Skyward X

I rotate between 6-8 pairs, so I suggest getting at least two pairs. As far as what to suggest; running shoes are extremely personal. Everyone is different. I’ve been loving Adidas Adizero EVO SLs, ASICs Superblast 2s, Hoka Skyward X for those middle distance easy runs, Adidas Boston 13s for threshold work, Saucony Endorphin Speeds for threshold, and I also have a stable of race shoes (Nike Vaporflys, Alphaflys) for intervals and racing.

Saucony Endorphin Speed Asics Superblast 2 NB SC Trainer Hoka Skyward X (plated super stacked trainer and my go-to long easy run shoe). Adidas Adizero EVO SL

Don't blast them until you try them. I love my big stack shoes. My favorite long runs shoes are the ASICs Megablasts and Hoka Skyward X. I also love Adidas EVO SLs. Race shoes are Nike Vapor Flys, Alpha FLys, and Adidas Pro 4s.

Neo Zen is bouncy AF. Skyward X is also bouncy and makes you 3 inches taller.

I own the SB and Skyward X. The SB is definitely the fastest and lightest, they were my go to long run workout shoe. Hated them for anything short or recovery. The Skyward is a great long run shoe, I put some serious miles in my pair. But its a tank and feels like it on foot. The Puma is the most versatile of the bunch. It’s big but doesn’t feel like. They’re stable and protective and have a natural feel. They also have the best upper, super comfortable. I’ve used these for big long runs, short runs and recovery. They’re decent for speed but its size shoes up when picking up the pace.

* Easy/Recovery: Hoka Skyflow (52 mi) - Honestly, not my favorite shoe, but I bought them so I'll keep using them. It's probably back to my trusty Rincons after these are done. * Speed: Hoka Mach X (224 mi) - Still one of my favorites, especially for tempo runs. * Speed: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 (225 mi) - The original speed was one of the first shoes I fell in love with, and this shoe has different mechanics from the Mach X. * Long/Race: New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4 (190 mi/19mi) - I have two pairs. One that I've done all of my long marathon training runs in, and the new pair that I'm using for Philly this weekend and then Love Run in March. I wanted something wider and cushioned enough for longer runs, and while these aren't the fastest supershoes I've ever used, they're certainly reliable enough for 26.2. Ideally I'll replace them with the Cielo X1 3 when they're released. * Race: Hoka Rocket X 2 (146 mi) - I think these have one more race in them and then they'll be relegated to training. I adore this shoe and have to decide if I grab another pair or go with the 3 when I replace them. Also in my closet but not currently in use: * Brooks Ghost 15 (136 mi) - These feel like having a 2x4 strapped to your foot. They really ruined the shoe with this model and it's made me hesitant to try Brooks again. * Hoka Clifton 9 (153 mi) - I like the Clifton, they're just not ones I reach for on a regular basis. * Hoka Mach 5 (153 mi) - I bought these because of the hype around them, which I ended up not agreeing with. They're "fine" enough. * Hoka Skyward X (113 mi) - I've tried on and off to use these, but they make my peroneal tendonitis flare up. * New Balance More v4 (155 mi) - Another shoe that was overhyped for me. They never felt as "plush" as others talked about. * Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 (65 mi) - I bought these to use for my half marathon last year because of how much I loved the previous version. I strongly dislike this as a half/full marathon shoe because of the firmness, and it's not comfortable over 9 miles, to the point where I ended up using my almost-dead 3s for the race. They don't have a place in my rotation because the Rocket is a more aggressive shoe over the 5K/10K distance. I may end up using them for speed work when my current speed shoes are done.

I have run a marathon in the Skyward X: would  not recommend.  They’re far too heavy and excessively stiff to the point that my feet hurt whenever I pick up the pace. Sub 5-hour marathon, maybe. Sub 4:30, definitely not

Oh, nice. Do you like them? Do they protect your toes? I have hallux rigidus and wear Hoka Skyward X for the same reason. They are great and I like them but they are pricey. I’d like an alternative. Have been curious about ASICS Magic Speed 4. Have you tried those?

Skyward X is definitely a treat but it’s really difficult to justify the extra cost imo, they trend more towards easy long run shoes than true easy/recovery day shoes and I think most of the other options here are going to be just as good for shorter easy runs. That said they are definitely remarkable shoes and I love mine.