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10 of This Year’s Best Super Shoes, Tested

We ran in ten super shoes, back-to-back, and compared their feel and ride so you can narrow your search for the best model that fits your stride and preferences.

Photo: 101 Degrees West

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The super shoe phenomenon is here to stay, after it’s $200 Weight 6.7 oz. Drop 8 mm Soft Score 5 Rocker Starts just before ball of foot — moderately-fast roll, slightly flexible

Adam: These make running fast fun, what with a controlled spring that is predictable under foot and a secure fit that lacked extra room in the toe box.

Jonathan: Overall Feel: Smooth and light. The foam hits the sweet spot with a soft landing and quick rebound. The rocker is early, but slightly flexible so doesn’t force you forward — creating smooth rolling feel but less propulsive pop than others. Doesn’t rearrange stride, a well-cushioned racing flat feel.

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2

Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 super shoe
Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 super shoe Photo: Saucony
Price $200
Weight 7.5 oz.
Drop 8 mm
Soft Score 8
Rocker Starts under ball of foot — rolls quickly as weight moves forward to toes

Adam: I was pleased to have these late in the test because they are a blend of many of the best qualities of super shoes with stride-lengthening zippiness paired with float, cushion, and an exceptionally comfortable upper.

Jonathan: Overall Feel: Soft roll. Soft landings give way quickly to forward roll and bouncy pushoff. Rocker engages just as weight moves to forefoot and isn’t too aggressive: feels efficient and unobtrusive while speeding stride — and pace.

Skechers GOrun Elite Hyper

Skechers Speed Elite super shoe
Skechers Speed Elite super shoe Photo: Skechers
Price $190
Weight 5.7 oz.
Drop 4 mm
Soft Score 2
Rocker Starts just before ball of foot — rolls sharply with upturned toe spring

Adam: The lack of weight and springiness makes me want to burn it up in these, given the snappiness, especially for shorter distances and up to a half marathon — but probably not much further.

Jonathan: Overall Feel: Quick! Supercharged racer with a close to the ground feel moderated by just a bit of Hyperburst’s firm, protective cushion and quick bounce. Up-turned rocker kept me on my toes and turning-over quickly — more fast than efficient, geared to shorter races.

From PodiumRunner

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