Specter 2

Hey everyone! I use custom orthotics and I'm struggling to find *the one* for easy/long run days. Here's what I've tried and why nothing stuck: **What worked (partially):** 🟢 **Puma ForeverRun Nitro 2:** Loved the fit: snug midfoot, roomy toe box. But the foam felt dead and heavy underfoot. Shape = 10/10, ride = 4/10. 🟡**Saucony Tempus:** Foam was *incredible*, exactly what I want in terms of responsiveness. But pinky toe was hanging off the edge, toe box too narrow. 🟡 **Brooks Glycerin GTS 20:** Comfortable and stable, but the ride felt flat and uninspiring. Needed more energy return. **What I already own:** Saucony Endorphin Speed for speed work, so I'm covered on that end. **What I'm looking for:** * **Use:** daily trainer / long runs * **Gait:** overpronator (significant), using custom orthotics so even neutral options are ok * **Must have:** wide-ish toe box + snug midfoot lockdown * **Dream foam:** something bouncy and responsive à la Tempus, NOT mushy/dead like the Puma Any suggestions? Topo, New Balance, Asics, Saucony, anything, I'm open. Thanks in advance!

I went with the Specter and I can't be more happy. I am also trying to leave the orthotics so I'm running with the Specter just 2 times a week for 30 mins. The shoe is funny and comfortable.

I have wide toes so topo it's been absolutely a gamechanger. Can't wait to try the Specter 3

I loved the Rebel v3 because they were more dynamic. The Rebel v4, while it works for interval work at u/4:10 min/km, isn’t the Rebel v3. I’ve bought another Rebel v4 since, with the release of the Rebel v5, they’re on clearance at low prices, and I think they’re perfect for easy runs at u/5:15–5:20 min/km. If I want something faster I might go for the Topo Cyclone 3 or the Flame Mix, although I prefer non-plated shoes for training. Until now I’d been using the Topo Specter 2, but the outsole rubber is peeling off, and I think the Rebel v4 can take its place and do well there. I don’t want shoes like the NB 1080 or the Clifton… I prefer lighter options

Something by Altra or Topo might be what you’re looking for. I like the Altra Experience Flow 3 for daily easy runs, just picked up the Topo Specter 2 to try out for longer and/or speedier sessions. I need a very wide toe box and these are the only brands that work for me.

I’d go NB5. I’m similarly sized, a touch older, and in your ballpark for running those distances. I’m ramping up for some longer races, however. My rotation currently is Topo Spectre 2 as daily/long, Topo Cyclone 2 for speed, and my newest is the Superblast 2 which I’ve used for everything.

Topo Spectre 2. Well cushioned, energetic, lightweight, and a spacious toe box to help prevent blisters.

For only your second race I’d stick to shoes you are already comfortable in. There is lots to learn about racing a marathon before throwing an exotic shoe variable into the mix. If I’m going to use a shoe in a full marathon it has to pass three tests. A 10mi run, a 13-15mi run and a 20mi run where I don’t have concerns the shoes may cause more problems than they solve. I’ve passed many people fighting super shoes in the final 10k. My first pair of plated shoes were endorphin pro 4s. I will use them up to half marathon distance but they are too unforgiving if I start to tire. I just ran a 3:31 as a 41yr old at 195lbs in topo spectre 2s. They did great, very similar feel to the EP4 but without the plate stiffness. I’m aiming for a 3:15 on my next race (which will be my 6th full) and am in process of trialing the adizero 4s. I’m still trying to dial in the upper fit on them and if they don’t work out at the 13-15mi benchmark then I’ll use the spectre 2 again. If the adizero 4s don’t work out then I’ll try alphaflys through the stage gates. The good news is that even if I don’t want to use a shoe for a full marathon I can still get full miles out of them running intervals and thresholds.

I find it quite stable personally. I’m sensitive to unstable shoes like the Nobablast 5 and can’t use them. The Spectre 2 feels like a lower stack height than it is and it’s super broad across the forefoot, ever broader than my other two pairs of Topos. The cushioning is responsive, but not marshmallows like some super shoes. I find it a very good middle of the road shoe that’s lightweight and cushioned enough to race a marathon in and I’ll grab it for a standard long run or even threshold run without thinking twice.

Topo specter 2. Lightweight, responsive and well cushioned Peba mid sole. Stable enough to run slow but picks up the pace well. Super wide toe box to keep your toes wiggling and blister free. I love my Evo SL and AP4 but when runs get to 20-26mi I choose foot comfort as the primary deciding factor and the specter wins even though I run faster in the AP4.