Nowadays he runs halves within the simply sub 1:40 vary if he will get very, very fortunate. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week largely at reasonable paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, mountaineering or on nordic skis. He’s 5’9” tall and weighs about 160 lbs, if he’s not having fun with too many superb New England IPA’s.
Michael is a patent lawyer and graduate of Northwestern College Legislation Faculty. Previous to regulation faculty, he competed collegiately at Washington College in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs embrace a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:20:41 marathon PR on the 2025 Houston Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ sooner or later.
Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of operating and writing began. She isn’t that superior of a runner, however she tries actually arduous. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles happen on rural nation roads in Nebraska, which means mud, gravel, grime, hills, and the occasional discipline. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and three:26:45 for the marathon.
Sally is a lifelong runner and mom of 5 who agreed towards her higher judgment to run her first marathon at age 54; she has since run the previous twelve Boston Marathons, three NYC Marathons, two Chicagos, and one London with the WMM Six Star Medal now in her sights (Berlin in 2025). With a Boston PR of three:25:55 in 2022 (ninth place in AG) and three consecutive 2nd place in Age Group awards in NYC, she has competed in a number of Abbott WMM Age Group World Championships and positioned sixth on the planet in W 60-64 when she ran an all-time PR of three:24:02 at age 63 on the 2022 London Marathon. She additionally competes in USATF races of all distances with the Larger Lowell Street Runners group. So as to add which means to her Boston Marathon races she runs with Crew Eye and Ear and has raised over $350,000 for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Hospital. Sally stands tall at 5’2’’ and 105 kilos, and lives in Marblehead, MA the place she trains outside 12 months spherical. She blames her love of snowboarding out West for any and all Boston Marathon coaching challenges.
Reed Breuer, 32 years outdated from Auburn, CA. Reed started operating at age 18 and did the traditional observe/cross nation route by way of faculty. After faculty he ran a pair street marathons and began racing on trails in 2017. He moved from Sacramento to Auburn in 2023 to stay nearer to the historic Western States 100 course and he primarily trains and races on trails from 50k to 100mi. He has run a 15:28 5k and a couple of:28 marathon and is domestically aggressive in races of any floor or distance. He manages a neighborhood operating shoe retailer and is beginning a training enterprise on the aspect (capital-endurance.com). He’s a closeted heel-striker and over-pronator with a really low-volume foot.
