By Scott Rayment
Podiatrist

WHAT ARE THEY?

This all started with the Nike Vaporfly in 2016, which introduced ‘Super Shoes’ or an update to shoe technology that will help you run faster. Any racing shoe aims to increase your running economy; it should help you run faster for less energy. These shoes contained a new PEBAX foam in combination with a carbon plate to achieve this running economy improvement. The bar was set for the industry when multiple world records previously thought impossible to beat were broken.

Fast forward to today, and now most large brands have their lines of ‘Super Shoes’, giving you greater choice and variation in your running. In anticipation for the Melbourne Marathon, we thought we would give you our top picks for long distance (training), speedwork and race pace. Remember one size does not fit all!

Long Distance or Recovery

Nike ZoomX Invincible

Weight: 314g
Midsole: PEBAX Foam
Heel Drop: 9mm
Plate: None

This shoe is all cushioning, providing a very soft and bouncy feel for those long or recovery runs. High volume 100% ZoomX midsole foam provides a very easy ride and pace! 

Special Mentions: Brooks Glycerin 20 and Nike Infinity React 3

Speedwork 

Saucony Endorphin Speed 3

Weight: 229g
Midsole: PEBAX Foam
Heel Drop: 8mm
Plate: Nylon

This shoe offers stability but reduced stiffness with a nylon plate compared to carbon, making it more ideal for high intensity efforts where some shoe flexion is needed. In combination with soft PEBAX foam, this shoe provides great versatility and is a solid pick for a wider fit! 

Special Mentions: New Balance FuelCell Rebel V2 and Adidas Adizero Takumi Sen 8

Race Pace or Competition

Nike Vaporfly Next% 2

Weight: 195g
Midsole: PEBAX Foam
Heel Drop: 8mm
Plate: Carbon

Building on the loved original, this model introduces a redesigned upper, providing more breathability and comfort. Maintaining low weight whilst improving running economy, allowing you to run faster for longer! Perfect for breaking your race PB’s.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 3

Weight: 204g
Midsole: PEBAX Foam
Heel Drop: 8mm
Plate: Carbon

The Saucony PEBAX based foam is a direct competitor to Nike and has quickly become a favourite for many. With its S-shaped carbon plate, this new model offers even greater cushioning and should be heavily considered for your marathons!

 Special mentions: HOKA Carbon X3, Nike Alphafly Next% 2 and Adidas Adizero Pro 2

SUMMARY

In the clinic, we perform running gait assessments and suggest multiple brands and models, meaning one size does not fit all. If you are suffering from pain or want to discuss your running program, you can see us in the clinic! If you want to discuss which shoe will be best for your build up to Melbourne Marathon, let us know so we can help guide you through the transition to these ‘Super Shoes’.