Supernova solution is a decent option for stability trainer. Current shoes-neo vista, tempus, Sb2, hyperion 3, supernova solution, vomero plus, endorphin speed 5, gt 2000 12 and then super shoes for some workouts and all races. I wear stability shoes for most of my easy runs.
One of the very few fan favourite shoes that did not work for me. My feet were broken after every single run. I think it is because of high arch that this shoe has does not work for my shape. Probably worst experience I had in a shoe ever - and tried them in my TTS and then half down they run rather long UK sizing as really wanted to like them.
On other hand Supernova solution is very close to it and only other stability shoe with upper level foam. - great fit and quite fun as well - not favourite but highly rated by anyone who tried it. Version 1 and 2 now can be had cheaply and version 3 just released.
Giant stack heights and soft, “bouncy” foam are ALL the rage right now. Even many long standing models are moving in that direction (like New Balance 1080 and Nike Vomero).
Hoka used to be the “OMG so much cushion” brand and now many traditional models have considerably more than Hoka.
Brooks Ghost and Adrenaline have much higher stack height than they used to, but overall the feel of the shoe is much more similar to what shoes felt like 5 years ago. Glycerin (the regular models-not the Max or Flex) is also not too far off (but again, much softer and higher stack than what used to be the case).
Adidas Supernova Rise is a really nice middle of the road option (also frequently available on sales for less than $75). Supernova Solution is the stability version.
Saucony Ride or Guide (for stability) are again…softer and higher stack than shoes used to be, but are pretty close to what they were 5 years ago.
Nike Pegasus (the regular Pegasus-not plus, premium, etc) hasn’t been updated since the ‘90’s. So that’s going to also be pretty close to how shoes felt 5 years ago.
But generally speaking, everything is becoming max stacked, with “bouncy” foam that is generally quite soft. That is the rage these days and what people seem to buy up in droves. So that’s what shoe companies are creating. Example: nearly everything that ASICS makes.
Those shoes can be tons of fun and a lot of them make running feel a bit easier with more energy return than traditional shoes. But they feel like pouffy trampolines. Which is dramatically different than the shoes of 5-10 years ago.
If you want something a little lower stack that has more advanced foam, something like Hoka Cielo Road could be a good option. Brooks’ Hyperion 3 or Launch 11/12 could also work. New Balance Rebel is still pretty soft and squishy, but it’s lower stack than much of what’s out there. Hoka Mach 6 is also a nice shoe. Not squishy, lower stack and fairly peppy. And Saucony Kinvara is a nice bland, low stack shoe with foam that hasn’t seen an ounce of innovation in 20 years. So that’s always a low stack, safe bet as well.
To be fair, I get that you ask this question. But to be frank with you, it (sadly) does not matter at all what we say. What shoe works for me, doesn't necessarily work for you, and visa versa.
I ran my first half marathon in Adidas Supernova Solutions, because that was the only running shoe I had. The conditions where harsh and awfull, but the shoes did very well. Are they made for running races? No, did I still do it because they are running shoes and I had them? Yes.
Just go to a running store and take the time to let them advice you. For me it take normally 15-30 minutes of testing to find a shoe that feels good. Then at home I try them for a few runs, if they are not what I expected, then I clean them and return them (the store I go to allows this, make sure yours does as well). Shoes can feel alright for the little walking/running in the store, but can and will feel completely different after 3k of running.
With $250 you can definitely get some good shoes. Most carbon plated running shoes start at ~$200. But don't buy anything online, go try them first!!!!
Quick edit:
Anything will feel fast and comfortable on race day, the adrenaline will take over and make you fly, as long as you're fueling and preparation the days before is good!
Top Road Running Shoes on Reddit
1
ASICS
SUPERBLAST 2
71% positive of 805 users
Marathon workhorse, but loud and clunky at slow paces.
dex8425
