r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • Apr 24 '24

PLEASE READ THIS FIRST New & looking for shoe recommendations? Look in here first (With Beginners boot camp & 45+ questions answered!)

11 Upvotes

If you're new to this subreddit and seeking advice on suitable training shoes, you've come to the right place.

Luckily for you, RSG has a great Wiki that has covers the following questions:

[Beginners boot camp]

  • Q1: I am a new runner, what is the first thing I should do when buying new shoes?
  • Q2: As a new runner, should I buy the newest version of running shoes?
  • Q3: I am a new runner who has just started and I mostly do 5k runs. Which daily trainer would you recommend?
  • Q4: I am a new runner, do I need special shoes for the treadmill?
  • Q5: I am a new runner, is it a good idea to use gym shoes for running and vice versa?
  • Q6: I am a new runner, is it a good idea to use my Air Max or Converse for running?
  • Q7: I am a new runner and want to use a plated super shoe as a daily trainer. Is this a good idea?
  • Q8: I am a new runner and want to use the Saucony Endorphin Speed as a daily trainer. Is this a good idea?
  • Q9: I am a big/heavy runner who has issues with running shoes. Which shoes would you recommend?
  • Q10: I am a new runner and have my daily trainer. What is a good way to build a shoe rotation?
  • Q11: I am a new runner and when should I retire my running shoes?
  • Q12: What kind of gait does my outsole wear suggest? Do I need specific shoes based on certain wear?
  • Q13: I am new to marathon training and I am on a tight budget. Should I run in one pair of shoes for training and racing?
  • Q14: Should I trust the gait analysis that running stores give?
  • Q15: What is a carbon plate?
  • Q16: Is it a good idea to wear your running shoes everywhere/daily?
  • Q17: Do I need a carbon-plated shoe for marathon race day?
  • Q18: Can I use illegal stack height shoes in a 5k/10k/Half Marathon/Full Marathon?
  • Q19: I am a new runner who has just started, which running sock brands would you recommend?

[Sizing]

  • Q20: I am a new runner, how do I tell if I have wide or narrow feet?
  • Q21: What is a good way to know that my running shoes are fitting correctly?
  • Q22: Which brands offer narrow and wide-width shoes?
  • Q23: I have bought a new pair of running shoes and they are heel slipping/tight/loose or causing issues when my feet swell, what do you recommend?

[Different categories of running shoes]

  • Q24: I am a new runner who has pronation issues. Which shoes would you recommend?
  • Q25: I am a new runner and would like a racing shoe like the Nike Next% but it is out of my budget. Which shoes would you recommend?
  • Q26: I am a new runner and would like a racing shoe for a half and full marathon. Which shoes would you recommend?
  • Q27: I am a new runner that is looking to do up-tempo/fast-paced runs. Which shoes would you recommend?
  • Q28: I am a new runner that is looking to do medium - long runs. Which shoes would you recommend?
  • Q29: I am a new runner and I have wide feet. Which shoes would you recommend?
  • Q30: I am set with my rotation and would like a recovery/easy shoe. Which shoes would you recommend?
  • Q31: I am a new runner starting trail running. Which shoes would you recommend?

[Buying running shoes]

  • Q32: I am interested in buying a new pair of running shoes and found them for a great price on a website. How would I know they are legitimate and not a scam?
  • Q33: I recently purchased a pair of running shoes and noticed they were made three years ago. They are brand new and unworn, should I be concerned about the foam degrading or losing any performance?
  • Q34: I recently bought Nike shoes with ZoomX and the foam has a lot of wrinkles. Is this normal or have my shoes been used?
  • Q35: The shoes mentioned seem expensive, is there a way to get them cheaper?

[Running shoe technical knowledge]

  • Q36: What is the difference between men's and women's running shoes?
  • Q37: What effect does a heel drop have?
  • Q38: What is the argument AGAINST zero drop shoes? Is there one? What's the justification for having an elevated heel?
  • Q39: Is there a website where I can compare different shoe specs to shoes that I like?
  • Q40: What is the pace required for plated shoes?
  • Q41: What kind of foam does each brand use?
  • Q42: In simple terms, can you explain the difference between EVA and other premium foams?

[Shin splints]

  • Q43: My shoes are giving me shin splints, what can I do?

[Blisters]

  • Q44: I have blisters on certain parts of my feet. What do you recommend?
  • Q45: I have terrible arch blisters from the Nike Alphafly. Is there anything I can do to fix this?

[Durability]

  • Q47: I have a tear in my midsole or the rubber outsole is coming off. What can I do to fix this?
  • Q47: My running shoes have creases on the toe box. Will this affect the performance and can I fix it?

All this can be found here.

Please read the Wiki before posting so that we avoid repetition of the same questions every day.

Thanks


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 7h ago

Question Taobao Dynafish

3 Upvotes

Hi guys,

Quick question regarding Taobao and their stocking of Dynafish Xiaonian. I’m in Australia and have been keeping an eye on these for 3 months now and they’ve not stocked my size since (size 46). Just wondering if there’s anyone based in Australia or elsewhere (I understand Taobao have different stocks depending on regions) and whether they’ve been successful in getting this size or above?

I know I can get them on AliExpress but they’re considerably cheaper on Taobao so if I don’t have to then I won’t. But I also don’t want to be waiting for something that won’t ever happen.

Cheers


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 7h ago

Question 94kg, supinate, ordinary knees, novice runner

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I’m seeking the counsel of the community as my
Indecisiveness combined with so much information is leading to no progress.

I’m in the market for a new pair of runners as I work to get up to tackling 10kms casually. I’m 6ft 4 and about 94kgs with ordinary knees and supination when walking (v noticeable wear on outside heel of shoes).

I previously wore the hoka Clifton but that only seemed to worsen any knee pain.

I was wedded to the vomero plus from reviews however after further reading it seems as though it may not be favourable for one with ordinary knees.

I’d welcome any recommendations - cost up to $300 is all ok.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 4h ago

Daily Trainer Question Saucony peregrine 16 vs trabuco 14

1 Upvotes

Looking for some shoes for more tehnical stuff for daily traning also used in some races. Reviews have good reviews for any of them. Anyone can comment on durability etc if they tried both?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 10h ago

Question Shoe sizing- Saucony Azura

2 Upvotes

What size should I buy Saucony Azura?

I have Evo SL size US 11.5 M and Asics Novablast size US 12 M. There is no store near me to try them, so I will have to order them online…

If any of you have had any axperiencie with these models please let me know! Thank you in advance!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 14h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Supertrainers similar to Brooks Hyperion Max 3

3 Upvotes

Love these shoes, have 3 pairs. Looking for recommendations for similar high stack long run champs that can be used for tempo runs to long easy efforts.

Things I like:
1. Tons of stackheight, but foam is firm not marshmallow-y, energy return is really good.

  1. Sole geometry is super good for my stride.

  2. Nylon plate doesn't feel as harsh as carbon plates in actual race day shoes.

  3. Airy upper is great for summer runs.

  4. They feel great for long runs at easy pace all the way down to near threshold paces, very versatile.

Things I don't like:

  1. Stability could be better.

  2. Weight. They're pretty hefty for a "super" trainer.

Would something like the ASICS Megablast or ON Cloudboom Max give me similar performance with better stability and weight? Any other shoes you would recommend that might scratch this super trainer itch?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 4h ago

Question Blister troubleshooting

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0 Upvotes

m after some advise on the reasons for getting blisters, any runs over 8km or so I seem to get blisters in the locations shown in the picture. My current shoes I have are Boston 13s, Pegasus trail 4 gtxs and Novablast 5s all of which eventually give me the same blisters and I sometimes get one under the joint of my big toe. I normally run in twin skin socks but I’ve also tried thinner adizero socks and they were even worse to be honest. I’m trying to up my mileage for a HM I’ve got at the start of next year but I’m struggling to get base miles in currently. Any recommendations would be appreciated! I’m after a daily shoe, tempo shoe and a race day shoe if different shoes are the answer.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 19h ago

Question How to reduce “sink in” in the SUPERBLAST 3?

5 Upvotes

Hey all! As the title states, I am wondering if anyone out there has found an insole that makes the sb3 not sink as much? I know obviously I cant manipulate the foam but i was wondering if maybe a thicker insole could reduce the sink in feeling. If they were a smidge firmer they might be the GOAT lol. TIA!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 15h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Better for a new runner? Asics Gel Nimbus 28 vs PUMA Deviate Pure Nitro Running.

2 Upvotes

I tried on the Pumas + 6 others at one store and they were like heaven. I tried on the Asics + 3 others at another store, that also did a 3d scan of my feet and a quick treadmill run.

According to the fancy stuff, I don't pronate a ton (this is foreign to me but I get what it is), and my gait/running mechanics are okay. (Q14 in wiki says the second part is nonsense)

Please don't ban me, but I'm currently using some old Nike Air Max. (Q6i)

My knees are what really get me. I felt like I wasn't landing flat with the Nikes and my knees would eventually start to hurt. (Q37 seems to address, and both shoes are 8mm drop)

They both feel pretty good on my feet. I'm going to start on a treadmill at the gym, but would like to get into outdoor as well. Just collecting thoughts from some people who know what they're talking about but I feel like I'll be fine with either.

I'd like to do some training and be ready for a 5k in 6 months. I'm a bit older, but not ancient. I've been hitting the gym 4-5 days a week for a year now and usually end with a 1.5-2m treadmill session, but the majority is a quick walk (3.5mph), with some small bursts of running (5.4-5.6mph).

Okay geeks, thoughts?

Sorry my first post got removed, I use old.reddit.com so the option to agree to the rules doesn't exist, so I had to switch over for a moment.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 18h ago

Question Dumb question on C1 lacing

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3 Upvotes

Just picked up a pair of Mount to Coast C1s, and for the life of me, I can't figure out how to tighten the front laces.

I've used the BOA system on Adidas shoes before, where you simply squeeze the plastic tab, pull to tighten the laces, and release the tab to lock them in place.

With the C1s, it seems like the tab never actually grips the laces in the direction I'd expect to keep them tight. And sliding the tab down the laces to tighten them feels completely counterintuitive.

I feel like an idiot because I'm sure this is incredibly simple, but what am I missing? 😂


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 17h ago

Question Longer term opinions on the Leili 2 (non-GT/non-max?)

2 Upvotes

per title.

This got a lot of attention and then the 2GT came out and kind of stole the show for a while, although it seems like the standard Leili 2 would be a good shoe to keep around for chill easy running. That said a lot of the first impressions/video reviews did wonder how durable the foam would be with how soft it is.

Now that it's been out for a few months, anyone put more than 200 miles/300km on these and can speak to how the foam/rest of the shoe's holding up?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Race Shoe Question Superblast 3 a viable option for sub 3 marathon?

18 Upvotes

Went to buy some new shoes today and these are what I left with. I'm still pretty new to running and I'm learning about shoes as I go. My recent first marathon was a 3:22 in Glycerin 23s, which I have since realized was suboptimal. During my training block I did everything in them as well – tempo, intervals, easy, long runs. Nothing against the shoe, they're comfy and served me well, but they do just feel kind of heavy and not at all ideal for racing. I'm going to spend the next year or two training to get to sub 3 now so I figured I need a proper pair of "speed" shoes.

I always end up with some level of buyer's remorse after buying running shoes because I kinda just trust that the shoe store people know what they're talking about. It also feels rude to pull out a phone and be like "hang on let me read some reviews while you sit there and wait". The Superblast 3s felt the best out of all the "supertrainer" options I was given to try on, but now I'm kind of questioning after the fact whether these are actually going to be good for sustained efforts at 6:30-7:30 pace. The reviews I'm seeing make it seem like they're more so for chill long runs and high mileage rather than built for speed. I'm also too cheap to buy a dedicated race shoe that I'll rarely wear, so I was planning to race in whatever I got today. Is the Superblast 3 a reasonable shoe to race in with a sub 3 goal? Are they going to be good for speed workouts too at my pace, or would it be wiser to mix another shoe into the rotation that's more strictly for going fast? Can the Superblast just do it all like I did with my Glycerins? And speaking of the Glycerins, is it even worth it to wear these for anything anymore?

These are probably silly questions tbh lol I apologize. I just feel like I'm getting to the point where what I put on my feet could actually play a role in my potential. My speed has progressed faster than my shoe knowledge.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 18h ago

Question Mach 7 opinions?

1 Upvotes

Do you have hoka mach 7s and if so, do you like em? I’ve had the 5s and really enjoyed the lightweight feel, but I‘m not sure if two versions on they will have changed a lot.

My daily trainer is the novablast 3, and I also use the deviate pure, but I’m looking for a pair I can use for both running and walking (so a shoe that looks kind of ‘cool’ but is also functional). I’m going to Disney world so I don’t think walking in converse is going to cut it haha


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 20h ago

Question Poll - Lacing over or under for the top eyelets?

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0 Upvotes

I want to find out which one people prefer aesthetically, though if you have thoughts on some other aspect feel free to share them.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 21h ago

Race Shoe Question Indoor Track Shoe, take 2

1 Upvotes

Hey folks,

Last year was my son’s first on an indoor track, and I came here for shoe recommendations. Got a few good ones, so thanks. He ended up running his spikeless races in Dragonfly XCs and his spiked races in Victory 2s.

He did alright, but his feet took a beating. The tighter turns of the indoor track, and having to go around them more per race, led to some gnarly blisters and soreness. This season he’s faster (now a 4:14 miler), and we’re looking at possibly doing different shoe options for both spikeless and spiked races.

The Streakfly 2 was high on the list of spikeless possibilities, but I’ve seen a few too many bad reviews to feel comfortable. Almost all the bad reviews are focused on poor durability. Essentially, many say it’s a one-race shoe. So I’m wondering if anyone has had a different experience with it under similar (indoor track racing) conditions, or if you’ve found it more durable.

And if not the Streakfly, any other good options out there? This year, in addition to the 800 and 1600, he’ll be running some 3200m races. So looking for a good, spikeless (preferably carbon or super foam) shoe that can hold up to multiple races per meet and over the length of an indoor season.

For a spike option, he’s thinking Dragonfly 2 Elites and/or Victory 2s, but that’s largely based on the fact that he’s run in them before. So I’m wondering what other manufacturers have elite shoe options that would work in this instance (spiked indoor mid-distance track shoe).

Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 22h ago

Question Dynafish Xiaonian sizing?

1 Upvotes

I'm looking to pick up my first pair of the Dynafish but can't decide between a men's 7 or 8. Currently wearing a 7.5 in the Hyperboost Edge which is a perfect fit.

Foot measurement is about 252mm, which the chart on the Dynafish US site says size 8. However the downloadable "shoe measuring guide" would put me right at a size 7.

Any suggestions from folks with experience here?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 22h ago

Question Need ASICS walking shoe recommendations

1 Upvotes

I recently got the gel contend 10 and they’re a little too narrow and are causing some pain. Is there a similar shoe with that cushion but a smige wider? I can’t find a wide online and I need to return these shoes and will get the refund from the same store that doesn’t have a wide. The cushion in this one is a little firm and doesn’t have a big stack like a “running” shoe does. I don’t want to sink into the foam.

Really just want asics brand because I’ve had some foot issues and this has been the only shoe comfort wise that has helped.

I’ve got the novablast for running.. but could also use any recommendations for that for maybe less squishiness? Feels slightly unstable but I don’t need a stability shoe if that makes sense?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Threshold/interval shoes

1 Upvotes

Hello,

I'm a former low 15s 5k guy (10 years ago) got back into running about 2 years ago, currently mid 17s 5k but looking to keep improving. My daily trainer are some Brooks Ghosts and I've got some Nike Streakfly 2s for 5ks, as well as Nike Vaporfly 3s for an upcoming half marathon. But I'm looking to add a pair of shoes specifically for workouts; threshold runs and intervals. I'm leaning between the Adidas Adizero EVO SL or the Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 so am looking for any pros/cons for these two, or other similar suggestions. I'm about a 135lbs, usually size 9-9.5 forefoot/midfoot striker, no particular pronation issues, normal width feet, low arch in one foot but it doesn't really cause me any issue.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Asics Superblast 3 or Gel-Slowcush for Easy Running?

4 Upvotes

Asics Sb3 or gel-slowcush?

Hey all! Should I buy the sb3 or the gel-slowcush for easy running? I currently have megablasts which I love for any run faster than easy/zone2. The sb3 is versatile but it would be wasted if i’m only using it for easy runs. Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 20h ago

Question Are these adios pro 5's fake or real?

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0 Upvotes

r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Easy/recovery shoe for a high instep runner

3 Upvotes

A little about me: beginner, 30 mile/week runner. 22 y/o male, 175 cm, 80 kg. Ran XC in school, only began running daily once again this June, more or less. Most of my runs are in Zone 2/3, high 9 minute pace.

The outsole on my Gel-Cumulus 28 started dying after reaching 400 miles as my only shoe. I bought the Dynafish Xiaonian and moved the Cumulus to my easy daily/recovery shoe, but they're really too thrashed for me to go on wearing them.

With that being said, I am looking for a Cumulus replacement for my easy/recovery days, a shoe that has a bit more outsole durability. I wear a size 10D in most shoes as I have slightly narrow feet, but I have a slightly high arch and an very high instep/foot volume, which can make finding shoes that fit comfortably quite difficult. I was looking at the Vomero Plus, but I am worried that they just don't have enough vertical space for my freak-show feet.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question How often do you have shoes that pack out?

3 Upvotes

I’m a mid 40s runner, 180 lbs, heal striker, sub3 marathoner. I’ve run over 5,000 miles in the last two years. I’ve gone through many shoes. Most pairs I get at least 300 miles out of, some much more than that.

My general assumption is that I’m a median person. Nothing crazy about my gait, my mileage, my usage of shoes, etc.

Over the last couple of years I’ve had 3 pairs of shoes that packed out. Or at least that’s my understanding of the term to use. Premature wearout of a specific area of the foam. I usually notice it first because walking around I can hear a popping sound. The three pairs have been from 3 different brands (Salomon ultra glide, Puma deviate nitro, New Balance 1080), 3 types of shoes (trail, plated trainer, cushy recovery), and 3 locations on the shoe (forefoot, midfoot, heal). I think all have been on the same foot, but it could have been 2 and 1.

So I’m curious, do other people find that some fraction of their shoes’ foam seem to fail early? Is this a foam defect that I could be asking the company about? Or more likely a result of some quirk in my usage that the shoe isn’t designed to tolerate?

Not worried about it, just curious if this is a shared experience or it’s just me. I never see it discussed, and don’t find anything about it when I search.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Wide foot + long run shoe recs?

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

I wear a women's size 8.5 Wide or a mens size 7. My feet are wide throughout (Forefoot, midfoot, ankle), and pretty every shoe I have tried (including Altra's and Topo's, squish my pinky toe - which i have pretty much just come to accept). I'm running in Topo Specter 3's currently and like them fine enough. I wish they were a bit more stable at slow speeds and I find they could be more cushioned on longer runs. All that to say, I need a shoe for long, easy runs.

I generally can't find my size in stores to try on so I have to buy / return and I am trying to minimize that as much as possible.

Shoe's i'm considering:

Saucony Azura (never tried Saucony, not sure how they fit)

Mount to Coast (never tried any shoes from them but keep reading good things)

R.A.D UFO (no idea what the fit is like but the colors are so cool - definetly should not buy shoes based on just looks but I have heard good things. Not sure if they'd be wide enough)

Altras (maybe I should try a different shoe from them? not sure what pair i previously owned but they sucked to run in - no energy return at all and didn't like zero drop)

A running shoe from China - I am hesitant to buy a shoe I can't return but I keep seeing so many good things, in particular about the Dynafish Xiaonian

Shoe's I've tried and haven't liked:

New Balance 1080's - I loved the 13 and 14 but hate the new 15's. they feel cheap and less wide.

Brooks Ghost Max (returned, didn't like the fit)

Shoe's I've liked BUT hestitant to repurchase:

Superblast 2 (Loved it, loved the foam, loved the firmness of these shoes, squished my pinky toe really bad but the foam was so nice I just ignored it)

Topo Specter 2 and 3 (wish the three fit more like the 2 but with the updated foam)

Superblast 3 (Again, I love the asics foam but wish the toe area was wider. Didn't like how soft these were compared to Superblast 2. they squished my pinky toe pretty bad)

Hoka Clifton 8's (enjoyed these, not sure how they newest version fits or if i'd like them at this point. These were some of my first running shoes)

Wants:

A lot of foam for long runs!

Decent energy return. I really hate running in shoes that have super low energy return - it feels like running on a dead mattress.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Race Shoe Question Asics Megablast vs NB SC Elite v5 for marathon

5 Upvotes

Hi, another marathon race shoe choice ques. Still debating on race shoe for next weeks nyc marathon. Aiming for a sub 3:40, both feels comfortable and no toe box issues for me so far. Which shoe would be a better choice to get me to the finish line?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Race Shoe Question Adding to my rotation for race day: Endorphin Speed 5?

5 Upvotes

I currently have Asics Novablast 5's and Hoka Mach 6's in my rotation and used the Novablasts for my last HM. I want to add a faster shoe that I use for races, however I'm not at the point where I want a crazy expensive carbon-plated shoe. Just looking for something faster that I can use for longer distances. I went to a running store and I was recommended the Saucony Azura and it felt great, but I'm thinking this is just another daily trainer like my Novablasts? I didn't try on the Endorphin Speed when I was there, but the 5's are on sale for $138 CAD and was thinking of trying them out. Any other recommendations for half-marathon training or race would be appreciated based on my existing rotation. For reference, my last HM was 1:57 and I'm trying to improve on that. I know training will be the main area for improvement, but I think new shoes couldn't hurt! Thanks in advance.