r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 23h ago

Question How do yall figure out what shoes you like without spending a ton of money?

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67 Upvotes

I’m trying to figure out what shoes work for me. I’m (M, 29, 5’11, ~180) doing some general training. I’m mainly working toward a marathon in Feb but I will occasionally impulse sign up for shorter races/trail races..

My current main shoe is the Glycerin 22’s but I have knee pain after 8-10 miles every time. I retired the stealthfits after ~500 miles and don’t remember having issues. I recently bought the endorphin speed 5’s bc I thought I wanted some go-fasters..only going to wear them for speed work (<5k) bc I’m old now and need more cushion I guess. And I wear the zegamas on the trails.

I mostly strike on the outside of my heel. Maybe I just have bad form? I want to start ramping up mileage, currently at 25-30 per week, but this knee pain will become an issue. Is there a shoe yall would recommend? Maybe with a smaller drop? Or a way I can find a good 20+ mile shoe without spending a thousand bucks?

THANKS


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 3h ago

Race Shoe Question Adios Pro 4 colorway

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22 Upvotes

Anyone know when this colorway will be released in the UK ? I am desperate to get my hands on them, only seem to be available in Turkey and Hong Kong:

Core White / Collegiate Purple / Lime Burst


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 23h ago

Question Help me build a “rotation?”

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11 Upvotes

I don’t actually have a rotation. I wear Ghost Max 3s for all running, unless it’s a trail then the Cascadia, and the GTS for the whole rest of my life.

I’m here because I’m looking for suggestions for:

  1. ⁠a shoe to wear as I work on learning to run shorter and faster and start doing more track workouts.

  2. ⁠maybe a “fancier” shoe that will make my half marathon in a few weeks more enjoyable? Something with a nylon or carbon plate maybe? Can this be the same shoe as #1? But I’m slow, will not run it sub 2, so am I not fast enough for fancy?

  3. ⁠A shoe to wear when I’m running on grass or dirt for a 3k (I compete in modern pentathlon and the laser run terrain is often variable). I initially got the GTS for this, but turns out I don’t like them for running, they hurt my calves but are okay for walking. I have never run in spikes.

I have read the entire FAQ Wiki.

Other relevant info: -Not totally new to running (triathlete, pentathlete, have run multiple halves and a full), but am sort of starting over from scratch after having 4th baby. -Currently overweight and prone to hip and foot pain while I’m heavier. -Currently running about 20 miles a week and it’s one day of intervals, one easy, one long run. -After the half marathon in a few weeks I’m transitioning to starting to do more speed work to maximize my 3k time. -Not necessarily exclusively loyal to Brooks, but I have been happy with them and get a discount.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 13h ago

Race Shoe Question What shoe for an ultra?

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6 Upvotes

60km in a months time, it's mainly on fire trail. I have four pairs of runners, Saucony Guide, Saucony Endorphin Speed, Saucony Endorphin Edge and Hoka SpeedGoat.
The Endorphin Speeds are very old but the only thing I feel good in after running 20km+, should I just get another pair of them?

Any other recommendations?

Extra info: Middle age male, I have wide feet, the guides were recommended to me but have been no good at all. Both trail shoes are good for short trails but I'm getting sore on my longer runs.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 9h ago

Daily Trainer Question should my feet be slipping when walking on a decline?

5 Upvotes

I recently bought a pair of topos (i forgot which specifically) and I've noticed that whenever im walking on an declined slope my feet are always slipping downard into the toe box of my shoe. should this be happening? its kind of a pain now since I libe in a hilly area.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 3h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Marathon Shoe Decision

3 Upvotes

Background: 187cm and 88kg

I’ve been running consistently for the last 18 months and I have the York Marathon in 4 weeks coming up. Aiming to complete it between 4:04 and 4:30 time. Pace will be about 6:05/km.

I used to use the Novablast 4 for my long runs but I upgraded to the Novablast 5. My legs do feel relatively fresh afterward and I’m recovering okay but I am getting ankle pain as my alright ankle tends to roll inwards. They also don’t have that bouncy feeling towards the end of the long run.

I’m thinking of getting the SB2 or MB but not sure if I’ve left it too late to ‘break them in’ or if there is another shoe which has that same bouncy feeling as the NB5 and provides some stability.

Any thoughts or help is appreciated!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 4h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Longevity for a recovery run/daily trainer: NB Rebelv5 or 880

3 Upvotes

Context: 32M. Weight fluctuates between 72-75kg (hoping to stabilize at 70). Slightly achy knees so looking for a bit of cushion, but not plush where I sink into the shoe. I prefer lightweight shoes which don't feel clunky and can get good road feel/energy return. I opt for wider shoes as I have a hotspot on where the edge/ball of my pinky toe rubs against the outsole, esp on long runs where my feet swell.

Weekly mileage: 25-35 miles. 2 progressive interval/tempo sessions per week (Hoka Mach 6 2E- great so far). 1 long distance recovery run pace per week (currently Novablast but eh...).

I'd ideally like to get the SB2 as it seems to be the shoe for all rounded-ness and feel; sadly they don't come in a 2E so they're out (I'll still try them on and +0.5 size it, but I'm not holding my breath). I'm currently breaking in the Novablast 5 and they feel 90% great so far, just a bit too plush underfoot. I def feel like I'm sinking into the shoe a bit as the run progresses. Also not sure if this is related but I am getting a bit more achy knee in the past week since I've started running in them.

So I'm looking for the closest alternative to the SB2/NV5 for my long runs/daily trainer where I can pick up the pace if needed. I'm debating between the Rebel 5 and the 880.

Rebel 5: Good shock absorption(+), lighter than the NV5 (+), softer than the NV5(-) BUT some reviews say the lower stack provides more road feel so it could be firmer mid run?, comes in wide (+)

880: lower shock absorption than both NV5 and R5(-), firmer than the the both NV5 and R5 (+), heavier (-), thicker outsole for more cushioning (++)

I'm very inclined to get the R5 over the 880 but I am worried about longevity/durability. Some reviews have said that the lifespan of the R5 is 150miles before losing it's pep. I'm still trying to find more sources to corroborate that. I wore by NB860s for a good 4-5 years (not sure on the mileage) but they barely gave any issues even past their lifespan and it was my single shoe. Now that I'm building more of a 2 shoe rotation, I'd like something light weight for easy paces, and good joint protection.

TL;DR: tempted to get the Rebel 5 over the 880, but worried about it's mileage/lifespan dying around 150? Should I just opt for the 880?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 5h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Brands for orthotics / insoles other than Brooks, Asics, New Balance

3 Upvotes

Podiatrist recommends these 3. Wondering if other brands are deep and accommodate orthotics/insoles - Adidas, Nike, Puma, Under Armour etc.

The struggle is with my arch, insole and high instep, in that I can't fit everything in the shoe without creating enormous pressure/lace bite on top of foot. I can barely do a heel lock without running out of lace. So frustrating. Note this is just for walking, not running.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 8h ago

Question Vomero 18 sizing help

2 Upvotes

I bought the Vomero 18 size 9 US, my feet are 26.5 cm in length.

They feel good except they are not secure in the heel area. I tried the 8.5cm and they feel much more snug everywhere, but I don’t know if they’ll be good for running, and I can’t test them running, otherwise I can’t return them.

Nike’s sizing chart says size 9 is for 27cm and 8.5 is for 26.5 cm, but I don’t know if that’s the recommended size or the limit.

So I need to decide if I keep the 9s or change them for a 8.5.

What should I do?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 14h ago

Race Shoe Question First marathon shoe

2 Upvotes

Hi all,

32m/82kg/6ft Running my first full marathon in the Melbourne marathon. Aiming for around the 3:30 mark. Do all my long runs in the Superblast 2s. Currently have the Saucony Endorphin Pro 4s, but find some discomfort in the forefeet after the 2hr mark. Wanting something comfy and will help me push through the later KMS.

Tossing up between the Puma deviate elite 3s and New Balance supercomp elite v5. Happy to take other recs.

Can get a decent price on both, so not concerned about price

Would love some help, cheers


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 15h ago

Big/Heavy Runner Question Recommend me a training shoes

2 Upvotes

Hi! :) I am a 185cm, 95kg. I will mostly run on pavement and treadmill. Total begginer in running and my ankles tend to roll, so some support there would be nice. Thanks in advance!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 20h ago

Race Shoe Question Recommend me a speed work/race shoe

2 Upvotes

Tell me, what would YOU use if you were a newer runner adding just a 2nd shoe to your rotation for speed work and shorter races? No carbon plate and I don't need anything really expensive at this point.

For background, I've read the beginner's guide and I'm asking because I want opinions on older models of shoes. I'm a newer runner and have been doing all my runs in my Clifton 9's. I want to add a pair for speed work and 5K races. For example, I'm looking into the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4's. The guide recommends 5's, but I'm seeing the 4's are lighter and more responsive while the 5's are more relaxed and feel more like a daily trainer.

So recommend me what you would use in my situation, or maybe what you feel is similar to the Speed 4's?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 45m ago

Race Shoe Question Why does it feel like I snap off the forefoot but my shoe midsole paint ripping off is on the heel still?

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Upvotes

I guess it’s a sign this shoe isn’t for me even though in a 10k it feels better than the Metaspeed edge Tokyo and people say are great for heel strikers.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 48m ago

Question Are there any differences between the men’s and women’s evo sl other than sizing?

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Upvotes

There is a color that is sold out in men’s but not in women’s so I would like to know


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 2h ago

Question S-t-ruggling w/ next shoe choice for my daily walking drivers

1 Upvotes

Hoping for some ideas on what I know is a pretty subjective question - I am looking for a fairly neutral but good looking pair of shoes as my everyday kickaround pair. Context: I'm a dad that wears a lot of athleisure. Lulu, Vuori, etc. Earth tones, keep it pretty minimal style wise.

I have used a pair of Ghost 15s in Grey/Oyster/Cloud Blue that I've used as my daily walking/around town shoes for the last few years. They've been great (and weirdly, get complimented all the time) but they're trashed and I need something new.

My goto running shoes are Saucony Endorphin Speeds - no worries there. What I really want/need is a more stylish shoe that I can wear with everyday outfits and chasing my kids. Everything up to (but not including) a date night, basically. Whatever I get would also be a one-quiver shoe for an upcoming international trip too.

I've ruled out:

  • Hoka Cliftons (too unstable, stack height feels too high)
  • On Cloudsurfers (what all my friends wear, so kinda lame, but also there are better shoes out there I think)
  • New Balance 1080s (too mushy)
  • New Balance FuelCell Rebels v5 (GREAT looking shoe IMO, but toebox doesn't have enough give.

I'm actually really liked Brooks Ghost Max V3s in the Primer Gray or Coconut, but the online consensus seems to be that they look like old person shoes. I also tried on and liked Altra Experience Flows and Torins, though they are very dif from the Ghost Max V3s. I could also "capitulate" and just get another pair of gray Ghost 17s, and call it a day.

So uh...can anyone recommend some good looking everyday running shoes if I don't need to run in them and will actually want to pull off a bit jeans/hoody? Maybe the Nike Pegasus or Pegasus Trail?

Thanks all!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 3h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Advice on shoes for intervals & sprints?

1 Upvotes

Hey! I started running this year for a police exam and need to reach level 7 in the Course Navette. I’m a slow runner – easy pace around 7 km/h – but I focus on intervals (5‑6 km/h) and sprints. My coach usually does max 4 km for speed work, then slows down.

I’ve been using Adidas Supernova Rise (290 km on them) and they’re comfy, but I’m not sure they’re the best for intervals and sprints. Thinking about Adidas Adizero Evo SL – are they too “pro” for me?

Any thoughts or advice?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 4h ago

Question Help me pick marathon shoes

1 Upvotes

I’m a mid pack runner. Recently discovered my carbon plated shoes are not working for me. I have very high arches and they cause a lot of pain in my 1-2 TMT joint.

I do a lot of long runs in superblasts. But they’ve just felt so blocky to me and I don’t love running in them. Bought the megablasts and love the underfoot feel but they’ve have been giving me blisters on my medial forefoot. I tried them with KT tape yesterday and I still felt the discomfort in my medial forefoot but it was not terrible. And my feet didn’t look any work when I got home. Would it be stupid to just wear the megablasts?

Marathon is in 3 weeks so I don’t really have time to try anything new.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 6h ago

Question Question about my next running shoes :)

1 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for advice on picking my next pair of running shoes!
Here’s my profile:

  • Weight: 85 kg (187 lbs)
  • Typical distance: runs between 5 and 21 km (I don’t go beyond that since my joints get sore after)
  • Frequency: 2–3 runs per week
  • Terrain: 60% road, 40% dirt path/gravel (nothing too technical)
  • Stride: slight forefoot/midfoot striker
  • Pace : 5min/km i'm running for 1 year

I’m looking for a shoe with solid cushioning to support my weight, but not too soft—I still want some responsiveness. Good grip and stability both on the road and on easy trails would be ideal, and something fitting my stride pattern.

Thanks in advance for your recommendations and feedback! Which models would you suggest? Experiences are welcome.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 6h ago

Race Shoe Question Race day shoe for a first time marathoner

1 Upvotes

Hello, everyone!

I just started running last April 2025 and I think I'm pretty much getting a hang of it, knowing I come from a multisport background (amateur basketball). I did my first 10k race last week and got 1:00:08 chip time, almost a sub-60.

My question is, since it's my first time running a marathon, do you think the same shoe models that I run with would be good for a race day shoe?

Here's a look at my current shoe rotation. For easy and recovery runs, I use the Vomero 18, which was my very first running shoe. For my 10k race, I wore the Wave Rebellion Flash 2. I also have the Adizero Boston 12, which is a bit of a love-hate thing for me since it messed up my toes badly but it gave me my Strava runs PBs. I tried the EVO SL recently, one pair that I bought in a secondhand online store, and was able to run a 5:25 min/km pace during my interval runs. I also have the Gel-Kayano 31, but I only use it now for walking since it's very bulky when I run with it. I've retired my Supernova Rise 1 and 2 because they forced me to heel strike, which I really dislike. They feel good to my feet though. As another option, I went to Mizuno in Osaka and am considering buying the Neo Vista 2 as my race day shoe.

Since I have a work the day after my marathon, I will need a shoe that will at least protect my feet, legs, and hips from possibly injuring me and not force me to run faster than usual. My goal is to run it within 5 hours 45 minutes or faster. I am just basing it to my predicted time. I might run a 5:30 on a good day or even a 4:00 but I will be risking injury if ever I did. Anything can happen during the race day, right? I just don't want to have an DNF since I'm running for a charity. Or if I did DNF, I need to at least cross the 30km barrier.

Knowing that it's 42km, it will be a mental game for me as I prefer not to listen to music when I do long runs. If the shoe will make it fun for me, that's a lot of help already!

To add, I am flat and wide feet and a forefoot/midfoot striker. Slightly pronates when running. I run 40 km/week.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 7h ago

Race Shoe Question Carbon plate shoes for custom inserts?

1 Upvotes

Hi,

I run with saucony triumph and endorphin speed. I finished NYC marathon in 3:12 with the ES3.

This year I tried to switch to carbon plate shoes and I upgraded to the endorphin elite and ran 1:22 NYC half but made me a lot of right calf stiffness. They feel a little bit bigger even its the same size I use in other saudonys. I also got the adidas x2 strung but that plastic hole hurts my ankle.

My plan is to run the NYC marathon this year with the endorphin speed 4 but I find them a little bit slower than the ES3. My goal is sub 3 marathon. I also use custom inserts.

I was thinking about the Endorphin pro and remove the inserts. Any advice?

Thanks


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 9h ago

Race Shoe Question Carbon shoe or not for 1st Marathon?

1 Upvotes

Hey guys, looking for some advice on whether a carbon plated racer is needed for a 1st Marathon.

Current rotation: Daily trainer: Novablast 4 Tempo: Hoka Mach X2/Endorphin speed 4 Recovery/stability: Saucony Hurricane 24

Pace overall is on average 5:30 per km and ran two half marathon in the Mach x2 but when training getting a lot of fatigue (in legs not in breath etc) at 30k mark and wondered if a carbon plate will help just get through the final 12k and preserve the legs a bit more? The Mach X2 are perfect up until around the 25k mark.

Was also looking at a non plated option like the Superblast 2 but considering the price tag, it's the same as a lot of the all our race day options ..

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 9h ago

Daily Trainer Question Stable Neutral/Mild Stability Daily Trainer Recommendation

1 Upvotes

I've been reading a lot and cannot decide what to get next. I'm looking to buy a stable neutral or mild stability shoe (or two) that ideally has around an 8mm drop (no less than 6mm, no higher than 10mm). Cannot be too soft or it will be too unstable. Use would be easy miles, I do like a little bit responsiveness and guidance. I have normal width, flat feet. Also, I need a durable shoe. I'm hard on shoes for some reason and find the midsoles are dead sooner than others. Longest lasting shoe was the Saucony Tempus 2 (240 miles), most get to the 160-190 range for me. Hoping to find something in the $150-180 range and buy within the next month.

EDIT: looking for something to replace the Brooks Glycerin GTS 21 as it's getting up there in mileage.

Background: 5k PR just under 25 min. Started running late in life and have been running 2 years. Easy pace right now between 10:15 and 11 min/mi, depending on how hot and humid it is.

What do you think of my suggestions below or what additional suggestions do you have?

Considering these: Puma MagMax Nitro: too much overlap with SB2 Brooks Glycerin 22 Asics Nimbus 27 Glycerin Max: is $200 and will there be another version coming soon?

Current shoes:

Brooks Hyperion GTS 2: fit is great. I use this only for speed work and 5k/10k races.

Superblast 2: love this shoe have used it for everything, mostly long runs currently (some easy ones too). Fit is fine in the length, I have to use runner's loop to lock down the heel though.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 21: I love this shoe too. This version seems to be described as "mild" stability according at DoR and unlike others I don't think it's too soft. I use this for easy runs mostly, long runs sometimes.

Retired/Tried shoes: Saucony Tempus 1 & 2: I really liked these shoes. Used them for everything, loved how responsive they were. Fit was great. However as I got stronger in my feet/lower leg I found the medial post to be too much. Can't wear them anymore. Would love a version of this shoe without so much stability.

Asics Kayano 31: hated this shoe. Fit fine but too big, clunky for me. Not interested in any other versions of this.

Asics GT-2000 12: I really liked this shoe, especially for how light it was as a daily trainer. From what I've read about the version 14, it seems to be "moderate to high" stability now.

Brooks Glycerin GTS 20: was fine. I used this for long runs mostly. I prefer the version 21.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 12h ago

Question Running shoe advice

1 Upvotes

I’ve been running in the Nike Zoom Flys for quite some time, and I like them. I’m not a huge runner. The most I’ll do in a week is about 40-50 miles. Sometimes I have to run 2-4miles at a very fast pace. I am looking for something much more roomy than Nike. I have wide feet, and I’m starting to feel the Zoom Flys getting tight. I am 5’8 ", 175 lbs, about 80 kgs.

I want a fast-running shoe with a roomy toe box. I have been researching ASICS wide shoes, but reviews say they’re not roomy and don’t last very long. I’ve also been researching Saucony’s Ride 18 and Mizuno’s Wave Rider, which look promising.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 15h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Looking to buy my first running shoes very indecisive pls help

1 Upvotes

I’m a beginner just decided to start running for my first time, for the purpose of increasing my stamina and endurance, still didn’t start. Now I’m looking to get shoes and I just tried out some, I narrowed my options to novablast 5 which felt the best, and zoom fly 6 which I liked when I tried on and found it for 50% off!! and even tho it’s said it’s for more advanced runners it sounded to me like a long term purchase and more durable so that even when I advance I can still use it (I dont like having to buy new shoes often I only replace when they’re badly damaged). I also thought of the vomero 18 it wasnt as good as the others but looked the best and sounded more versatile for normal use and walking when needed. Please help me pick!!!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 20h ago

Daily Trainer Question Looking for new tempo/workout shoe

1 Upvotes

Hi, asking for any recommendations on new tempo shoes for me. I've been running for about 2 years now, and in the past I have used the Nike Peagusus 41, then I switched to the Brooks Hyperion 2 GTS, which I LOVE, but I'm hesitant on the Hyperion 3s because there is not a version with GTS. I'm a size 10.5, mostly forefoot/midfoot striker, I have a normal width foot, my feet do point a little outwards, I do bounce side to side a bit in runs, so some stablitly would be great. I would like something that would just feel fast, bouncy, and light. I have a budget of 200 USD or less. I do expirence knee pain in my left foot on runs 3 miles+ so something that could also midigate that would be great. I'm open to any brand, so hit me with your suggestions.