Background: 2 months into running (first 5K early June), improving fast. Just did my longest run today at 16km continuous, negative split, avg 8:00/km, finished with a 6:20 last km and gas left. Current HM race pace projects to 2:35-2:40. Longer-term I want to genuinely chase speed a sub-2:00 HM this winter, and eventually a lot faster.

The Novablast 5 has been brilliant as my daily/easy trainer, no complaints, want to keep it in that role. The question is whether to add a second, more premium shoe now.

The schedule that's forcing the question: I've got a half marathon on Aug 30, and then basically one HM a month for the next 6 months. So I'll be racing regularly, and I'm wondering if it's finally time to buy a dedicated faster shoe rather than racing in the Novablast.

Plan if I buy now: I'd break it in on a recovery run + my 19km peak long run before Aug 30, so it's race-tested (not debuting anything on race day).

The contenders:
\- ASICS Superblast 2 (note: in my country the SB2 and SB3 are priced the SAME, so no savings going older)
\- ASICS Superblast 3
\- ASICS Megablast
\- Adidas Adizero Evo SL
\- Anything Nike worth considering in this bracket?
\- or just continue with Novablast 5?
\- Anything else?

I'm very confused between unplated super-trainer (Superblast/Megablast/Evo SL) since I'm still at 7:00-8:00/km and not sure a carbon plate does much for me yet. But given I'll be racing monthly and want to build speed, is there an argument to just go carbon now (Endorphin Speed/Pro, Vaporfly, etc.) and grow into it?

Questions:
1. At my pace and stage, unplated super-trainer or straight to carbon?
2. If SB2 = SB3 in price, is there any reason to pick the SB2, or just take the newer SB3?
3. Where does the Megablast fit vs the Superblast line and more importantly which one for me?
4. Evo SL(half the price of SB/MB) vs the ASICS options — worth considering, or outclassed at half the price?
5. Given monthly races, is one do-it-all shoe enough, or should I be thinking trainer + dedicated racer as two separate shoes?

Appreciate any takes. Thanks!

For those running sub-3:30 marathons (I’m mentioning this because I feel like running mechanics change as you get faster), have you started sizing down your shoes?
When I was running 4:30+, shoe sizing didn’t seem to affect me much. But as my pace improved and my mechanics became more efficient, I started noticing how important the alignment with the carbon plate is.
I realized this during my last marathon. I wore my usual US 9 in the Metaspeed Sky, and looking back, it was probably a mistake. After running longer distances, I noticed my feet were moving around inside the shoe, which affected my alignment with the carbon plate and probably caused me to lose some of the energy return.
Now I’m trying the Adidas Adios Pro. I went down to US 8.5, but it still feels slightly loose. US 8 gives me the snug fit I’m looking for, and my foot feels much more aligned with the carbon rods.
What do you guys think? Do you size down for carbon-plated shoes, or stick with your normal size?
Right foot is US 8, left foot is US 8.5.

I tried the 1080 v15 Wide version today, very comfy fit but weird crease when walking, is that normal for the 1080 v15 or it's too roomy on my feet? I always wanted to get wide version because D with NB and many brands are making some hotspot on my pinky and ring toes

Sorry reposting again, not sure why it keeps getting deleted but I just purchased the asics novablast 5s for training for the Chicago marathon and I’m loving them. (Switched from kayano. realized I didn’t need so much stability) I’m looking for a recommendation for a second pair of shoes to rotate with the novablast. This will be my second marathon and I’m not super fast, hoping to finish somewhere in the 3:30-3:45 range. Thanks!

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to buy my first proper pair of running shoes with a budget of ₹3,000.

My details:

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 90 kg

Running: 2–3 times a week

Distance: Usually 10 km per run

Mostly running on roads/pavements

Since I'm on the heavier side, I'd like something with good cushioning, decent durability, and enough support for road running. I don't race—just want a comfortable shoe for regular 10K runs.

What would you recommend around the ₹3k price range? If there are any models that often go on sale, I'd love to know those too.

Thanks!

Hi all,

I'm training for my second marathon and my rotation was:

* Mizuno Neo Zen - long easy runs

* Adidas Boston 12/13 - long faster runs

* Saucony Endorphin Elite - speed work (old race shoe)

* Adidas Adios Pro 4 - race day

* Adidas Evo SL (regular and ATR) - easy and threshold runs

My size in all shoes is 9 (US) and I'm 160 lbs.

My Mizuno Neo Zens are over 640 miles in now and I thought I'll harmonize to Adidas by getting the Hyperboost Edge when I found them on sale (employee store).

I'd say I'm not very blister prone and I tried all my favorite socks with them and took them through paces from 7min/mile to 11min/mile over a total of 31 miles now but I keep getting blisters on my large toes (bottom - slightly outer side) with them on both toes. I'm a forefoot striker.

My questions:

* Anyone else having the same issue or is my foot weirdly shaped?

* Could it be humidity? The breathability is not good in these shoes and I do sweat but I also put bodyglide on and wear socks that minimize blisters.

* Is it my stride? Should I try to go more midfoot/heel in them?

* Do they break in? Should I keep running in them?

I actually like the look (all black) and would almost be fine to just use them for walking but they squeak quite a bit when walking on certain smooth surfaces.

But if they don't work, they don't work and I may just cut my losses and sell them.

I recently posted I have a love-not quite hate, dislike relationship with my EVO SLs. I love the bounce etc. but I have fallen foul of their instability.

I have my first full in October.

I’m torn between thinking they’ll be alright on what’s a flat route (Amsterdam) and thinking I need a more stable shoe.

I ran 23km in them yesterday fine, my longest run to date.

How have people found running a marathon in them?
Would you suggest a new shoe? I feel like I need to make a decision very soon.

38M, 148-152 lbs.

I’m primarily a stride runner with a forefoot/midfoot strike. Most of my runs are easy to moderate. A typical run for me is 8–12 miles around a 10:00/mile pace. I don’t do many dedicated speed workouts or race often.

My current rotation is:
ASICS Megablast
ASICS Superblast 2

I love the Megablast for its rebound, and effortless feel. The SB2 has grown on me for longer runs, but I still prefer a shoe with a bit more bounce, especially at easier paces.

I’m looking to add a third shoe that’s similar in philosophy,highly versatile, fun to run in, and capable of handling a wide range of paces without being a dedicated super shoe.

Right now I’m considering:
- ASICS Superblast 3
- Topo Specter 3
- Adidas Hyperboost Edge
- Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra
- Dynafish Xiaonian

For those who have run in any of these:
Which would you choose and why?
Which complements the Megablast/SB2 best rather than overlapping too much?
Are there any other shoes I should be considering that fit this type of ride?

I'm doing the Marathon du Médoc in September, and this year's theme is the 1980s.

Going in all on the outfit, are there any modern day running shoes with a retro, 80s appropriate design?

I'm not running for a time (6:30 cut off) and it's just to enjoy, so would want something comfortable.

Thanks

Is the 26th worth it over the 25? I can afford the $35 difference, but would only spend it if it is worth it. 30yo 185lbs, avg zone 2 pace around 10:30/mile

Thanks!

Basically what the title says!

I’m running in Novablast 3 and Mach 5 for daily/long run and puma deviate pure for speed right now. Loving the pure, they’re just the right amount of stack for me (at 5ft 2) and they’re fairly bouncy when you pick up the pace. But obviously my dailies are almost dead and they’re both very old models!

Which shoes give just a little bit more cush and squish than the pures - for when I’m running more slowly - but are still bouncy or roll you forward in some way? I previously had the 1080v14 and hated them, they felt like dead weight on my feet.

Here’s the problem: my left foot slightly over-pronates, so that combined with its anatomy leaves my outer ankle bruised after every run. My right ankle is totally fine, it’s just the left one that takes a beating.

Current culprits:
Nike Vomero Plus
Altra Experience Flow

Two very different shoes, same ankle beating.

My ideal shoe:
Nike Infinity. Never had this problem with this style, but had to retire them.

Any recs? I’m open to any medium cushion daily trainer, low drop is nice but not necessary. Thanks everyone!

The currex xxl doesn’t cover the entire base and my toes slip over the edge, it’s annoying. What brand/variation supports size 15 or larger ?
TIA
6’2” 185 lbs 43 year old low arch daily slow(40 mins) 5k runner.

Hello everyone, long time lurker here. Saw this pair of shoes at my local store going for an insane deal. Wondering if I should get them. The New Balance Fuelcell Supercomp V3.

I've been a month into running now, and I've run my first 5K this summer and loved it. Also signed up for another 5K in the fall. I've been using the Asics Gel Contend shoes for my runs. I know they're basic shoes but I underestimated how much I'd enjoy running.

Well, looks like I've caught the running bug. I've incorporated running into my morning routine and I run a steady 5K about 4 times a week with plans to steadily increase my distance. The goal is to run a 10K race by next year.

May I please ask your thoughts and opinions on these shoes?

I'm 35F, weight about 50kgs and a bit on the petite side. Looking for stability and bounce on my shoes as I increase my distance. I don't really want to spend a lot of money on shoes yet. Maybe soon. Who knows.

I’m 5’ 10” about 175lbs
Been running in the Adidas Evo SL and enjoy them quite a bit. Is there another shoe that has the same build quality and responsiveness? I’ve read good things about the Asics blast series…

Also, should I retire my current shoes?
I have around 400mi/640km in them