/r/RunningShoeGeeks
A place for runners and athletes of any level to engage in all things running shoes.
This sub is NOT affiliated with any other RunningShoeGeeks on other social media platforms.
A place for runners and athletes of any level to engage in all things running shoes and gear.
Rules:
Rule 1 - Follow Reddiquette. Please be kind to other people and do not insult someone because they disagree.
Rule 2 - Posts with photos must include shoe model name in the post title. Please include the shoe model name when you are sharing a photo so other people can easily identify it. It will also allow other people to search the sub easier and reduce questions asked.
Rule 3 - Posts must have a flair. Please make sure to use the correct flairs for posts so people can help accordingly.
Rule 4 - No advertising or spam. Please do not spam your social media profile or your giveaways. If you have a promo code to share that is beneficial that is fine.
Rule 5 - Do NOT attempt to abuse the user flair. Please do NOT promote your youtube or social media channels nor include any abuse or foul language in the user flair. Doing so will result in you getting a permanent user flair stating you have broken this rule.
Rule 6 - Do NOT sell your shoes on this sub. Please do not create posts about selling your shoes on this sub. If you want to sell your stuff head over to r/therunningrack/.
Rule 7 - Read the FAQ!. Asking simple questions that can be found in the FAQ will lead to your post being removed.
Rule 8 - Have an informative comment with your shoe photo. Please include an informative comment that will provide the reader with an understanding of how the shoe fits/feels, the context for buying it, etc. and not with a blank statement of "wow look at my shoes!".
Rule 9 - Only post about your shoes if you have feedback & will answer questions about it. Please be able to offer some feedback (so go for at least one run in your shoes!) - shoes without any information/context will be removed. Let's make this sub informative and NOT a glorified google image search! Please do not post the bottom of your outsole without an informative comment. Please do not post your 10 shoe rotation that has not been run in.
Rule 10 - Deal flair is for deals that benefit everyone, and not just yourself. To clarify, please refrain from posting images of shoe boxes accompanied by receipts. Instead, kindly share deals that are accessible to the wider community, and provide either a link or specific location where the deal can be obtained. In the case of sharing an in-person, brick and mortar deal, please include a photograph depicting the deal within the store. This helps to ensure that the deal is still available for interested users.
Rule 11 - Do NOT post Youtube videos. Please do not post Youtube videos. We do not want to be a free ad service for Youtube channels. Please do not create posts discussing "your favourite or most disliked channels". You are free to mention Youtube links in comments, as long as you are not promoting your own channel.
Search the sub with Google:
Please use this link to search the subreddit for your question before posting.
Someone else may have already asked the same question.
Moreover, Google search is often more effective than Reddit's built-in search feature.
Looking for advice?:
Before you post, have you checked the Wiki? Are you looking for a Nike Pegasus Turbo replacement??
If your answer is not there, please read below.
In order for the community to assist you better please include the following in your post:
•Budget
•Intended use and distance (speed workouts, walking, long runs, easy runs, races, versatile)
•Foot size/shape (narrow, normal or wide feet)
•Foot strike (heel/midfoot/forefoot or pronation requirements)
•Shoe weight preference (Light & nimble or heavier bigger stack?)
• Prefered feel (Firm ride or soft ride?)
•Surfaces (road, track, trail, treadmill)
•Any prior shoes you may have liked or disliked
Please include anything else you might think would be helpful.
Include Shoe Name in Your Post:
We understand you know the Nike running catalogue like the back of your hand, but not everyone has this knowledge.
To help other users of this sub identify shoes and purchase them, please include the model name of the shoe photo you are posting.
An example of how to do this with a post title is as follows;
Photo with one shoe: "Hype is real! (Endorphin Speed)"
Photo with two shoes: "My race buddies (Next%2 & Alphafly)"
Photo with three shoes or more: "My weekly rotation (Mach4, RebelV2, Pegasus38 & Next%2)"
For those who have a very big collection and it won't fit the post title, please post the list of shoe names as a comment.
Use the Weekly Thread:
Please use the dedicated weekly thread for showing off your new shoes for any deals you may have purchased or for just showing your new shoes without having the need to comment about them in detail.
Any posts that are made outside of this thread in the related matter will be removed.
Informative Comment with Photo:
We kindly ask that you include an informative comment with your shoe photo that will provide the users on this sub with an understanding of how the shoe may fit/feel, the context for buying it, etc.
We do not expect an essay, just simple feedback that will make your post more useful.
Let us help make this sub a resource for those who want to learn more!
First Run Flair:
Please use the First Run flair for your first run.
We know you are excited to post your first thoughts, so please make everyone aware you have only done one run so far.
The Initial Thoughts flair should be applied when you have done a few more runs with your shoes.
A few more runs will help you understand the characteristics of the shoe better and may change your opinion from your first run.
Initial Thoughts or Review?:
Are you not sure if what you are posting is an initial thought or review?
The Initial Thoughts flare should be used for shoes you have done two or three runs in, giving feedback on how it fits, feels, etc. It is short and not an in-depth review.
The Review flare should be used for shoes that have a good amount of mileage on them. Please consider that shoes usually break-in after 30-50 miles (48km - 80km). When posting a review please follow the template here.
Deal Share Flair:
Please format your deal post as follows: [Country] Retailer Name - Shoe Name - Price. For example: [UK] Nike.co.uk - Pegasus 39 - £79.
Also, please include a link to the product to save time searching for it. DO NOT attempt to use a tracker URL.
If the deal is from an outlet, please include the location in the retailer name, e.g. [UK] Nike Outlet, Greenwich - Pegasus 39 - £79.
If you are sharing an outlet deal, please take a photo of at the outlet itself, rather than posting a shoe box you have purchased. This way it will be clear that the deal is current and available to all.
Please note that this format should only be used for deals and not for sharing shoes you found at a cheaper price somewhere or after you have purchased from an outlet.
Shoes found in those ways should be shared in the weekly shoe-sharing thread.
We do not want to see shoe boxes with receipts in our feed.
Sharing Youtube Channels:
We would prefer if people refrained from posting Youtube channels.
People are still allowed to freely suggest Youtube channels in the comments, with have no issues with that.
Related subreddits:
/r/therunningrack - a place to buy/sell your running gear
/r/running - the general all-purpose running sub!
/r/advancedrunning - for the more competitive runner looking to improve his/her times (it's the mindset that counts!)
/r/RunningShoeGeeks
155,242 Subscribers
Buying older models but not able to try them?
How do I buy older models of shoes if I’m not able to try them? Most shops stock the newest models so I’m not able to try the model I would actually want. I read in the FAQ that models can differ from one model to the next so trying the latest model can be worthless to check previous models. What’s a work around for this?
06:47 UTC
Does anyone know where I can find this Hoka colorway?
Are these Clifton 8’s? I’ve never seen them in this color before
00:52 UTC
361 prototype shoes weighing only 99 grams in a size 9
Has a full length carbon plate and peba midsole. Only other shoes that beats it in weight is from Anta which comes in at 95 grams. Both lighter the the Adios pro evo
00:34 UTC
Does anyone know which shoes these are by any chance?
I know the pic is not the best. At all lol
23:55 UTC
MetaSpeed Edge Paris - initial thoughts
I realize there are a lot of initial thoughts on MetaSpeed Edge Paris (MEP) but before buying my pair there were two things that I couldn't get an answers to
- how does it compare to the AP3 and the VF3? Oddly I had read both the Sky and the Edge being referred to as comparables to VF3 on DOR
- How to think about the difference between the Sky and the Edge in less abstract terms like the "cadence vs. stride".
- If I'm understanding it correctly, I think I am a stride runner as looking through my data on the Stryd Duo tells me that my stride length goes from 1.x --> 1.3x when I'm running faster and my cadence drops. from 17X --> 16X as I go faster. But honestly, I'm not even sure given there are so many factors like terrain etc. Based on this I should've preferred the SKY but <spoiler alert> I do not.
- I won't get into how big of a marketing blunder this is for ASICS that none of the reviewers have been able coherently describe the difference between the two shoes. Interestingly, I was looking at the ASICS website to find that illustration and looks like ASICS have removed that marketing from their product page?
- To disappoint early - I won't be able to answer all the questions people have either...
What have I run in the MEP so far?
1 week; 4 runs - 28 miles
- 4M+6M easy runs at 9:45 and 10:30/mile
- 12M @ 8:45/mile
- 6M run with 12 x 400s Intervals at 6:30/mile
I meant to only run them for a test workout but ended-up picking these shoes for all runs last week. They were just SO fun! Sharing paces here in case it helps illustrate the pace-ranges these work in. I have found that some shoes just don't work at slower paces and that becomes a problem towards the tail-end of a marathon when form and pace go south.
Fit: I would say these fit TTS. They are a tad bit narrow but didn't cause any hotspots anywhere on the foot. I liked the cushion at the heel which most other supershoes don't have. The toe-box has a lot of volume. I typically half-size up all my running shoes but there's a bit of layer on the inside of the by the front-toe-wall that caused some sensitivity (YMMV). The laces are perfect but a bit short if you want the runners knot (my biggest complaint)
Feel: Light - no surprise here! The step-in is plush, the heel cushion and upper are both very inviting compared to the VF3 and AP3. While walking around they're less wobbly than VF3 and less like platform shoes like the AP3. The upper and laces look and feel like VF3 but these feel a bit stretchy? so overally very comfortable.
The Ride:
The bounce and responsiveness is unreal with this shoe. What makes this one different from other super shoes? The bounce scales really well with a whole range of paces - it almost felt like the shoe and the foam adapted no matter what pace I was running. I never felt this with the AP3 or the AF3. This shoe really just turns on no matter how much power your step generates or whether you forefoot strike or mid-foot strike.
I also love that these shoes are seamless whether I'm accelerating OR cruising. Unlike the AP3, which I don't enjoy accelerating in but love cruising in.
The outsole grip is up there. Ran in the heavy rain last week in NYC and the grip is as good as the continental rubber on the AP3.
One thing which is unique about the plate position is that I get the sensation of a high-drop shoes but the cushy fore-foot feel of a low-drop shoe. I feel like ASICS has nailed something here which other shoe manufacturers will be trying to emulate next year. IMO - if you're a fan of high-drop shoes but crave more fore-foot cushion, this might just be the shoe for you. Another advantage I've found is that I was able to "activate" the bounce from the shoe both with a forefoot strike and a midfoot strike. In comparison, some shoes feel off with different foot strikes.
Comparison to VaporFly 3 (VF3): tl;dr; similar ride to VF3, but the foam is more resilient and the forefoot strike feels more cushy and bouncy.
In terms of ride feel, VF3 might be the closest comparison to the Edge but I have found that the VF3 tends to feel flatter as you progress into your long runs. The MEP fixes that - the feel at the beginning of the run is the same at the end of the run.
Comparison to Adios Pro 3 (AP3): tl;dr; different ride to AP3 but the closest comparison of any other the foam on the market
The ride of the AP3 is quite a different feel. I typically avoid a mid-rearfoot strike and have to be conscious how I land to activate the shoes. The bounce on MEP is the closest thing you can find to the AP3. If I were to really squint, I would say the foam of the MEP is a bit softer but bouncier than the AP3 but it is likely that some of that subjective feel is driven by the weight of the shoe.
Comparison to MetaSpeed Sky Paris (MSP): The fit feels almost identical the the MEP and even the wider foam doesnt make the shoe any wider IMO. The ride, however, makes it feels like a completely different shoe. The bounce specifically is muted and my guess is that I need to be generating more force into the ground to activate the shoe. Running < 9:00/mile felt like a chore TBH. The closest ride I have felt to this is the AF2. There were few things that stood out:
I felt like I needed to adapt to the shoe instead of the other way around and to a certain degree it felt like the shoe only worked at one pace and changing pace up or down felt like a lot of effort
It almost felt like the shoe had brakes on and didn't turnover my legs as fast as I wanted to (which kind of makes sense since they are made for stride runners?). The perfect example of this was that going downhill on most shoes would be less effort but I kept feeling like the shoe was hitting the brakes lol.
Despite the drop being the same, the MEP has the sensation of a high-drop shoe and the MSP has the sensation of the zero-drop shoe.
Note that I ran 1 6M run on the MSP and promptly returned it. Tried to run through different paces but it wasn't enjoyable and I wanted to go home haha.
Overall, no shoe has wow'd me as much since the first time I ran in the AP3. I've tried other shoes but eventually keep going back to the AP3. The MEP have finally made the AP3 subjectively feel a bit inferior shoe. Admittedly these are early impressions and I'll have to get some really long-runs to see how they stand up long-run performance.
21:18 UTC
Nike alphafly 3 aka cheat code
Up up down down left right left right B A start
Got my pair finally. Had a race pace run of 15 minutes slow warmup. 20 mins at 7:50 pace 15 minute Cd.
My warmups are usually 9:30/mi todays was 8:35
My race pace effort was the same It’s been but time was 7:05-6:55. Set my pr for 5k at 21:58 and my fasted single mile at 6:48. I was never dying. They give the bounce I was looking for. Springing me forward.
Also of note my cadence is usually 180-195 depending on pace. In these I was hovering around 200. Heart rate was around 165 avg which is normally over 170 for race pace efforts
Super comfortable. No hot spots. Arch wasn’t an issue (it was for the 2’s for me). I thought the Vaporfly 3’a were my alltime favorite. These have def surpassed them. Woah these things are sweet.
Looking forward to more time on them. And they look sweet!!
For the record. I’m 47m 5’7” 150lbs. 10k pr is 45:15
Training for a HM end of May
21:02 UTC
Looks like Adizero SL2 arrives soon
As seen on the Adidas Olympic Event yesterday
18:07 UTC
The dedicated daily thread for showing off your new shoes or shoe collection - April 19, 2024
This post is dedicated purely to those who just want to share their new purchases or shoe collections without needing to give any comments about them.
Photo upload has been enabled in the comments.
17:00 UTC
Nike Pegasus Turbo 3 First Look
Looks like Nike is bringing back the Pegasus Turbo series with the original look with updated materials and a new zoom x midsole
16:19 UTC
Saucony Triumph 22 New Colorway
This colorway will be sold in Sweden starting May 1st at 2199SEK/190E.
13:22 UTC
[U.S.] Nike - Pegasus 40 - $62
https://www.nike.com/t/pegasus-40-mens-road-running-shoes-extra-wide-zD8H1c/DV3853-700
Select colorways. Use code JUST4MOM during checkout.
09:40 UTC
Daily Running Shoe Durability, Fit and Stability Q&A for April 19, 2024
Welcome to the Running Shoe Durability, Fit and Stability Q&A Thread!
Whether you're curious about how to extend the lifespan of your favourite running shoes, wondering when it's time to retire a pair, or seeking advice on achieving the perfect fit and stability, this is the place to get answers from the community.
Here's how it works:
- Ask your durability questions: Have questions about wear patterns, when to replace your shoes, or how to care for them properly? Post your queries here, and our knowledgeable community will provide insights and advice.
- Include shoe details: When asking about durability, provide information about the brand, model, and approximate mileage of your current running shoes. This helps others give more accurate and tailored advice.
- Share your experiences: If you've encountered specific durability challenges or found effective ways to extend the life of your running shoes, feel free to share your experiences with the community.
- Fit and stability questions: Wondering if your shoes are the right size or if you need more stability? Feel free to ask about fit-related issues or seek advice on choosing shoes with the right stability features for your running style.
- Get expert advice: Our community of experienced runners and shoe enthusiasts is here to help. Whether you're dealing with sole wear, cushioning issues, or any other concerns, someone here has likely been through it and can offer valuable advice.
Remember, taking care of your running shoes is essential for a comfortable and injury-free running experience.
09:01 UTC
Daily Running Shoe Recommendations Thread - Find Your Sole Mate Here! - April 19, 2024
Welcome to the Daily Running Shoe Recommendations Thread!
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner, a weekend jogger, or just getting started on your running journey, this thread is here to help you discover the perfect running shoes tailored to your unique needs.
Make sure to read the Wiki/FAQ first here before you post.
Here's how it works:
- Describe your running profile: Share information about your running style, preferred distances, and any specific concerns or goals you have in mind. Include details about your foot shape, arch type, and any previous issues you've experienced with running shoes.
- Specify your preferences: Are you looking for a shoe with a specific heel drop, cushioning level, or pronation support? Let us know your preferences, and our community will provide recommendations accordingly.
- Tell us your budget: Include your budget range so recommendations can align with what you're comfortable spending. Whether you're on a budget or looking for a high-end performance shoe, there's something for everyone.
- Receive personalized suggestions: Our community of running shoe enthusiasts will jump in to recommend brands, models, and share their experiences with shoes that could be a perfect match for you.
Remember, everyone's feet and running styles are unique, so the more details you provide, the better the community can assist you in finding the right pair of running shoes.
09:01 UTC
Daily Rate My Shoe Rotation And Help Fill My Rotation Gap Thread for April 19, 2024
Welcome to the Daily Rate My Shoe Rotation & Help Fill My Rotation Gap Thread!
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, we understand the importance of having the right shoes in your rotation. This thread is here to help you get feedback on your current running shoe lineup and guide you in filling any gaps you might have.
Here's how it works:
- Post your current running shoe rotation: Tell us about the shoes you currently have in your rotation. Include details such as brand, model, mileage on each pair, and any specific purposes (long runs, speedwork, trail running, etc.).
- Share your preferences: Let us know your running style, terrain preferences, and any specific needs you have. The more details you provide, the better the community can tailor their recommendations to your needs.
- Help others: If you're experienced with running shoes, lend a hand by offering your insights to others. Share your favourite brands, models, and any tips you've learned along the way.
Everyone's feet are different, so what works for one person might not work for another.
Let's keep the discussions positive and supportive!
09:01 UTC
[U.S.] Holabird Sports - Adidas Adios Pro 3 - $200
Use code EXTRA20 during checkout.
Size 9/11/12/12.5/13 only
03:40 UTC
Lock laces on Boston 12
Been running in my Boston 12's for the last few months and have really grown to love them. Other than some slight irritation while running thanks to the laces and the upper, I'm a huge fan. Saw multiple people in this group suggest throwing lock laces on them, so I did. After I cut and locked them in, I realized that I've always ran with the heel lock lacing in these shoes. I did not heel lock the "lock laces"... is that even possible? Do others do this? Apologies in advance if this is a dumb question. Luckily I bought an extra pair of lock laces just in case.
00:13 UTC
The dedicated daily thread for showing off your new shoes or shoe collection - April 18, 2024
This post is dedicated purely to those who just want to share their new purchases or shoe collections without needing to give any comments about them.
Photo upload has been enabled in the comments.
17:00 UTC
What's the availability like in your country ?
I am in Canada, and trying to find a good pair of shoes from Asics, Adidas, Hoka and even New Balance to a certain degree is really hard. No one seems to have any stock.
What's it like in your country ? I have only been running for 18 months.. Is this normal for this time of year ? Or is something else going on ?
12:06 UTC
Daily Running Shoe Durability, Fit and Stability Q&A for April 18, 2024
Welcome to the Running Shoe Durability, Fit and Stability Q&A Thread!
Whether you're curious about how to extend the lifespan of your favourite running shoes, wondering when it's time to retire a pair, or seeking advice on achieving the perfect fit and stability, this is the place to get answers from the community.
Here's how it works:
- Ask your durability questions: Have questions about wear patterns, when to replace your shoes, or how to care for them properly? Post your queries here, and our knowledgeable community will provide insights and advice.
- Include shoe details: When asking about durability, provide information about the brand, model, and approximate mileage of your current running shoes. This helps others give more accurate and tailored advice.
- Share your experiences: If you've encountered specific durability challenges or found effective ways to extend the life of your running shoes, feel free to share your experiences with the community.
- Fit and stability questions: Wondering if your shoes are the right size or if you need more stability? Feel free to ask about fit-related issues or seek advice on choosing shoes with the right stability features for your running style.
- Get expert advice: Our community of experienced runners and shoe enthusiasts is here to help. Whether you're dealing with sole wear, cushioning issues, or any other concerns, someone here has likely been through it and can offer valuable advice.
Remember, taking care of your running shoes is essential for a comfortable and injury-free running experience.
09:01 UTC
Daily Running Shoe Recommendations Thread - Find Your Sole Mate Here! - April 18, 2024
Welcome to the Daily Running Shoe Recommendations Thread!
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner, a weekend jogger, or just getting started on your running journey, this thread is here to help you discover the perfect running shoes tailored to your unique needs.
Make sure to read the Wiki/FAQ first here before you post.
Here's how it works:
- Describe your running profile: Share information about your running style, preferred distances, and any specific concerns or goals you have in mind. Include details about your foot shape, arch type, and any previous issues you've experienced with running shoes.
- Specify your preferences: Are you looking for a shoe with a specific heel drop, cushioning level, or pronation support? Let us know your preferences, and our community will provide recommendations accordingly.
- Tell us your budget: Include your budget range so recommendations can align with what you're comfortable spending. Whether you're on a budget or looking for a high-end performance shoe, there's something for everyone.
- Receive personalized suggestions: Our community of running shoe enthusiasts will jump in to recommend brands, models, and share their experiences with shoes that could be a perfect match for you.
Remember, everyone's feet and running styles are unique, so the more details you provide, the better the community can assist you in finding the right pair of running shoes.
09:01 UTC
Daily Rate My Shoe Rotation And Help Fill My Rotation Gap Thread for April 18, 2024
Welcome to the Daily Rate My Shoe Rotation & Help Fill My Rotation Gap Thread!
Whether you're a seasoned marathoner or just starting your running journey, we understand the importance of having the right shoes in your rotation. This thread is here to help you get feedback on your current running shoe lineup and guide you in filling any gaps you might have.
Here's how it works:
- Post your current running shoe rotation: Tell us about the shoes you currently have in your rotation. Include details such as brand, model, mileage on each pair, and any specific purposes (long runs, speedwork, trail running, etc.).
- Share your preferences: Let us know your running style, terrain preferences, and any specific needs you have. The more details you provide, the better the community can tailor their recommendations to your needs.
- Help others: If you're experienced with running shoes, lend a hand by offering your insights to others. Share your favourite brands, models, and any tips you've learned along the way.
Everyone's feet are different, so what works for one person might not work for another.
Let's keep the discussions positive and supportive!
09:01 UTC
On Cloudmonster Hyper - first run
I took the Hyper out for a test run after a week-long break from running. The run was a 8x300m fartlek at around a 4:10min/km pace with 300m breaks at around a 5:20 pace. How was it?
Well, I would like to justify spending $220 on daily trainers after just one run, especially since they don't even have a plate, but unfortunately, I can't do that yet. It felt... just OK. Whether at an easy pace or during accelerations, I didn't feel any wow effect, they felt a bit "clunky" - I don't know how to explain this feeling better :D
If someone has already enjoyed running in On shoes, they will likely feel comfortable in these as well. However, I miss a bit of softness. Under the midfoot, we have PEBAX foam, mainly used in racing shoes, but because there's still some regular foam underneath, I feel like its advantages are somewhat lost.
Don't get me wrong - the energy return during accelerations is noticeable (but more if you are forefoot striker, less for mid- and heelstrikers), and it's fairly comfortable at easy paces, but at first glance, these are things we can also get in much cheaper shoes.
A big plus, though, are the laces. They are slightly rougher on one side and seem to be coated with a bit of rubber, which makes them hold the knot very well. They are also very long - which isn't necessarily a benefit for me, but I'll check again with a heel lock - that could definitely help there.
Another plus is that there's plenty of room in this shoe, so if someone has wider feet, they shouldn't have any problems here.
One thing I can't take away from Hypers is that they definitely feel "premium" - especially the upper. But are they proper supertrainers? Not so sure for now.
06:53 UTC
The dedicated daily thread for showing off your new shoes or shoe collection - April 17, 2024
This post is dedicated purely to those who just want to share their new purchases or shoe collections without needing to give any comments about them.
Photo upload has been enabled in the comments.
17:00 UTC
Asics Glideride 3 -- 50 Mile Review | Please don't kill this shoe!
Total distance ran:
51.4 miles (82.8 km)
Type of runs:
- Easy runs: 40-50 mins @ 9:45-10:15 min/mile
- Long runs: 50-70 mins @ 9:15-9:30 min/mile (HM pace)
- Fartleks up to 8:30 min/mile (10k pace)
My profile:
Height: 5'11" (180cm)
Weight: 205 lbs (93kg)
Range of average cadence with this shoe: 168 - 178 steps/min
Strike Type: midfoot, neutral
Foot Type: narrow heel, narrow midfoot, average toebox
Average runs a week: 4 days, 22-25 miles (35-40 km)
Positives:
- Plush feeling, fabulous step-in comfort
- Excellent lockdown; didn't need heel lock lacing (but did anyway)
- Midsole isn't super bouncy, but very nicely cushioned and works well for easy/daily miles
- Incredibly smooth, rockered ride; super easy to maintain pace and forward momentum
- Easy run paces have been much faster than perceived effort
Negatives:
- Absurdly over-padded tongue incentivizes tying laces too tight
- A touch too soft for my liking as a heavier runner
- Mild heel soreness after around 45 mins, possibly from the plate?
Overview:
The Asics Glideride 3 is a shoe I've been eyeing for a long time, and I finally decided to pull the trigger when a pair popped up on eBay for $70. Fits true to size in my men's 8.5; I'm a bit of a tweener in Asics, where some shoes like the Nimbus 24 were 1/4 size too small, and others like the Novablast 2 were 1/4 size too big, but the Glideride 3 offers a perfect fit for me. The midfoot is snug enough, heel is very highly padded, and the toebox offers ample room for the average width foot. Lockdown is exemplary; I did not have to heel lock, but I did anyway for peace of mind and because the laces are a bit long if you don't.
I was immediately struck by how easy my easy pace felt, and how I could go 15-30 seconds faster at the same heart rate. It takes a bit of effort to increase my speed up to around 10k pace, but once I get there, it's super easy to maintain. I hate to say it, but Glideride really is an appropriate name for this shoe. The late stage rocker doesn't give you that falling-over feeling when standing still, but while you're moving, it really helps lean you forward and maintain your momentum. It is absolutely effortless to steadily cruise along in this shoe at any pace. The hardened foam plate is a great addition, as it maintains the stiffness I like in my shoes, but without the harshness or overly-rigid feeling of a carbon or even TPU plate. I'm actually surprised there aren't more shoes out there with this feature.
As I've gotten more experience in this shoe, I have noticed that my stride has lengthened a little bit, and my cadence is a bit lower compared to other shoes. Part of this I think is that it's softer than the other shoes I run in. I'm also making a guess that my ground contact is a little longer, which allows me to fully roll through and take advantage of the late, high toe spring. I haven't noticed that effect with the similar-geometry Evoride Speed, but I think it's accentuated by the higher stack of softer foam and the slower paces I'm running in it.
On the downside, I have found it a bit too soft for my taste as a 205 lb/93 kg runner who tends to prefer firmer shoes. It's superb for most runs, but I wouldn't use this for sustained hard efforts, or anything faster than fartleks at 10k pace. Like other rockered shoes, I've found it to be a bit of a chore when running uphill, and the soft foam makes me feel like I have to really dig myself out. I will also add that I've experienced a bit of heel soreness after about 45 mins in my runs, which was really surprising given the big slab of foam. I think it's caused by the FF Blast+ foam being too soft for my weight, as I've felt similarly running in the Nimbus 24. I might be compressing too much and "bottoming out" into the plate, as it were.
Verdict:
This is a superb shoe for me, and it has immediately become of my favorite shoes ever. The ease of cruising along at a steady pace, one that's quite a bit quicker than my usual easy pace, has turned my daily miles from a boring slog into an enjoyable jaunt. Durability has seemed good so far, with the outsole seeing nary a scratch. In my other experience, FF Blast+ has been quite durable and I expect this shoe will last 300-400 miles.
I've seen rumors that Asics has killed the Glideride off, which is a massive bummer. It's the perfect shoe for my biomechanics. I'm holding out hope that maybe they'll stealth drop the next version like they did with the Evoride Speed 2, another shoe it didn't seem like they'd be making.
14:47 UTC