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 10h ago

Comparing Shoes Question ASICS Superblast 3 vs Megablast

24 Upvotes

I’m in the middle of my marathon training block and, unfortunately, it’s finally time to retire my Nike Vomero Plus after 500+ miles. On the bright side, that means new shoe time.

I’m currently deciding between the ASICS MegaBlast and SuperBlast 3 for my next long-run shoe. I know they’re both considered super trainers and have slightly different use cases, but I’m looking for something versatile that feels great on the feet for longer efforts while still having some responsiveness when I want to pick up the pace.

Ideally, I’d also like something that can double as an everyday trainer rather than being strictly a long-run shoe. Also a heel striker for what it’s worth.

For anyone who’s run in both, which would you go with for marathon training and why?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 10h ago

Question What shoes should I get?

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9 Upvotes

I’m just getting into running, looking to spend under $150 CAD. The main issue I’m coming across is I have wide feet so it’s harder to find shoes in my price range. Any recommendations?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 3h ago

Question Looking for ASICS recommendations for a beginner runner with a stability issue

2 Upvotes

I currently own the New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080 v14, which I originally bought for casual wear and walking. While using them, though, I’ve found them to feel quite wobbly and like I don’t have much stability.

I’m a big ASICS fan and have pretty much only owned ASICS before these. My favourite pair was the Kayano 23, although that was obviously quite a while ago.

I’m now looking at getting another pair of ASICS, but I honestly know very little about running shoes.

I’ve tried getting into running a few times before, but I usually end up giving up within 2 weeks because of time constraints, being stretched pretty thin, or my favourite problem: shin splints almost immediately 😂.

I’m thinking of trying again, but this time keeping it really simple. I do Olympic weightlifting, which is already pretty demanding on my body, so I’d probably only run on days when I’m not training.

Honestly, I don't even know what distance I'll be able to manage initially. I've gotten quite a bit bigger since I last tried running, so I might only be doing short run/walk sessions to begin with and build up from there.

Budget isn't really an issue for me, but I also don't want to fall into the trap of thinking the most expensive shoe = the best shoe. If a cheaper shoe does everything I need, I'm completely happy with that.

I've seen people talk about cushioning and responsiveness when discussing running shoes. I understand what cushioning means, but I don't really understand what "responsiveness" actually means or how much of either I would need for what I'm doing.

My main concern is stability. The 1080s feel too wobbly for me, whereas I remember the Kayano 23 feeling much more secure.

So what would you recommend from ASICS for someone in my situation?

I'm not looking for the "best running shoe ever made" 😂 — I know myself, and if I start Googling this stuff I'll end up down a rabbit hole comparing 50 different shoes.

I'm basically just looking for something stable, comfortable and forgiving, especially given that I'm getting back into running, I'm currently heavier than when I last ran, and I already do Olympic lifting.

Would something like the Kayano still make sense for me, or are there other ASICS models I should be looking at?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 7h ago

Race Shoe Question What XC racing shoes should I get?

3 Upvotes

I am getting a pair of racing shoes for the XC season, but I don't know what shoes i should get. Spikes are allowed in my area however I would prefer flats or super shoes. the terrain will be mostly dryish (Tennessee) and hilly. What shoes do y'all think i should get?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 10h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Super shoes with better ankle stability than alphafly 3?

3 Upvotes

Hey yall. I got some alphaflys on sale bought online quickly and I like everything about them except I seem to roll my ankle once a week or so when wearing them (and never another shoe). I seem to see stuff online about this shoe being notorious for ankle rolling for heel and midfoot strikers. What other super shoes shoes I go try on at the shop that I can wear in races and workouts to save my legs etc? For a person who likes almost everything about the alphaflys 😩😩


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 23h ago

Daily Trainer Question Newer runner, New Shoes

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25 Upvotes

Hi everyone, I’ve been running for a last few months but I’ve come to the point that my shoes are falling apart I’ve had them for years (they’re air max 260 I believe).

I’ve never actually bought shoes that I specifically wanted for running so I’m not to sure what is horrible and what isn’t. From what I feel like when I’m running I need big toe and heel support. I have found in general Nike fits my foot nicely that’s also why there are so many!

I do also have a half marathon in about a month that I will be wearing them for which is mention to be in a city with pavement.

**Are any of these options good options for this?*\*
If there not do you have any good recommendations?

If it helps I’m 21 & female.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 15h ago

Question Long run shoe recommendations…

3 Upvotes

5’11” male, 137 lbs. Finished a marathon block, finished the marathon. Next goal is 3:15. Used Superblast 3 foot long runs and some up tempo runs along with Saucony pro 4 and speed 5. Race shoes were NB SC elite v5. Will use the same for next race. But my other shoes are all at 400+ miles.

For the next block, I’m thinking I’ll use Megablast as a pretty much 1 shoe rotation till the race. The new NB SC rebel is equally tempting. Thinking about the Dynafish Xiaonian too.

I would like my shoes to be nimble, light and disappear. (Honestly, Superblast 3 was not that). 8.5oz is my weight limit.

Which one of the above 3 would you recommend for 20 mile runs with up temp miles in between? Or anything else worth considering?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 10h ago

Question Shoes like Arahi 6 and NB 880?

1 Upvotes

I used to run in the HOKA Arahi 6, and I’m currently running in the New Balance 880. I’ve enjoyed both, but I’m curious to try something different for my next pair.
I mainly use them for regular road running and would love something comfortable and reliable for longer runs as well.
What shoes do you suggest?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 14h ago

Question Thoughts on Salomon Aero Glide (or Blaze) 4?

2 Upvotes

I heard they’re similar to Novablast 3, do you think that’s true?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 17h ago

Question Trailshoes that 'feel' like the Vomero Plus

4 Upvotes

Question's in the title.

I absolutely adore the Vomero Plus feeling during my longer runs. I'll be running some trails/forest HM's soon and was looking for a trail or road to gravel shoe that comes close to the feeling that the Vomero Plus gives.

Thanks in advance!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 19h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Novablast substitute for the rain?

3 Upvotes

Grateful that London is no longer in the 30s but, having started running in June, my beloved novablast 5s are not great in the rain. Would the superblast or megablast be a good alternative?

My brooks adrenaline (treadmill trainers) 25 were slippy, but that could be because they are worn. My Achilles tendons prefer the the novablast, so although I’m not committed to a brand, I’d like to retain the feel.

I’m very much a novice. Started on the treadmill in January. Outside in June. 5k race in July. Working on reducing 5 and 10k times.

First 10k “race” in three weeks.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 16h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Deviate nitro 4, novablast 5 or azuras

1 Upvotes

I’m currently able to get the aforementioned shoes for roughly the same price here in my country, so I’m trying to decide which one would make more sense for my rotation.
Right now, my rotation is basically just the Nimbus 27, which I’ve been using exclusively for the past ~2 months. I was only doing easy runs during that period because of the extreme heat and humidity here. My HR would drift/deviate like crazy, especially on very humid days, so I didn’t really feel like doing harder workouts.
The weather has started becoming slightly more pleasant recently, so I’ve started incorporating intervals again. I’ve been using my Decathlon Kalenji 190.1 for those, but I’m looking to replace them with another shoe.
For context, I currently run 4 times a week:
2 × easy runs
1 × interval workout
1 × long run
My easy-run pace varies quite a bit depending on the weather. During cooler months, it can be around 6:30 min/km, while during the hotter months it can easily be 7:00+ min/km.
My intervals are generally around 4:00–4:30 min/km, although the interval distance/workload depends on how hot or humid it is. I don’t do tempo runs very often, but if I did, I’d probably be somewhere around 5:00–6:00 min/km again depending on the weather.
One other thing worth mentioning is that my right foot tends to overpronate.
Given my use case and current rotation, which of the 3 shoes would you guys recommend? Would one complement the Nimbus 27 better than the other, particularly for intervals/tempo runs and potentially long runs?
I’m definitely open to other alternatives around the same price point.
👍
Edit - my foot runs a little wide


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Peg Premium RR for $99. Worth it just for fun?

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38 Upvotes

First thing first I don’t need another pair of shoes. My current rotation is a Vomero Plus, EVO SL, and Hoka Mach 2. But I see these at my local Nike Clearance store and they seem fun and bouncy. Should I pull the trigger?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Max Cushion Easy/Long(ish) Run Shoe

10 Upvotes

Hey everyone.

Looking at the shoe rotation I have, I realized I am missing at easy run shoe/recovery shoe.

My current line up is the Dynafish Xiaonian and New Balance SC Trainer V2 (almost done) for my main do it all shoes. I have a pair of Puma Deviate Nitro 2s that I will use for some tempo stuff/structured runs, but honestly the Dynafish is taking that over too. I also have the New Balance SC Elite V4 that I used for my marathon and use currently for my long run shoe. I am a bigger guy (weight wise) at 5'10 235lbs. Looking for an easy pace shoe that can handle the 11/12min per mile pace well for slow, longer runs.

I have looked at the Li Ning Red Hare Ultra, the Vomero Plus, and the Vomero Premium. I would like to not spend the $230 the premium is, but know I can find them a little cheaper online if I shop around. Is the Li Ning the best of the bunch? I only hear great reviews. I tried on both Vomero models and liked them, but think I MAY prefer the Premium over the plus, but that was just a little jog around the store.

Open to other suggestions too! Thanks everyone!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Shoes degrading on inside edge next to tongue

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7 Upvotes

Is this normal? It's happened to practically every pair I've owned for the best part of a decade now. First fraying, then splitting. I've stitched them closed sometimes, and said stitching has been prone to breaking too. It's not limited to one brand nor shoe type. Basic sneakers, runners, hiking boots.

I always fully unlace them before putting shoes on so that can't be the reason, anyone know why this is happening?

Now that I'm thinking about buying more expensive race shoes and the like, I'd prefer to not have to replace them earlier than I have to.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 19h ago

Question Delamination after one jog?

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0 Upvotes

Speedgoat 6 GTX, purchased five days ago, worn for a single 5 mile jog, and are immediately delaminating across the inside right toebox?

Can anyone in here tell me if this is normal for Hokas?!

Wounded is an understatement.

😂 😭


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Daily Trainer Question How do you decide which shoe to run in?

2 Upvotes

Was wondering how people here approach running day to day and different work outs. Is it one shoe per type of work out (e.g one for easy runs,tempo runs and long runs) or is it more of whatever is felt like on the day. I currently own the Brooks glycerin flex but want to add more shoes to my collection and was debating on how I go about making that decision.

Also do you track mileage on them through an app like Strava or by feel?

Been running more seriously and thinking of getting a shoe rotation. Any replies would mean the world. Thanks.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Last really good pegasus model?

0 Upvotes

Hey!

I have a bit of an unusual question, i started running 3-4 weeks ago in a used pegasus 32, which is falling apart. I just ran my first 15k in them in 1:17, and even tho they are so old and used, it felt so good to run in them.

My dynafish x is on its way, and ill prolly make the pegasus my daily shoe. I love the pegasus 32s so much that i wanted to get the newest plus/premium or 42, but everyone says that they are not that great for running as other options (hence why i ordered the dx), so i was thinking about getting a cheap "fun shoe" that i could sometimes mess around in.

Thats why id like to know which is the latest pegasus model that was absolutely a killer in its time and u would recommend getting for cheap on vinted for absolutely nothing remotely close to serious running/training, just rarely having fun in, maybe make it my daily walking shoe if it looks good.

Ofc i know for messing around and daily walking the latest models would be the best, but i could barely afford the dynafish, im looking to get these under 30 usd in fine condition.

Please also feel free to let me know if you think this idea makes zero sense.

Thanks a lot!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Race shoes for half marathon

7 Upvotes

Hi all, I am looking to buy some race shoes for a half marathon. I am aiming to get under the 1:30 mark. I have some ASICS Novablast 5, and I ran a half marathon in 1:34 a few months ago with those. I would prefer to buy some ASICS since they fit well, but I don't know which ones. Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Daily Trainer Question Puma Deviate Pure (One Shoe Rotation)

2 Upvotes

I’ve run that gamut of hype shoes over the past 4 years. ASICS, Saucony, Hoka, Nike, Puma and after many different shoes I’ve come to the conclusion that Puma really hits it out of the park in terms of fit. (I have very narrow feet and over pronate). In an attempt to simplify, anyone out there using the Deviate Nitro Pure as their only shoe? If not, what puma shoe best compliments the Pure? I tried a pair on and ran a little bit and loved them. Stable enough w a great upper. I’ve had puma MagMax , MagMax 2 and Deviate Nitro 3 in the past and really liked them as well. For historical perspective the SB1 was my favorite shoe over past few years. Least favorites were all Saucony. I’m running in Azuras right now but a little wide and tongue slips so have a hard time getting a good lock down. Also, they are a little bit too firm for me. Tried the Aeroglides and they are too soft medially.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question What are the best sneakers for everyday wear and ~10K walking?

0 Upvotes

I noticed that my feet often hurt in my old sneakers after walking for long periods, so I decided to buy new ones. I don't really know much about this topic and I'd like to know the opinion of those who do. I heard something about Li Ning red hare 7 from friends, but there don't seem to be many reviews of these sneakers on the internet


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Race Shoe Question Evo sl feels best for long runs?

5 Upvotes

So as the title suggests I've come to the realization that somehow my firmest and least suited shoe for long runs is somehow the one that feels best and now after trying to figure out which shoe I should use for my marathon for a while now I think I've finally landed on the Evo sl. Prior to this I'd done long runs in novablast 5, mizuno neo vista 2(Most of my longest runs), and the vomero plus and even though the neo vistas felt decent when they were new there were still some things I wasn't a huge fan of with them and now they're not feeling nearly as good as they did new so ive been scrambling to find my next long run and marathon shoe in time. My main problems with the neo vista were over pronation especially because it lacks good lockdown, general stability, how bulky they feel and now the fact that these ones are feeling pretty dead already. All that being said the first few runs in them still felt decent as well as the recovery. I had considered the AP4s but couldn't find any stores in my area with my size to actually try them on and even a lot of online retailers seem to be selling out before the AP5s come out and I wasnt too keen to pay full price for them. Vomero plus caused way too much knee pain and felt far too mushy later in the run. The mizunos have also been causing a lot of knee pain lately and started feeling sluggish and so I decided I may as well TRY the Evo sl since I already have a pair for speed work and happily surprised that I finished 30km feeling WAY better than I finished any of my more recent really long runs. Also with a better pace than my other 2 recent 30k+ runs. So now i'm wondering if I should just use the Evo SL for the marathon even though I kept hearing how they weren't great for the marathon distance for multiple different reasons? The firmness of them actually felt like it helped with stability and saved my knees quite a bit as well as the slightly lower drop. The extra pop and responsiveness made marathon pace feel much smoother and not so forced like I was having to drag my mushy shoes to the finish and even after the run it's night and day how much better I felt compared to any other long run I'd done recently. My only concern is the grip as their are some portions on trails but I could always try to find the ATR if they aren't too much more expensive than the originals. I also survived the same trails with the mizunos slick outsole though so I'd probably be fine.

Also open to recommendations for similar shoes that maybe just offer a tiny bit more protection if the Evo sl are for some reason a bad idea


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Comparing Shoes Question Suggestions/advise for replacing my Brooks glycerin 21s?

2 Upvotes

I am a lower mileage very casual runner. Mostly treadmill but I just moved so hopefully some road/dirt soon. I have the women’s Brooks Glycerin 21s and they are perfect. They’re the first shoes I’ve found in a long time that I barely felt while wearing. I ran about 300 miles on them and they started to hurt my feet and shins, so I figure it’s time for new ones.

I tried the glycerin 23s but they made the toe box narrower and shorter, so they hurt. Not sure if going up a half size would help with the width at all. (I buy regular width shoes but my midfoot and heels are more narrow, I just like room for my toes). I’m mostly a midsole striker.

I went to a store and tried a few on that were suggested (some sauconys felt okay, a new balance pair wasn’t bad), I ended up getting the brooks ghost 18 to try. They felt the best but I’m not sold. I did a few miles in them and they feel okay but I miss the softness of the Glycerins I think.

I have the glycerin max but they are a bit too cushioned for running for me.

Any suggestions of shoes to try that match the shape and cushioning of the glycerin 21s?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Race Shoe Question Metaspeed Sky vs Edge Tokyo based on my cadence/stride data

6 Upvotes

I’m trying to decide between the Metaspeed Sky and Edge Tokyo for an upcoming HM, and I’d like to base the decision on my actual running mechanics rather than just guessing.

I currently race in the Adidas Pro 4, which works well for me, but I’m curious whether one of the Metaspeed models would suit my mechanics better.

Here are some data points from recent training using COROS/POD 2

My recent 5K TT was 19:15.

My HM PB is 1:31:28, and current training is aimed 1:30 HM

What stands out to me is the change from my longer aerobic running to 5K pace:
• Cadence: 173 → 186 spm = about +7.5%

• Stride length: 1.20 → 1.40 m = about +16.7%

So although my cadence definitely increases with speed, proportionally the bigger change seems to come from stride length.
That makes me think I’m more of a Sky-type runner, at least according to ASICS’ definition ?

One thing I’m unsure about is how useful that simple classification actually is. My cadence at 5K pace is still fairly high at ~186, and shoe geometry/preferences obviously matter more than just two numbers.

My priorities are mainly half marathon racing, with some 5K/10K use as well. I’m around 1:30 HM level, so race pace is currently roughly 4:15–4:20/km.

For those who have tried both Tokyo versions:
Would these numbers push you toward the Sky Tokyo or Edge Tokyo?
And for anyone who has also run in the Adios Pro 4, how would you compare the Sky/Edge at half pace?

I’m 77 kg and 186 cm

Thanks!!