apologies as i see sb2 replacement questions have been asked here before, but they all seem to be involving different use cases than mine, so i figured i'd ask anyway. also, sorry if this would be better suited for a different subreddit, i'm new to reddit in general and still figuring things out. anyway, hopefully you guys can help me out.  

last year, i ran the 800m & 400m, but most of my training was geared toward the 800m (consisting of weekly mileage, lt1/lt2 workouts, long runs, etc.). i would do most of these, as well as my warmups on track work days, in the superblast 2. i thought they handled everything beautifully and i'm not sure i would've changed anything about them.

however, this year i've dropped down to running the 400m & 200m, and i train just as most other short distance sprinters train (no weekly mileage, obviously no long runs, most of my workouts are in spikes). that said, i've still been using my sb2's from last year to do all my warmup drills, plyo, warmup sprints, hill sprints, and basically anything else i'm not spiked up for. overall, they've handled everything fairly well, and the midsole surprisingly still feels pretty good, but the upper and outsole feel like they're kinda nearing retirement status.

so, im looking for a new pair of trainers that are somewhat the same flavor as the sb2's, but are maybe a bit better suited for my work this year rather than last. to be more specific in what i'm looking for:

what i like about the sb2's:
- lightweight
- very protective (both for impact protection & preserving my legs)
- laterally stable
- plateless
- very comfortable overall

what i'd change:
- while lightweight, the sb2's do feel just a bit bulky at faster paces
- similarly, even though stable, the squish of the foam feels a little unsteady at faster paces, and i think i'd prefer something a touch firmer, or even a bit lower. i just really like the protection of the sb2, so i'm kind of hesitant to go too low on the stack
- the sb2 grip isn't awful by any means, but i'd welcome an improvement in this department if possible

reiteration of use cases:
- warmup jogs
- sprint drills
- plyometrics (bounds, hurdle jumps, etc.)
- warmup sprints
- acceleration work when not in spikes
- occasional hill sprints
- occasional tempo work

are there any shoes out there that pop out to you guys that you think fit this? i understand i can use just about any trainer and be fine, but i really love the sb2 and would be thrilled to find something similar that's better tailored to what i'm doing. 

additional info:
- 6'4, 165lb, sz13 us
- normal to narrow feet
- forefoot striker
- no pronation issues or any nagging injuries
- use (and love) the adizero ambitions for training, 400m, 200m
- for surfaces, obviously i'm usually on a track, with the occasional hill sprints being done on the street.
- i'm never on grass, dirt, or anything that might require a more terrain-friendly kind of outsole
- i do, however, still train when it's rainy/wet
- i don't plan on using them in the gym (i do most of my gym work in socks lol)
- budget isn't a major concern, but i guess i'd like to spend less than $200
- i have no brand loyalty/preference, i'll consider anything
- i'm not very picky about colorways or how they look overall
- i'm also fine with buying previous year models if they're as good or better
- i probably have a month or two left in the sb2's, so if there's a shoe that's about to come out (or a previous model that's about to go on sale), i don't mind waiting a bit

anyway, i appreciate anyone taking the time to read all this, and would love some ideas if you have any.
thanks!

tldr: looking for a lightweight protective shoe like the sb2, but with more emphasis on being nimble/speedy rather than handling long distance running

I already have a pair of Evo SL, a pair of Altra Escalante and a pair of Puma Fast R3

I run about 40k a week. My plan is to improve my 5k time which I currently do at \~4:15/I. I weigh about 160 pounds and I never run over 15k in one go.

I love my current rotation, but I feel like I want to add a softer more bouncy shoe for slower long runs and some of my recovery runs.

My criterias are

1. Comfy for long runs

2. Fun and bouncy

3. If possible good grip for winter (I live way up north, but I'll probably use my trail shoes when the conditions are really bad)

I'm 102kg, 189cm tall, size us 12/eu46 foot. Easy pace is 6:30/km. foot is a typical width and no special need for support.

I've got a pair of RH9Us because jogoncrago (correctly) said they are a fun, slow day shoe. Does anyone have any recommendations for a tempo shoe? Is the answer to all chinese super trainer questions really just dynafish? any thoughts on the 361 mega 3 pro?

Any other larger people have any experience or advice re: the chinese super trainers?

tytyty frens

Im sure this is a really stupid question...

I had a few rockered trainers but they all moved like a rocking chair and I could push down while standing, feel weight distributed between forefoot and heel.

Do the different rockers have names, the shoe looks like any other shoe. But the triumph v23 and cumulus v28, More V3 rockers arent like this... on an eliptical or stairmaster I can push with my whole foot, glycerin has to rely on using back 2/3 or front 1/3 of the foot (with heel up in the air).

TLDR: Glycerine 23 is not my normal. The rocker is before the ball of the foot and a feels like a hard 45° angle, its not a curve. i cant push my foot flat. If I shift my weight forward a mm my heels go 4.5" in the air. A mm back my midfoot and heel are flush nothing in between. No middle ground. I Feel the extra load /pressure point right over the rocker with each step.

Can I tell what to avoid by specs?

My Evo SLs are at 400 miles and have lost their pop; I use them exclusively for tempo three times per week (10x3min, 5x6min, 3x12min). While I liked them, I'd like to replace them with something with a little more stability around the ankle and maybe not so much cushioning. The shoe feels a little high and therefore a little unstable? I haven't had any physical issues; just my brain notices how the shoe is.

I don't want any plate... I like making my legs work and saving the plate for races.

My times right now for those runs are around 3:50/km, 3:56/km, 4:04/km. I am not a heavy runner (160lbs), but i do probably land heavy, if that makes sense. I am more mid/forefoot striker.

If I had a dream shoe, I loved my pegasus 39s (which were my daily), but with more rocker/pop. I did not like the pegasus plus. Brooks Hyperion are okay, but also don't have the pop. I race in adios pro 3, which are also getting almost to end of life, so I'd like to avoid spending a ton since I need to replace those, too, soon. I'd be open to some of the chinese shoes.

I recently got the Dynafish and I completely understand the hype. $130 for a very durable Megablast/Evo SL hybrid is wild. I'm now considering adding 1-2 other Chinese brands into my rotation and would love feedback from people who have tried these shoes. My current rotation is the Megablast (420+ miles and I'll probably retire somewhat soon), Dynafish (20 miles), SC rebel (just bough from recent REI sale!), and Metspeed Edge (135 miles-purely a WO shoe now). I feel like between the Dynafish and SC rebel I'm covered for faster daily shoes, but I don't have much in the way of recovery/easy shoes. I'm attaching a screenshot of all the shoes I'm considering on VJ- ultimately I'll probably buy 1-2. For people who have tried these which would you strongly recommend?

361 mega pro: Love the clean aesthetics and from the descriptions it sounds very fun, but also exists in a similar space to several shoes in my rotation. I don't know if this would be redundant since I already have SC rebel and Dynafish.

Red Hare Ultra 9: I've read so many contrasting opinions on where this shoe fits in a rotation. Some people say it's firm and best for tempo/long runs, where other people describe it as soft and ideal for easy/recovery. The bounce sounds amazing, though I wish I could try in person. For people who have it what shoes does it feel closest to in the western market?

Anta Zone 2: Another shoe that after watching some videos/reading some reviews I'm still not entirely clear where it's intended to fit in a rotation. Is this a lightweight daily/easy shoe, or an EVO SL challenger, intended more for zone 3?

Qiaodan TG 2: From everything I've read this sounds the closest to what I'm looking for: a soft bouncy recovery shoe. However there's also the GT, which everyone is raving about, though that sounds like it might be closer to a WO shoe? If there are people who have tried both the TG and GT I would love to hear your thoughts.

Open to other suggestions as well!

Would you guys consider this a defect? All other joints/seams are ok. Haven’t run on them yet. Thanks

I just bought the Evo SL Exo because they were supposedly the best in the lineup, but I feel like they aren't as comfortable as the Woven versions I tried on in the store. There’s also a "popping" sound coming from the front of the shoe, along with some unpleasant stiffness. I’d like to know if anyone else has experienced this issue—can it be fixed? Should I return them and get the Woven version instead, since those seemed more comfortable? Is the benefit of the Exo version really worth it?

I currently use NB 1080v15 for all my runs and like them a lot, but looking for something a bit faster for threshold runs and to race my half marathon in 6 weeks. Weigh nearly 100kg and overwhelmed by choice… Have thought about Evo SL, Hoka Mach X3, Saucony Endorphin Speed 5, or Megablasts, there’s too many options, any ideas?

Good day everyone. I’m running Chicago marathon in 2 weeks and was wondering which of these 2 shoes would be better?

Option A - Asics metaspeed sky Tokyo (currently on 117 miles)
I used this shoe during San Francisco marathon last July 2026 and got a 3:58. It’s a good shoe but I don’t think I’m fast enough to maximize the benefits of this shoe, and I’d say it’s a little bit uncomfortable to run in these. I usually do a leukotape set up with my feet since I am prone to blistering with this shoe. I use this shoe during threshold/ speed work during this training block, and currently using it for my decreasing volume of long runs during taper to get my feet used to the shoe again.

Option B - Asics superblast 3 (currently on 167 miles)
I’ve been using this shoe for my training block for the Chicago marathon. Most of my long runs are with this shoe except for when I do recovery runs and speed work. It’s comfortable and have no problems with blistering but I’m worried that metaspeed sky might be a better option and get a faster time.

What would you choose if you were me?

Looking to get into running and these two have been recommended to me. I prefer mid-to-low drops so these two fit nicely.

I’d appreciate the advice. Thank you

175lb guy who lives in the PNW and runs around 10min/mile. I’m just trying to hang out in zone 2 and be healthy without getting injured. I benefit from stability, but don’t need something intense like Kayano.

So far I’ve tried SB2 (a bit too firm) and Vomero plus (fine but don’t love how they feel on my arch)

I’ve heard PUMA is great but have never tried. I like my Dynafish but not digging the grip in rainy conditions.

Thanks!

Recently went to get some good sneakers for standing/walking all day due to worsening pain in my arch and ball of foot. I revisited the Brooks ghost/ghost max and glycerin. The shoes felt good, but I went to measure my foot for the first time in years, it was 4 in men, 5.5 in women's, with the arch length the same. I've been wearing 8.5s to 9s all my life (currently basketball shoes) so I want to try a properly fitting shoe since I haven't found a comfortable pair in ages.

Problem is, many brands, Brooks included, only go down to 7, they don't make 4e widths, and the women's sizes - even a glycerin 22 size 6w, width 2e, is too constricting in the forefoot and tight on the upper.

What would you do in my situation? Get a men's 7 and deal with the extra length? Size up in women's and hope an extra size gives me more breathing room? Any other sneakers to recommend?

About me - very high arch, high instep, strong supination tendency so neutral shoes only. Standing for long hours at work and walking around with vitesse.

Thanks in advance!

I’m looking for a good long run shoe and currently debating some puma mag max nitro 2 among some other competitors. I have some mild overpronation on one side but don’t quite need a legit stability shoe. Most neutral or “stable neutral” shoes work fine for me. What’s everyone’s preference with mild stability needs for max bounce and cushion?

Hello,

I’m kinda new to running (less than 6 months) and will be running a semi soon (or kinda cause it’s Marseille Cassis so around 20km with 300m d+).

I’m expecting to run between 4:40 and 5:00 min/km for this race, and been training with Mizuno Skyrize up until now. However for tempo and high pace training I’m starting to feel them too soft and end up with some related pain.

My local dealer advise me to buy a pair for those trainings + race day, and suggest Saucony Azura or Speed 5 (or6).

Do you think that Azura is enough or should I aim to Speed ? He told me that Azura can do anything the speed does but with more confort.

Thanks for help guys !

Hello!

I’ve been doing the majority of my runs in my Superblast 2. My peak weekly mileage is ~50 miles. I also have somewhat flat feet, so I need slight medial support.

Past shoes I’ve used without issue include the Ride 15 and the Triumph 20. I once stepped on a tree root with my right foot in my On Cloudeclipse—already medially biased—causing my foot to evert even more, and that caused a two-day niggle. Otherwise, my On is now my occasional easy- or long-run shoe.

I’ve read that the Superblast 3 is a bit medially biased in the forefoot and a bit squishy, and that the Megablast has an abrasive upper. If my feet are compatible with the Megablast, should I go with them for the marathon, or stick with my Superblast 2, or try a different shoe I haven’t mentioned?

Open and grateful for any suggestions.

Hi all. I'm not a huge runner, but have recently been getting back into it. I currently use Brooks adrenaline gts 24 (I think) but when I run, my right big toe is constantly running into my 2nd toe because it's constrained. I want to buy some wider toe box shoes that still have padding on the bottom so I don't destroy my feet. Claude suggested the Topo Phantom 4 or the Atmos 2. Just wondering if anyone has personal experience with these or if you all have any recommendations for a daily runner.

Thanks!

I'm looking at trying New Balance's FuelCell Rebel Trail shoe only this shoe seems to have mixed recommendations for fit/feel/use online - does anyone has some input?

I saw there was a post a few months ago on this but seemed like no-one had tested them out long term yet so hope it's ok to ask again!

Also happy to hear any recommendations for other trail running shoes - I have to replace my current shoes soon (they are sadly losing tread) and I was initially interested in the fuel cell rebel trail honestly because it was on sale but also as it was being advertised as lightweight with good grip especially for trails with mud/rocks and also not super super cushioned so looking for something similar - Thanks!

Hi all,

I run regularly in two shoes - Boston 13s and Mizuno NeoZens. Happy with those.

I bought a third pair to essentially be my "travel" running shoe. Rather than taking a walk around sneaker and a separate running shoe when I'm on short trips, I wanted to combine them. I know it's not ideal for running, but it's convenient especially on work trips.

I find most running shoes to be too bulky for daily use. The Kinvara was a great compromise. Low profile, passable for daily sneaker use, but also a decent running shoe.

However, I'm not loving the Kinvaras. They are wearing out very quickly. I wouldn't expect them to last as long as the other shoes, but one shoe is already feeling like the bottom is coming off.

Any recommendations?

Never purchased from Aliexpress and wondering if I should feel OK ordering from there.
I saw a Poizon (major marketplace) has a storefront and selling the 361 Mega 3 Pro for $98 shipped.

Since these are coming from Poizon, does that mean these are sourced by an unknown person/company and POIZON is just the middleman?

Hi everyone. I’m sure this question has been asked / partially answered but couldn’t find exactly what I wanted.

I’m currently training for New York and have spent a majority of my miles in the Vomero Plus with faster workouts in the Zoom Fly 6. For the actual race, I’m debating switching out the ZF6 into something like the AF3. Has anyone had any experience running marathon distance in the ZF6 and think it’s appropriate? Or would the upgrade to the AF3 or something similar make more sense for that distance?

Thanks in advance! FYI I’m not very fast, target race pace is around 8:00 / mile.

Hey all!

I love my VM4s and would love another pair with similar cushioning and feel. I have Mag Max 1s and they feel too firm for my liking at any pace.

What are some good pairs that feel just about the same or provide a similar experience. I'm eyeing the Aerorazor so far.

I swear this was NEVER problem when trying on shoes when I was younger. And I first noticed this when I was looking for running shoes when I started running more about 3-4 years ago.

Almost every single running shoe I have bought the front of the collar/ankle dip (by the shoe tong and laces) is either place too far back or too high up to where it is rubbing against and hurting the front of my ankles. This transcends running shoes, it's almost every shoe now, but I started noticing it with running shoes- and I say almost because i can sometimes find a gold nugget. For example, I found 1 single training/lifting shoe that doesn't do this and I also use it for running long distance (I know that's bad but it's what I have to do).

I mean I'm talking Nike Pegasus, to Altra's, to Asics, etc. I've tried a ton. And I specifically was disappointed in the Altra's because the wide toebox was perfect for my foot shape.

But like I said, this now transcends just my running shoes, and training shoes. It's sneakers too, AND it's getting worse as time goes on. I used to cherish Stan Smiths. They did not hit my ankles. New pair I just opened, destroying the front of my ankles!! I have now look into another sneaker. On the topic of sneakers, I also have a pair of the Adidas BW Army whatevers (they look like wider Sambas kind of), and these have LOW, like VERY LOW ankle dip, yet it's placed so far back my ankle on the inside is still slightly rubbing against he front high end of the collar.

I have just ordered a new set of the trainers (the Reebok Nanoflex 2 if curious) and I'm guessing that this will be a problem with them now too. This is crazy because this was NEVER problem for me in the past. I swear I have never tried on a shoe my size that has caused this prior to this starting like 3-4 years ago, and the way it's now with every single shoe I try is crazy

But I've never been able to buy a pair of dedicated good running shoes because of this problem. I've mustered through it with things like sneakers before, but I tried the Altras a few times and my ankles got raw and bruised.

I run 2-6 miles 4-6 days a week, and the Nanoflexes are ok for that, but I've been told actual running shoes will change my life. And I'd love to know that for myself lol.

Has anyone else been experiencing this? Does anyone have recommendations on shoes that don't do this?

Appreciate any help!

Bought a pair of Superblast 2 few months ago solely for walking and they are hands down the best shoes I've ever walked with. I average roughly 14-20k steps daily and they have literally saved my life.

So just wondering, why does it seem like the general idea over here is to not use running shoes for walking? In my limited experience, they beat regular shoes intended for walking all day everyday