FuelCell SuperComp Trainer V1

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.

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!  

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.

I started the same as you. I wear brooks glycerin 22 which are on sale right now. They are very supportive. I still have two pair I occasionally use for runs and all my walks. I’ve lost quite a bit of weight and have moved to running shoes like the new balance super comp trainer. Best of luck