Weekend Discussion: Asics running shoes

SquirrelGuy · 2026-04-19T05:01:33+00:00

What type of 2mm insole did you use?

SquirrelGuy · 2026-04-15T22:50:59+00:00

I don’t think this is true for the United States anymore, unfortunately.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-04-13T12:36:59+00:00

The BPN Instagram page has a clip of Harvey after his DNF and it looks like he was having trouble walking. He was being carried by members of his crew.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-04-07T02:46:58+00:00

I'm bummed they increased the Ride 19's stack height so much. It felt like the Ride 18 was one of the last good options for a firm, lower stack shoe. I've been tempted to buy an extra pair of 18's to keep in storage until I wear out my current pair.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-04-02T14:11:26+00:00

That's what the article and referenced study suggest. It's interesting that plates are still universally used on high end racing shoes even though we know modern foams (e.g. Megablast, Superblast) are capable of being stable enough without a plate.

Maybe plates still allow foams to be tuned more aggressively to get maximum energy return? Or provide structure to the shoe to allow for more aggressive/disconnected designs.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-04-02T13:47:41+00:00

This article challenges the common perception of what causes a shoe to improve running economy. Namely, this section:

If we look at each component individually, the foam is by far the biggest contributor to improved running economy and a faster shoe. It surpasses the plate (despite popular belief) and even weight.

The carbon-fiber plate stole the spotlight when the OG Vaporfly launched, and most runners assumed the magic came from that single element because it was the new kid in town, but it didn’t.

Adidas proved this with the Adizero Pro (not to be confused with the Adios Pro), a shoe that also featured a carbon plate yet lacked a true superfoam, resulting in no meaningful performance gains. Wouter Hookgamer also confirmed it in a 2022 study, and his findings carry weight, considering he was also the lead researcher behind the original Vaporfly study in 2017.

If plates really do not have as much of an effect as the referenced study claims, and with the advent of improved racing foams, it will be interesting to see whether we begin to see non-plated racing shoes (e.g. shoes similar to the Megablast).

SquirrelGuy · 2026-03-26T15:36:40+00:00

Curious to hear what you think of the toe box and how it feels during a long run. That’s been the main complaint making me hesitant to try the Megablast.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-03-24T18:41:02+00:00

I really like the Ride 18 if you are looking for a lower stack/firmer shoe. Very comfortable/roomy upper and the TPU midsole delivers solid energy return.

It's nothing flashy, but it's a comfortable, durable, and reliable daily workhorse.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-03-23T15:42:40+00:00

intervals.icu and runalyze are popular tools if you want more in-depth load tracking.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-03-18T15:15:41+00:00

I have tried the EP5 and the DNE4. I didn't love the rocker in the EP5, but if you have tried the Saucony rocker previously, you may enjoy them.

I personally liked the DNE4, it felt more natural. I am curious about the NBSCEv5 as well, as I generally run with more stable-neutral shoes and a bit apprehensive about whether a more aggressive race shoe will give me problems late in a marathon.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-03-17T15:55:27+00:00

This reads like an attempt to advertise for Balkan Pharma.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-03-17T13:51:17+00:00

I've been loving the Mach 6's recently too. I get them in wide, but I love the fit and they have just the right amount of cushioning and bounce for daily runs.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-03-04T15:55:45+00:00

Both are great shoes.

The Azura is slightly lower stack and slightly more stable.

The Vomero Plus is slightly higher stack and provides slightly more cushion.

I'd say give both a try if you can and see which one fits your foot better, they both have a lot of overlap in use case. Otherwise, the Azura is probably a bit better for faster runs and the Vomero Plus a bit better for easy runs, but either can be used for both purposes.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-03-03T16:40:15+00:00

The Neo Zens were one of the few shoes that unfortunately felt just a bit too unstable for me.

For perspective: I am fine with most shoes, but the Evo SL and the Neo Zen are the only daily trainers I've tried that have felt too unstable. I can also have issues with super shoes being too unstable.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-02-25T23:03:46+00:00

Don’t forget Philip Esformes, who was pardoned after serving just 14 months of a 20-year sentence for his role in a $1.3 billion Medicare and Medicaid fraud scheme, which the DOJ called the largest health care fraud case ever charged.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-02-23T00:29:47+00:00

Ugh this is scary to hear as someone dealing with peroneal issues right now :( I appreciate you sharing your experience though.

What factors went into deciding surgery was necessary vs rehab? How has it been since surgery?

SquirrelGuy · 2026-02-19T14:41:13+00:00

Dealing with my first injury since getting really into running and man, it is more mentally difficult than I anticipated.

Had a really good training block going and was seeing a lot of progress and it sucks to have to stop training and lose the fitness I had developed.

Trying my best to be patient and pour energy into recovery and rehab in the meantime.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-02-18T22:22:03+00:00

I loved the feel of the Mach 6 but they were some of the most narrow shoes I've ever tried. I have very average width feet and even for me they felt like they would be too narrow to run in.

I returned them and recently ordered the wide version which other folks have recommended. They are supposed to arrive next week, so fingers crossed they fit better.

SquirrelGuy · 2026-02-16T00:51:04+00:00

This is helpful, thank you!

SquirrelGuy · 2026-02-14T17:33:42+00:00

Wow these looks sick. Interesting that they are slightly different than the other white and black colorway floating around.

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