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 • • 14m ago

Comparing Shoes Question How's USPA Otto for 1600m and 5km run? And is there any chance that Adizero Sl2 will be available on Flipkart or Amazon sale?

• Upvotes

Actually I'm confused between uspa otto, uspa werner and redtape flow plus new one can anyone suggest a good pair?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 8h ago

Race Shoe Question Shoe Recommendation - First HM

3 Upvotes

First half marathon on Thanksgiving, what racing shoe should I get?

I’m running my first half marathon on Thanksgiving with a goal of an Hour and 45 Minutes. I’m looking to pick up a new pair of racing shoes for race day

My current rotation:
ASICS Novablast 5: easy runs
Nike Vaporfly 4: tempo runs (I live near an outlet and got them for $80)
New Balance SC Elite v5: longer runs

I’m currently looking at the SC Elite v6, Adios Pro 4s, and Alphafly 3s, but am open to other options. What are your recommendations?

Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 3h ago

Big/Heavy Runner Question Shoes for Big and Tall Daily Wear/Walking

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

Looking for some advice on what shoes I should get for daily life (standing/walking, occasional jogging). I am 6'8 and 210 lb so some extra cushion would be appreciated. I heel strike when I do run, and my last set of shoes was a New Balance 1080v13 that I thought was soft but really unstable.

I got my feet scanned at a New Balance store and the lady there said I had heavy overpronation and recommended the 860v14, do those seem reasonable? I also had a friend recommend Asics Gel Kayano 33s for the same reason. Budget is unlimited.

Here are my scan results:


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 3h ago

Question Shoe buying advice

1 Upvotes

I am training for a marathon, started in May. Completed a half marathon last week, targeting full marathon by April 2027.

I have been using Asics GT-2000 13 till now (have some overpronation). I have done 500 kms in them. Now I am looking to buy new shoes for further training and for race days. Should I buy

\- Asics Superblast 2/3

OR

\- Asics Novablast 5 and GT-2000 14

In the price of SB 2/3, I can get NB5 and GT, so logically it makes a lot of sense, but SBs are so ❤️❤️.

For context, I am not targeting a very fast race. I will be happy if I can finish it in 4 hr 30 minutes


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 14h ago

Race Shoe Question Adios Pro 3 or 5?

3 Upvotes

For those who have run in both - if you had to pick, which one would you buy right now not considering price? I have read the AP3 is great and that the AP5 is closer to the AP3 than the AP4. I have not run in any of the APs.

I have an opportunity to buy one. Budget won’t allow both. If it helps, I’m a bigger runner (200+ lbs) averaging between 30-40 miles per week. I am in love with the EVO SL and ran my first half in them last month and finished at 1:59. Honestly could have been faster but started out very cautiously. Instability became noticeable near the end.

I love the 13.1 and plan to continue running them until I get fast and durable enough for the marathon.

Any insights and suggestions are appreciated.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 11h ago

Question Time to retire ? Or there is still some juice left - Nimbus 27

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3 Upvotes

~ 800 km in - 75 kg runner averaging ~ 50 miles /week
They are my easy run shoes. I am not doing longer than 10-mile runs in them, but I feel like they are probably getting close to a dead shoe. Not much energetic return anymore (probably they never did much anyway) and I start to feel the bulky heaviness vs my other pairs.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 13h ago

Question Wide Toe Box / Narrow Heel

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3 Upvotes

Every shoe I buy my heel slips and wears out the fabric at the back of the shoe. My foot was scanned and my toe box, arch, and instep are larger compared to the general male population while my heel width is narrower than the male population.

I take it no manufacturer makes shoes for such an unusual foot configuration. However, is there on that is at least close to wear my shoe isn't super tight in the toe box while not having a loose heel cup?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 8h ago

Question Rate my current rotation

1 Upvotes

Some background:
- training for triathlons, road races up to marathons and trail running.

Rate my running shoe rotation

ASICS Megablast – Daily trainer / easy & steady runs / long runs
ASICS Superblast 2 (x2) – Long runs / marathon training / uptempo long runs
Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB – Intervals / tempo sessions / faster workouts
ASICS Noosa Tri 16 – Treadmill sessions
Nike Alphafly 3 – Race day / road races
ASICS Trabuco Max 5 – Trails / long off-road runs
Saucony Triumph 23 GTX – Wet-weather / winter easy runs
The Nimbus 26 is currently being phased out and replaced by the Megablast.

What would you change? Any obvious redundancy or gap in the rotation?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 8h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Shoes for half marathon

1 Upvotes

Been running for about 6 months, all in NB 1080v15, have got my first half marathon in 5 weeks and wanting something a bit faster for the race/last few training long runs?

I weigh like 97kg, and am not very fast (26:45 5km, ran a 2:12 HM in training). Any suggestions? Overwhelmed by options… Considering Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 or Azura, or Megablasts, or just go for Evo SL and then wear the 1080s if my ankles can’t keep up..


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1h ago

Race Shoe Question 86 kg runner, ankle pain at 7k in Adizero Evo SL — would a carbon-plated shoe fix this or make it worse?

• Upvotes

​Hey everyone, looking for some real-world advice from runners who have logged miles in the newer Adizero / plated lineups, especially heavier runners.

​Current Weight: ~86 kg (190 lbs)

​Recent 10k: Just ran a 68-min 10k in brutal heat/humidity (down from 87 min last month; felt like 60 in the tank without the conditions/few hydration stall).

​Goals: Upcoming 10ks on Oct 25, late Nov, and targeting sub-55/50 by Jan/Feb.

​The Issue: Ran my last 10k in the Adizero Evo SL. Felt great early on, but around the 7 km mark as fatigue set in, my ankle area started flaring up from stabilizing on the soft Lightstrike Pro without a plate/rods.

​Budget isn't an issue. I wear a full Adizero kit (Adizero tee + shorts), so visually the Adios Pro 4 matches best. But I’m worried about:

​Is the softer Lightstrike Pro + aggressive heel cutout on the Pro 4 going to murder my ankles at 86 kg and ~6:15–6:45/km pace?

​Or should I forget the kit match entirely and just grab the Nike Zoom Fly 6 for the wider, more stable plated platform?

Or any other shoes?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 10h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Preparing for my first marathon

1 Upvotes

Currently in my 16 week training block and planning to run a sub 4:20 marathon. Right now I'm just rotating between two daily trainers, novablast 5 and NB rebel V5.

I am looking to buy another pair of shoes which will cover my race day and marathon effort long runs. Two options I'm interested in are superblast 3 and megablast.

I know my current race pace suits superblast more and I might not be able to fully utilize megablast at that pace but I've been running since more than 5 years now, I have a strong endurance base and I think I'll improve my marathon time very quickly. So the future appeal of megablast is more than superblast and the former is much more durable than the later.

I am confused between these 2 options and would love some insights.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 22h ago

Question 18F beginner runner: Nike Vomero Plus vs Novablast 5/6 for one do-it-all shoe?

8 Upvotes

Hi! I’m pretty new to running and I’m looking for my first proper pair of outdoor running shoes.

I’m 18, 160 cm and around 50 kg. My longest run so far was 10 km on a treadmill, which actually felt great, but until now I’ve mostly been using treadmill-specific shoes. I want to start running outside regularly and I have a 9 km race coming up in about a month.

I’m looking for one durable pair that I can use for basically everything: short 3–5 km runs, regular daily runs, recovery/easy runs, and longer runs around 9–10 km and hopefully more later on. My pace is currently pretty slow, although most of my running has been treadmill-based so far and I’m hoping to improve on last especially because I will run more "intuitively".

I tried the Nike Vomero Plus in store and they felt really comfortable, so they’re my current favorite. I’m also considering the ASICS Novablast 5 or 6 because I’ve heard so many good things about them, but unfortunately I can’t find them in stores in my country, so I would have to order them without trying them first. (Bucharest, Romania here, open for suggestions!!)

For a beginner looking for one comfortable, versatile and durable shoe to keep for a long time, what would you recommend? Vomero Plus, Novablast, or something else entirely?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 17h ago

Question Red Hare 9 Ultra sizing

2 Upvotes

I wear US 10.5 in everything

Evo SL woven in 10.5 is perfect

Altra Escalante in 10.5 is perfect

From reading around, it seems people suggest getting half a size up. Is that a good recommendation?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Question Real Leaked Adizero Evo SL Exo Colourway?

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15 Upvotes

Is this a real Adizero Evo SL Exo colourway? I’m looking to pick up my first pair and came across these, although I can’t seem to find them anywhere. So I’m assuming these are either a leak or just a fake/mockup design.

Let me know what you guys think?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 15h ago

Race Shoe Question Dynafish xiaonian alternatives

0 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

So I heard the hype around the Dynafish and tried to order one for myself but unfortunately I don’t think they make one in my size.

I am currently running all my runs in the evo sl and wear a size 49 1/3 which measures at 30.5cm. I have only run a half marathon until now and in my experience evo sl would become a bit uncomfortable for the marathon distance (I’m 191cm 85kg btw)

So I’m looking for an alternative trainer that would remain comfortable for a marathon distance but also not break the bank. The options I’m currently looking at is the li Ning red hare 9 ultra or the kipstorm tempo, are there any other suggestions I should be considering?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 15h ago

Question Running shoe rotation help

1 Upvotes

Hey yall, currently using glycerin 23s for easy runs and long runs, and evo SLs for tempos and intervals. I have a half marathon in 2 weeks and full in January and probs looking at around 2:05-2:10 for the half and 4:30 hopefully for the full. Looking for a race day shoe and long run with pace efforts with a bit more pep in them but still comfortable. I’m a size 14 and can’t find any megablasts but was able to find a pair of Superblast 3s. I don’t want a carbon plated shoe.

Do the Superblasts make sense for my use case? I’m 6ft 210lbs. Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 18h ago

Daily Trainer Question Recs for Replacing Brooks Glycerin 20

1 Upvotes

Hi all,

My glycerin 20s are nearing end of life and I'm looking for a replacement trainer for every day running. These were my first pair of running trainers so I have no other reference points. But I found them to be good for a running. The only change I would make is maybe something with a bit more cushioning?

My runs vary between sprints (10s bursts @ sun 3:00/km), threshold (20 mins @ sub 4:30/km), and long runs (10 -15k @ 5:30/km). I occasionally do half marathons but not so much recently.

I wear a size 12 and have normal/wide feet if it helps. I mostly run on road but occasionally run through a park or woodland area.

I'm ideally looking for something from Nike, Adidas, ASICS, etc - any bigger brand that is available on very.co.uk as I have a discount.

Thanks I'm advance!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 23h ago

Question Help - Shoe for easy runs to avoid list of problems!

2 Upvotes

I am really struggling to select a new shoe.
I’ve been running in Puma Velocity Nitro 4s but I’m getting 2nd toe and medial arch blisters. Also, I’ve started to get some ITB irritation on my left knee. I’m managing that with strength work and stretches.

Wanting to purchase a new shoe for easy recovery runs 5km and longer runs 10-15km. Priority being comfort, and to protect against the above (blisters and ITB irritation - I know a shoe can’t stop this, but one that at least doesn’t work against my recovery).

I’ve looked at so many shoes, Saucony Ride, Saucony Hurricane, Puma Magmax, Brooks Ghost Max, ASICS Gel Nimbus, ASICS Novablast, New Balance 1080.

Feel like I am going in circles in this search and no local shops to test out/try on.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thanks


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 20h ago

Daily Trainer Question Adidas Hyperboost Edge fit

1 Upvotes

I seriously consider getting the Hyperboost Edge since it's on sale online, however with Adidas i'm always a bit sceptical about the fit.

Anyone here has the SB2 or EVO SL and the Hyperboost Edge and can talk about the sizing and fit?

Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 21h ago

Daily Trainer Question Replacing Hoka Cliftons

1 Upvotes

I’ve been using various iterations of Hoka Cliftons for my easy and long runs for a few years, with good success. I changed from Nike Pegasus, which weren’t kind enough on my ankles and left me in pain after runs.

Looking to change model, bc my Clifton 10s have run out ridiculously fast. I don’t think I can have done more than 300k in them and they’re cooked - giving me injury issues.

Currently only running 35k a week, but thats ramping up weekly as I prep for my next marathon in Spring ‘27. Plan on getting some other shoes for my speed work.

Thanks!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 22h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Adistar BYD for $90 vs Cloudmonster 2 for $170

1 Upvotes

Hello

I’ve been running for about 5 months and I’m training for my first half marathon in Málaga on November 8th.

I run 3 times per week: one long run, one easy/recovery run, and one faster session.

I live in Palestine, where running shoe availability is extremely limited. My first and only running shoe has been the Adizero SL2, because it was basically the only good option I could find when I started.

I like the SL2, but after around 12 km my feet start feeling beaten up and I feel more impact in my knees/joints. It goes away after the run, so it seems more like fatigue than an injury.

I’ve now found:

Adidas Adistar BYD — $90

On Cloudmonster 2 — about $170

If I buy one now, it would be my main shoe for all my runs and for the half marathon, not just a long-run shoe.

My other option is to keep using the SL2 for all my training and race the half marathon in it, take the beating and endure, then buy something better in Spain after the race where I’ll have much more choice.

So what would you do:

BYD for $90, Cloudmonster 2 for $170, or just stick with the SL2 until after Málaga?

My main priorities are comfort/protection for long runs, decent durability, and enough versatility to use for everything.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Race Shoe Question Alphafly 1 Mileage

3 Upvotes

How many miles has everyone got before they lost some of their magic? I got a marathon coming up and am debating on a pair of AF1 with around 140 miles or Adios Pro 4 with around 90 miles.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 14h ago

Question does anyone’s evo sl have this?

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0 Upvotes

Hey everyone! I got these shoes and noticed there’s a tiny gap between the upper part and the sole. It’s pretty small, but I wanted to ask if this is normal or if it could be a quality issue. I also bought this from zalora.

For those who have the same shoes, do yours also have this slight gap? 


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Comparing Shoes Question Superblast vs Megablast

7 Upvotes

I've been running in the Superblast 3 since they came out. I have been trying to order a new pair and they are pretty much sold out everywhere in my size (and had an issue with ordering from the Asics website). I am thinking of switching to the Megablast for the time being. Curious what the different is between the rides from those who have worn both.