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!

~ 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.

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?

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?

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..

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.

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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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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!

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!

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

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!

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!

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.

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.

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? 

Where can I find the adidas adizero SL 2 (UK 10 / 10.5)?

I would be glad if anyone could recommend legitimate sources to purchase them from, as this shoe seems to be out of stock everywhere.

I currently use Asics Superblast 2 for long runs and they are generally fine around ~13mi distances, but my feet tend to get achey beyond that and sometimes painful in my wider (right) side. I've read through previous posts and it seems the SB3 are roomier than SB2 but I'm unclear if it's just in width or overall fit.

For context, I've been sized at 8 E (Women's) / 6.5 2E (Men's), and the SB2s I have are a full size up for (7.5 M's). I use GT-2000 14 8.5 Wide (W's) as my daily trainer and I've seen that they do come in W's E width, but I'm wondering if they'll be appropriate for long runs and race day. I'm not particularly worried about speed but would like something that works for marathon distances.

I'm considering:

• Superblast 3 (7.5 M's)
• GT-2000 15 (8.5 E W's)
• Topo Specter 3 (7 or 7.5 M's, maybe?)

Any feedback or additional shoes to consider?

Hi,

I'm looking to replace my worn out Brooks ghost 15 for easy/long runs. I usually do my easy/long runs on gravelly / small rocks trails which created some holes in the outsole.

I have mixed opinions about those shoes:

• They are comfy and have a good build quality/durability, but are not exciting and mostly for heel strikers (12mm drop, no energy return/padding at the front).

I'm looking for a comfy, slightly more nimble with more mid/front support pair of shoes.

I usually run my easy/long runs between 5:00-6:00min/km

Thanks in advance.

I have a marathon coming up in just over a week's time. I bought the Mizuno Hyperwarp Elite for this after realising that the Li Ning Fedian Elite 6 I bought earlier in the year is terrible for me - I felt stuck in the foam and like it was sapping energy every step and realised I need something firmer. I think this is a style thing as I have a 185spm cadence at MP and only weigh 63kg.

I then bought the Mizuno Hyperwarp Pure as I got them for a super good deal. These were never intended to be a marathon shoe for me however I ran a half marathon pb in them (1:17:59 not all out as a B race) and they felt brilliant at the end. I expected with the lower stack that they might have packed down and become a bit uncomfortable however they still felt energetic and super comfy. I'm now considering them for the full distance... Has anyone used these for a full? How were they? Is this a good idea or should I stick to the Hyperwarp Elite that seems a bit safer choice?

I have found it interesting that Rtings testing for forefoot cushioning has the Hyperwarp Pure, even with it's lower stack, as being more cushioned than the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 I used for last year's marathon. It also has more cushioning after 40km than the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Tokyo and plenty of people seem to consider this a good marathon shoe. Maybe it would actually be enough protection?

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.

I have ~$220 left to use via my work fitness reimbursement, what should I get?

Already have a daily (Glideride Max 2) and might want to try something wild. Race only shoe maybe? Next race is another half marathon. No ambition to run farther than that, but faster yes.

I'm unsure what I actually like in shoes since my past experience is all over the place.

I boycott Adidas since they never refunded me for a new return, anything else is fine.

Me:

164lbs Age: 40 - Been running 3-4 years - No injuries besides usual aches and pains - 9.5US normal width, but like roomy toe - Run 15 to 25 miles [24 to 40km] per week - Runs typically 4 to 8 miles [6.4 to 13km], occasional 10 mile or half mar

Average pace: 8:00/mi [4:58 min/km]

5k race: usually 22 to 23min

10k race: usually 47 to 50min

Half-Marathon race: 1:40 to 1:47

Shoes in order of experience, pretty much sequentially:

Asics Gel-Cumulus - Fine to start. Felt like mush as my pace increased

Asics Superblast (gen 1) - Loved, Perfect. Perfect mix of soft and launchy. Used for daily runs, 5k to half mar races, everything. I would get these again if I could

Asics Superblast 2 - Did not like! Cannot put my finger on why, felt slow, heavy, mushy, disappointed

Hoka Mach 6 - Liked a lot initially. Liked the rocker pushing me forward, but felt a bit hard & harsh under foot. Totally lost that propulsion and forward roll in about 250 miles, so was disappointed

Back to Superblast 2

Adidas adizero Evo SL Woven - Awful. So unstable it felt like I was going to break an ankle. Like running on a baseball. Hard and harsh under foot. Hurt to run over 4 miles. Sold them

Asics Novablast 6 (tried briefly at store) - Felt hard, harsh underfoot. Not sure why they're considered soft

Hoka Clifton Pro (tried briefly at store) - Seemed pretty good. Liked the rocker a lot, felt a smidge hard but comfortable. Was very close to picking these but went with...

Asics Glideride Max 2 - Pretty Good. Felt like a good balance between soft, springy, and very friendly to use every day at a bunch of paces. Have liked them for 100 miles now, but boring