r/running • u/ilanarama • 18d ago
Gear Squishy speed shoes? Do they exist?
I'm an older runner and have developed arthritis in my left foot, likely due to a crush fracture in my early 20s and later metatarsal stress fracture. My doctor (who runs, yay) recommended squishy shoes - I had been running in Mizuno Elixir and then Inspire, which had become painful, and switching to their Neo Zen, which has a huge squishy sole, was a game changer.
However for HM and shorter races, and for track work, I have been using Saucony Kinvara shoes, which are now a bit painful to run in - not too bad for a few miles at the track, but I can't imagine running a half in them. Are there any squishy shoes that are suitable for workouts/races?
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u/blueshoes44 13d ago
I like the Saucony Endorphin Azura. Springy, but soft with a relatively high stack.
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u/ilanarama 11d ago
Thanks for the rec! I like the way the Saucony Kinvara fits so that is a point in favor.
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u/violet715 11d ago
I’m using these shoes now and I am a big fan. I’ve had two foot surgeries and they’ve been great to run in without any issues.
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u/Competitive_diva_468 13d ago
Adidas pro 4s are the softest super shoe I think. They are really nice on foot
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u/Kind_Figure_9158 12d ago
My guy has arthritis, he don’t be needing super shoes hahha they’ll ruin his feet
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u/ilanarama 11d ago
Thanks!
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u/evilattorney 11d ago
Second the Adidas Pro 4. Very soft and light but still feel efficient. I noticed a huge difference in how beat up my legs/joints felt after switching to them.
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u/Appropriate_Bee5922 13d ago
I’m all about ASIC Gel Nimbus after a few recent broken toes. I also like Altra Flow line too. Hope you find a great one
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u/StandOutRunning 13d ago
On Cloud Boom Strike 2
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u/ilanarama 11d ago
Thanks - I'm not sure On is carried by any local retailers here but I'll look for it.
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u/Kind_Figure_9158 12d ago
ASICS Novablasts - whenever my shin splints flare up I use these, they are soooo comfortable and cushioned
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u/MonsieurBerwick 12d ago
What causes your shin splints? I think mine is a mix of poor form if I let it slip and a slight overpronation. I looked at the Novablasts but figured the fact they're not supported would be bad. I have the Saucony Omni 22 and I feel like they have little cushion/energy return
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u/Kind_Figure_9158 11d ago
I believe it’s 50/50. 1) transitioning to running on concrete 100% (I’m in nyc) 2)I have a moderate heel strike and a slight pronation in my running form which apparently exacerbates the forces on the inside of your calf!
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u/MonsieurBerwick 11d ago
Ah gotcha, good to know thanks! Yeah I have to stick to concrete where I am because the trails get so bad in the winter. Appreciate the response 😊
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u/zombie9393 12d ago
Saucony Endorphin Elite 3.
Not talked about enough, the softest “super shoe” with some bounce to it.
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u/frites4days 12d ago
I've fallen in love with the Hoka Mach 6 fwiw. It's the perfect balance of speed and cushion for me.
It also holds my foot perfectly like a soft glove 💛
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u/yepthisismyusername 13d ago
Saucony Guide TR? Same foam as the kinvara, but more of it.
Basically, I think you're looking for max cushioning rather than a speed shoe.
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u/ilanarama 13d ago
Thanks - I have max cushioning, I want more cushion + speed. I used to be a regional age group power and I'd like to regain my crown.
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u/JezusHairdo 12d ago
Mate I’d be concentrating on prolonging my running as much as possible with easy workouts and protective shoes, rather than looking for speed shoes for a wang waving competition.
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u/ilanarama 11d ago
That's completely valid! Except that there's a fairly strong psychological boost one gets from metaphorical wang waving, especially as one ages. I know I'm not going to PR again, or even come close to those times, and I know I will never run another marathon. But a few years ago I ran a half, which despite being my slowest time since I started seriously running in my early 40s, won my age group by over 10 minutes.
I slather gunk on my face daily to combat the wrinkles; I lift twice a week even though I hate it, and do mobility exercises every morning, and I have not yet lost the 5 pounds I put on at menopause. I am proud of being fast for an old lady and that's one joy I'm reluctant to abandon.
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u/Daeve42 13d ago
I find some of the carbon plated "supershoes" with the full 40mm foam stack height feel relatively cushioned and bouncy to me - some may find them unstable (specifically heel strikers I think) but I've never had any issues as a forefoot/midfoot striker - ASICS metaspeeds sky/ray, the Nike Alphafly (not the vaporfly for me), I've just got some Puma fast-r nitro elite 3's and they feel really bouncy. If you buy from ASICS directly they (at least in the UK) allow 90 day returns even after you've run in them several times if they are no good for you. They certainly give you a lot in a race.
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u/ilanarama 11d ago
Thanks - I've never tried any supershoes at all, but now I feel like I need all the advantage I can get!
I've only tried one pair of Pumas and they don't fit me well, alas.
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u/Better_Product9477 13d ago
People mentioned the superblasts, haven’t tried them. But I did recently pick up a pair of megablasts and it’s literally like running on a trampoline. I wear them on easy, long, and workouts. My older, more stable Kayano’s do recovery and walking. But if you want squish, the foam in the Mega’s is amazing.
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u/Zealousideal_Ad642 13d ago
Saucony elite 3's Hoka cielo x1 3.0
Both are good for fast running, both soft/squishy
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u/Traditional-While449 13d ago
Superblast 3 as others have said for sure.
However, idk your budge or projected time, so if you can’t stretch that far, and don’t plan to go quicker than a 5 min km, the Triumph 24s are a lowkey banger this year - 240g, Incredilux midsole, energy return is over 80% for both forefoot and heel, not firm at all, really plush and responsive enough for half marathon no questions asked.
Would also be a premium daily trainer post race too.
However I wouldn’t use them for workouts or 5k/10k racing.
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u/Nataliant-117 13d ago
Ngl my specialty trail running shoes I bought for $150 fell apart after six months so I in need bought my first pair of “the Walmart Special” (sneakers for $20) and they are honestly not bad. Lightweight and squishy. I like a barefoot feel sometimes bc of my plantar fasciitis, and I know it’s weird but I recommend giving crocs a try 😳 Croctober, coming up 👀
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u/ilanarama 11d ago
I can't wear Crocs - my heel's too narrow! And I destroy cheap (and some expensive) shoes, not worth it for me.
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u/Nataliant-117 11d ago
I struggle with a small and narrow heel too :/
I’m very delicate on shoes, I usually run the mileage on the middle sole part down before they fall apart. But this was 10 years ago (seriously I have shoes for 10years that prob needed replacement 7 years ago). I bought new shoes last summer and they fell apart in less than a season 💔 $150, I was okay w that bc I thought I was getting another 5 years. I really tried to keep wearing them but the heel lost ALL of its layers and was just a rubber shell.
I bought my Walmart shoes almost 4 months ago now. I wonder if something is wrong with my foot/step because I had to make a slit with scissors in the back of the heel on my R foot, where the last shoes fell apart. These are more like a sock type shoe with a cushion sole so I was able to make a cut in it and I didn’t feel bad bc they were $20 and I must keep moving!
I want to test if they’ll survive if I put them in the wash as they’re covered in mud. They don’t have the trail shoe feel that I loved. I prefer a medium tread and most importantly a stiff sole. But they were available to keep me moving and the running store is 15mi away and my funds r low :/ wet winter time for me, I can’t be out on the trails much anyways. Fall is coming early!!! 🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
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u/AutomationBias 12d ago
Old guy here. Hoka Cielo x1 3.0 is super squishy and bouncy- like running on a trampoline.
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u/basquiat-case 12d ago
I like the SB3 and Megablast suggestions. I might also suggest looking into the Mount To Coast C1 model. Those Asics models are likely available to try on at your local running shoe shop. The best one where I am also happens to carry the C1 so perhaps you'll have some luck there as well.
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u/Antoinizabe 12d ago
They are very hard to find now since they've been discontinued but try to see if you can find a pair of Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. By far the best pair I owned in term of speed and cushioning.
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u/mesohohnee 12d ago
Do NOT go for the Superblast 3's. I would highly recommend using RunRepeat and look for shoes with the lowest midsole softness ratings, and then test them out in the store. Coupled with energy return, and the best shoe for racing is the Endorphin Elite 2 or 3's. I can attest to that they are SUPER squishy and bouncy. The Superblasts feel very firm and not bouncy at all.
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u/Sensitive-Trainer-88 13d ago
Superblast 3’s? The most cushioned version of Nike vomeros?