Mach X 2

I love the Adidas Evo SL and also enjoy the Hoka Mach X2 (has a nylon plate & now cheaper as the X3 is out) for tempo work.

I used Nike Vaporflies for marathons since they came out even though I'm slow (slower than you)...i was so much less slow in them! But they were pretty unstable for my form. I wore them for my first full IM, and I survived in them, but I think I paid a fatigue penalty because of them too. Then I was gifted Hoka Mach X2's for my last IM, and what a game changer! They are the perfect combo of light and springy and wide/stable for someone like me. If they fit your feet, I highly recommend them.

Second the Mach x2 and excited to try the 3!

To each their own. I see everyone wearing and preaching the asic super/nova blasts but I didn’t feel great in either of them. Ran in the Hoka mach x2 for a while and felt great then read that everyone hated those haha. Currently running tempo training in the evo SL and it’s been fun so far!

I would say take the Mach X2 out a little farther distance and see how it goes. Even if they don’t work out it’ll still give you a baseline to go off of.

Mach x2 > superblast for me But I never have heel collar issues from them Endorphin speed 1 and 2 still my GOAT long run shoe for long runs with speed segments

At the release of the Megablast and having run only 22km in them so far, I'd like to know if anyone has any opinion on the matter. I want to mention my notable contenders for the best versatile or protective long-run shoes in the market. Not placed in any particular order: 1. Asics Superblast 2 2. Mizuno Neo Vista 2 3. Puma Magmax 4. Saucony Hurricane 25 5. Asics Megablast Feel free to add any other mentions. The strengths of each model, from my experience (your experience may differ) 1. Asics Superblast 2, always left my legs relatively fresh after longer runs of 25km plus during any marathon block I've done in the recent past. It holds up well at some of my runs at both half-marathon & marathon pace efforts, I don't require it to go any faster, as there are models that I use in my rotation that are better suited for anything faster. Despite it not having a supershoe or propulsive shoe feel, there is something about that geometry that allows running to be so fluid, at least for me. The weight distribution is also a plus for me. Yes, it measures at an impressive weight, but it feels even lighter on foot. 2.Mizuno Neo Vista 2: The most protective shoe in my list, it's excellent for long zone 2 efforts and recovery days. Overall, a surprise for me, and I was not eager about the first iteration. This shoe is a must for my rotation, but it's not as versatile as something like the Megablast and Superblast. 3.Puma Magmax: I tried and tried to get along with this shoe and yes it does the job as a long run shoe, its stable and the higher stack height is pleasant, it does an excellent job for me to keep me at zone 2, because frankly I cant pick up the pace in it, it just gets in the way for me (cumbersome). The outsole rubber, narrow fit, and firmer forefoot make it a challenging ride for me to get along. Am I simply pampered by softer shoes? Or maybe, I'm not applying enough force to get the most out of it? Yet, I know people here recommend it, so could someone enlighten me on what I am missing? 4. Saucony Hurricane 25: Boy, did this one come out of left field. I enjoyed the 24 to an extent, but the 25s with a cutout on the lateral side make the shoe more tailored to my gait and more flexible. The firmer foam and large block feeling midsole of the 24 is not present in the 25s. The midsole of the 25s is lively, protective, and just overall pleasant. This shoe is what I hoped the Triumph would be; I'd consider it for a daily trainer and a long run shoe. The stability features, at least for me, have not been intrusive, and the shoe on its own is a treat. I did not see this coming, has anyone else tried this guy out? 5. Asics Megablast: This is where it gets interesting, right off the bat, the midsole, from my limited experience, and maybe others can share their experience, feels like a Nimbus on performance enhancements with a much improved, significantly lighter midsole. I don't know where that comparison came from, but it just crossed my mind as I ran with it, perhaps the geometry? I can't put my finger on it so far. It's able to pick up the pace. I took it down to 3:00/km flat; that's when it felt a bit sloppy, but at half-marathon and marathon pace, it held up much better than I thought. Despite its larger bulbus midsole (my subjective opinion), compared to the Superblast 2's streamlined midsole, it still wanted to pick up the pace. The ride was protective, and the shoe was impressively light on foot. My only gripe, and maybe it'll grow on me, was the upper. Yes, it does what is required for it, but it feels a bit loose inside. It doesn't feel like I get a good lockdown. I don't have a narrow foot by any means. The fit did not hinder my run or the performance of the shoe, and it may take some time to get used to the shoe. Has anyone had any experience with this shoe? What was your experience with it so far? Will it knock the Superblast from people's #1 list? I'm still coming to my own conclusions and would like the opinions of others. Thanks

I am a light guy, 62kg, we have different experiences then. I'm not applying that much force then. I work at a lab, and we put the Hurricane 25s in a compression machine to assess their firmness with pressure applied at the forefoot. I put the Saucony Speed 5 in comparison so that you have an idea. The ES5s are less aggressive than previous speeds in terms of geometry at the toe off I was a bit let down. The toebox is wider, which may be of benefit for you. The Sonic blasts are FIRM, which may actually be pleasant for you because they may have higher durability for you; however, they don't appear to be as snappy. Consider trying out the Superblast or the Megablasts. https://preview.redd.it/12hb0xlp0ukf1.png?width=1497&format=png&auto=webp&s=860d2c25d5b3829223ad1c117eea5c39e5807012

Big fan, the collar issues can be ignored. Got bored of putting tape on my heel to prevent blisters. Pumped for the Mach X 3.