The Monday Shakeout: David's Top Shoes of 2024

The Monday Shakeout: David's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far
By David Salas

We've reached the halfway point of the year (whaaaaat). Recently Matt and Andrea shared their top shoes of 2024 so far. This week we bring on David Salas to share his favorite, which includes a very new release at Doctors of Running.

Favorite Daily Training Shoe: On Cloudmonster Hyper | Review

Weight: 9.0 oz / 255g
Stack Height: 44mm heel / 38mm forefoot
Drop: 6mm
Classification: Daily Trainer, Super Trainer

The On Cloudmonster Hyper has been one of my go-to's for eating up mileage. The shoe uses a dual density midsole to give a forgiving and smooth experience on foot. The shoe gives a wide underfoot base that is coupled with a rocker geometry, Helion HF super foam, and some firmer guidance measures from the Cloudtec foam that wraps around the heel and midfoot. For rhythmic easy days and long runs this has been a very nice shoe to gravitate towards. 9.0 ounces is a competitive weight that does not feel heavy on foot, though you can still fit some structure into it as well. The volume is also high and is good for swelling accommodation while doing longer runs. 

Pros: Great underfoot protection, Competitive weight, Slight guidance from the structure
Cons: Pricey at $220, Probably not responsive enough to carry into racing or hard workouts unless it is for recreational population looking to complete distance events. 

Favorite Lightweight Trainer: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 | Review

Weight: 8.3 oz / 235g
Stack Height: 38mm heel / 30mm forefoot
Drop: 8mm
Classification: Lightweight trainer, performance trainer, racing shoe

The Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 is an excellent lightweight trainer that can do a bit of everything. The shoe comes in with a peba based midsole, PWRRUN PB, alongside a nylon plate as a stiffening agent. The shoe has a good lockdown with decent volume throughout for swelling. The shoe does have great traction underfoot as well that makes you feel like you are grabbing the earth under you. The shoe has a very gradual rocker to it, and is not as aggressive as other shoes that are plated. The plate does have a good amount of flexibility to it as well, and really lets you toe off of the ground naturally. I have really enjoyed this shoe for track workouts, long runs, and even some easy days. At approximately $170, this a shoe that can serve many purposes. 

Pros: Versatile, both training and speed friendly, good traction
Cons: Heel does need some break in and can come off clunky at first

Honorable Mention: ASICS Superblast 2 | Review

The ASICS Superblast 2 has been a highly versatile shoe for myself. Though I do not take it for many easy daily mileage runs, this shoe can really rock long runs and tempo runs. The shoe rides the maximum stack height, being at 45mm in the heel and 37mm in the forefoot, though performs like a shoe with less on it. There is good sole flaring, sidewalls, outsole traction, and upper lockdown for long efforts that require a tad more support and guidance for the foot. Being at 8.7 ounces and using so much FlytoFoam Turbo+ also gives this appeal for workouts and even potential for racing down the line. 

Favorite Racing Shoe: ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris | Review

Weight: 6.5 oz / 184g
Stack Height: 39.5 mm heel / 34.5 mm forefoot
Drop: 5mm
Classification: Super shoe, racing shoe

The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris is a super shoe that I feel can hit all of the distances. The shoe gives a very competitive weight at 6.5 ounces, and is one of the only shoes on the market that can match the specifications of a Vaporfly on paper. The shoe uses FlyteFoam Turbo+ as its midsole and a carbon fiber plate as the stiffening agent. FlyteFoam Turbo + is not the most compliant, but does bounce back with a lot of responsiveness when loaded. The shoe gives you a big bounce through the forefoot and lightweight package. I have even raced on the track in the 5k distance with this shoe without issue. The Metaspeed Edge Paris can take you 5k-to-marathon. The shoe does not have any major stability elements integrated though. Those wanting more sole flare, guidance, and stability for the longer distances may need to look elsewhere. 

Pros: Incredibly lightweight and responsive, good traction, good upper lockdown
Cons: A little bit narrow of platform without much sole flare, true neutral super shoe

PAST MONDAY SHAKEOUTS

Summer Trail Round Up
Andrea's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far
Matt's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far
How Much Does Doctors of Running Make? Sixth Report
What Happens to Midsoles as They Wear Out?
Do Super Shoes Reduce Muscle Soreness?
Chest Straps vs. Wrist Monitors for Heart Rate
Everything is Becoming Maximalist and Super
Do We Adapt to Shoes, or Do They Adapt to Us
Research on Finding Optimal Shoes and the RUN-CAT
About the 1st MTP and its Role in Running
What is Drop and Why It Doesn't Always Matter
The Science of Sole Width
Challenges with Large Toe Spring
Phases of the Swing Gait
Can Running Shoes Reduce Injuries?
The Best Shoes of 2023 for Highly Specific Reasons
Andrea's Favorite Shoes of 2023
David's Favorite Shoes of 2023
Matt's Favorite Shoes of 2023
My Favorite Flat Feet Shoes of 2023
ChatGPT Reviews a Shoe, Volume 2
How Forefoot Rockers Help Toe Mobility
Running with Backpacks
How Much Does Doctors of Running Make?
Changes We're Excited to See
Why Heel Bevels are Natural
Do Heavier Runners Need Different Shoes?
Shoe Rotations for Different Runners
Strength Training to Prevent Injury - A Case Study
On the Impacts of Different Stacked Shoes
The Importance of Heel Bevels in Shoe Design
Low vs. High Drop Shoes
Why is Proprioception Important to Runners?
Best Running Movie Scenes of All-Time, Part 2
Best Running Movie Scenes of All-Time, Part 1
What a Week at DOR is Like
Reflections on Saucony's Running Economy Study
Sustainable is Only Going to Work if It's Good
A Simple Guide to Footwear and Foot Health
Best Flat Feet Shoes by a Flat Feet Runner
How Long Do Shoes Last?

SHOP | SUPPORT DOR

*Using the link to purchase helps support Doctors of Running. Thanks so much!

Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist. (Also recommend the Naked belt)
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!

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NEXT: Summer Trail Round Up