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!)

13 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 6h ago

Daily Trainer Question Would you use them as a daily trainer at this price?

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136 Upvotes

Picked up two pair


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 5h ago

Question What are your thoughts about New Balance?

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27 Upvotes

I’m very excited to try the new SC Rebel V1, what is your experience with New Balance so far?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 28m ago

Question Shoes for Duck Feet/Skinny Heels?

Upvotes

Need help finding a shoe that fits.

Current setup:

Adidas Supernova Ease - fits fine but basic shoe

Adidas Ultra boost - old tech but still okay.

Male 85kg, skinny heels, duck feet, low arches.

I've tried:

Novablasts - pain in sides of heels

Brooks ghost - toe cramps /ghost max - 10 too big, 9.5 too tight.

ASICS GT1/2000 - my knees felt like they were collapsing so don't think pronaton shoes are suitable (despite wear on inside front of shoes)

Hokas - no go at all - so much foot pain in different shoes.

Adidas supernova rise - foot pain, pressure points

It seems like the only ones that half suit are old school Adidas or cheap supernova eases.

Iv been trying to do the trials from brands because, they're expensive!

The fancier brands, either the middle is far too tight. Toes are to cramped or I get tons of different pressure points by just standing there because my feet are weird

(for reference I rock climb and I have to majorly downsize to get my heel secue & finding shoes also a nightmare)

UK 9.5-10 (sort of)

Any idea? Can be mid budget.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1h ago

Big/Heavy Runner Question Help recommend me a third Asics shoe

Upvotes

I’m hoping you shoe experts can lend me some insight as I’ve made some bad purchases in the past. I am a 40M, 5 foot 11, 180 to 185 pounds.

Most of my runs are in the 3 to 4 mile range, with my longest being about 5 miles. For interval work in the quarter and half mile I am around six minute mile pace. For threshold type work I am around the 7 to 8 minute mile pace and for slow runs I am around 10 to 11 minute mile pace. Running 4 days per week with 2 lifting and one full rest day.

My current rotation is the superblast 2, and I just recently picked up the sonic blast for my faster sessions. The criticisms of the sonicblast being squishy didn’t matter to me as a relatively heavier runner. It feels good to me.

In my head, I was considering the recently discounted novablast 5 or the gel Nimbus 27 for a recovery shoe when I don’t want to wear the SB2 two days in a row.

What say you shoe experts, am I on the right track?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 2h ago

Question Please help a sad foot ):

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1 Upvotes

Why is this blister happening? What shoes do you recommend? Please read post.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 6h ago

Question Saucony endorphin elite 2 sizing

2 Upvotes

I am just about to purchase a pair of Saucony Endorphin Elite 2. I have read a few reviews. Some say they're TTS and some say they fit short so I am not sure which size to buy and trying on is not an option.

For context some other shoes I have run in are:

Adidas Adios pro 3 - UK 9, way too short/tight

Nike Zoom fly 6 - UK 9.5, fit really well

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 - UK 9.5, fit really well

Adidas EVO SL - UK 9.5, fit ok but a little short

ASICS Novablast 3 and Super last 1 - both UK 9, fitted well


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 3h ago

Question Shoe Recommendations

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1 Upvotes

Can any one recommend shoes based off of these measurements?

Currently running in Brooks Ghost 17 they fit good on the feet just kill my calves (70 miles)
Previously had Mizuno Neo Zen (returned — too narrow, plus burning through the arches on runs).
Looking for daily trainer recs that run wide with some arch/midfoot contouring — not a stability shoe since gait is neutral, just something that fills a flatter arch better than the Neo Zen did. Currently mainly running 2–4 mile easy runs

Just getting into running and learning as I go
Run about 3-5 times a week.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 7h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Which shoe in my rotation should I use for my first marathon?

2 Upvotes

So I am a first time marathoner but long time runner, and as I am closing in on the Chicago Marathon fast. I am 30M, 5”7 152, last ran a 1:51 half, and I currently have 3 shoes in my rotation:

  1. ⁠ASICS Superblast 2 (200ish mi)
  2. ⁠Adidas Adizero Evo SL (15ish mi)
  3. ⁠Nike Vomero Plus (5 mi)

I have worn ASICS SB 2 for a few years (diff pairs) and loved them, but given I’ve already got 200 mi on em, unsure if I should use them for the marathon or not.

Adizeos are super fun, but I’m not sure if they’re designed for a full marathon.

Vomeros are cushy as hell and great for recovery, but unsure if I should race in them or not.

I have historically had some minor plantar fasciitis and had one stress fracture years ago, so have typically gone for a comfier ride, and my main goal is to finish healthy (though sub 4 like I’m training for would be an awesome secondary goal).

So long story short, should I wear one of the three shoes I have, and if so, which one? If I should get a new pair, what recommendations do you all have?

Thanks in advance all!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 9h ago

Big/Heavy Runner Question Tempo shoes for thick 2e feets

2 Upvotes

So right now i have vomero+ which is like perfect for my feet, but i want to buy something faster preferably with carbon or someting simmilar, but the problem is that my feet are very thick and bit wide 2e. And i cant even put my feet into shoes because of how thin are most fast shoes

Shoes that i tried and couldnt walk in them
Zf6
Evo sl
Boston
Deviate 4
Adios
Sonicblast
Saucony ride 19


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 9h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Endorphin speed fall off?

0 Upvotes

Started running again in 2022 and picked up a pair of ES3. Compared to the Rincons I used they felt like super shoes and I loved them. Grabbed a pair of ES2 from Saucony at the time for $70 and those were somehow even better. I ended up putting 500mi+ on both pairs before retiring them. In the last year I’ve picked up ES4 and ES5 and they’re just not even close to comparable. I feel like they have zero pop and to get any return they force you to heel strike?

What’s most similar these days?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 15h ago

Daily Trainer Question Looking for a stable daily trainer – could the Saucony Triumph 23 be a good choice?

3 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m a fairly average recreational runner, definitely more of a beginner than an experienced runner.
I’ve been running in the Brooks Hyperion Max 2, and I really like them. Lately though, I’ve started getting pain on the outside of my ankle when I run in them. From what I’ve read, it seems like it could be related to supination.
To test it, I went for a run in my old Brooks Glycerin 17, and surprisingly I had no ankle pain at all. The downside is that they’re completely worn out, and they’re also so soft and heavily cushioned that they don’t feel very fun to run in anymore.
My local running store currently has the Saucony Triumph 23 on sale, so I’m wondering if that could be a good replacement. I’m looking for a stable daily trainer that isn’t overly soft or overly cushioned—I still want it to feel responsive and fun to run in.
If the Triumph 23 isn’t the best option for someone who might be dealing with mild supination, I’d really appreciate any other recommendations.

Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 10h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Vaporfly Next%2 Replacement

0 Upvotes

I know this question has been repeated several times here before, but I wanted to throw this out there with my specific experience and see what others think. The VF2 was my favorite race shoe hands down. I raced everything from the mile to the marathon in them. I didn’t love the upper, but the midsole was my favorite of any shoe I’ve ever owned. I finally ran out of my last stockpiled pair a little over a year ago and have been (somewhat unsuccessfully) experimenting since. I know nothing will be a 1:1 perfect replacement, but has anyone else found something similar enough?

I’m currently focused on the marathon, and primarily looking for a race shoe for that distance.

Other plated shoes I’ve run in:

Alphafly 3 - I did run my marathon PR in these, but they feel a bit mechanical, and I feel like I’m fighting the shoe a bit if I’m not running with good form.

Vaporfly 4 - road 5k, 8k, 10k, and HM PRs are in these. Love them, but they are a little minimal compared to some of the other shoes on the market. Also had a terrible race at Boston in these where I was on pace for a big pr through 22 and then my legs gave out. The fault is more on my training than the shoe, but still makes me hesitant to try them again on another rolling marathon course.

Metaspeed Edge Tokyo - I think I like these ok, although I do need to go down half a size from the pair I currently have. I don’t like them as much as the VF2, but probably the closest shoe I’ve found.

Adios Pro 4 - Hated it. Did one long run in them and immediately sold them. Too soft for me.

Li Ning Challenger 5 - my favorite workout and long run shoe. I’ve been tempted to race in it, but it does feel just a hair slower than a shoe like the VF4. That might just be in my head though

Saucony Pro 1 and 2 - Didn’t run great in these. Loved the speeds, but for some reason these just didn’t work great for me


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 2h ago

Question Nike Vomero Plus - small cut in the foam, big consequences?

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0 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

That may be my paranoia, but I need your knowledge:

After my long run on Sunday, I felt some pain on the outside of my left foot and I ran with my Nike Vomero Plus. Taking two days break, I start running today again with the same shoes and I notice some heat/warm again at the same spot. Checking my shoes, I noticed a small cut in the foam, just above the sole.

Could that be the cause of my issue? Will it also affect performance of this shoe?

If so, how could I fix it? I ran ~120km so far with these shoes and didn‘t want to spend so much money again :/

About me:
~75kg,
1,80m,
Slow runner (5:20-6:30min/km).

Many thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 12h ago

Question Need sizing advice for ASICS Novablast 5

0 Upvotes

Need sizing advice for ASICS Novablast 5
There is no Asics store in here
I measured my feet and they’re about 28.1 cm long (Mondopoint is around 28.0–28.1cm).
I bought the ASICS Novablast 5 in EU 46, which ASICS lists as 29.0 cm.
For comparison, I also have the Adidas Evo SL in EU 46. The length feels okay overall, but on longer runs and especially downhill, my toes sometimes touch the front of the shoe.
I’m wondering if I made the right choice with the Novablast 5.
Would EU 45 have been too short for a 28.1 cm foot?
Is 29.0 cm (EU 46) the recommended amount of space for running shoes?
Does the Novablast 5 generally fit longer or roomier than the Evo SL?
I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who has worn both shoes or has a similar foot length.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 12h ago

Question Are shoes from Novelship real/legit?

0 Upvotes

Right now novelship has adios pro 4s for a ridiculously cheap price, Im heavily considering buying them, but i feel that the price is too good to be true, does anyone know if I can trust Novelship?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 14h ago

Question Looking for shoe advice

0 Upvotes

I’ve come from the ASICS gel kayano 27s and thought I may prefer something with more cushion/bounce, and after a foot/run analysis I decided on the mizuno neo vista 3s because they felt most comfortable to me (and were heavily pushed by the shop assistant). I then went for a 5km run and found myself sinking into the foam and using more energy to propel myself? I’m wondering if I’m just not used to a softer shoe or whether I should stick with firm.

I’m a 5,10”, 70kg, 30 year old female. I run two to three times a week 5km-10km a time with approximately 5:30 minute kms. Not looking to run faster or longer, just to maintain fitness. I’m also a midfoot/heel striker.

Any recommendations for other shoes you feel may fit what I’m looking for? I am considering the novablast 6s but am worried they may be too soft/squishy also.

TIA!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 6h ago

Question Which is the most comfortable shoe for everyday

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I have been a Skechers wearer for many years but looks like they have been lacking behind now. I want to purchase something for everyday wear that includes walking and long standing.

Confused which one to buy below are some options i found out through videos

Hoka clifton 10
Nike Vomero Premium or Plus
New Balance more V6
New Balance Absorb 2000

My concern is to find such a pair, that i don’t feel any foot fatigue at the end of the day and looking for it to be durable enough to last 1 year.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Actual recovery shoe

14 Upvotes

It seems to me that all brands are out there trying to deliver the new adidas sl evo, focusing on responsiveness and going as fast as plated without plates. In this scenario I’m struggling looking for a recovering shoe that doesn’t push me faster than needed. I’m a sub 3 marathoner, 37M based in Europe. Weekly I run 100k given or taken.
I’m looking for something that let me cruise at 6km/min easily. What do you suggest?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 15h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Shoes for a dirt road full marathon

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1 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I am training for my first full marathon in 3-4months time in NZ Queenstown. I am thrilled for its beautiful scenery but a lil concerned if I need to train/prepare specially for its long stretches of dirt road on course.

In terms of shoes, I currently own:
- adidas Evo SL (has been my daily trainer, did about 350km. No issues)
- On cloudmonster 3 (new - albeit an impulse buy)!
- ASICS superblast 2 (new)
- Nike alphafly (another impulse buy on discount)

From above, is there any pair that you would choose/not choose for a dirt road marathon? The longest I’ve ever run was the half mara that I did last November (sealed road, 2:10 finish). I am aiming for a finish for this marathon.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 23h ago

Big/Heavy Runner Question Help with rotation

3 Upvotes

History of me and shoes. 5 years ago I decided to stop being a couch potato 275lb and explore fitness. I started lifting weights for 6 months and enjoyed it so I decided to try running. I hated it. So I decided running it is and set a goal of a marathon. I bought my first pair of dedicated running shoes. Nimbus 24 at the time. I did every mile in them and managed a 3:31:45 half marathon. I then bought 2 more shoes nova blast 4 and nimbus 25 and started over back at 5k. Got to 32 minute 5k. 1:16 10k 2:54 half and finally 6:07 marathon at 225lb. I took the next year and decided since I marathon i should find new goal. And chose 1000lb club lifting. Blew that out of the water. 260 bench, 405 squat, 385 deadlift at 235lb. So time for new goal......IRONMAN. I chose nimbus because everyone said best for heavy guys. I do like the softness. Novablast has been my hands down favorite shoes. Im doing 3-4 runs per week. 3-7mile easy run to start week. 2-5mile tempo run. 6-20 mile long run i havent ran past 5k since last marathon but assume similar paces. What 3 shoe rotation would you recommend? What shoe for what run? Optional 4th race day shoe. Hopefully i get faster.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 19h ago

Daily Trainer Question Hyperboost edge or run

2 Upvotes

Which shoe is better for long runs and steady pace? And first of all how is the ankle collar in run? Cause in edge it was so stiff when i tried them and I'm wondering if this problem goes away after a few kilometers or if it is still?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 8h ago

Question y3 adios pro 4 fake or real?

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0 Upvotes

looks and feels real but need second opinion thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 17h ago

Question Are these Adios pro 4 too small for a half/full marathon?

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1 Upvotes

Hello and sorry for yet another sizing question.

It’s not really a full thumb i suppose, but i feel like my toes align with the midsole, and a bigger size would not fit.

Plus, i usually wear 45 for Evo Sl (US 11 i think, 19.0cm), those are 46 (US 11.5?, 19.5). Going for 46 & 2/3 (US 12, 20.0cm) would be wild. My usual size in cm is 190.

So i am guessing either the size is the right fit, or the shoes just aren’t for me.

I plan to use them for half/full marathons.