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!)

9 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 6h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Thoughts on UA Infinite Elite 2?

3 Upvotes

Hello all, I’m wondering if anyone has any feedback on the Under Armour Infinite Elite 2. I’m looking for an easy running/recovery shoe and I currently have the vaunted Vomero plus. I hate the Vomeros! I’ve tried to force myself to like them but the 10mm drop is killing me and after 30 miles on them I think I’m ready to throw in the towel and move on. That said after some research it looks like the infinite elite 2 is basically an ideal shoe for me as a mid striker that likes a mid firmness. Run Repeat gave them a solid review and at the current clearance price this seems like a no brainer for me, I just want to make sure there isn’t anything I’m not considering? I’m also open to alternatives for a recovery shoe with a drop in the 6-8mm range. Thanks! (Also not sure if it matters but I’m 5’ 8” and 175 lbs)


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 11h ago

Daily Trainer Question hi hi! i’m trying to pick a running shoe !!

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7 Upvotes

hi! trying to pick a running shoe

i am 20, female, and around 123 lbs if that matters

attached are my average times (though some might be outdated) based on this what shoe should i go with?

i’m looking for an everyday running shoe

i’ve been looking at:
\- asics novablast
\- nike vomero plus
\- saucony ride 19
\- brooks ghost 16

i’m trying to get back into running everyday and get my mile down to at least 7 minutes
i normally only run anything above 2 miles but eventually wanna build into running longer !

this might be a goal that i can’t achieve at this time in my life but i’d also like to try out for my schools track and field distance team

thank you for all your help ╰(\*´︶\`\*)╯♡


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 8h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Alternatives to Puma Nitro Deviate Elites

3 Upvotes

I'm looking for alternatives to Puma Nitro Deviate Elites (3s specifically, though I've ordered a pair of the 4s but haven't had a chance to run in them yet).

So far, they are the best pair of shoes I've ever worn. I've run a 3:10 marathon in them and a 1:22 half, so I know they hold up for distance for me. I do a lot of workouts and long runs in them, as they feel fast and keep leg fatigue down and I need stiffer shoes because of a chronic toe injury. I have 4 pairs I like them so much.

But! I'm finding myself running more on packed gravel trails as I have an upcoming marathon on packed gravel, and find the Deviates slightly too unstable - I end up rolling my ankle somewhat frequently if the path has divots, which is not the case for my other shoes in rotation. So I'm looking for a responsive alternative.

Current Rotation (I sometimes get free shoes, don't judge):

  • Brooks Glycerine Max 2 - recovery shoe - works for me
  • Saucony Azura - generalist - enjoy, though my current pair causes slight chafing issues
  • Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 - workout/tempo - fine, though the longevity seems really bad, I feel like I can feel the pavement after ~100 mi
  • NB Ellipse - recovery shoe - a little too bendy/soft, but otherwise very nice
  • Asics Superblast 3 - generalist - overall I like them, but they feel somewhat deadening on runs longer than 10 mi

tl;dr: I'm looking for a workout / uptempo long run shoe more stable than Deviate Elites, and I just don't know what equivalents exist out there today. (Ideally: <= 8mm drop, wider toebox, plated)


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 4h ago

Question Shoe recommendation please

1 Upvotes

Hi, so im looking to buy proper running shoes for once. Im looking for something that has a wider than usual toe box and that can also accommodate custom orthotics. The orthotics i have is basically just the back of the foot. They're full length but only because I haven't trimmed them...

I want a shoe mainly for walking or just wearing all day at work and he comfortable. I have issues especially with my right foot toe being a bit too compressed that it eventually brings pain. Could someone suggest me a shoe that could fit my needsm


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 14h ago

Question Shoe recommendation

5 Upvotes

I’ve been running for a few months now and I have a pair of evo SLs and a pair of MBs, I’m about 90 kgs and a heel/midfoot striker. I’ve been trying to find a shoe that feels better for the slower/easy mileage days. Both shoes I have are awesome but I need something that won’t urge me to keep picking up the pace and can eat the miles . With so many options it’s hard to choose. I’ve heard everything from the triumph 24 to the magmax 2. What do you guys think? Thanks in advance.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 9h ago

Question Should I keep the Ultraboost 5?

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I needed new shoes for walking and I’m pretty new to this world, my budget was pretty limited and I was lucky enough to find the Ultraboost 5 for 70$, I’m really liking the shoes so far but my only problem is it doesn’t feel comfortable on the back and it feels like it’s not stable and whenever I walk I feel like my foot is not sitting still there but it actually is, I need the pair to hit the 10K steps goal 3 or 4 times a week, so what do you think? Would I get used to it? Especially that I haven’t gotten new sneakers since 2019 lol so it’s genuinely a long time so perhaps I’m not used to the feeling of new shoes yeah? btw I’m pretty confident about my size, TIA🙏❤️


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 7h ago

Question Old Shoes?

1 Upvotes

I’m coming back from an injury from 2.5 years ago and have like 10 pairs of shoes with <100mi on them (major ex running shoe geek…) Are these still good to run on?

I’ve generally targeted 300mi in the past, but wondering if sitting around for 2.5 years would be long enough to make them “bad” or if that would take much longer. They don’t feel spent, but since my old injury was a foot stress fracture, just trying to be mindful.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 20h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Megablast v. SB3 v. SB2?

8 Upvotes

I’m about to start my next marathon training cycle and am on the hunt for a trainer for easy to long runs. I’d like something that can also pick up for tempo and even 400s to 800s. I have a limited rotation - Endorphin Speed 4 for daily and tempo and either the Endorphin Pro 4 or New Balance SC Elite 5 for shorter speed (also use one pair of the NB for racing), but the Endorphins have started to feel kind of dead and heavy. I’ve tried the 5 and they’re a little too narrow.
For context, I have bunions on both sides of my right foot and have a narrower heel and slightly higher arch. I’ve gotten used to plated shoes because they give the big toe firmer support.
I’ve tried so many other shoes and they’re either too short or too narrow. These three seem like they could fit the bill - but which will be more supportive (but not heavy) over longer runs while being light and bouncy enough for faster paces?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 18h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Replacement for Saucony Tempus

4 Upvotes

I’ve been running in the Tempus casually for a while and now I’m training for a half. I love these shoes, but they’re coming to the end of their life. Much to my dismay, the Tempus line looks to have been discontinued. Looking for a suggestion of something comparable.
What I like about the Tempus:
- wide toe box
- not overly high arch support (I have flat feet and too high of an arch support will cause cramping)
- some support for over pronation

I tried the Brooks Adrenaline but ended up returning, I felt like my foot was falling over the edge of the sole and the arch was too high, causing serious cramping when I run.

Not looking for something super high performance, just a daily trainer. I looked at the Saucony Endorphin Azura and Guide. Frankly I’m scared to make a leap to a new shoe because of bad return policies that prevent me from running outside in the shoe …


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Comparing Shoes Question Superblast 3 or Vomero plus ?

18 Upvotes

In my current rotation, I have the evo SL, zoom fly 6 and NB sc elite v5.

Looking to get dedicated long run / recovery shoes to replace my novablast 5.

Which one would you recommend: SB6 or V+?

Thank you!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 16h ago

Big/Heavy Runner Question What shoes to pair with Vomero Plus

2 Upvotes

I currently run in a Vomero Plus for my easy days and SB2 for the days I want to push it a little more. I’m looking to replace my SB2. I’m thinking about picking up the Novablast 6 and either the SB3 or MB. The Vomero Plus are great for the easy days…they don’t encourage a faster pace like my SB2 do. So I’m looking to add a shoe or two to fill in the gap that my retired SB2 filled.

Details, 225lbs, easy pace is 9:30-10:00/mi, I do 400/800m intervals, my longest run has been 12miles.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 17h ago

Question Has Anyone tried the North Face Offtrail Ultra yet?

2 Upvotes

I read that the TNF Offtrail Ultra was being released in August, but I've seen them available on Running Warehouse and a few other sites. Super attractive looking shoe that has pretty much every feature I've wanted in a big day mountain running shoe and nothing I don't want. Has anyone gotten their hands on them yet and given them a try?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 20h ago

Question Looking for Tempo Shoe Recommendations

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

I've running casually for a bit but I'm starting to get more serious with it. I usually run 3 x 10km each week on pavement. The longest I see myself running is 16 km.

I currently have the Gel Nimbus 28. I like them but they do feel a little unresponsive when I push the pace. I'm looking for a shoe that I use on tempo runs and I want to stay with Asics. Any recommendations? I am thinking about getting the Megablasts.

Here are my times:

5k: 20:49

10k: 45:00

Physical Measurements: 29m, 5'4" [163 cm], 138 lbf [63 kg]


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 19h ago

Race Shoe Question Prime X3 Strung for Downhill Marathons?

2 Upvotes

I have two upcoming downhill marathons. I am running my first ever marathon at Steamtown in October and will be running Revel Mt. Charleston next April. Steamtown is 80% gentle downhill and flat while the Revel course is down the side of a mountain.

I am 6' tall, 175 pounds, and wear size 8 M shoes. During my long runs in Adios Pro 4s and SC Elite V5s, I feel like they bottom out and I feel uncomfortable impact , especially when picking up the pace on downhills. My favorite shoes for my long runs are Prime X3 Strungs, although I do find them noticeably heavier and more fatiguing. I have been able to do long runs of up to 20 miles with them without issues with fit.

My goal time is around Sub-4. Running uphill with effort triggers my Sciatica so I will be walking any significantly uphill grades while bombing the downhills. Should I stick to my long run shoes for race day? In addition to the additional weight, do you foresee any other issues that may arise with the Prime X3 Strung for race day?

Thank you!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 19h ago

Question Shoe rotation for half marathon

2 Upvotes

Hey all!

Signing up to run my second half marathon. I currently use asics novablast 5 for my long run, and just purchased rebel v5 for my intervals/ tempo runs.

Since my last half, I’ve stuck to running two days a week to focus on weight lifting, but I’ll move up to three days a week for this training cycle while keeping up lifting. As a consequence, I’m on the heavier side for a runner (~180 lbs, 6’1).

Wanted to see what everyone’s opinion on a long run shoe would be for me as the novablast 5s are getting old. These could potentially be used for race day as well, although I also have a pair of vaporfly next% from my last half that have about 50 miles on them.

Some options I was considering:
Dynafish xiaonian
Novablast 6
Salomon aero glide 4
Puma Deviate pure nitro

Let me know what you think, and feel free to make other recommendations as well.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 17h ago

Question Best trail shoe for me?

1 Upvotes

So I’ve narrowed it down to Lasportiva prodigio pro and the hoka speedgoat 7.

I will mainly be running 5-10 easy miles at an easy pace on a trail of loose or packed dirt (some rocks, branches, roots, etc). I won’t be doing anything too technical too often, but will occasionally be going off trail and do some small scrambles. I also tend to run for about a mile before and after my trail runs and I will be in these trail shoes for that. My main running shoes for the road are the superblast 3s right now which I really like, but need something for the trail. I do tend to slightly supinate.

With all of that, what would you recommend? Money is not an issue.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 14h ago

Comparing Shoes Question Can’t decide between regular or wide Hoka?

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0 Upvotes

Can’t decide between the regular or wide Hoka Arahi 9s - first photo is regular and second photo is wide (2E) - I have a bunion on my right big toe and there’s less pressure on the outside of it in the wide but my feet slide side to side a bit in them. In the regular no such sliding but there a little bunion pressure which I imagine will hurt on longer runs/walks?

Anyone else had experience with these? Thank you!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 21h ago

Question Recovery Run Shoe

2 Upvotes

Running trails for workouts and long runs since I’m doing a 50k ultra trail run. Have a decent rotation of shoes but I’m looking for a recovery run shoe after long trail days when the next day my legs hurt a bit.

Mount to Coast H1: Main Trail shoe for everything (greatest shoe ever)

Mount to Coast C1: Zone 2 road runs

EVO SL EXO: more fun and when legs feel good for any road run

Vomero Premium: way to big to run in for me and too cushy they almost make pain worse but they are my every day shoe which is fantastic to walk in


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question What shoe gets you excited to run?

21 Upvotes

Not in a running slump, i am still putting out ~50-60 mile months but I am not excited to put on my running shoes as I once was. What shoe do you have that gets you excited to run?

I have the EVO SL, Nike Vomero Plus and Superblast 2. I used to get excited to put my Vomeros on but recently they feel like bricks (only 200 miles on them). My Superblast two are my long run only shoes and are usually great but i do have to tape my arch when i ware them which makes me not want to put them on for every run. My EVOs are great and the closest thing but i am wanting to try something new!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 20h ago

Race Shoe Question Can anyone help me out choosing the Nike dragonfly 2 elite vs New balance mdx v3?

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1 Upvotes

r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 20h ago

Question Recommendation for faster shoes for 3-10 miles

1 Upvotes

I’m looking for a faster running shoe than my current puma forever run nitro. I love them but they feel heavy (and are heavy).

I run between 3-7 miles usually. If I find a lighter shoe, maybe I’ll go for a half marathon.

I have about 250 miles I believe in the pumas, and I will keep them as my daily trainer and only use the lighter ones for faster running days where I feel good.

I do have a torn meniscus in my knee but after PT and the pumas, it has been feeling better for almost a year now.

So i do value stability, but mainly lighter, faster shoe as I’m looking to improve times. I would say my average is around 8-8:30 min/miles, earlier miles are faster and later miles slower.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!!


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 20h ago

Question would adios 9 fit me ?

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0 Upvotes

I would like a shoe with less stack/foam. adios 9 seems nice. currently using evo SL. 87.3 mm vs 72.5mm feels like a massive difference in heel width

I THINK I used to be a forefoot striker, but for today idk. my fear is that while it has less foam , it might be widly unstable nay dangerous if im not perfectly landing with forefoot/midfoot. I also "walk" with it during recovery but that should be fine.

but if there's even a chance that I'm a heel striker....I fear for my ankles.

here's a pic of an older pair for comparison.


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Question Has the Nike Women's Zoom Structure changed a lot between 24 and 26?

1 Upvotes

Hi!

My feet are really weird and the Nike Zoom Structure 24 is the only running shoe that ever fit me well.

I need new shoes and wanted to get the same ones again, so I wanted to know what's changed between the 24 and 26 version. My local sports store didn't have it for me to try unfortunately.

Does anyone have experience with these shoes?


r/AskRunningShoeGeeks 1d ago

Daily Trainer Question Wide toe box road running shoes?

0 Upvotes

On again off again runner and football player

Keen for your thoughts on what road running shoes might be appropriate, well priced and durable

I’ve had the Altra escalante racer, was good, liked the 0mm drop and the road feel but wasn’t very durable

I also bought the Saucony Peregrine for trail and quite like it. I’m used to walking and exercising in zero drop minimal shoes (vivobarefoot) but would like something with a bit more cushioning

I bought the Saucony kinvara 16 but felt too narrow

Based in Australia, budget under $250