On Cloudboom Max Celeste

Celeste brings a pale blue cast to a shoe otherwise defined by what it does to a marathon. On built the Cloudboom Max around a deep, energetic midsole and a carbon plate, aiming at the runner whose goal is a number rather than a finish line, and the ride feels purposeful from the first stride of a warm-up.

Where it separates itself from flatter racers is late in a race, when the cushioning is still absorbing impact and the plate is still helping the foot roll through. Reserve it for target races and the occasional paced long run, and let a sturdier daily trainer absorb the rest of the weekly mileage. A season's worth of training deserves a shoe kept fresh for the day itself.

Good to know

• Fits true to size with a narrow, racing last; half a size up suits wider feet.
• Brand new, shipped in its original box.
• Questions before you order? We reply within 24 hours.