The Monday Shakeout: David's Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024
By David Salas
2024 brought the heat this year! With some foot ailments and adjustments I did find that certain shoes were working for my biomechanics and stability needs. Normally I do lean more neutral, but this year I didn't mind a touch of stability and guidance. Below are my favorites for 2024.
My Favorite Neutral Trainer: On Cloudmonster Hyper | Full Review
I was a big fan of the first version of the On Cloudmonster when it debuted. The 2nd version was good, but missed the mark on lacing for me. Then came along the release of the On Cloudmonster Hyper. The difference between the models was that the Hyper had the super foam Helion HF for the majority of the midsole, alongside a wrapping of CloudTec around the heel and down the medial aspect of the midfoot. This gave a plush and bouncy midsole that was firmed up and given some gentle guidance elements from the CloudTec. This worked really well for me as a highly cushioned and rockered training shoe with some gentle guidance.
My Favorite Stable Trainer: ASICS GT-2000 13 | Full Review
The ASICS GT-2000 13 was the shoe that was seen on my feet the most this year. The moderate stack height daily trainer provided solid elements of guidance and stability in a relatively lightweight and durable package. The midsole has a mild-to-moderate bounce, but is most suitable for eating up daily mileage. The 3D guidance system is supposed to give you some rebound and guide you forwards. I am not sure I felt a rebound from it much, but the combination of that and the sidewalls did feel like I had gentle guidance forward. I have put many miles on this model and I still have barely made a dent. This is a durable workhorse shoe for those that need mild-to-moderate stability. I will note that this shoe does not operate on a dramatic rocker either. Those that don't want a large rocker with some stability elements have a home here.
My Favorite Performance Trainer: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 | Full Review
Since its launch, the Saucony Endorphin Speed line has won over the hearts of many. The Endorphin Speed 3 lost me a little bit, but the 4 brought me back in. The PEBA-based midsole and pebax plate work really well for having a training companion for your race day shoe. I have had great success with the versatility of this shoe. I have been able to tackle everything from 5k type workouts upwards of long run and marathon type workouts. The improved traction and moderate stack height made this nice for cornering on the track as well. The shoe gives you super shoe elements with more forefoot flexibility and durability for training.
My Favorite Distance Racing Shoe: ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris | Full Review
The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris is my pick for my favorite racing shoe by a good margin. The shoe wowed me on nearly all fronts. The update to Flyte Floam Turbo + was a huge win and greatly increased the responsiveness of the shoe. The outsole traction and durability have been really good for a super shoe. The shoe does lean neutral, and may be a little unstable for some at the full marathon distance, but I have found it to my shoe of choice at 5k - half marathon this year. I did not run a marathon this year, but at this point in time I probably would still roll with the Edge Paris if I did. This is a super shoe where there really isn't any wasted space.
My Favorite Trail Shoe: HOKA Speedgoat 6 | Full Review
My favorite trail shoe for 2024 would be the HOKA Speedgoat 6. I don't race on the trails and for me, the biggest thing I'm looking for is security on my feet. I felt the Speedgoat 6 did a great job of keeping my feet and mechanics secure on the trails. The upper is very dialed in and is resistant to the many loads and directions it can take. The sidewalls, sole flaring, and rocker profile all felt dialed in. The Vibram outsole was grippy and sticky without being too much on road or packed dirt either. If I was going out for a day on the mountain this is what I would reach for.
Honorable Mentions
Anta C202 GT 5 | Full Review
The Anta C202 GT 5 may be the biggest surprise of the year. At $180, this racing model features all of the same/similar technology as the current racing models on the market. The stack height is a little bit lower and is around the 35mm mark +/- a few mm. I found the outsole traction to be very good underfoot and the upper to lockdown and fit my foot really well. The geometry of the shoe was a little bit less aggressive with its rocker in the heel and a little bit earlier and more gradual through the forefoot. I felt the ride was very balanced at all speeds. Though it leans shorter distance racing for me, I think you could easily justify half marathon-marathon in the Anta C202 GT 5 as well. This was edged out by the ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris for best racing shoe for me.
ASICS Superblast 2 | Full Review
The ASICS Superblast 2 is a super trainer that certainly deserves a mention. The shoe is easily the best in its class from a weight standpoint his year. The shoe has approximately 45mm of stack height and is still under the 9 oz mark in men's size 9. The shoe has a balanced rocker, great traction, and well fitting upper. The forefoot may be a little narrow for some, but the general lockdown is really good. The midsole uses FlyteFoam Turbo+ for a large majority of the platform with a thin layer of Blast+ to attenuate some of the impact from the ground without ripping up the Turbo+ portions. The shoe is highly versatile and an absolute monster for long runs. It was edged out for performance trainer to the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 for me.
PAST MONDAY SHAKEOUTS
Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2024
Value of a Simple Daily Trainer
Best Racing Shoes for Insoles
Best Half Marathon to Marathon Slower Options
3 Unexpectedly Good Shoes in 2024
Treadmill Running!?
Can I Race While Injured?
The Challenge of Zero Drop Shoes on the Trail
How Much Does Doctors of Running Make? #7 Report
Do Shoes Impact the Spine?
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Why Two Shoes are Better Than One
How Running Shoes Should Fit and Toe Path
The Top (Dorsum) of Your Foot
How Much Taller Can Shoes Get?
The Impact of Footwear on Masters Runners
David's Top Shoes of 2024 So Far
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?
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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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Previous Shakeout: Nathan's Favorite Shoes of 2024
