Cyclone 2

I use Topo Cyclone 2 if I want speed and comfort. My buddy gave me a pair of Endorphin Speed 4 that are snug but I’ve been smashing my PRs in them. Wide Foot Jarrett at BITR was told by the Saucony people that the Speed 5 will come in wide, so I’m excited about that.

Hoka Clifton 9 - The shoe that got me back to injury-free running. My everything and trails too shoe. 355mi, retiring soon Topo Cyclone 2 - Light and fun, these shoes are a joy to run in. Originally short run shoes, my feet are happy with 10mi runs. 296mi Hoka Mach 6 - My “fast” shoes. A bit tight, so mot my favorites. The carbon plate gives a solid platform for (relative) speed and longer distances. 218mi Topo Specter 2 - These should be a great longer run shoes, but it’s too soon to tell. So far my feet are happy and the shoes seem to work better at a faster pace. 31mi With the Cliftons cycling out of this rotation, I’ll need to add a shoe with lugs for mud & snow.

My vote is Topo Cyclone. It’s light and low, and a delight to run in.

Topo makes shoes from low 20s to mid 30s stack with zero to 5mm drops. Various models (primarily Cyclone and Specter) have been my go-to now for the last three years. I came from Hoka and Saucony where the widths and lower toe boxers were hard on my feet especially during longer mileage weeks.

It can be tough starting out. If you have something you love shop similar shoes. If not, go to a store and try on a bunch. Never buy the latest model and search for discounts and 5+ websites. Even then it can be expensive with the starting price of shoes these days. Personally, I start with the drop because I like a low drop (3-5mm) shoe, but not zero drop. This excludes a lot of brands and models. E: my go to is Topo for low drop, currently on my second pair of Cyclones. Not the most cushioned, if you can find the Specter discounted it might be what you're looking for. Unfortunately Topo rarely goes on sale.

Saucony Elite wouid be way aggressive for newer or even intermediate runners. Saucony Azura, due out in a few weeks, would be a better pick. Sort of a more stable alternative to the popular Adidas Evo SL. If you want slightly more agressive, Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 has a nylon plate, but is not very stiff or harsh. Asics Novablast 5 is a bit more cushioned, but a very good all around shoe. Not known to last the longest, however. Someone suggested Nike Vomero Plus. More cushioned yet, not as much of a speed shoe, but a very good option. Topo Cyclone.....has a lower 5mm heel to toe drop. You might feel it in your calves and Achilles area if not used to lower drop running shoes. Really a good idea to go to a running store that can assess your gait, where your feet land, any pains or injuries, scan your foot shape, assess your personal preferences and goals. The fewer running shoes you have, the more you need a pair that is versatile enough for different paces, distances, and types of runs.

I was so sad when brooks discontinued the pure line! They were my favorite! Currently run in topos cyclone, new balance rebels (and then a few other scattered in that I don’t love that much).

Or the Topo Spectre / Cyclone for real Pebax foam. Both comfortable while still having great energy return and some ground feel.