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Reddit Reviews
I personally love Hoka Mach or Saucony PWR Run. I always size up (half to full size) than my normal shoe size as your feet tend to swell during runs. Everyone raves about Brooks but their shoes gave my shin splints and didn’t provide support. I recently discovered Mount to Coast R1 shoes and I LOVE them
How about Brooks Ghost or Saucony Ride? Both are about 7mm more than the Kinvara, so that probably qualifies as "a bit more" that you are looking for. These classics are going strong and are on their 17th and 18th iteration for a reason. I think this subreddit is so focused on the latest trends that commenters forget that these classics continue to exist and sell in huge numbers for a reason. Also, I'm not sure if you want low stack or firm - it's not necessarily the same thing! For example, On Cloudmonster 2 is higher stack but much more firm than the aforementioned Ghost and Ride.
I'm on my fourth pair of Saucony Rides. This year I went back to an older model because I liked it better.
everybody seems to be raving about the evo sl, kinda tempted to grab a pair and work it into a rotation. i've been fond of saucony the last few years - ride is a good work horse, endorphin speed is a good everyday/speed work hybrid.
Any running shoe worth having will start at $100 at least unless it’s a past model on sale (which may be 80 or 90 if it’s a good deal). I’d suggest a Saucony Ride or Brooks Ghost to start, both are pretty traditional shoes that a lot of people tend yo do well with. You can definitely find past models on sale. Goong to a running store to get recs is a good idea but I think it’s overkill as a new runner. I do recommend going somewhere with a good return policy (ie REI or Fleet Feet).
Saucony Rides have been very good for me. 215lbs here. And they'll last a while.
6'1, 215 lbs currently. Saucony Rides have been good, and they last a long time.
Saucony all the way. I cannot imagine under any circumstances giving up my Endorphin Speeds! Rides are my go to daily trainer, Hurricane easy/recovery shoe. There’s something about the fit that feels made for me.
So funny - I just had inaugural Azura run last week. No problem with tongue of shoe but I came away from it feeling like it was harsher ride than I expected. I use Speed 4 for speedwork and in a head to head I would pick the Speeds every day for faster pace efforts. And for long run comfort (10-16mi in my case) I go for Rides. Maybe my experience is a little different being a lightweight woman?
I just got these shoes this weekend. Ran around the block to try them out and yowza! They are great! Reluctantly putting them aside for the next few weeks, though. Coming out of a six weeks long injury period so sticking with tried and true Rides for just a little longer so as not to upset the applecart by introducing a new variable until well and truly over this knee thing!
If Saucony works for you, Rides maybe? Light, 8mm drop, stable. They're firm not plush but I use them for long runs and easy days.
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

Top pick
ADIDAS - Adizero Evo SL
Best for Heavier runners

Top pick
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





