Remember, these are our favorite picks for shoes that have been released in 2024 (we may have slipped one late 2023 shoe in there). There are probably a couple others still coming in the summer/fall, but this is the majority of them. We dive deep into it, so buckle up. As always, these are our personal preferences, your tastes may differ (and that's okay).
I feel you are looking at half to marathon distances when ranking these shoes, but there is a lot of us that only race 5k or 10ks so as suggestion could you do one on 5k and 10k race shoes only.
Great video! For me my pick is the Hoka Cielo X 1. The comfort, bounce, and just total experience make the weight a non issue for me. It is so propulsive and bouncy I don’t feel like it’s heavy.
Thank you for the in depth comparison of the ASICS Metaspeed sky/ edge Paris. Really helping me to decide, really tending towards the sky Paris now. Great work 😊
Kofuzi felt the edge was better for shorter faster races and the Sky better for longer races. A bit different from your experiences. But you guys gave the best advice to try them see which ones feel better.
@@Believeintherun And so might other reviewers or runners. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Asics foot biomechanics scientists all had different options too.
I’m David with believe in the run and 2023 I vote for endorphin pro 3. I’m back of the pack or slow Af heavier runner and the pro 3 is for me for race day.
Not sure why people want to know your PR. 😂 I would prefer to know your foot strike when running and what type of shoe you like (high stack, low stack, etc). Thats how I can decide who to go with when deciding shoes.
I need the heavy runners doing some evaluation. I’m a beginner runner who runs slow and I wonder if their opinions on these shoes differ from runners who run sub 3:30. Only 25% of runners are below 4 hours. I feel like sometimes all these high end carbon shoes won’t work for above 4 hour pace runners. Can we slow runners get some more evaluations from the 2 heavy runners. The fast runners already knows what shoes they want.
Thomas, after running in the Tyr Valkyrie Elite, would you put it on this list for yourself personally? I’m a very similar size and runner (pace wise).
Watching this after a shoe-try-on-athon at my favorite running store. I ended up buying the Endo Pro 4, not surprising since v3 served me fantastically last April. They unfortunately don’t have the Asics Paris options but I suspect it’s a good idea to stick with tried-and-true success with barely a month left before Boston. For fun I also tried on the Cielo. Insanely difficult plasticky laces that need to be loosened to get into the shoe, and so difficult to pull through. Once on I couldn’t deal with the instability even with the promise they feel stable once you get going. Finally, the aforementioned running store had a pair of AF3 for me to test last month (30 day return policy) and I didn’t keep them. They just didn’t feel as natural with my gait as the Endo Pro so I’m glad Saucony didn’t ruin v4.
What do you think is a similar shoe (being sold today) as the hoka tracer 2? I hated the OG Rincon and the Mach 2. The saucony endorphin speed 2 is the closest feeling I’ve seen to the tracer
Listen, all these shoes are pretty much about the same performance-wise. The most important thing when you make a choice is how they fit your feet, so you have to try them on. Don't just order anything online. For example I love my Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, I went to try the Endorphin Speed 4 on in a shop, wanted to love them but they were too narrow. Every shoe is different, they can even radically change from one iteration to the next. Also, if you train for a marathon, definitely do a long enough long run in your race shoe beforehand to make sure they'll be fine.
Love the alpha fly 2. Not sure what she doesnt like cause I run 2.40 marathon similar to her. Hate the Nitro fast r puma it is awful and I cant stand running in them.
If the Edge can give a Alphafly'esque feeling I need to order it as well to try on the feet. Cant use the Alphaflys because of a Ankle Foot Orthosis I need. Love the feeling of the Alphafly v1. Any input on other shoes with similar feel? Heard the Rebellion Pro 1 described that way. Does it hold true for nr 2? 😀
I’m a middle distance runner and lab results indicate that I clould run a 2:20 marathon (not planning on racing anything above 10k tho) Have no idea over marathon because only know the pros like Kipruto, tola etc run 18 minuetes quicker!!! And kiptum was a full quater of an hour faster
@@justoutlaw6423 So not true! From other shoe reviewers to hundreds of other runners I interact with, the AF 3 works for all types of foot strikers. I am a mid-foot striker (heel towards the end of a marathon) and it is phenomenal. Maybe if you get to run in some, you will change your opinion.
@tkwasik it's a wonderful shoe, just the upper is too thin and can't last over 200 miles. I broke 3 hrs in my 1st marathon in them but after that, 185 miles later they teared
My Alphafly 1s are spent and I need a new race shoe. The reception for the AF3 has been mixed so I'm feeling completely loast rn. Wish I could just pick up a fresh pair of AF1s.
I tested the Metaspeed Sky and Edge today while visiting the ASICS booth at the LA Marathon. I’m currently running in the Vaporfly but the Metaspeed is going to be my next race day shoe.
Interesting comments on the Sky vs. Edge. While on paper, as a forefoot striker, I thought I'd be a Sky runner, I actually found the Edge to be the better (and significantly snappier) of the two with my personal running mechanics. If you ask me, it's about what actually works for you on foot than what's supposed to work for you in theory.
Thanks Carl for the editing and the outtakes😁 I usually want the lightest shoe I can find too for race day, but comfort is a close second and that's why I love the new NB SC Elite v.4. Ran a marathon in them a few weeks ago and never even had to think about my feet or felt like I was dragging the shoe at the end. They might not be the lightest or the fastest, but they were fun to run in.
I struggle with using carbon shoes as daily trainers. The price is crazy and I don't know if I believe these last as long. You guys say 400 miles, but I'm skeptical. I would like to see the tread wear of these 400 mile super shoes you wear.
wow, 150 miles on a $500 shoe, i better win, or its a loss..lol...but in reality if i could 500 miles its crazy that it would cost $1/mile like its burning Jet Fuel at those prices..lol.. thanks for the info on super shoes, Thought my Nimbus and Kayana were pricey..lol
For the heavier, slow plodder (190cm, 230-250lbs, 2hr 10-20min half marathon pace) - does this list change? Or would you recommend something different?
Great review, the difference that Thomas and Robbie highlighted with the Metaspeed Sky and Edge was the exact opposite of how Kafusi described them, he said for him the Sky felt softer, less aggressive and perfect for marathon pace where as the edge felt aggressive, much firmer and didn't click until he started hitting those threshold type efforts. Hey, if you know anyone at Nike can you ask why they continue to release the Alphafly 3 in such limited volume, as a volume selling model it makes no sense financially and there's no way it can be a supply issue.
Hi I'm 77 and I have horrible inflamed feet so bad I have to be in a power chair most timeshare are no good foot docs or bone-docs I can get on medicare;so I have to cushion my feet with thick sole Hoka 1,I have 2 old pairs,what other brands have very good air support for someone like me?thanks comments welcome😊
I run 3:50-4:20 Marathons. My choice is the Asics Nova Blast 4. It's soft like a pillow, but is able to pick up the pace under 8:15/mile if needed! It's very forgiving on your joints too! You won't feel beat up after a long run or a marathon!
8:12 you heard updates about this shoe already…yesshhh. Also, I’m surprised you are …surprised people want to know your paces. Especially when 100x a video you all say, “when I’m picking up the pace or doing speed work”. It helps everyone know what you mean by “I was on tired legs, going at my recovery pace..and it felt _____”. Less jargon more practical information. Great video as always.
My race shoes weigh 5 ounces in a size 12.5 (US), don't fatigue me, and last thousands of miles. You just need to train your damn feet to stop relying on all these stupid floatation device shoes, becuase my race shoes are Vibram Fivefingers V-Run. I've had 3 identical pairs that have lasted 2000 miles each and they are still my fastest shoe I've tried. Just. Strengthen. Your. Feet.
I was pleasantly surprised that my size 10.5 Sky Paris weighed in at 6.89 oz. I noticed that you didn't include the Salomon S/Lab Spectur, considering how much you enjoyed it. I know it's not out yet. But for us mid-packers, it's nice to know how it compares to the others.
How is the upper (temperature wise and if rainy, does it hold water?) on the Hoka? We are in the 80s already and I fear the upper on the Cielo X will be a hot one.
As always - really enjoyed watching the video! Just got the NB SC Elite v4 and the Cielo X1 today and had really hoped that I could rule out one of them by initial feel or fit. Truth is - I cannot :-D Will be impossible to decide... any advide? I`m a taller and heavier runner (~6ft6 and ~198lbs) and I´m searching for a not super aggressive but fun and bouncy shoe to use for 10k to half marathon (maybe marthon) racing. HELP :-D
Great review once again. Craxy diadora charging 300 buck's for their supershoes! Especially with the lack of experience in the running category compared to Nike, saucony and asics
I honestly wish I could trust the alphafly 3 to buy it. The alphafly 1 destroyed my arches. I have tried it on and step in does feel good but fir first ever marathon I just can't take the gamble. I think I'll either stick with adidas pro 3 or go saucony pro 4.
Nice video gang..pretty much agree with placing ..unfortunately at least 3 of them are not available for us normies that don't buy from stock X so not sure which I'll use for Boston qualifier this year..interesting to see what's happening in the top end right now tho..
