ZenBoost+

I had no expectations for the ZenBoost+, and it performed much better than I expected. It weighs about 210 g in my UK 8, lighter than the Evo SL, with a 33 mm heel, 27 mm forefoot and a 6 mm drop. That light, low-drop profile makes it a versatile shoe for slow runs, fast runs and races. The new Boost+ foam is a lighter evolution of Boost with more energy return. I see it as the next step from the Pureboost 5. I ran slow and I ran as fast as 3:30/km. The ride is light, comfortable and energetic. It is not 10 out of 10. The energy return is a step below the Megablast, Evo SL, Endorphin Azura and Velocity Nitro 4, closer to the Deviate Nitro Pure but without its softness. From 5 km to a half marathon, at anything from 4:00/km down to easy pace, I have no complaints about the ride. I wouldn't buy it purely for interval training, because the foam is dense and it lacks the pop of a plated trainer. It is race-ready for 5K, 10K and half marathons. I love the upper and the look. It has a thick, breathable, durable mesh in a Primeweave-like pattern, without overlays, hidden internal eyelets, a modern tongue and great heel padding. It is true to size in my UK 8, with a snug, performance fit. It is narrower than daily trainers like the Novablast, Cumulus or Supernova Rise 3, so size up half a size if you want space. It's also stylish enough to wear casually. Stability is the weakness. The tongue gusset is attached inside rather than at the sides, and there is no heel counter, so it doesn't stop my moderate pronation at all. After running fast I had problems because of my plantar fasciitis. If you have flat feet, overpronate or are a beginner without strong ankles, it can give you ankle pain. Consider it only if you are neutral or high-arched. The full-coverage rubber outsole is soft, durable and very grippy, with an extra-grippy section at push-off. It will take a long time to wear out. My main negative is the price. Around ₹10,000 is very expensive for India. ₹6,000 to ₹8,000 would have been perfect. I also wish it were a little more lively at speed.