for picking up tempo, with the need of stability for hips/back, I'd go for ES4 or likewise shoe
Evo SL is not a firm shoe, my back/hip hurts a bit after using them. ES4 puts a bit more pressure on my knees but I am happier with them.
I think within the 3-5 mile range, considering you were competitive back then, every shoe should be fine as long as you adapt yourself slowly.
I use boston 12-13 for the need of stability and bounce at the same time. boston 12 is super firm without the break in though. after the 200 km mark, they kind of hit the sweet spot until their end of life
Boston 12 has carbon-infused energy rods, they might feel less forgiving for easier runs. I'd suggest sticking with what your friend suggested and save this boston 12 for faster paced runs then purchasing a softer more cushioned shoe to soak up all the slower daily miles. E.g Asics superblast/megablast/nimbus, Nike Vomero/Vomero+, Puma Magmax, NewBalance 1080v14/More v5 etc.
I don't have the 13's but i have the 12's. the superblast is a little "softer" due to not having rods/plate. I enjoy my superblast for long runs; i don't usually use them for easy or workouts anymore.
either one is a good choice. the 13's were on sale on ebay and shopsimon. the superblasts should be on sale now too since the new model came out.
'Tempo' can mean wildly different things to different people.
But for me and my paces.
Boston (12). Excellent at sub-7:30min/mile paces. Terrible at 9:00min/mile+. Among the least versatile shoes I've owned.
EVO SL. Okay at sub-7:30min/mile paces. Okay at 9:00min/mile+. It's a good shoe, but I'm not quite as hyped on this shoe as the rest of the sub.
It’s defiantly a shoe you have to get used to. Boston 12 are technically differently from popular super soft foam due to a firmer setup from the dual foam setup (light strike 2.0 with older Light Strike pro), energy rods, and full sole of continental rubber. Additionally, it actually forces you to run on your forefoot due to where the most of the light strike pro is located and lower drop.
However, once you get used firmness, it’s a technically a very efficient shoe. However if you have serious issues with stability or have knee pain, it’s probably not the shoe for you.
Boston 13 helped improve stability ,with a change in geometry, and firmness due to more light strike pro foam and using more lighttraxxion rubber with a toe off of continental. Boston 14 will most likely still use a dual foam set up but probably the newer Adios Pro 4 light strike pro foam with energy rim (issues with adios pro 4 foam being too soft with energy rods too firms) seen on the Evo 3 models.
I would say dont force yourself to like the shoe if others work better. Boston 12 were great back when they came out due to durability of the foams/continental rubber and price points.
However boston 13 fixed most of the issues with Lighttraxion rubber being proven to lighter, softer, and just as capable/durable as contiental rubber. Continetal probaly has better long term durability but the shoe is usually cooked before you any big issues with the sole.
At this point, you can get boston 13's on sale for the same price as Boston 12. And pretty soon, the Boston 14 will release later this year.
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1
ASICS
SUPERBLAST 2
71% positive of 805 users
Marathon workhorse, but loud and clunky at slow paces.
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