[Dev] Discover the Perfect Running Companion: New Balance 880v15 vs. HOKA Bondi 9

As the winter haze fades, it’s time to dust off the running gear and break outside. You grab anti-blister socks from Feetures or Balega, high-performance joggers, and a moisture-wicking shirt. In a cobwebbed corner of your home, you find what once could be called running shoes, all compressed, discolored, worn and stinky. You shrug and slip them on.

Even after a dynamic warm up, mere minutes into your jog, you’re wondering why your knees and shins hurt. You notice the rubber on the bottom of your shoes is bald and the cushion is so compressed, you could swear the shoe was eating itself. Time to search for a new pair.

You sigh and scroll through shoe reviews, tech blogs, customer feedback and endless options until you’re overwhelmed. This is your sign to ignore the other links and websites to focus your attention to the following information about some of my personal running shoe recommendations for spring of 2025:

New Balance FuelCell Propel v5 - Cushy, yet springy and responsive:

The FuelCell Propel sports a TPU plate - regulates foot strike and makes the placement of your foot more consistent to aid in energy return for faster runs, but it’s padded enough for everyday miles. The Propel v5 is an awesome distance track or 10k-½ marathon trainer

FuelCell Facts:

• 7.8 oz Women
• 9.9 oz Men
• 6mm drop, neutral
• TPU Plate
• Budget-friendly

Brooks Glycerin 22 - Plush heel cushion with a springy forefoot:

The Glycerin 22 is designed for max padding all the way from heel to toe, whether strolling or hightailing it. Brooks took their classic Glycerin series and added even more cushion. It looks awesome, and it’s less bulky than other high cushion shoes.

Glycerin Gist:

• 9.1oz Women
• 10.2oz Men
• 10mm drop, neutral
• Cushy heel landings with snappy toe-off

Altra Torin 8 - Wide toe box, extra padding without the bulk:

The Torin 8 feels way more supportive than a typical barefoot or minimalist shoe. Whether running 5k’s, marathons, or dealing with nagging injuries in traditional running shoes and curious about zero drop shoes, the Torin 8 is a great place to start.

Torin Traits:

• 8.4oz Women
• 10.15oz Men
• 0mm drop, neutral
• Wide toe-box, narrow heel
• Lightweight, soft cushioning

Running Socks

Introducing the HOKA Arahi 7 Running Shoe
improved features.

The fan-favorite HOKA stability shoe is back and better than ever! The updated Arahi 7 includes everything you loved about the old version plus new and improved features.

Read below to find out what’s new, what’s the same, and if the HOKA Arahi 7 is right for you!

Final Thoughts

Altra Torin 8 - Everyday trainer, fast or slow. Strengthen your leg and foot to avoid injury. Neutral. 0mm drop.

Hoka Bondi 9 - Long distance or recovery runs. Protection for the joints and shock absorption. Neutral. 5mm drop.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 22 - Everyday trainer or distance recovery shoe. Stability. 10mm drop.

Come to Goodmiles Running Company so we can scan your feet and determine which shoes are best for you. We’ll present several options and help you compare and contrast them. Hop on our treadmill to see how each works with your gait and pace. Bring your old shoes so we can check your wear pattern, then donate or recycle the old pair to a great local cause!