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 • • 13m ago

Question Alphafly 3 sizing up?

• Upvotes

Found a pair of AF3 in the colorway i want for the low, it’s my first pair of carbons

The thing is i’m typically a US8 (in evo SL and vomero plus) but the shoes are a US9.

Am I still able to pull them off or will they be too large? Will be using them for upcoming half and full maras next year.

Cheers


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 21m ago

Question Comparable wider shoes to Hyperion Max 3?

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• Upvotes

Typically someone who needs a 2E shoe but have been trying standard width shoes out after my successes in fitting into the MTC R1/C1 and Mizuno Neo Zen and Neo Vista.

Love everything about this shoe from Brooks. The knit kinda booty upper, the stiffer foam, the plate, the rocker geometry, it all feels great except for the toe box. I’m a larger and very powerful runner so this setup is perfect.

Unfortunately these absolutely crush my pinky toe and really cause too much discomfort to wear for much time. I don’t suspext these would stretch out at all either.

Are there any shoes that would be comparable to these that might come in 2E or have a wider or higher volume upper in the ball/toe area?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 4h ago

Question Should I be combining stability shoes with orthotics?

2 Upvotes

Been down a massive rabbit hole trying to run with flat feet and keep having issues with PTT. I’ve been doing physical therapy on and off and have a pair of custom orthotics from a podiatrist on the way, but I’ve been back and forth on whether I need them in a stability shoe or if they do the job better in a neutral shoe. That question goes for the over the counter orthotics I’ve tried as well. I have both the Adrenaline GTS and the Ghost from Brooks but was running with primarily Nike structures with orthotic the past few months. I have a fresh pain on my left side now that came about a month ago after a hike even with OTC orthotics from a podiatrist. I’ve been dealing with the PTT for about a year. I also have used the Tread Labs Run and Powerstep Pinnacle and Pulse Maxx orthotics.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 54m ago

Question What's different in 2E Clifton Toe Boxes?

• Upvotes

My feet are between E-2E volume, but broad (fan shaped), low arch, low instep narrow heel, both feet supinate.

Toeboxes on 2E: Ghost, Ghost Max, Glycerin, 1080, 680, More, Echelon, Ride, Triumphs,wave rider, wave sky, Torin's are uncomfortabley snug when I just stand crush my toes when I walk/run. Asics Same sensation on 4E and ½ size up on Cumulus/Nimbus

When I step ,big toe pushed into 2nd toe,punky toe forced to curl in when I take a step.

The 4E Brooks are big everywhere. 4E Echelon, 1080, 680, Morre, (old vers.) 880, are are snug at the big toe & pinky toe huge everywhere else. (Adding 4mm heel lifts, felt tongue pad, heel grip runners lock is painful, still sloppy)

So far: 2E Topo's dont hurt my toes but heel, midfoot, and the back ⅓ of my heel hang past the midsole.

Cliftons are totally wrong for supinating feet. But the 2E toe box fits fine and volume is pretty close

TLDR clifton 11 toe boxes are smaller, more tapered than other brands

Im trying to figure out what Clifton does differently (is it fabric stretch, shape, actual width, extra height etc).

AFAIK 2E cliftons have 8mm larger circumference uppers most other brand's 2Es add 6mm to the circumference of the uppers. That 2mm doesnt make up for the smaller D size.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Have you seen unexpected performance differences between shoes?

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• Upvotes

I have a pair of NB Rebel v5 at 500km that are pretty much done. While I wait for Topo Specter 3 stock to replace them I picked up some cheap used Adios Pro 3 as a "super trainer", the guy said they had done 175km. One of the rods at the toe of one shoe seems to be cracked but does not impact the ride or make a noise during running.

Out of curiosity over the last few weeks I have done back to back identical sessions in both shoes outside and on the treadmill, fixed at a certain pace and tracking HR (polar h9) and power (stryd). Across all the sessions, I see no difference at all, which is super surprising to me. I'm pretty confident in the data and did my best to match things as much as possible

Obviously this is not a lab test and there are variables but I have done a similar thing in the past with a new pair of rebel v5 and new SC Elite v4 and seen \~3bpm hr reduction across the board with the Elites.

Interestingly I have been on the force treadmill at the Adidas lab with AP4 vs Rebel and their report said I was more efficient in the Rebel (Rebel colour is orange on that report, in the second pic). I have a pretty flat mid foot/forefoot strike.

I am interested to hear other peoples experiences or variances in shoes how much drop do you see in a super super at that kind of use? Any discussion about best practices for real world testing is appreciated.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 10h ago

Question Can You Get Over The Need For Stability Shoes?

5 Upvotes

Hi! A few years ago I fell victim to the dreaded ‘you need stability shoes’ moment with a running store sales associate. Luckily, I think he was right and my NB Fresh Foam 860s alleviated my foot and back pain compared to the Hoka Bondi 8s. I ended up picking up a pair of Brooks Glycerin GTSs as well, which served me very well for a year or so.

Lately, I’ve been experiencing two types of foot pain pretty regularly. Specifically, I get a chunky painful sensation (almost like the feeling of cracking a knuckle or finding a knot during a massage) in the outer arch, generally on my right foot but sometimes on the left. This happens almost exclusively while I am working out on the stairmaster or incline walking on the treadmill. There is also a general soreness/fatigue that reminds me of what you normally feel the day after a very long hike. It’s not super localized but I’d say it’s generally around the ankles and the part of the top of my foot that connects to the leg. This pain has manifested more regularly, showing up within 5-10 minutes of any sustained walk.

Originally I thought it might be an overuse injury, but I took two weeks off from the gym and it came back almost immediately when I did some light cardio to test it out. Then I thought my shoes may be worn out, so I replaced both pairs (NB 860 & Brooks Glycerin GTS) and am still having the same issues after a few days of trying both pairs casually and at the gym. Is it possible that I’ve graduated from stability trainers? Since I started the stairmaster over the last 6 months or so, I’ve been more focused on my alignment and posture. Is it possible that by working on my pelvic alignment, hamstring tightness, etc. that I no longer need the extra support? That’s the best conclusion I can make based on the location of the pain.

TLDR: stability shoes used to feel great, now I’m experiencing various types of foot pain and wondering if I should switch to neutral shoes.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 6h ago

Question Buying my first running shoes

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone. I want to buy my first running shoes so here to ask for advices. I started running around 1.5 months ago. I run 5km in ~26 min and 10km in ~1h 4min but this 10k was my first attempt so I believe it can get better. So my goals are running a half marathon with 6.30 pace and 10k sub 1h. I don’t know if those details are necessary but putting just in case. I weigh 75kg and am around 1.83m. My budget is around 100 euros but I’d love it if it’s little bit less. Looking forward for your suggestions thank you 🙏. (These runs were with my daily shoes -Nike air max 90- fyi)


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 12h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Superblast v Glycerin for marathon

2 Upvotes

I have my first marathon coming up in ten days with a goal of under 4:30. I've been using Brooks Glycerin, which I like, but also bought a pair of Superblast 3s, which I used for my final 20 mile run, as well as a few short runs before that. After that run I had a lot of knee and joint pain. I think it's probably at least 90 percent overtraining (42F, really should have done strength training--now I know!). But I also wonder if it's 10 percent switching shoes. I've been switching between both and can't tell if the shoes are actually a factor. Wondering if I should play it safe and stick with the Glycerins for the marathon? All advice welcome, thank you. My priority is finishing without getting injured.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 18h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Are New Balance SC Elite v5 still a better race shoe than the more recent trainer SC Rebel v1?

3 Upvotes

Given things like the newer Infinion foam in the SC Rebel and RunRepeat scoring it at 94 compared to the Elite v5 at 85, it's unclear to me which is a better race day shoe.

To be clear, I'm not talking about the new Elite v6.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 12h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Shoe recommendation for a forefoot striker

1 Upvotes

I run for fun and for simple exercise without any desire to do races. I bought a pair of Brooks Glycerin 22 shoes and I have a few problems with them. Although this site recommends them for any kind of strike pattern, I struggle with them on a hard-paved sufaces (concrete, asphalt, compacted gravel, etc.).

First, the forefoot cushioning seems to be insufficient as my feet get sore for days even after a fairly short run (~8 km).

Secondly, I have to put sillicone gel heel pads in them not because of heel pain, but rather pain along the little finger edge. I seem to have bump on both feet directed towards the ground. With soft-sole shoes (mainly the Glycerins) it seems that the sole compresses such that the bump is pressed by the the shoe resulting in significant pain even after something like 200 meters. I have not had much problems with simple walking (harder-sole) shoes. The pads in the Glycerins move my feet such that the little finger edge does not come into (such hard) contact with the sole of the shoe. The resulting drop is insane - approx 10 mm from the shoes themselves plus approx 8 mm from the pads.

It seems like I have counteracting requirements - harder heel sole but softer forefoot cushioning.

I have searched for recommended shoes for forefoot strikers and ASICS Novablast 6 often come near the top. Are these a good pick or would you recommend others? What should I look for in new shoes? Any insights are greatly appreciated.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 23h ago

Race Shoe Question Adios Pro 4 heel blister tips?

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7 Upvotes

Bought a new pair of Pro 4s and while they’re fast, the right shoe gave me a blister on the heel which popped and I ended up bleeding through the shoe. Left side fits great and snug, but for some reason my right shoe feels a bit loose which may be contributing to the blistering. Am now wearing a heel blister cushion bandaid covered up with KT tape to prevent the bandaid from falling off during my runs…

Has anyone figured out what the best type of lacing method is? I tried heel lock but the laces aren’t long so pulling them tighter caused a lot of pressure on top of foot…


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 17h ago

Daily Trainer Question Running in the same trainers for 2+ years

1 Upvotes

As the title mentions I’ve been running in the same pair of running trainers for 2 years. After a gait analysis 2 years ago I went for the asics GT2000 13 and do all my runs in these. I currently run 4 days a week. Easy run, interval, tempo and long. All in these asics. I don’t alternate trainers and know I probably should. I’ve ran multiple 5, 10, half’s and full marathons in these and it’s definitely time for some upgrades but I don’t know where to start. Is it best to go for 2 trainers? One for easy and long runs and another for interval and tempo? Also should I buy a pair for race days? Looking for some general advice on what everyone is doing as I’m really looking for increase mileage and amount of races in the coming years whilst improving my times. Any help and advice appreciated!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Went to buy my first ever running shoe and came away confused.

4 Upvotes

I went to a fleet feet and they had a machine I stood on which analyzed of my feet. I have a low arch and they suggested neutral shoes based on that and I tried on a Nike, Saucony, New Balance and Hoka of which I liked the Nike the most as the base/sole under my foot was soft but it didnt seem as comfy or supportive around my ankles like the New balance was but the new balance had a harder base.

The problem is, I have hypermobility, weak joints and ankles and zero running or athletic experience to chose the right shoe.

Do you all have any advice on what kinda shoe I should buy? I wanna train and run on both pavement/asphalt and trail. I was gonna check out Dick's next as they do gait analysis.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 21h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Daily Trainers + 32km Shoe

1 Upvotes

Need to choose between - Endorphin Azura | Novablast 6 | Deviate Pure | Adizero Evo SL

I use just one shoe for strength + running (easy, tempo, intervals, long) Asics Gel Pulse 16.

I don't have a lot of money so I'm only gonna buy any one of those above mentioned shoes and rotate them.

I'm also training for 32 that's gonna happen in Jan.

I've also ran 42 in gp16 (didn't train much for it)

Evo SL are the most expensive ones in this list (others cost a bit less because of sale)

Would appreciate your help in choosing!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Comparing Shoes Question Neo Zen and Evo SL

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9 Upvotes

What do you guys think of these deals that i found?

I currently rotate between:
Saucony triumph 23 with 200 miles, and
Brooks glycerin 23 with 120 miles

Mostly for everyday road running 3-5 miles with average 9:00/mile. I am shin pain/splints prone and the glycerins have been keeping them away for a while now.

Are they good buys or should i gift them to my least favorite runner friends?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Adidas EVO SL replacement/alternative - Tempo/Speed days

14 Upvotes

I know this has been asked a million times so I apologize - but my question has a slight twist.

As a pure speed/tempo day trainer, have there been any shoes released over the past year that are better than the EVO SL? I run around 50 mpw with 1 or 2 speed/tempo sessions a week. This shoe would be only used for those sessions. I am looking for something:

  • Speedy
  • Plateless (this is less of an issue, but all of my rotation outside of race days shoes are unplated, let me know if this should change)

That's it! To be clear, I love the EVO SL, and might end up buying another pair especially due to how cheap they are. Just wanted to see if anyone preferred something else for this specific purpose.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 23h ago

Question Help with shoes for military basic training

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone, I’m headed to basic training soon and need some shoes.

240lbs, 5’10”, fairly muscular build. Recently had some knee issues (double patellar tendinitis, which has mostly been rehabbed but there is some lingering patellar/quad tendinitis in my right knee). I also tend to supinate a bit with a midfoot strike (I used to heel strike when I was younger)

Currently have some NB Rebel V4s. Running in them the little bit I have been hasn’t been too bad, but I just went for a 30 minute walk in them the other day and my Achilles/lower calves are sore and tight. Is this from them being too soft and having too little drop for my size?

I have fairly wide feet and the V4s fit pretty good in standard width for reference.

ChatGPT research has given me a couple suggestions, including Brooks Glycerin 22, Ghost 17/18, and Saucony Triumph 22. Would any/all of these be fine? Do you have another recommendation?

Thanks in advance, I appreciate all the help.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Comparing Shoes Question Most similar shoe to Vomero Plus with a 5-8mm drop?

6 Upvotes

I love the Vomero Plus but I’m looking for something with a lower drop.

Thanks


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 2d ago

Daily Trainer Question worth it? only shoe i have right now are megablasts at 260miles

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74 Upvotes

r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Adding a 3rd shoe

1 Upvotes

As the title suggests in looking for a 3rd shoe, I currently alternate between the Superblast and Megablast and I love them both, generally Megablast for anything a bit faster. I’m looking for a 3rd shoe that I think would fill the role of a tempo/threshold/interval shoe, but I’m not sure if there’s something that would be noticeably better than the megablasts already are. Should I look for a carbon plate? I have not a lot of interest in racing at the moment mainly just getting better, threshold pace probably around 4:30km right now. Would be something I wear for intervals and the occasional faster longer effort. Just looking for recommendations


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Race Shoe Question Asics Superblast 3 OR Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 for my FIRST OFFICIAL half

3 Upvotes

As the title states, I have the Asics Superblast 3s and the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4s. I am wondering which one I should wear on my half marathon this Sunday.

I will be running around 7:30-7:40 per mile pace, finishing sub 1:40. I have ran in the SB 3s like 10 times now and they are very comfy and work for me at slow pace and HM pace. I just got the ES 4s yesterday so I have not worn them yet. As far as I understand they should be used on tempo runs or intervals only. (I know the Endorphin Pro 4s would be better for race day but a race day exclusive shoe doesn't fit into my budget) I am going to test them at HM pace tomorrow, 3 days out from the race, 4x 5:00min at HM pace.

But I am curious to hear what your guys' thoughts are. If it matters at all I am 6'3, 175. I initially planned on using the speed 4s but now I am rethinking it because the SB3s have been amazing so far.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Half Marathon - Shoe Recommendation

4 Upvotes

Currently training for a Half Marathon on Halloween & I am in need of adding an additional shoe to the rotation & potentially phase out one.. I am not a fast runner by any means but want to make sure that I am not adding something that doesn't give much opportunity to "push" a bit based on the design, ran my PB Half in May at 2:06.

I currently rotate between a Novablast 5 & Fuel Cell Rebel V4. The Fuel Cell was my first trainer I bought early last year after I decided to get back into running & signed up for a 10k, it has been awesome for shorter more up tempo runs.

Alternatively, I bought the NB5 earlier this year because of the shock absorption commentary on threads & it worked for me. I used this in my most recent HM & felt that the shoe allowed me to feel fresher on my longer runs than the Fuel Cell.

I have been browsing the various releases between Asics & New Balance & can't really nail down what I want or what might be best. I have looked at new models of both shoes I have as well as the SB3 & some of the other Asics & NB alternatives but ultimately I need to get something ordered soon so that I can get a few training runs in them prior.

What is everyone else preferring between both manufacturers?

Any other similar brands/shoes I should look at (except Nike)?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 2d ago

Comparing Shoes Question Super Trainer Choice - Half Marathon (SC Rebel v Megablast)

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35 Upvotes

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.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Race Shoe Question Are my shoes any good for Hyrox?

0 Upvotes

Hello. I currently run in two pairs in rotation: Asics Magic Speed and New Balance Fuelcell Rebel v5.

I have an upcoming Hyrox race.

Which one would be more appropriate?

Or are they absolutely not a good fit for the event?

I guess the trickiest part would be the grip for the sleds?

I would love to get some guidance. Sweet regards.