RC Elite v2

Training: OnCloud Stratus 3 (250 miles) Training: New Balance SC Trainer (250 miles) Race day: New Balance Elite v2 (185 miles) Race Day: OnCloud Boom Strike (50 miles)

Seconding Vinted! Or eBay. If they don’t work out, they go back on there for no loss. I’ve got some near spotless shoes all for £30 or less (Supernova Primas, two pairs of RC Elite v2s, Rebel V2/V3/V4s, Streakflys) that I’ve run into the ground.

If only you were able to find them, it would be New Balance RC Elite v2. Those shoes were fantastic for beginner marathoners. Exceptional comfort and a good bit of propulsion, too. v3 and v4 are similar from comfort perspective and are relatively lightweight, so you will be good with them, too. Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 — outstanding option. That's my go to racer. V4 has become slightly more aggressive, although still very stable and comfortable. It also has better upper. If you can still find v3, go for it, otherwise v4 is a great option as well. Hoka Mach X2 / X3. Amazingly comfortable and propulsive trainer with a towering stack of around 45mm in the heel. X3 has better and more safe heel collar, but it's slightly heavier. X2 can be a nightmare for some runners, so I was able to put a small patch to the heel to prevent achilles rubbing. Worked like a charm and added almost no weight at all. Go for Mach X3 if you can find it to avoid this fuss. The shoe is truly great. Adidas Evo SL, Asics Superblast 2 — traditional safe bets for an efficient tempo long run.

I'm a New Balance guy. However, I got hurt using SC Elite v4 after my last 10k race. So this 2026 I changed my racing shoes to Reebok FloatZig X1 and they are pretty awesome! Another cool thing is, you wont see anyone wearing them which gives you an exclusivity feels. lol

Agree with the SC Elite V4. Very stable for a super shoe. I’ll also throw in the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3. Really solid super shoe, great fit, foam is just right and stable.

I don’t over pronate but I do know what you mean about certain shoes collapsing inwards more than others. Having both the SCV4 and DNE3 I find the V4 to collapse inwards more than the Puma despite the wider base of the V4.

I have the SC elite v4 and SC trainers v3 in 2E wide, the rebel v4 in D width. If those shoes fit you, you'll be fine with EVO SL :). They accommodate wide feet Side note: they're my favourite shoes in my rotation :D

The elites are softer and i’d say have comparable responsiveness, with the elites having a little more. The evo SL is on the firm side but really fun!

Daily - 1080s or rebel v5 Speed - rebel v4 or v5 Long runs - sc trainers v3 or sc elite v4 Race day - elite v5

A few weeks ago you could get the SC elite v4 for like $150. If you don't mind a plate that's a pretty comfy option with a roomy toebox