New Balance 1260

This stability shoe has recently taken the Editor's Runners choice award in the Runnersworld Autumn shoe guide, so if you overpronate and have low arches, then this is the trainer for you. In it's previous life this trainer was the 1226, but has been updated with a new heel collar,more pronation support and a more flexible forefoot. Weighing in at 349g (Men's), 285g (Women's) it's up there with the heavier stability shoes on the market.

The first thing I noticed when putting the trainer on was the comfort, the fit was perfect and felt snug around the foot particularly around the upper part of the trainer. I'm not necessary a one brand running man, so I've tried different makes of trainers in the past but this was by far the most comfortable I can remember.

Out on the run the trainer responded well and although the medial support of the trainer was not obtrusive, the chunkier support could be felt, but this is a stability trainer so it needs to be there. I also run in the Nike Lunarglide +2, I don't want to steal the limelight of the 1260 in this review but Nike seem to have created the perfect sole which not only supports well but has taken away the chunkier stability of most other trainers on the market. If I could combine the base of the Lunarglide with the upper of the 1260, then you would have the perfect trainer.

The lacing system, as always with New Balance is brilliant and the grip of the trainer is designed well. Overall a great trainer and easy to see why it went down so well at Runnersworld.

Overall Performance 33 out of 40

Cushioning - 8 out of 10, Plenty of cushioning, firm with medial support.

Comfort - 10 out of 10, Perfect.

Flexibility - 7 out of 10, More flexible in the forefoot.

Responsiveness - 8 out of 10, Good, but chunky mid sole holds it back.