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Reddit Reviews
SC Trainer V1 for my first marathon (3:59) and SuperBlast 2 for my second (3:34) with no complaints about either shoe. Love them. Also own the SC Elite V4s and love them. Have only raced a 10k in them but got a hefty PB in them. Would have no qualms with taking them the marathon distance.
From my summer marathon training effort. NB 880 V14 351 miles - easy day trainer NB 1080 V13 107 miles - super soft (too soft) recovery day Saucony Triumph 21 521 miles - long run shoe. Favorite shoe of the year. Apparently they changed the new versions, otherwise I'd buy again. Saucony Endorphin Pro 320 miles - previous racing shoe down graded to tempo runs. Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 86 miles - race day shoe Plus a handful of miles on the NB supercomp 1 and NB Rebel. The supercomp sole is worn thin with 470 miles. I need to throw these out, but I keep saying I can get one more run. I don't like the Rebel, too heavy for speed, not enough cushion for easy days.
6'2", 210 pounds and I found the NB SC Trainer to be one of the more sturdy shoes while still having a plate in it. I pound the miles in Brooks Glycerin Max but the NB are much lighter and a little more responsive. I found that the majority of the super shoes aren't made for 200+ pounds and size 13 feet. Having your back and knees feel good is more valuable to me than a little plate action.
Go to your local running store and try on some pairs. I really like the Adidas EVO SL($150), ASICS Superblast 2 ($200), New Balance SC Trainer (forget how much but these are carbon plated so a bit more$$). My heaviest use is the Superblasts and EVO SLs. Trying to get my hands on the ASICS Megablasts
I just got these and they are amazing!!!!
I had this problem with my alphas flys too…I switched to New Balance super comps with a running superfeet insert (idk why my arches weren’t liking them before I added the insert) and I haven’t experienced any calf issues with those. They feel closer to a normal shoe to me…no crazy heel.
I’ve been going through my own search for a race day shoe. I ended up with Endorphin Pro, as recommended below by several people. Took it for a test spin and it is just fine in 8-9 minute pace (120lb woman). That said I am running my own HM race today and have opted into wearing my trusty Endorphin Speeds which I know will be fine for me even if I tire and slow down a bit the last mile or two from my planned pace. Going to see how the pros work in a 5k/10k before potentially using them in a HM race later in the season. Also considered for today’s race the NB SC Trainer, which I genuinely like a lot, but the Endorphin Speeds are just faster in my opinion. The Trainer is a pretty forgiving shoe - not uncomfortable even at warm up / cool down paces. They are a bit redundant with the Speeds in my rotation but I got a great deal on them! I for one am fully invested in this ridiculous bet and hope you post the outcome in a few weeks!
I'm 97kg and just got a pair of New Balance SuperComp Trainers, and I'm really liking them. I don't run terribly far atm, my long runs are 7mi, but I just did that yesterday and my legs feel great today
Women’s 9.5D here. Did you try the superblast in a men’s size? (EDIT - Nvm, realized it probably doesn’t go that small!) I use the Rebel v4 as my daily trainer and I LOVE it. It’s lightweight, has some bounce, but it is definitely for people who enjoy having more ground feel. That said, I find it to be a highly responsive shoe. I think it is a perfect 10k shoe. I certainly think it would be good for a half marathon IF you are not after a high cushion shoe. If you’re used to the 1080, you might find it to be less cushion than you’re used to. I had the NB SC Trainer a couple years ago and if you liked the superblast, you will probably like the Trainers.
Rankings by Use Case
Top recommendations from others in the same boat
Best for Achilles tendonitis

Top pick
Brooks - Glycerin GTS 22
Best for Budget-conscious running

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ADIDAS - Adizero Evo SL
Best for Heavier runners

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ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Long-distance training

Top pick
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Marathon race day

Top pick
ASICS - SUPERBLAST 2
Best for Maximum cushioning and joint protection

Top pick
Nike - Vomero Plus





