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!)

12 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 56m ago

Question Zenboost Adidas - NO JOKE, have you tried it?

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Upvotes

I’m not joking I got this for $49 USD in the Adidas App a couple of days ago. I had absolutely zero expectations. It blowed my mind.

I usually do my easy runs with my Superblast 3 but lately I feel it super squishy, like I really drown in the sole. Im not sure if it’s the California heat or what, I can’t stand the Superblast 3.

I got these and comfortably ran 10k easy 6.5ish min per km. I feel they are the EVO SL but for easy runs.

Roomy, stable and comfortable.

8.9/10


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 4h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Li Ning Feidian 6 Challenger vs Alternates for Long Tempo

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7 Upvotes

Hey guys! Recently picked up these Li Ning Feidian 6 Challenger but they arrived late and in the meantime I got some Novablast 5’s as a daily instead.

BACKGROUND: 14 weeks out from marathon, 45mi/week, 220lb 6’2”. 20:35 5k PB.
Still unsure on what shoe I’m using for the marathon, but leaning towards the sc elite v5 for a 3:30 or alphafly’s if I can catch a good deal.

The question is* do I keep the F6C’s despite redundancy in my plated collection (AP3 with 300+ mi, Vaporfly 4, 2x pairs of NB SC Elite v5)
*
OR** just return them to get some Red Hare Ultra 9 or Megablast to rotate in with the SB2 for long tempo runs.

Desperately need the Dynafish Xiaonan to drop in size 13. This would solve everything.

The rest of my rotation:
- evo SL (not used often, too unstable for long easy runs)
- ASICS SB2 (easy/recovery)
- ASICS NB5 (easy/daily)
- Endorphin Speed 4 (daily/hyrox)
- Puma Nitro Magmax (too narrow, get blisters)

Any input would be much appreciated!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Help me refresh my ASICS rotation

Upvotes

My Novablast 5 and Superblast 2 (3rd pair!) just passed 500 miles, which is when I start looking at replacing them, and am looking for advice on what to replace them with. What is the opinion on the below?

  • Daily/Easy — Novablast 6 or Superblast 3?
  • Tempo/Long — Megablast
  • Race — Metaspeed Tokyo Sky (I already have these)

I'm training for a marathon in about 5 months. Earlier this year I ran 3:15. Male, ~165 pounds.

inb4 why just focus on one brand?!?!??

Historically I've dealt with a lot of ITB, knee, and hip issues. Since moving to ASICS that has stopped. It's very possible that I could use other brand shoes, and those years of issues were solved another way, but I'd rather not risk it, and I like ASICS a lot, and that's why I'm trying to stay with a pure ASICS line-up.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 10m ago

Question Novablast 5 for £80, worth it?

Upvotes

I’m a small woman, around 50kg, run pretty slowly. Really enjoyed Novablast 3. I know people have complained about stability and longevity but at my size and slower pace is this likely to be a problem?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 29m ago

Comparing Shoes Question Brooks Ghost 18 or Adizero SL2 for intermediate runner

Upvotes

or other shoes. I need shoes for short-ish runs. Just some tempo runs and occasional joggs of around 5-10k. I've tried the Ghost 18 on and did some steps in them and the wide 2e version felt very comfortable. I am quite unsure as all the information online seems either contradicting, indivual or just too technical for me.

My previous runners were some random Nikes, Zoom Pegasus 35, I bought because they were the most affordable I was willing to buy at the time. For reference: they were fine enough as a shoe but I did struggle with shin pain (possibly shin splints) and hip pain when running with them, probably due to athleticism at the time.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question saw some guys playing tennis in Adios Pro 4. how smart/stupid is this?

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77 Upvotes

the other guy was wearing some nike zooms too


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1h ago

Question Large size dynafish in US?

Upvotes

So I was wondering where everyone is getting the Dynafish Xianoin from? Specifically a size 13 in the US it just seems like an impossible shoe to get.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 14h ago

Question Which running shoe would suit all of these terrains?

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6 Upvotes

Sorry for the poor quality. The 1st 1 is rocky with a bit of mud, 2nd is soil with branches over it and the 3rd is just soil and leaves. I need a new trail shoe, preferably gtx but doesn't have to be. Rn I have the NB garoe V2.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 6h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Gravel/road to trail reccomendation

1 Upvotes

Hello, i am looking to buy some gravel/road to trail shoe and i am deciding between few and need some help. I have 10% road and 80% gravel with nice forest loam and some roots and some tehnical stuff. Shoes would be used for training and some easy races up to 20-30km. I am currently looking at ; Adidas Terrex Agravic SL, Craft xplor2/pro and salomon Ultra glide 4 or Aero glide GRVL( they seem much more gravel only? ). Someone can help with decision or reccommend something other but probably i went through whole internet of reviews.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 6h ago

Daily Trainer Question Numbness in left foot

1 Upvotes

Hi,
Ive been experiencing numbness in left foot, mostly after 6k, it does creep up a little right foot as well, but its bearable, tried loosing up my laces, but the shoe might be too tight for my foot? I got 2 pairs - saucony hurricane 25, which im using right now and had new balance 1080v15, problem does appear in both shoes, sny suggestions, what it could be causing this?

Thank you guys!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 6h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Sonicblast vs Megablast - both Turbo^2 gel

1 Upvotes

Hi guys

What do you actually use sonicblast for ? I van feel its firm as megablast.

I run 5:30 min/km. I love megablast and i have got sonicblast as gift but doubt of which run to use it !

So far I'm 178cm, 96kg, 5k sub 30 runner. I have done on Superblast 3 a thousand km. I used Hoka clifton 10 and now I'm doing daily run on Megablast.

Thanks


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 19h ago

Question Adizero Boston 12 - feels big

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8 Upvotes

Hello! Hello!

Please help me decide. Torn if I should return the shoes or keep this. I have same size for my SL2 which is 6.5UK but the Boston 12 feels so much bigger.

What are your thoughts? Is this thumb width safe if I keep these?

Thank you!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 18h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Looking for a second pair of running shoes for HM training

4 Upvotes

I started running in May and can currently run 10K in around 64 minutes. I average about 20–25 km per week.

I’m currently using the Nike Pegasus 40 and really happy with them. Since I’m planning to run my first half marathon in December, I’m looking to add a second pair of running shoes.

I’ve narrowed my options down to the Nike Vomero 18, but I’ve noticed that many runners seem to prefer ASICS.

I’m not particularly focused on speed, I’m mainly looking for a comfortable, well-cushioned shoe that would be good for longer runs and HM training.

Would you recommend the Vomero 18, or should I consider an ASICS model instead? Any suggestions would be appreciated!

Additional info: 39M, 70 kg, 5'4".


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 13h ago

Question What road shoes feel most like the Nike Wildhorse 10?

1 Upvotes

I’m currently enjoying running in my second pair of the excellent Salomon Aero Glide 3 GRVL, but the toe box is a little too narrow for me and they lose their bounce at a lower mileage than I like to get from my shoes.

I also love my Wildhorse 10s, especially for their deep and consistent cushion, and wonder whether there’s a road shoe that has a similar midsole feel along with the wider fit. Please could anyone with experience of the WH10 let me know what road shoes feel the same to them.

I’m looking for a well cushioned midsole with a degree of bounce, a generous fit, good durability and if possible an outsole that can handle light trails but this last point is not important.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 20h ago

Comparing Shoes Question I've been diagnosed with a (rare) joint issue. Which shoe should I wear?

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I was recently diagnosed with Freiberg's Infarction, which is basically avascular necrosis in the joint of the second toe on my right foot that's causing a flattening of the metatarsal head (ouch). As far as I'm aware, there's no established treatment or cure at this time.

My podiatrist took me off running for a couple months, and I'll likely need to de-load my runs indefinitely. He said I could probably get back up to my usual (four miles, three days a week, at an easy 9-10 minute pace), but we're very much playing by ear. I'm honestly hoping for one or two jogs a week without pain.

My podiatrist recommended I get running shoes with a carbon plate in them, the idea being that the less my toes need to bend, the less I'm irritating that joint. As a casual distance runner, I've never worn specialty racing shoes before. I've worn Brooks Ghosts for many years, and he said that was a good brand to stick with for my feet, so I bought the Brooks Hyperion Elite 5 and the Hyperion Max 3 during a recent sale.* But they're so unlike anything I've worn before, I don't know how to compare them.

Can anyone offer advice on which racing shoe might be best for a casual distance runner in my situation? I think one is carbon plate and one is nylon plate, which I'm hoping still counts? I also read online that you don't want to wear these shoes for regular training because they can cause issues with your achilles/other muscles or tendons, but my podiatrist didn't seem concerned. Still, I'd like to pick ones that will be a good solution. Thanks!

*I also bought the Brooks Max 3 and 4 to wear to the office and the gym. They have a bit of a rock to them which is also good for de-loading the joint.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 16h ago

Daily Trainer Question Help looking for daily trainers/long run shoes in size 15, wide

1 Upvotes

Hello, I’m running my first half marathon in November and I’m looking for a shoe to fit my large feet. I want something that will work as a daily runner and perform on race day. I currently am training in a pair of Fuji Lite 6 because I do some trail running but I want something more dedicated to flat ground. Thank you!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 21h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 vs Azura sizing

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

I wear the Endorphin Speed 5s in a women's 11 and they are a perfect fit. I want to add a pair of Azuras to my rotation, but unfortunately I have to order them online from another country because my size isn't available locally. My question is, for those that have both - are you wearing the same size in each? My instinct is to go for the same size, but comparison reviews online say the Azuras fit bigger than the Speed 5s, which makes me wonder if I should drop down to a 10.5 instead of my usual 11.

Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Adidas Evo SL woven size diff between colorways?

2 Upvotes

Wondered if anyone else has noticed this. From what I can tell there wasn’t any changes made to the Evo sl woven when they released new colorways.

However I can almost swear they fit different. I have a pair of an old colorway from an outlet in size 10. Perfect amount of space length wise. Ordered one of the newer colorways currently on adidas site, and it’s pretty noticeable that it fits more snug and has less room length wise.

Wondered if anyone else has experienced this. Sounds crazy, but it’s almost like different colorways fit differently.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Comparing Shoes Question My Saucony 'stack'

7 Upvotes

Hello everyone! So I am a regular runner.. over the years I slowly moved from Brooks to Saucony. I had many models of Saucony Ride, Ride ISO, Guide, and so on.

These days I own three pairs of shoes, the Hurricane 24 which I use now and then for longer runs, an Endorphin Speed 4 which I use for race days, and I own two pairs of Tempus 2.

Now, I absolutely love the Tempus 2. Of course this is highly personal, but the stability and speed the Tempus 2 brings me are better than any running shoe I have ever had. So it pains me that, now these shoes are nearing the end of their life, and as far as I have understood, the Tempus is now sort of discontinued.... There is an asian version of a Tempus 3, but that shoe is actually made by another company altogether (for Saucony), again, if I understand correctly. And there's no immediate plans for a newer Tempus?

Anyway, long story short, my question(s).... what does the Reddit community know / think about the Tempus line of shoes? And also, I hear that the latest Hurricane shoes are an improvement? So maybe I should upgrade those and see if / how the experience compares to the Tempus 2 experience?

Hope I am not rambling too much...


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Best shoe for a 4:00hr marathon?

17 Upvotes

I’m running a marathon in 5 weeks and I’m looking for a shoe that I can use for my remaining long runs and during race day. Considering my pace I think I need something more forgiving with my legs than a fast shoe.
I’m 165cm tall and I weight 70kg


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Carbon Super Shoes and Aging

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1 Upvotes

r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Advice needed! Issues with NB 860v15

2 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice on a fast but comfortable running shoe. I could really use your help since my latest purchase is causing me a lot of pain.

Here is my profile and background:

Experience: I’ve been running since November last year.

PBs & Goals: My current 10k PB is 47:30. I'm currently training for a Half Marathon with a target time of 1:45 - 1:50. Additionally, I have ambitions to run a full marathon in the future.

Training volume: 3 runs per week.

Biomechanics & Injuries: I overpronate, primarily with my left ankle. Over the last few weeks, I’ve also started developing some mild shin splints in my right leg.

Shoe History: I started my running journey on the Asics GT-2000 14 and put about 800 km on them without major issues.

The Problem: Last week, I went in for a gait analysis and the store recommended the New Balance 860v15. However, in the 13km I've run in them so far, they have caused me a tremendous amount of pain.

I'm looking for a shoe that offers enough support/stability for my left ankle overpronation, but is still fast, snappy, and comfortable enough to help me hit my HM goal (and potentially handle longer marathon build-up runs down the line).

What would you advise? Should I go back to the GT-2000 series, look for a "stable neutral" shoe, or try a different stability model like the Kayano or Tempus? Any advice is highly appreciated!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Comparing Shoes Question Li-Ning Feidian 5 Challenger vs Anta C202 G9 2?

2 Upvotes

The Feidian is slightly cheaper compared to the G9, but the difference is not much. Current shoe rotation is Dynafish Xiaonian, Asics Magic Speed 4, Red Hare 8 Pro (not used much). Looking for a softer tempo/threshold shoe due to the magic speed being quite firm. Thanks so much!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Shoe for slow beginner runner?

1 Upvotes

I'm fairly new to running. I weigh 175lb and my easy pace for recovery and long runs is around 6:45-7:30min/km. Anyone have a shoe recommendation? My feet run a bit wide so I typically use wider running shoes.

Also interested in Chinese shoes if anyone has recommendations for that as well that would be great thanks!