The Monday Shakeout: My Favorite Training and Racing Shoes of 2024
By Nathan Brown
This year of running was different than other years, but it was a lot of fun. Usually, I'm attempting to train for a distance race, whether a half marathon or a marathon. This year was different. I was coming off a rather impactful injury to my left foot, and it was all about getting back in the swing of things. Therefore most of my running was easy, building base mileage and enjoying time with friends. In fact, my favorite running memory had nothing to do with me, but was watching a friend train for and run their first marathon (after not running at all before this year). They did fantastic, and it was fun to envelop them in our running community. That said, I was still able to get out for a few races this year including our incredible fun local event, the Point Bock Run (5 miles) and a local Labor Day 10K race. Thankful for what this year was and I look forward to next year!
My Favorite Daily Trainer: 361 Eleos | Full Review
My top daily trainer typically goes to the shoe I get the most miles in within a year. However, this year was different...but that's only because this shoe was one I got my hands on later in the year. 361 really hit it out of the park with this newest trainer, leveling up their foam to be competitive with the rest of the market and improving their geometries to make it smooth during heel, midfoot, and forefoot transitions. The midsole is a great blend of soft and bouncy, giving it versatility for daily training, recovery runs, and some mild workouts. So far I've had no durability issues, and with the feel underfoot as good as it is, it's a great value at $145.
My Favorite Performance Trainer: Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 | Full Review
I've had a unique journey with the Endorphin Speed series since its inception. The first two versions were too narrow and unstable for me to enjoy for longer efforts. So while many folks basked in the new, speedy trainer, I limited my time in the shoe. However, version 3 made it accessible for me with the full-width plate and wider midfoot contact. So while some were sad some of the top-end speed was taken from the previous model, I loved that I could get significantly more miles. Version 4 took what I loved in the 3 and brought back some of the streamlined nature, making it great for harder effort workouts. Additionally, it is extremely versatile, and I have used this for easy long runs, recovery runs, and daily miles. Of all my shoes this year, this is the one I have the most miles on.
My Favorite Racing Shoe: ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris | Full Review
I only got two races in during 2024, but I loved the training and racing I got done in the Metaspeed Edge Paris. With their new foam, these racing shoes are responsive, light, and simply don't waste any of the design. I felt like the longer and earlier stage rocker works well with my mechanics, allowing me to get into a rhythm at my faster pace (~6:30 min/mile). While not currently in long-distance racing shape, I could easily see myself choosing this shoe for my next half marathon.
My Favorite Long Run Shoe: Saucony Triumph 22 | Full Review
When I first got this shoe, I was concerned about all the changes to such a tried and true workhorse trainer. However, I have the second-most miles on this pair of any others I have this year, and much of that is due to the more stable, soft ride provided by the new blend of PWRUN PB. This model is a true maximal design, with soft foam, a wide base of support, and some sidewalls to add some stability to the high, soft platform. I found the thicker foam and mild rocker geometry to be great for long runs, where it allowed me to use some of my own mechanics while still rolling along nicely. The foam also firmed up just enough under load so that it wasn't mushy and fatiguing on longer runs. It fits slightly longer and has ample room in the upper, making it great for those longer, cozy miles.
My Favorite Non-Racing Plated Shoe: Puma Deviate Nitro 3 | Full Review
I'm not a huge fan of plated trainers that feature an extremely stiff plate. And that's why I got along quite well with this shoe. The midsole has dual-density layers with a mildly flexible plate. This design hit the sweet spot for giving nice cushioning, a mild rocker, and some responsiveness. I went up a half size in this shoe and would recommend it for anyone who is typically between sizes. I loved this shoe most for easy longer runs with some workouts embedded.
Honorable Mention
ASICS Novablast 5 | Full Review
I've been a huge Novablast 5 fan since version 3 when they stabilized the platform a bit more than the first two versions. This shoe continues to be extremely versatile and a workhorse in relation to durability. The Eleos edged this out for me, as there is slightly more flexibility, bounce, and softness in the Eleos that I enjoyed. That said, those who have enjoyed the previous Novablasts will also enjoy this new version, which features a slightly tweaked midsole.
PAST MONDAY SHAKEOUTS
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?
Do I Need Insoles?
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?
SHOP | SUPPORT DOR
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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: Value of a Simple Daily Trainer
