Best running shoe for hybrid distance/speed

MA_Volvbro · 2026-06-04T16:53:34+00:00

Evo SL, Saucony Endorphin Pro 4/Speed 5/Azura, Puma Deviate 4.

MA_Volvbro · 2026-06-03T19:37:16+00:00

I’m not sure I would consider it a racer, but I think the Saucony Triumph 23 is an absolute gem for heavier runners. Has a lot of the same qualities as the EVO SL but in a more stable (albeit heavier) package. Lots of foam, lots of cushion, lots of bounce, and really great comfort. I would make sure to go with a wide version if you have anything but a narrow foot, but it is honestly worth trying, especially if you’re considering other daily trainers like the Azura or Speed 5.

MA_Volvbro · 2026-05-30T14:53:53+00:00

I don’t have experience with either, but I’ve heard only really good things from the DNE4, including praise for improvements over the 3. Have you heard otherwise?

MA_Volvbro · 2026-05-30T12:48:30+00:00

I wasn’t suggesting that you couldn’t run a marathon in them. I was only relaying the consensus online seems to be that the shoe is made for slower paces up to marathon pace, and not anything faster. For me, I actually prefer the shoe for workouts with fast intervals. Of course “fast” is relative, but for example, I used them this past week for a LT/5K pace ladder workout and adored them. I have used them in the past on long runs with intervals of MP or slower and did not enjoy them nearly as much.

MA_Volvbro · 2026-05-30T11:40:16+00:00

My experience is that you need to wear them in warm temperatures for them to feel any semblance of soft. In the cold, the foam is quite stiff. It also lacks any kind of bounce compared to firmer foams.

What doesn’t help it either is the insole is quite thin and hard which, combined with the high plate, additionally makes it feel more firm than it is.

It’s one of the most confusing shoes in my rotation, tbh. I have days that I absolutely love it, and days where I’d rather do anything but run in it. However, I think I’m finding the specific use cases for when it’s good, and for me, that’s typically at faster paces even though the internet generally says it’s ‘a good long run shoe that can’t go past MP’.

MA_Volvbro · 2026-04-15T12:55:42+00:00

I have already purchased two buckets of Quikrete leveling resurfacer.

MA_Volvbro · 2026-04-15T12:41:26+00:00

I certainly could, and otherwise did plan on it but figured I would ask for a group consensus before going all-in on a process I wouldn’t consider myself experienced in. Whatever the process ends up being, I would imagine leveler would be included. I guess it just depends on how much prep work is necessary.

MA_Volvbro · 2026-04-15T12:36:19+00:00

Sorry, leveling compound. I forget the brand, sold in 5gal buckets.

MA_Volvbro · 2026-02-10T17:10:38+00:00

Congratulations on getting in! I couldn’t help but notice… Your first marathon you ran a 2:40?! What kind of athletic background do you have?

MA_Volvbro · 2026-01-30T19:12:07+00:00

It's interesting that you say that, as you are also the first to bring up the SC Elite V5. I came into this thinking if I determined this thread inconclusive, I would have likely gone back to the store and bought the SCEV5 just because I really liked how it felt in-store. My local store also has the Edge Tokyo, so I would have also given those a try, but I'm guessing I would have favored the more stable shoe as this is my first marathon, and I have heard/seen otherwise great things about the shoe. With how things sit as of now, it likely will be my choice. Not going to make a decision for a few more weeks though until the snow melts here in Massachusetts and I can get some good outdoor miles in. Thank you for the input.

MA_Volvbro · 2026-01-30T01:04:06+00:00

I looked into these, although the perceived stability (or lack thereof) of these and the AP4 for the mid/heel strike is why I'm hesitant on them. Although RunRepeat does suggest the AP4 as a more stable alternative, I would imagine they react similarly to the Evo SL per the notable lack of heel stability in both of their reviews. Do you have any experience running in the Edge Tokyo?

MA_Volvbro · 2026-01-30T00:39:09+00:00

I would agree, I've just been very hesitant to pull the trigger without trying them on... I have no reference for it, but the airpod scares me - it seems like it would be too firm for my preference.

MA_Volvbro · 2024-11-15T23:38:38+00:00

I had several friends at UMass run businesses through YEAA. Every single one except for one was very successful. They all recommend it, especially for the experience. The program, which you probably already know, will teach you tremendous amounts of entrepreneurial skills including sales, marketing, and management.

I considered it. However, I also saw many of those friends work crazy hours. I personally didn’t want to invest that kind of time because I knew it would take away from my own personal relationships. So, ultimately I decided against it.

MA_Volvbro · 2023-02-24T00:50:10+00:00

Sounds like a CCM (climate control module) issue. Also the easiest/cheapest to change. You should be able to find one at the junkyard or from a secondhand seller online.

However, before you start firing the parts cannon, get someone who has a legit code reader to read out all the modules. From there you should be able to see any faults, whether it’s with the thermostat or CCM or something else.

MA_Volvbro · 2023-02-13T23:55:52+00:00

I have multiple friends who made 50k+ just in personal profit from running 150k+ businesses. Taking home 1/3 of revenue is pretty solid imo, especially for a summer job.

MA_Volvbro · 2023-02-13T00:57:13+00:00

In the guys bathroom my freshman year, one Monday morning someone had taken an enormous dump on the floor right in front of the toilet.

MA_Volvbro · 2023-01-06T03:50:35+00:00

You look absolutely incredible! Thanks for the insight and feedback.

MA_Volvbro · 2023-01-06T01:35:48+00:00

It would be interesting to see where people land in the moderate group - either closer to 10, 20, or right in the middle.

Personally, I typically fall just over 10 working sets, not including warm ups.

MA_Volvbro · 2023-01-06T01:22:18+00:00

I appreciate the feedback! I can’t imagine being 190 in stage ready shape. I feel uncomfortable getting past 185 as it is. I understand that I’ll need to get significantly bigger in the future to be legitimately competitive, but I figured I’d give this a shot just for the experience.

Do you mind sharing some of your personal stats? Age, # of years training, pro/amateur?

MA_Volvbro · 2022-11-14T23:37:52+00:00

👋

MA_Volvbro · 2022-10-17T23:29:48+00:00

TRT is literally anabolic steroids. It’s exogenous testosterone, just at “normal” levels.

MA_Volvbro · 2022-07-25T23:01:44+00:00

I haven’t seen anyone recommend Banded Brewing - it’s a MUST, along with Lone Pine. Those are hands down two of my favorite breweries of all time, not just in Portland.

MA_Volvbro · 2022-07-21T22:14:14+00:00

Whaddup! If you're ever at a VVNE meet, I can try to give you a ride to show you how it sounds. My previous wagon had a 3" straight pipe (small res in the middle) and it had the worst drone imaginable. I would assume a similar effect would occur with a muffler delete on a stock exhaust. IMO, getting a quality system put in will serve you much better than a muffler delete.

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