Fresh Foam X 1080v14

Your current shoes probably dont need to be replaced if they only have 250 k on each pair. You should work on your form so that your body acts like a cushioning spring. If you heel strike and over stride, a massive force is transmitted directly into your shin and into your knee joint. If you correct your stride, your muscles and tendons will absorb much of the force and remove the knee pain. Changing to brand new shoes every other month should not be the solution to your problem.

Before I read the whole OP I was going to suggest Nimbus. They are quite durable and nothing beats their comfort (so far). Do you use them for walking as well or are they just for the running? Because if they were your daily shoes, the simple answer would be to have two pairs of them for a day to day rotation. Or something lighter and bouncier like Endorphin Speed when you want to go for more fun and fast run. Then back to Nimbus when you just want the comfort. I have found NB 1080v14 to be quite comfy and maybe even softer than Nimbus. Then there are Cliftons which you mention. And I am waiting to try Vomero Plus, because they are supposed to be more breathable and softer than Vomero 18.

Nimbus and Novablast seem too close for me to have both in the rotation. It wasn't always the case, but since Nimbus 26 and Novablast 4 it definitely is. If Novablast 5 loses their pop, they basically become Nimbus with not so high end upper. Maybe try Adidas Evo SL for extremely soft and bouncy midsole (though they are too unstable for me)? I personally preferred Saucony Endorphin Speed which have it all : durability, comfort, stability and some energy return. And they keep it lightweight and breathable. For Nimbus there are many alternatives. Mizuno Neo Vista (never tried it), Nike Vomero Plus (very plushy, but also unstable for me), New balance 1080 v14 (this is softness of Nimbus 25 with more Novablast bounce). Some where in the middle there is Hoka Clifton. In many ways it is like Novablast, but feels heavier and not as bouncy.

Neo Zen have an accommodating toe box & large volume upper. They're very light for the amount of cushioning you get. They're 6 mm drop. They're very soft & bouncy though so if you don't like soft shoes may want to look at something else. New Balance 880 v15, & 1080 v14 are 6 mm, but runrepeat measured them at 4 mm. New Balance shoes usually have good toebox room. Glycerin max are 6 mm drop & I've read feel less than that, but are 305 g so might be too heavy for you since you mentioned lightweight.

He's right, maybe not exactly a Triumph or Glideride Max, but a nice daily trainer is a good start. Ride 18, Novablast 5, Clifton 10, 880 v15, 1080 v14 Gel Cumulus 27. Make sure the fit is also right for your foot.

I enjoyed my NB 1080s v14s. I feel like they lasted me 350 miles. I am 220 lbs forefoot striker FYI.

I’m about 1000 plus running/walking miles in on my Pegasus 37’s and know I need to replace them. They have held up really well, and have also doubled up as my travel walkers since I’m on the go often. They provided great cushion for my 215lb self, but are starting to get thin and stiff and would love to know what to graduate to. I have wider feet, 2e to 3e fit nicely, 4e feels best but it’s hard to find shoes in cool colors so I usually sacrifice width for style, I can’t help it. The 4e options are so ugly! I usually train pretty easy but occasionally progress to tempo pace with occasional interval sprints when I’m feeling good. I feel my Pegasus have been great for that. They have been soft where needed, but also responsive enough for me to have fun when I’m pushing it. Id love a shoe that might satisfy these characteristics but with a bit more cushion as I’m approaching the 40 mark. Would love to protect the joints as much as possible. I tend to run an average of 3.5-6miles with an occasional 8-10 miler. I just recently tried a pair of Nb1080v14’s. Man, felt like I was on clouds and felt nice when coming on the the heels. The “rolling forward feeling” was also really cool! I also tried a pair of ASICS Gel Kayano 32’s and they felt similar to the NB’s, so plush! Maybe a bit more stability but either shoe felt a bit on the soft side which would be excellent for longer runs but it seems at the sacrifice of stability, def don’t want o be rolling ankles! Are there any shoes I should consider looking at based on this description? I was eying down the ASIC Novablast 5 and the Mizuno Wave Riders and the Mizuno vista 2’s. For what it’s worth I’m located in Japan so not sure if the market is different or not. Any insight and info appreciated!

Nb 1080 v14 or nb sc trainer v3. The latter is more firm with a carbon plate if the former is too soft

Take them boats back and get the evo sl. My first running shoe was 1080v14, a great shoe but after buying the evo sl I wish i wouldve went with it first because I would have two pairs right now. I still daily the NB tho but as soon as they are done im getting at least 2 pairs of the evos lol