Best of 2024. Long Run

[@MidLifeRunner]

I’m in the process of making a new running shoe rotation video and added the long run category. The last two years I opted for discounted Racers from prior years, current racers retired from running and racers that lacked that extra pop. My most used long run shoe of 2024 was the Adios Pro 3, for example. I also used the alphafly 2, the adios pro 2, and the Mizuno wave rebellion pro 2. In 2025 I am leaning in to the “super trainer” and just ordered the zoom fly 6 for 127 off Nike site and will aim to get Mach x3 later in the year

[@schoukri]

Thanks for the tip on the sale price for the Zoom Fly 6! I just picked up a pair.

[@matthanna1980]

Love the Adidas Pro 2 & 3. They last so long, which is always a bonus. I also found that alternating the two helped avoid injury due to the very noticeable difference in drop. I typically used the Pro 2 for hilly runs (higher drop) and the Pro 3 for faster, flatter workouts. Caveat; I have US14 (UK13) feet, so always preferred race shoes over a longer distance as most dailies would be around 360g.

[@antonioromulodelcarmen283]

I would really like to see a category called - "Top 5 Asics Superblast Alternative category". Just because that shoe has been so hard to find... and yet seems to be a favorite for most of the people within the running community.

[@derringera]

Is this a problem primarily outside of the United States? I couldn't be picky about color way but I've looked at least a dozen times since the release and the Asics website has had at least 1 color way available in every size they sell every single time I've checked. Right now they have Greyish Purple/Coral Reef and Lake Grey/White Sage in every size both M/W. When I bought mine a month ago they had White/Cool Grey and Bold Magenta/Pink Glo every size both M/W .

[@soul_headshot]

@@derringera The US is the only place you can consistently get them from what I hear. I have 2 pair though and I am in the US. As for alternatives, I like Adidas Prime x Strung v2, and Hoka Cielo x1

[@Runsawayalot]

I think video is exactly that. A list of top 4 Superblast2 alternatives lol.

[@jollyroger1009]

Last time I couldn't get the Superblast I bought it off GOAT. A little more expensive but not enough to be worth missing the Superblast for.

[@Leo-qc6qk]

trying to be like luxury watches so they can keep the prices high

[@marinai1306]

love the new category, it is exactly what most of us extremely average runners are actually looking for

[@Oleg_Kol]

Great timing! I’ve started training for a second marathon and this time the training plan includes the long runs that are more than just survive . It has some faster segments. I managed to pick up SB2 and so far they were good for both slow and faster paces.

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

A new, albeit much-needed category. Great list. A recovery category would be helpful, as well. Thanks to you, I'm biased towards Boston companies, especially Topo. The Cyclone 2 and Phantom 3 have served me well. Can't wait for their next gens in late spring. If Topo would only come out with a marathon racer. That would round out their rotation. Cheers, Mike.

[@burntorangehorn]

What are the other Boston companies? Does Saucony still count?

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

@@burntorangehorn New Balance, Puma-US, Reebok, Saucony, Topo

[@Tegulatus]

second the recovery run category. looking to buy my next recovery shoe

[@hufemeve]

Nailed it 👈Long run workout requires an specific shoe constructed for long runs that provides more than just cushioning alone -it's all about getting the distance with a quality workout that can get you different options in tempo, speed & versatility. I'm currently in love with the ON Cloudmonster 1 for the long runs as well as the NB Fuel Cell Propel v2 & v3

[@MultiMatze777]

The Topo Specter 2 is terrific

[@adahidgalan2882]

Sc Trainer V3 user here! I love it!!

[@johnthuener1900]

I have been running in the New Balance SC trainer and have been very please with it as a long run shoe. Love the long run category. Excellent vid!

[@kofuzi]

glad you enjoyed it!

[@happyhamster2011]

I'm so glad you still use that same dope outro for your vids! I get the nostalgic feels from it.

[@burntorangehorn]

If I were buying at sticker price, I might have gone with the Neo Vista, but ASICS offers 25% off to veterans, so I got the Superblast 2 for $150. Seems like an outstanding do-it-all shoe, but I still rotate with a couple of others: the Ride 17 and Mach 6.

[@kofuzi]

Nice

[@dalexander3136]

I’ve been using my glycerin max for long runs because I like how comfy they are, tried out my superblast 2 on last weeks long run and the shoes wouldn’t let me run slow 😂 energy return was so crazy I even neg split the last mile for fun and felt great after. It’s my new LR shoe and now the glyc max are my recovery/easy shoe

[@edwardcreighton2638]

Have the Topo Cyclone 2 and Atmos, very fine shoes. Wire both today! Bought in Bangkok in an independent store. So many shoes, so little time and cash. Excellent video, highly informative. Keep up the good work.

[@teratikkoanan7671]

I am a slow marathoner, 6 hours, and I chose NB SC Trainer2 for the last event. It served me very well , well protected my ankle .

[@chrisy0610]

Didn't have Superblast 2 but I bought Superblast 1 in the beginning of this year. It's so hard to find so I only ran on them with runs over 15K. It's so light, so bouncy yet stable and kind to my feet. Absolutely the best shoes for long runs.

[@joaotomotani7416]

Loved the shirt As many runners, also probably my favourite category. Managed to get only the Balos from your list, that came somewhat cheap for my country for some reason (Brazil) - got mine for around 120 USD (launched with this price). But the Superblast 1 is probably my all-time favourite, and will someday (probably) get the v2

[@philortman8139]

Loved the SC Trainer v2 this year. Ran it right through the rubber and still feels like it has life. Excited to pick up the v3 for 2025.

[@Scotty.Lincoln]

V2 > V3 in my opinion

[@theswerunner]

A lot of long runs has been in my superblast 1&2 this year, for a super easy long run the triumph 22 worked for me.

[@corrigaggio]

Specter 2 is like having Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 , Saucony Ride and Triumph all-in-one. Simply amaizing

[@minawillis20]

Love my Superblast 2! Also liking the Glideride Max for some of my long runs.

[@io-rj6sk]

im interested in the glideride max. r they good for easy/recovery too or mainly for the long runs with pace variety ? wats it like going strides/picking up the pace in them? i assume there really good for just getting miles in coz they kinda 'glide' u also how would u compare it to sb2? u rate sb2 over grmax?

[@minawillis20]

@@io-rj6sk I have used them for only 1 recovery run so far. But I like them better than my Nimbus 25 for runs over 8 miles. The Nimbus was a little too 'squishy' and I was getting a little bit of pain in the ball of my foot for runs longer than 8 miles. But no issues yet with the Glideride Max. I also just used the Glideride Max in a half marathon race this weekend and was able to vary the pace.

[@io-rj6sk]

@@minawillis20 nice, wat time u fin that half?

[@minawillis20]

@@io-rj6sk2:21

[@minawillis20]

@@io-rj6sk 2:21

[@southside_runner]

I love these "Best Of" vids at the end of every year. Great reviews, new insights I missed during the year, and your t-shirt game has been 🔥throughout

[@mikechun4734]

Love this new category and the reviews…will look at these shoes as I ramp up for my next training cycle 🎄✊🇰🇷

[@mannyflores4507]

Great review! You just help me make my shoe decision for tomorrow’s long run. It was either the SuperBlast 2 or the Zoom Fly 6. I love both shoes, but developed a blister wearing the ZF6, so I want to save that for a shorter effort. Not sure if it’s a break in/lock down issue, or if the shoe just doesn’t agree with my foot. A SuperBlast 2 vs. Zoom Fly 6 video from you would be awesome sauce.

[@readupcaveman]

I have the super blast 2 in black and getting the swaggy pink ones for Xmas! Love the shoe!

[@derringera]

Join the swaggy pink gang!

[@Bodhished]

Balos, ghost max 2 are probably my favorite long run shoes this year, but Prime X strung 1 is still my best for the last couple of years..

[@PhilipWatts-q5r]

Currently use the Novablast 5 as my long run shoe, but the Superblast 2 and NB SC Trainer have been on my Christmas list.

[@lordstalker93]

Yeayy!! New category. Thanks, Mike!

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@laurainthehaute918]

Mike, you’re the best. Love this category and love your shirt for the same reasons. 1) by spring I’ll be in the F70-74 for my June marathon. 2) I didn’t have girls sports in my HS and started running 20 years ago. 3) psyched to try the Superblast for racing my 24th marathon this June. ❤❤

[@kofuzi]

good luck for your June race!

[@laurainthehaute918]

@ Thank you!

[@akapantsusenpai181]

I had the original Superblasts and liked them, but love the Superblast 2s even more. They are more stable, have a softer upper, and don't get pebbles stuck in the outsole as much. As far as availability goes, I just wait for the new colorways to drop and preorder them.

[@nikkiculing6491]

Was waiting for this video!

[@garychan4850]

Thank you for your recommendations and your new idea this year.

[@squalolo]

looking forward to the shoe of the year video!

[@MarniOnTheMove]

Love this round-up and category call out. My long run shoes have recently been the New Balance Fuel Cell SC Elite V4, the Brooks Hyperion Max, or the Hoka Mach 6. I am 100% heelstriker and like a little bounce and a tad less cushion BUT I try them all!

[@kofuzi]

a good variety there

[@hugoferreira2274]

Yup the superblast are my favorite for those long runs with or without the pickup the pace.

[@Scotty.Lincoln]

Superblast is still king for easy/steady long runs but the Speed 4 for me felt great on 20 milers while picking up the pace this training block(zoomfly 6 might replace it). And my favorite for long run workouts is still the Adizero adios pro 3

[@jimoconnor8597]

Just about to retire my OG Prime X and OG Prime X Strung. 3 pairs, all with 500+ miles on them and I just can't find anything that replaces them for longer runs, EZ or with pace. Dirt roads, paved roads, I've run all types of surfaces with no issues at all. Been scouring the net the last few weeks looking for replacements... SB is good (V1 had 400 before the grip just was too bad), OG Prime X is just great!

[@kofuzi]

I frequently debate trying to scour the internet for more pairs of the original Prime X. It was just so different than the strung versions. It was special.

[@georgesoto5436]

Topo Specter 2, all day every day for long runs! I love these shoes! The Mizuno Wave Rebellion 2 is also a good choice, although harder to get used to…

[@kofuzi]

nice

[@cristianfcao]

I completely agree with the category. As a budget alternative, I think the Novablast goes well. It has enough cushioning, it's not really that heavy, and it can be fast if needed.

[@kofuzi]

I'd agree with that

[@kuriosites]

I have the Neo Vista and the Superblast 1 and I have a complex relationship with both. The Neo Vista is fun and bouncy but it feels like a shoe where I can lock in my pace but not really accelerate well. The Superblast is light and protective but the ride is uninspiring because it's very firm and doesn't feel that bouncy to me at 130 lbs. I'd like to try the Deviate Nitro 3 because I have really enjoyed v2 and a few extra mm of foam would be great.

[@PaulJennings123]

I considered the Superblast 2 but I ordered Novablast 5 today instead. I’m hoping that it will work well as I increase distance up to half marathon. I’ve already been using Endorphin speed 4 and Mach 6 for some for higher speed intervals and as daily trainer. Mach X 3 will probably be my next purchase.

[@kofuzi]

sounds like a lot of fun shoes coming up

[@chuckwavra8832]

Topo has made my running fun again and faster. I'm using the Specter 2 for long runs, and the Cyclone 2 for speed work.

[@kofuzi]

that's great to hear! I just ran in the Cyclone 3 today for a tough workout. It treated me well

[@RobertPaulson87]

Boston 12’s are my favourite long run shoe❤ Such a good do it all trainer

[@mikhailpentz24]

Love this category, I've got Comrades marathon on the cards for 2025, I can only buy one shoe and hope it works for me, all shoetubers are pointing to the suberblast. I think that's the one

[@kofuzi]

good luck at Comrades!

[@KevanBrandão]

Wonderful Top 5. Balos is amazing!!

[@myfrestsonfire]

I'm currently using NB Rebel V4 for recovery and fast trainnings, NB SC Trainer V3, for over 10k runs, and Adidas Drive RC, as a spare for the Rebel.

[@isaacakira]

Are you in Brazil? Because Drive RC is only available in Brazil.

[@myfrestsonfire]

@isaacakira yep

[@Ben.StevenswithaV]

Long run category is more relevant than a supertrainer (TM BITR) category, so it's very welcome. Zero 'Ko(n)fusion' here.

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

I like this new list. I'd go Superblast 2, Puma MagMax Nitro, Mizuno Neo Vista, Brooks Glycerin Max, Brooks Hyperion Max 2 with the adidas Evo SL and Nike Pegasus Premium as honorable mentions that are largely coming next year.

[@clem.n]

Brooks Hyperion Max 2 has been my go to shoe in this category, especially if I want to do some MP pace in the session.

[@ChewieGuzman]

Great Superblast 2 the best, and i´ve also been tryin out the "Brooks Glycerin Max", very nice!!!

[@mintyloogoblin]

Neo Vista is just a bargain in the UK compared to the rest of these, especially the NB SC trainer. I agree with your comment about the Neo Vista being slightly akward for really slow runs, I have continued using my old Guide 16 for those, which wasn't the original plan.

[@macau.friend]

Many reviewers tend to put the Superblast 2 in the daily trainer category, but now that you’ve created a brand new category, the hefty price tag may finally be justified

[@kofuzi]

I could see why someone would do it, but it doesn't make sense to me to compare it against daily trainers

[@ksskchannel6978]

Been using Balos. But change the insole with Rebel V4 insole. Much more comfortable. Otherwise feeling the heat on my feet palm. But really love the cushioning & bouncing. Leg feel fresh after running with Balos with lesser pain compared to other shoes in my rotation.

[@kofuzi]

glad to hear you're enjoying it!

[@cheekster777]

Thank you Mike.

[@choccyverstapilton]

Can’t argue with SB2… there’s no perfect shoe but I’d buy 20 pairs if I could find them and use them for years. Had to make do with just 3 pairs to tide me over 😂

[@kofuzi]

That’s still a lot of SB

[@ionpanaiti6343]

Same here, having 3 pairs 😅

[@philipppuchner1115]

Now we know why there is so many SB missing on the market!

[@ajgross67]

I’ve been dealing with a persistent case of runners knee for about a month and a half. Can’t wait until I can be doing long runs again and strap on my Superblast 2’s

[@kofuzi]

hope your rehab recovery goes well!

[@runners_box]

For me the Superblast 2 is also the best. Nothing I've tested this year got even close to the sensations I got in SB2. Other than that? The NB SC Trainer v3 was kinda underwhelming for me. It was really nice for long slow distances, but when I wanted to pick up the pace a bit they performed so so.

[@MrNooge]

I prefer the Topo Specter 2 to the Superblast 2 for my long runs. It’s a bit more responsive and disappears on the foot. The Superblast feels like a big shoe and is softer but also rubs my foot a little bit

[@kofuzi]

your take on the Superblast makes complete sense to me if the Specter 2 disappears on your foot (I think it's a touch on the firm side)

[@arv1n_kenn3x]

Love your top 5 videos per category! 🔥 even shown love to new balance shoes. Will you be doing a top 5 for the old school max cushioned shoes? May for recovery run category?

[@kofuzi]

Stay tuned

[@arv1n_kenn3x]

@kofuzi let's go! 🔥

[@Giannis-sh1tj]

Καλησπέρα kofuzi ,σε βλέπω περίπου ένα εξάμηνο, κάνεις πολύ καλά βιντεάκια συνέχισε έτσι, έτρεξα τον πρώτο μου μαραθώνιο της Αθήνας,τον Νοέμβριο ,το έκανα 4ωρες κ 16 λεπτά,με παπούτσια carbon,τα magic speed το 4, μετά το 38 με πόνεσαν τα πόδια μου στις καμάρες, πιστεύω ότι στο χρόνο που το έκανα δεν είναι τα carbon η καλύτερη επιλογή.τα carbon είναι για αθλητές το πολύ μέχρι 3:30ωρες, για εμένα που το κάνω 4, καλύτερα είναι τα long run, χωρίς carbon.συνεχισε έτσι!

[@mylesgalos6465]

@69 still runs on my old triumphs, puma velocity 3

[@nigo1]

Superblast 1 is always in my arsenal for LSD. MagMax is my recent favorite for long run too. If I am looking for sth super fun in the LSD, Prime X 1st generation is the way to go

[@j29jorge]

Still running longs in Triumph 20, works better for me than the Superblast, 1080v13, and a lot of shoes I have and had. Need to find some replacement …. I was thinking about Ride 17 ou 18, but I’m not shire if they have enough cushioning for more then Half Marathon mileage

[@nicklas6973]

Wished you had reviewed zoom fly 6.

[@io-rj6sk]

does it belong in long run or tempo category? im thinking of gettin em

[@nicklas6973]

@ from the reviews of eddbud, believe in the run and ben parkes, they are. Sounds like they are also better value than the super blast 2. Im getting the zoom fly 6 instead of the super blast.

[@mariapiacampos8128]

Superblast 2 is the best shoe ever!!

[@AdrianCamo95]

The superblast and sc trainer are a bit too chunky at the heel. Besides that great trainers. Got the balos and they do so much fun but got some issues after 20km in the calve area

[@kofuzi]

chunky heel seems to be a pretty common design element in this category

[@AdrianCamo95]

@@kofuzi that makes sense for slow paces (5min/km or slower) but then I'd go with a max cushioned shoe. Just dont give me a 300 grams + shoe for long runs with marathon effort. I am curious about the Evo Sl by Adidas.

[@danielecavalcanti3720]

Sniper blast is the shoe perfect for long run

[@MOHHpp3d]

I've had the Topo Specter 2 before for a few runs before returning it, my very first impression was that thing is so firm that I definitely wouldn't want it for easy and definitely not long runs. It's a nice workout shoe though, but definitely not easy and very definitely not a long run shoe for me. Despite the stack height, it felt no different from a low stack shoe because the firmness made it feel like I was running directly on road.

[@kev60625]

Hoka cielo x1 is my go to long run shoe these days

[@josephgschwartz]

A.k.a. the most important class of shoe. If you’re going to only own one, these are them.

[@kofuzi]

I could see that working for a lot of people

[@Chateauduwab]

puma magmax nitro the queen for long run !!!!!!

[@kofuzi]

I debated quite intensely whether to put MagMax on this list (which speaks highly towards the pace versatility of the MagMax and/or highlights the potential futility of creating this new category). but because I didn't love picking up the pace in the MagMax quite as much, but instead preferred to keep things pretty chill, I decided to leave it in the Max Cushion category

[@Lucasruns-z3c]

Hey kofuzi, hope you’re having a great day. I was wondering if you’re going to put out a review on the Zoomfly 6 as I’d be interested to hear your thoughts and opinions.

[@kofuzi]

I do not currently have plans to review the Zoom Fly 6. I haven't reviewed that shoe since version 3, I think.

[@Lucasruns-z3c]

@ 👍, I’d just heard lots of positive feedback from other people and thought you’d have something to say.

[@Anthony-yd2we]

Might as well make top 5 best looking running shoes list

[@PeterdeRooij]

My long marathon workouts are in the Endorphin Speed or my racing shoes (or retired racing shoes). But then I prefer my shoes a bit firmer than current trends.

[@timnewell5120]

I'm currently wearing the Balos, the Specter 2 and the Glycerin Max

[@kofuzi]

Excellent!

[@barrick4807]

I like the SC trainer wouldn’t mind trying the superblast though

[@jasonpeters8623]

Haven't been able to find NB SC Trainer ANYWHERE!!!! Does New Balance plan to make more or are we just out of luck until the next version???

[@donjr.m]

Kofuzi, are you dropping a Best of 2024. Easy / recovery run shoes?

[@kofuzi]

stay tuned

[@cortneywebb1677]

I also use Superblast for longest runs

[@mr.agetro602]

Im a newbie runner. My daily trainer is nb rebel v4 for easy runs. And im planning to get superblast 2 for rotation. Is is a good choice?

[@philipppuchner1115]

Sure! Beware that the lighter you are, the stiffer the SB2 feel out of the box and the longer they need to break in

[@fitzthegreat]

Great video! Apologies this is off topic haha but what glasses are you wearing? Love them!

[@JayJuiceOn]

What would you recommend for wide footer (2E) for long runs? There was local stock for SB2 in my area but it was too cramped for me in toe box. Going up half a size made it better width wise but too long.

[@richardrankin7488]

It is a shame that you did not test the Nike Zoom Fly 6.

[@io-rj6sk]

it falls under long run or tempo category?

[@richardrankin7488]

Both.

[@savantGK3]

Asics refuses to keep Superblast 2 in stock in Japan. We didn't get any of the new colorways! Novablast 5 is finally getting general release here tomorrow, maybe more SB2s are coming next month

[@burntorangehorn]

Can you just order from their US website? They have the pink and probably some of the black.

[@AneelKarim-d3r]

Kofuzi love this review but could you imagine if the Asics Superblast had a carbon plate in it what's your taught but great review

[@philipppuchner1115]

In 2025 there comes the Asics Sonicblast, which is a plated supershoe with 2 foams in sandwich construction. Foams we don't know, maybe FFBlastMax and FFTurbo(+)?

[@sdar6273]

Please add price with all the shoes when you are talking about it as it gets easy for budget people to keep an eye on those shoes Thanks

[@kofuzi]

the difficulty with listing prices is that they vary by global region, currency, and time. the prices I list today might not be relevant for someone watching this video a month from now. when I do a buying guide when I review these shoes individually, I do reference price and give an opinion on value compared to the rest of the market. but this is a year end Best of video. It's about how the shoe performs. I'm not really considering price (unless it's exceptionally low or high).

[@yohankusuma5510]

I like thicc foams and i cannot lie

[@io-rj6sk]

i thought the category for the 'long run' was just called 'supertrainers' ? also altho u rate sc trainer higher than balos, coz i assume it does the job 'better', wat about in terms of pure 'fun' ? is balos just more fun to run in? ive heard sc trainer feels more 'boring' these days compared to its predecessors

[@kofuzi]

I don't know what super trainers are. I think it is a term so vague that it is meaningless. "Super Trainer" doesn't tell me what the shoe does. What some people call super trainers, I would absolutely not put in this Long Run category. And vice versa.

[@io-rj6sk]

@@kofuzi yea good point!

[@zachflores1505]

Balos yes sir

[@kofuzi]

glad you're enjoying it!

[@felipecastillejos]

Nike Zoomfly 6?

[@leodahdah2369]

are any of these a good fit for a stability needing runner?

[@kofuzi]

I think it would depend on how much stability you need, and whether that stability is in the overpronation direction, the oversupination direction, or some other need. I don't review stability shoes and would recommend that you consult Doctors of Running

[@BilboTrailSlug]

TOPO makes great shoes- but is crazy that it is owned by Designer brands, INC which is the parent company of DSW shoe warehouse.

[@kofuzi]

wait, what?

[@BilboTrailSlug]

@@kofuzi YES! the original owner/originator of TOPO is still the CEO, but he sold to Designer brands, INC.

[@JarredDavidson]

Superblast 2 all the way!

[@joseandreferreira4729]

My fav category...

[@KoMaruyama]

Love the new category - - BUT WHAT THE HECK ARE THOSE BIRDS? Herons?

[@agnesxox]

nice tshirt

[@mapleridge8]

SuperBlast!!

[@snowwalker9999]

I think I would add Novablast 4 and Hoka Mach 6 for those who want to save some money. Not the same experience but they will do the job well. Thanks for another great best of the year vid. Would you make a video about your favorite 2024 running shoe rotation this year?

[@Manuel-901]

Morning all. Saucony kinvara Pro all day. My weight is a 65kgs. Like to Kofuzi. Have a good day.

[@laalaa99stl]

It's my least favorite illegal stack height shoe. But yes, I still run in 'em to save the rubber on my better ones 😁

[@Manuel-901]

@laalaa99stl . 👍.

[@laalaa99stl]

Hahaha no suspense for the #1 spot 😁

[@kofuzi]

to me, there is a clear winner in this category

[@paulcarlson4230]

Thank you for your insight, iwuld agree except for too customer service on emails ug