How to Buy Cushioned Running Shoes (podcast) | We discuss everything you need to know

[@toasterboy708]

In the old days, we just had 'running shoes'. As the tech has developed, the term 'Shoe Rotation' has entered runners vocab, and the marketing machines and R&D departments of all the big hitters have got on the meth pipe and haven't slept for the last few years. Since the first 'Super Shoe' dropped, we now have a shoe for every run type, with new drops every month for all these new sub categories that we never knew we needed, until we was told we needed them. This is great for you guys running a shoetube channel, but for us plebs though. it's analysis paralysis, costs a fortune to find whats 'right' for you, and can sometimes take away from what it was all about originally. Just bloody running!

[@grantmckay7014]

Some of us plebs love every detail and nuance of analysis and see looking after our feet as vital to running pleasure. Thoroughly enjoy my rotation.

[@jeffreycapper9385]

Kierans body language when asked about the benefits of cushioned shoes was fantastic. Folded arms 😂

[@ΓιώργοςΑντωνίου-υ7υ]

With this technology we have now in shoes all running shoes have an amount of impact protection! So it's personal thing to decide what is best for you! I think you should run in those for a while to be able to decide! For basketball shoes it's easier I think because I do some basketball moves on the store and I can get a good impression if they will perform great! The same should be done for running shoes! You need to take your time and think what is the best for you and for the purpose!!!

[@woodburner292]

Fully agree with the point about heavier runners. At 85kg down from 92kg, I struggle with a standard stack height shoe as I simply bottom out on each step. I look with envy at my 73kg buddies able to enjoy normal use out of their Velocity Nitros and I need the Magnify Nitro to get a similar experience.

[@michaeltran2743]

Same here. I’m a heavier runner and I feel I don’t as many miles out of shoes as other runners. For example, I think my alphafly is on its last legs. I just crossed over 200 miles in them. But I hear people still enjoying them at 400mi

[@pulkitchanana]

Perhaps go for something like Tempus. Weighs almost the same (if not less) as the Velocity but you can actually feel a good amount of cushion(36/28 afaik) when you step in. I don't think the stability element is that intrusive to a neutral runner. Having good rubber coverage helps significantly.

[@ianmclean4919]

I agree with Nick, I love the velocity nitro 2, you can’t go wrong with them.

[@funkyfragrancelover2979]

In contrast , I recently listened to BBC Sliced Bread Podcast which talked about barefoot/minimalist shoes. It was interesting to hear that super cushioned shoes my actually weaken the foot structure and encourage heel striking. A mixture of harder and softer shoes seems like the advice if you want to strengthen your foot and calf muscles/tendons to reduce injury

[@bushkilla7348]

I'm glad for the existence of such shoes. I'm about to attempt getting back into a little running at 51 n not a slim build. I've now ruptured both Achilles and am currently trying to progress from conservative non-op treatment and physio after needing an op back when i did my other Achilles 6 years ago. I feel my knees also need as much help as they can get. My last trainer was Nike Infinity Reacts this time I've went for More V4s. Hopefully they are a good choice

[@coreydickey3657]

I'm 240-ish lbs and have had foot pain my whole life until finding a good max cushioned shoe. Now I run almost daily with rare pains returning. At least 6 models I to the max cushion game.

[@JuanMorales-fi3jl]

What was the max cushioned shoe?

[@garybowes6284]

I’ll happily use the Puma Velocity Nitro 1 and 2 for everything except racing. That’s why I have 4 pairs box fresh. More cushion is just energy zapping to run in.

[@JonSnow009]

Very good points. I have to confess that I'm sold on the Nike Invincible of which I have 2 pairs, one of them already over 1000 km covered. However, since I got the Vaporfly 2, I am constantly reaching for them for a lot of the runs, even the easy ones - because they are so light! The weirdest part is that lately I got the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro which has been the best regarding how I feel after the run - no shin or Achilles problems, or anything else. Evidently they are not great for running slow and because I like them so much, I started doing my long runs slightly faster, to accomodate for that profile. It really is a complicated subject, as Kieran said.

[@movdqa]

I'm using a max cushioned shoe now to recover from a knee injury. I can't imagine running in max cushioned shoes all the time just for the cost. These max cushioned shoes are in the $150 - $170 range while daily trainers cost less and you get more miles out of them.

[@Kureshiman]

Okay. This is a perfect discussion especially in terms of the guy who was recommended the triumph 20. I’ll repost a post I made in strava here. I hope I can get some suggestions. :) Heya all! I have an inquiry about shoes and I’m not sure if we can throw these in here on this group but here it goes: I am super new to running. When I bought my first pair of running shoes (Brooks Divide 3m) I only went for the potential and versatility (they are good for roads and trails) and the discount. Now, after watching more than a few of Sarah and James’ shoe award videos, I have realized that there are actually different types of shoes for different types of running, and shoe rotation is good for the shoes and runners’ health. Anyways, the first priority, for now, is to get a shoe with more padding (subsequently, down the road, I'll invest in a carbon-platted shoe [waiting for a good discount on Magic Speed 3s]). Several reviews including and beyond the running channel rate the Triumph 20s as a sure winner for easy and long runs. So, when I saw an offer on them, I instantly ordered it. They are yet to be delivered. I happened to go to a store that had the triumph on display so I tried them and found them, well, not exciting. I noticed the padding and the cushioning but it didn't make my few jogs around the store enjoyable. In fact, it didn't feel reactive at all. I just felt like I was wearing something heavy, albeit cushiony, around my feet. Something very, very passive. Then, I tried the Hoka Clifton 9, and this shoe felt different from the get-go. Better gripping of my foot, more responsive in walking, and for sure, springier and exciting to run in. I especially enjoyed doing some quick sprinting in them too. They worked as better mediums to the ground, good interventions. They were actively making my runs exciting. So, I bought these too. Now, here is that laughingly naive query I promised: I have to get one of these. My mind and my experience say I should go for the Hokas. However, every review and shoe award, and expert and amateur testimonial says the triumph would be one of the best decisions I will be making in my running life. So, I am confused. Am I too inexperienced to understand how good the Triumph 20s are? Should I opt for them and be patient and eventually they'll prove their brilliance? Or, should I just quit running for asking such laughingly naive queries? I need help, opinions, and testimonials. Sorry for the long post. Lots of hugs from the not-as-cold-yet lands of Finland. 🤗

[@NathanJr_93]

I do anything in Zoom Fly 5, just Vaporfly for Race. Cushion, cheap, durable. I dont think everyone need a pair for only cushion … Sorry my bad english

[@SteevWho]

I think you have already seen New Balance evolve their foam in new SC Trainer V2. Although people will say that they do not feel like the original, they still have seemed to dial in what that shoe is all about and, lowering the stack. Also the new Invincible 3, trying to shave down some weight. I imagine you will see more of that kind of move from other manufacturers going forward. The last couple of years its been, "Lets Make A Mattress, See If They Will Strap That To Their Feet", kind of thing. I vote HOKA or CRAFT to make it to 70mm first.

[@bharatmirchi]

How about someone who walks on roads a lot and need to protect knees for future?

[@jamesb.walker9177]

Brooks Glycerin 20

[@RyanRowntree-tf5st]

I have the triumph 19s with 250 miles on them. I have the 20s with about 15 miles on them. I just can’t get away with the 20s. The 19s just feel better every run. Lower drop and slightly firmer. And my Clifton 8s are a dream to run in. The rocker, the lightness and I love the foam too. It’s astonishing how subjective these things are. Also I used to have Saucony Guide ISO and they were fantastic.

[@FarazSyed-ke2cv]

I do 40 mins incline treadmill to lose fat. I unfortunately heel strike I tried the nimbus 25 and still have pain What shoe or insole can you recommend.

[@cgazlan]

Nike react infinity run used to be classified as a max cushion shoes. Look at it today... Not even considered anymore

[@running-nurse]

So true

[@Gillibrand65]

I love my Epic React. I get 1,000 + miles out of mine.

[@garymanders1273]

Velocity Nitro great shoe but im crippled with PF pain after 5 or 6km due to the mid foot base being so narrow just too unstable...I tend to do well with NB shoes as they normally have a wide platform..which is more important to me than stack height...thinking of trying the Magnify Nitro or the Forever run if can confirm they have a wide mid foot base

[@OZSA87]

I have both velocity v1 and v2 and in both I feel left arch pain after about 5-6km, is that what you feel also? I tried sizing down on the v2 but it's even worse.

[@davidseanmacdonald1470]

Nike is to introduce Max cushioned stilts!

[@Trailrunner1978]

I am a heavy runner, and do better with firmer moderate stack shoes like Takumi Sen 8 or Kinvara 13.

[@gorjn1]

Me too. It's the softer foams that bottom out. It's like car suspension.

[@abruenin236]

For me, the latest generation of max cushioned shoes are going to far. I don't want to run with two pillows tied to my feet, so I sold my new Nimbus 25. the Novablast 3 TR is the sweet spot for me.

[@halmo68]

En promotion Triumph 20 😊

[@denniscintron5762]

In my opinion max cushion shoes is better for walk

[@toasterboy708]

Not for run? I like for run.

[@denniscintron5762]

@@toasterboy708 I like too but for me better for walk

[@hakunmatada]

When you are heavy and chubsy wubsy like me max cushion is heaven. Only problem is you need a bank loan to afford the damn sneakers!

[@thespecialone7632]

If you're going to have 1 cushioned shoe, get a CUSHIONED DAILY SHOE Most versatile and best value Max cushion is NOT versatile so rules them out for me Velocity nitro and Mach 5 are the great choices

[@headquartercommandorunning2625]

Pz give me shoes 👟

[@toasterboy708]

👟👟