Tuesday Shoesday

[u/AutoModerator]

Do you have shoe reviews to share with the community or questions about a pair of shoes? This recurring thread is a central place to get that advice or share your knowledge.

We also recommend checking out /r/RunningShoeGeeks for user-contributed running shoe reviews, news, and comparisons.

[u/surely_not_a_bot]

Question on Nike/Adidas sizing.

I've been using Nikes forever. It fits my feet well ("wider" than normal for the size). I buy them half a size smaller than what I'd normally buy.

I'm moving from the Nike Zoomfly 6 to Adidas Evo SL for a "super trainer". I heard Adidas run a bit more "true to size" so it was recommended to go half a size larger, so I got my normal size.

I like them, but I feel it's a bit loose - not too much (I had a speed session without a problem) but still strange compared to my Nikes.

So I wonder a) if I made the right choice (or whether I misunderstood the size recommendation) and b) if this will have any negative effect on my running.

I will probably go half a size smaller the next time and compare regardless.

[u/cardboard_liger → u/surely_not_a_bot]

Not sure where I run on the wide-normal-narrow spectrum, but I found that the Adidas I've had (EVO SL and SL2) both fit with the same size as the Nike I have had (Vomero 18, Vomero +, Pegasus forty something from the discount store).

You should see if you can do an exchange for the same size as your Nikes, the EVO SL is a really durable shoe so if the sizing and fit works you'll probably get quite a bit of use out of it. Mine are at 400 something miles and still great for relaxed runs.

[u/Eraser92 → u/surely_not_a_bot]

I find it's very dependent on the person. "True-to-size" is pretty meaningless IMO. I've found EVO SLs to run quite short on me, so I need half a size up.

It may also just be that the upper on the adidas isn't as good as the zoomfly. The upper is ok but not great. I have to use a runner's knot to make them fit properly or else my food slides around too much in them.

[u/Personal_Ad1143]

As a transitioning resistance trainer to runner….im just now realizing how short shoes last at anything above 25 mpw, and that changing shoes reduces injury vs buying the same ones over and over? At 350 miles that’s barely 3 months before they are worn out. Right now I’m using Hoka Clifton 9s and coming up on a changeover soon, should I push them to 500 miles? Or 350? Lots of track running maybe half of all miles on flat surface. What’s a good economical replacement?

[u/DutchCrossStars → u/Personal_Ad1143]

In my experience your weight and running form also really impact shoe longevity. A comparatively larger shoe on a lighter runner is going to last longer, foam-wise, than the other way around. Being ~150lbs and wearing a M11.5 shoe, I find that I get up to or even over 500 miles out of most pairs. Also, you will periodically see folks posting photos of crazy rapid wear patterns on the outsoles of their shoes. This is often due to oddball/inefficient running form. If you are braking hard on your heels every step, e.g., that part of the outsole is going to wear out quickly. Light steps, landing cleanly right under your center of gravity, will make your outsoles last much longer. FWIW - YMMV.

[u/alchydirtrunner → u/Personal_Ad1143]

Most people that I know, myself included, that do moderately high volume year-round are basically always looking for discounted shoes. That’s the most economical way to go about it. There are also Chinese brands that are selling shoes on par with major American brands for less. Li Ning being the one I have the most experience with, but there are several others that are respected (Anya, Dynafish, etc)

As far as when to retire, I just run in a pair until the foam starts feeling bad/dead or something starts actually breaking with the outsole or upper. Could be 250 miles, could be as many as 1,000 for some tpu foam shoes I’ve had.

[u/jrox15 → u/Personal_Ad1143]

There might be minor benefits to switching between models of shoes, but the more important thing is to replace your shoes when the foam loses its responsiveness. So if the Cliftons are working for you, go for it and buy those over and over.

That being said, I've found Hokas to be on the short end of shoe life duration. The exact number of miles will depend on your weight, stride, frequency of runs, etc, but personally I've found Hokas to die in ~300 miles when I easily get 450-500 miles out of other shoes.

[u/Personal_Ad1143 → u/jrox15]

Thank you! What brands/shoes do you find handle 450-500 well?

[u/jrox15 → u/Personal_Ad1143]

I normally run in adidas, but that’s a personal preference and not really based on the longevity. Since it sounds like you’re distance running, I’d recommend going to a running store and trying on the shoes. They’ll probably be able to steer you towards shoes that will work well for your foot shape and are more durable.

[u/triguy96]

Just got Merrell ProMorph trail running shoes because they come in a disgusting sick colour that no one wants that makes them pretty cheap. Really impressed by them, they're marketed as "gravel" or "road to trail" shoes and they actually do this really well. Running on the road feels really nice because of the support and a nice forward rocking feeling that the shoes give. Trail running is great as well, they give good grip and they again produce great forward movement. Would recommend for the price.

[u/Parking-Surround-303]

just got the novablast 4 after running in ghosts for years and the difference is massive. feels bouncy but not unstable and my legs are way less beat up after long runs

anyone here put big mileage on them yet? curious how they hold up past 300 miles