Asics Novablast 5 might work for you. From personal experience, the Brooks Launch were also my go-tos until they did something weird with the formula adding gel or whatnot. Brooks Ghost 14 gave me stress fracture like pain almost immediately.
So far, the Novablast lineup has been my go-to.
Brooks ghost 16. The ghost 14 were my first proper running shoe, went to the 15 loved those as well, now have about 340M on the 16 and they have been my favorite and still are in the lineup as my recovery run shoe. 17s are out and the prices on 16s have dropped significantly.
Reason for choice is simply because it is an easy all around stable shoe. I have ran 5K to half marathons in them as well as survived a week at Univeral without issue.
Whatever choice you make, I'd suggest finding somewhere that has the shoes you want and take a lap around the store in them.
Brooks ghost 16. The ghost 14 were my first proper running shoe, went to the 15 loved those as well, now have about 340M on the 16 and they have been my favorite and still are in the lineup as my recovery run shoe. 17s are out and the prices on 16s have dropped significantly.
Reason for choice is simply because it is an easy all around stable shoe. I have ran 5K to half marathons in them as well as survived a week at Univeral without issue.
Whatever choice you make, I'd suggest finding somewhere that has the shoes you want and take a lap around the store in them.
Nope, I have a pair I’m nursing. I like the Evo SL well enough. And Hoka Mach X 2 that I have are fine as soon as I fixed the heel issue. But nothing beats the first time that I ran in those ES2 after only wearing brooks ghosts.
I used to work at a sports medicine podiatry office, probably the most recommended shoes were the New Balance Fresh Foam x More and the Hoka Bondis, and Brooks Ghosts. Second going to a DPM and get scanned for orthotics! You don't have to be an athlete to go to a sports medicine place by the way! They usually specialize more in mechanics (vs a conveyor belt of corns and diabetic ulcers), and most of the time they just want to do whatever they can to help you stay active in the way you like.
You can call your insurance to see if there is a benefit for orthotics (If you are in the US anyway, the code is L3000), or they might offer a discount if you don't have one. They can be expensive but as someone who just kinda assumed foot pain was part of working out they can make a night and day difference in your life.
I loved my ghost 14s but the 15s didn’t feel as supportive. Ended up switching brands after those and now I’m running in a pair of Adidas Supernova Rise and they’re amazing.
I loved my ghost 14s but the 15s didn’t feel as supportive. Ended up switching brands after those and now I’m running in a pair of Adidas Supernova Rise and they’re amazing.
I don’t think you can go wrong with a pair of ASICS Gel Nimbus if you can get them on sale to meet your budget. Ran my first half marathon with them.
r/runningshoegeeks have a whole list of recommendations on their wiki.
I’ve had in, order of purchase:
- Brooks Ghost 15 - only pair I’ve bought Instore after a gait analysis.
- ASICS Gel Nimbus 25
- Adidas Adios Pro 3
- Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra (for trails)
- ASICS Superblast 2
Bought all but the Brooks Ghost from Sportsshoes.com. They often have good sales and discounts. At time of purchase:
- Adidas Adios Pro 3 were £135 down from £210
- ASICS Gel Nimbus 25 were £112 down from £180
- Adidas Terrex Agravic Speed were £112 down from £160
- ASICS Superblasts never go on sale
Sizing:
Went half a size up for the Gel Nimbus 25s, Adios Pro 3 and Agravic Speed. Went true size for Ghost and Superblast 2.
I am a very mid runner. I mainly use the Superblast 2s and the Agravic Speeds.
The Brooks Ghost were highly recommended on forums and shops. Upper was comfortable but the midsole left a lot to be desired. I moved on from them very quickly to the Gel Nimbus.
The Ghosts have been relegated to generic gym usage.
Both of the Adidas are ultra light weight and designed for faster runners than me. Less comfy upper but really fun to run in after the initial break in and issues below.
They are both narrow and the insole on both pairs cut into my right foot quite a bit when I first started running in them to the point I would wear blister plasters if I chose to run in them. That issue is gone now but the right foot on the Adios Pro 3 still never feels quite right. Chances are it’s just this particular pair and I forget about it once I’m actually running.
ASICS Gel Nimbus and ASICS Superblast have convinced me to go for ASICS race shoes when my Adidas Adios Pro 3s give out.
They’re super comfy. Ran my first ever half on the Gel Nimbus and my first marathon in the Superblast 2s.
Top Road Running Shoes on Reddit
1
ASICS
SUPERBLAST 2
71% positive of 805 users
Marathon workhorse, but loud and clunky at slow paces.
cjrun
