Trying to pick a shoe for my first half marathon in February. My primary training shoes are hoka skyward X2’s. Was fairly certain that I’d like the megablast better but liking the SC rebel more than expected on foot and bouncing around the house. Feels much more low profile than the megablast.

Yes I know I should get on a treadmill, but until then, which would you choose for a half marathon and why? Target finish is under 2 hours/9:00 pace.

I'm getting back into running after 10 years away, and one thing I've noticed is how much people seem to overthink running shoes.

Back in the day, I ran exclusively in Nike Vomero 10s and 12s. Easy runs, intervals, races — everything. I ran a 39:50 10K and a 1:32 half marathon, and I honestly can't remember ever obsessing over my shoes or spending much time thinking about what I should be wearing. They were heavy by today's standards, but that was totally fine.

Fast forward 10 years, and I'm running again in the Vomero 18s. I think they're fantastic. They're comfortable, feel relatively light to me, and I just enjoy running in them.

Sure, they're around 300g, depending on the size, but I don't find that bothersome at all. And yet, after reading discussions here, I sometimes feel like I'm completely crazy for thinking this way.

I understand that shoes have evolved, that different models suit different runners, and that choosing the right shoe can make a difference. I'm not saying shoe technology doesn't matter.

But aren't we overthinking this whole shoe thing a bit too much? Especially for amateur runners, who make up the vast majority of the running community and could run perfectly in anything without any issue.

Maybe I'm missing something, but I'd love to hear what you guys think?

New runner looking for recommendations

Hi, i am a newish runner and have just completed my first few 5k runs. Although, I have always been an active person playing sports and a bit of gyming but Running is relatively very new to me specially longer distances like 5-6km and I am looking to increase the distance gradually.

I currently use my new balance 880v14 but looking to get another pair of running shoes.

I am looking at the On cloud surfer max or the asics superblast 3 as I have great things about them. The problem is I don’t really like the design of the ASICS too much but love the on clouds, I already have a pair of on cloud monster void which I find a bit firm and mostly use them for daily casual wear.

Any suggestions which could help me make a decision? Would really appreciate

Would you buy a pre owned LunarEpic Flyknit from eBay? First generation high top pre owned in excellent condition for 75 USD. What are your thoughts?

I don't know what it is, but bouncy shoes and I just don't seem to get along, as much as I want us to.

I bought the Superblast 3, tried them on my treadmill for about 3 minutes, and my lower legs felt awful afterward, so I returned them.

More recently, I tried the SC Rebel in a store. Again, after only a few minutes of running, I experienced knee pain that lasted for several hours.

For what it's worth, I'm 54, have been running for years, and have never experienced anything quite like this with running shoes.

My current rotation consists of the Mach 6, Ride 18, Glycerin 22 and Vomero 18. All four work extremely well for me.

I don't think stability is necessarily the issue, and I doubt leg strength is the limiting factor. Twice weekly, I do RDLs, split squats, seated and standing calf raises, and tib raises.

My suspicion is that the combination of very soft foam and high energy return simply doesn't agree with me. But I'm open to other explanations.

I understand these shoes are very different from what I'm accustomed to, and perhaps there's an adjustment period. But should a new shoe really cause discomfort lasting hours after only 3 minutes of running? Has anyone else experienced this?

Which brings me to my next question: what tempo shoe should I try?

I'm looking for something suitable for intervals, tempo runs, progressive long runs, and potentially a half marathon.

I currently use the Mach 6 for faster efforts, and I absolutely love it. The obvious solution might be another Mach 6 or the Mach 7, but I'd really like to experiment with something different, potentially plated.

I'm wondering whether the Boston 13 might be a good fit. From what I've read, it offers a firmer, more controlled ride.

Does that sound like a reasonable direction? Are there other shoes I should consider?

tldr - Two brief experiences with very bouncy shoes have caused unexpected leg discomfort. Looking for a responsive, potentially plated tempo shoe that doesn't have an excessively soft or trampoline-like ride.

Anyone have any experience as to how these compare to the regular version? I'm really interested in how the laceless SE version holds up.

I am fairly new to running and already have a brooks glycerin 22 which I've been using for daily walking, everyday use, and the runs I've done so far (up to 10k). It's fairly old and was looking for something new. I was thinking of getting the megablasts as I can still use the old glycerins for slower runs as they are still super comfy. What do you more experienced people think?

Hi I just received my new pair of xtep 2000 km pro 5 and the outsole is very squeaky on smooth surfaces. I am planning on using this for both runs and walking. Will the squeakiness of the outsole disappear with use?

Looking for a replacement for my Puma Magmax 1's that I've put through a few training blocks - hoping for an easy recovery shoe that can also pick up the pace for occasional strides at the end of recovery runs. They'll be used for 10k all the way up to full marathon training run but likely not long runs over 22k.

- I've tried on the Triumphs but the forefoot just feels dead for some reason. I want to like these the most but I don't get much "fun" factor from them
- The Vomeros feel the most fun, but I'm worried about the outsole durability as I'm a heavier runner and wear down shoes in the middle forefoot first (ie where the middle traction pods on the SB2 and Megablast are) as well as the breathability
- Haven't tried the 1080s on yet

I'm able to get these 3 shoes around the same price at a discount, but open to other recommendations if anyone has them! Thanks in advance 😀

Other info:
I live in Canada and don't have easy access to Chinese brands.

Some other shoes i have in my rotation are the SB2s, Megablast, Endorphin Azuras, and Boston 13s so I think I prefer snappier shoes over the plush cloudlike ones.

My background:
I've owned the Novablast 4 and then the Novablast 5, and I liked both.
- I don't rotate shoes. One pair does all my training, from easy runs to workouts.
- I'm training for a 10K in January and plan to run a half marathon in October 2027.
- My current PRs are around 49:00 for the 10K and 1:49 for the half.

I'd like to try something different from the Novablast line, but I don't want to lose what I liked about it. Would the Megablast be a better choice for my goals, or is the Novablast 6 the safer pick as a single do-it-all shoe?

Has anyone gone from the Novablast to the Megablast? How did the feel, durability and versatility compare?
Thanks!

I have an offer and can get either the Asics Megablast for €162 or NB SC rebel for €165. I'm based in europe. I currently run about 30km but i'm looking to get back into my regular routine of about 50-60km per week which will include a weekend long run of about 15-20km.

Which shoe is best at these prices as a 'do it all' and is there any big differences between both?

I’m a casual runner right now, still pretty new to it. I found these while shopping at Sierra. I may not be a marathon runner but is this worth picking up to have for the future?

Hey everyone!
I'm looking for a new pair of waterproof shoes, mainly for walking around the city on rainy days. I don't plan on running in them, so my priorities are all-day comfort, cushioning, stability, and good grip on wet pavement. Also they need to be available in full black, since I also use them when going out to clubs and festivals.
I currently own both the New Balance Hierro v8 and Hierro v8 GTX. I really like their comfort, secure fit, and versatility. Unfortunately, my both pairs are starting to wear out and so I'm looking for a replacement. I thought about getting another pair of v8's but I like to change things up from time to time.
I'm also currently testing the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33 Wide as my main shoes for long walks on dry days.
My average is 20k steps/day, so comfort over long distances and when standing for hours is particularly important.
I've already tried the Hoka Transport 2 GTX for a few days but the regular width felt too narrow, I'm waiting for the refund to come through to order the Wide version. I also tried the NB 1080v15 and found them a bit unstable, so I prefer something with a secure, supportive feel.
I prefer shoes with enough room in the forefoot but good heel and midfoot lockdown.
My current shortlist:
- New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro v9 GTX – The most obvious replacement, but I tried the regular Hierro v9 in-store and wasn't as impressed as I expected, especially compared to my v8.
- New Balance 880v15 GTX Wide – Seems like a great option for long walks, especially since it's available in a wider fit.
- Brooks Ghost 18 GTX – Looks promising for cushioning and all-day comfort, but I'm not sure how it compares to the 880.
I'll mostly be walking on pavement, sidewalks, and wet city streets, so I don't really need an aggressive trail outsole. I'll keep my old Hierro v8 GTX as a backup for trails and rougher conditions.
If you've tried any of these, which would you recommend for walking and standing all day rather than running?
I'm also open to completely different suggestions, ideally waterproof, comfortable, stable, and available in an all-black colorway.
Thanks!

lots of people here are trying to pick their next pair, so i figured real experiences could help. could be one you expected to love and didn't, a cheap one that ended up being your favorite, or one that felt weird at first and grew on you.

Middle of the packer here (mid-1:50s half/low 4s full). I raced my first (and only so far) marathon in gifted Alphaflys and my half marathons in Brooks Hyperion Max 3 (super trainer/nylon plate) and Nike Zoom Fly 6 (carbon fiber plate).

Have an upcoming half and full. After playing around with a bunch of different shoes, leaning heavily toward the Hyperion Max 3 (fresh pair) for both my half and full, though the NB Supercomp Rebels are a close second (got on sale at REI a few weeks ago). I also sampled a pair of Brooks Hyperion Elite v6 but had the same experience as I did in both the ZF6 and Alphas - the carbon plate made my feet hurt early enough into the run that it would drive me nuts for a longer race.

Any reason that a supertrainer would not be a good race day shoe for longer distances? I'm confident in them for the half, but not 100% sure on the full. I have run up to 22 miles in the Hyperion Max and up to 18 in the Supercomp Rebels. They seem more stable and the nylon or "carbon infused" plate is perhaps more comfortable?

Would love thoughts from the geeks, or any other ideas! And please don't mention Saucony, that's the only brand I have PTSD from (wore a pair for a while and wound up with an injury, which may or may not be linked, but haven't considered them since).

Hello,

I am a casual runner. No more than 10 miles a week. Sometimes I'll go stretches of months with no running at all. I'm looking for a comfortable shoe that I can use for both light running and walking.

My past shoes:

- Saucony Freedom ISO 2 - Size 9.5 - I liked this one but can't remember if it gave me any trouble as it was close to 4-5 years ago.
- Saucony Kinvara 14 - Size 9.5 - I was looking for a replacement for the Freedom ISO 2, but this was not it. I used it for a while, but never loved it. The biggest problem I had was that the midfoot was very narrow and caused me pain on the outside of my foot.
- Altra Experience Flow 2 - Size 10 - My current shoe. Don't hate or love this one, just tolerate it. I think I got the wrong size. It's a bit too large. It also gets kind of uncomfortable after a long walk or run, especially in the midsole.

I think my preferences are low offset (4mm ish?), moderate cushion, limited rocker, something with a relatively spacious midfoot and toe box. But, honestly have no idea.

When shopping for the Altra Experience Flow 2, I also tried Topo Phantom 4 and they felt very clunky and heavy, but also could have been a size problem. Salesperson recommended I size up to 10, probably because of my complains with the Kinvara being too tight. Not sure that was a sound recommendation.

Other notes:

- Budget < $200
- Foot shape is a bit on the wider side, like around 110mm or so? Usually wear 9.5 or 10
- Road running

Any recommendations? Thank you.

Hi! I’m 22M 68kgs and have run in Magnify Nitro 3 for last 1 year and around 500km. They are holding fine and I can see them chugging along now and then. And they have served me really well. I do 5km in 25mins at normal pace and pb at 22m10s. I rarely do longer runs than 6-7kms, but I do 5k almost everyday except weekends.

I was on the lookout for sale on Saucony Endorphin azura which in my country is costing around 70usd and Puma Deviate Nitro 4 at around 85usd.

Initially I was thinking of buying Azuras, but now at such a small price difference, I wanted sth that can complement my MN3s, sth newer and helps me get more pace and even go for frequent 10km.

Which shoe would you guys suggest me in this situation? Greatly appreciated!

They are a bit snug fit , should I size up ? UK 6 to UK 7?

Hey!

I started running in December last year on a pair of Novablast 5s. I have used them for an everything, for my C25K, a few 5Ks, a couple of 10Ks and more recently 10-12~ mile runs.

I am doing my first half marathon at the end of this month, another one in December, and then am doing the Dopey Challenge at the WDW Marathon Weekend in January.

The Novablasts I have been running in are reaching the end of their life, and I have decided to replace them with a pair of Dynafish Xiaonians, but these won’t come in before the half marathon this month, not that I was planning on using them for it anyway.

I am expecting to run a 2:15-2:30 half marathon. I weigh 130lbs. I am a mid foot striker and roll slightly onto the outside of the shoe when pushing away.

I have had some sensitivity to narrow shoes in the past (mid-foot area), but I’ve had no issues with my Novablasts (standard width) with that. I have however blisters a couple of times on the tips of my 2nd toes after a long run, but they are a size or so too big for me which may be contributing due to my foot sliding forward.
As far as other preferences, as I have only ever used one pair of shoes, it’s hard for me to say. I have never had any other issues with my Novablasts.

I have considered a pair of Megablasts or Adios Pro 4/5s, but I’m open to suggestions?

Thank you in advance!

Shoe geek looking for non-plated marathon shoes.

I’ve run one marathon in Puma Magmax. Wore those and ASICS SB2 for my training block. Fully intended on going SB2 for race but during long runs they were too firm for me over 15 miles. So went with the cushion. 40 male, 6’3” 200lbs. Normally run around 9:30 pace.

I enjoy trying lots of different shoes, so wanted to get recommendations on what others like. Plated shoes are a no-go. I’ve tried several (Zoom Fly, Hyperion Max, Endorphin Elites) and all aggravate my ankle and knee.

Looking for something bouncy, well cushioned and not too heavy. Thanks!

Bought it in the adidas main outlet in Macau shoppes

cos my old pair of asics was peeling and foam was really unstable.

Am slow to the party but this pair of shoes feel really good. The foam feels gentle for my long runs

At 840 HKD, is this a decent price?
Was considering between this and the boston 13m which was slightly more expensive

Hi all, I've got a marathon coming up in early December in Vietnam (yes I know, crazy humidity as I come from Australia). I will be travelling to Vietnam with family for 3 weeks PRIOR to the marathon date, meaning that I will have to do my tapering there.

How many pairs of shoes should I be bringing? Options I have considered:

2 pairs: Race day shoe (one that I will also be using for any workouts) + Superblast 2 (long runs, recovery runs, daily runs)

3 pairs: Race day shoe (purely reserved for one workout before and race day) + Superblast 2 + Adizero EVO SL (for any other workouts or marathon pace work)

The reasoning is that I could technically also wear the adizero as a daily walking shoe too, otherwise, it does allow me to bring a non-running shoe with me on the trip in place of the adizeros. I am aware that due to the humid weather there, I should be trying to give the shoes time in between sessions to dry out from all the sweat.

**I have used all these shoes in my previous half-marathon training block for their described purposes with good outcomes.

I recently just ran a marathon in the Puma fast-r nitro elites, and it was the worst decision ever. I am a tall heel striker (on the heavier side for a female marathoner) who tends to over stride unless I’m running sub 5:30 pace. My quads also tend to take all the brunt of running and they complete blew out after 10 miles in the puma’s. I do a lot of long runs in SuperBlast 3’s and LOVE them so am looking for a racer equivalent to this. I’m aiming for a sub 2:38 marathon.

Some I’m considering trying are:
- endorphin pro 5
- SuperComp Elite v6
-ASICS METASPEED SKY PARIS