Best of 2024. Tempo

[@DZero_Aperture]

I literally just got done with a run and am now eating breakfast. Couldn't ask for a better video to watch while I recover ❤

[@kofuzi]

enjoy!

[@dnice362]

How far was your run

[@io-rj6sk]

@@dnice362 asking the real questions

[@PedroManuelHN]

Same! I literally just finished a sprint session and got the video notification

[@dnice362]

@@PedroManuelHN how many miles

[@ralphdelposo9688]

Bought the Deviate Nitro 2 last year based on your review. After the 50km mark, I didnt look back. Used it for Tempo, Interval, Easy Run and even Long Run. Bought it around late March and Im still using it. Excited for the shoe of the year video. Thanks again!

[@kofuzi]

glad to hear it's been working so well for you!

[@axlrosea675]

I heard that it's a rather narrow shoe. Would you agree?

[@minimumtrade]

​@@axlrosea675yes primarily it's a performance fit upper, marginally narrow. I cut out the elastic gusset on the lateral side as it was gathering too much for my low depth feet. That helped my comfort considerably.

[@andreasschwarz4908]

just bought a new one for a hundred bucks and took it out for the first run. feels like a good allrounder, have yet to try it on wet pavement (when the novablast 3 feels like ice skating) but I'm sure it will work well for that purpose. for faster workouts I'm leaning more towards speedier stuff like the endo speed 2 etc.

[@GaryLy-i7e]

Endorphin Speed 4 have been mine. I bought the Nitro per your review and will try them this week. Thank you for what you do Kofuzi!

[@kofuzi]

have fun!

[@peterledrew2556]

Oh man Mach X2 best shoe ever and I've tried so many. No issues for fit with me and worked at all paces as well.

[@jackobrien1026]

Agreed, if the fit works it's shoe of the year.

[@srikalyanp]

Thank you for all year end shoe rating videos sir, Been really enjoying them!!

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@jordanmiller5627]

Excellent video and I LOVE the way you address this category of shoes at the start. You made it so simple to understand which is helpful since other shoe-tubers describe this category so differently. I might need to try the Puma Deviate Nitro 3 after I finish with the Mach X 2. I love the Puma DNE 3 and was excited to see if was your #1 pick for race shoe of the year! Keep it up Kofuzi!

[@kofuzi]

stay tuned for shoe of the year video next week

[@jafran-ahmed]

I'm on board with the Saucony Endorphine Speed 4. It's a great all-rounder for easy runs, speed work, and long-distance training. The outsole holds up well and the midsole still offers good energy return. However, the upper material isn't quite up to par with what's found in top-tier racing shoes.

[@PedroManuelHN]

This is what I've been waiting for! ... But I’m also really excited to check out the best of Max Cushion lol

[@charlietwotimes]

I love Adidas energy rod shoes. Currently have two Boston 12s, an Adipro 3 for long runs, Adipro 4 for races & the Takumi Sen 10 for speed work. And speed work only.. at lower speeds it's stiff & unstable simultaneously - at top speed it's the greatest shoe ever made. It's a special shoe but it's a "nice to have" rather than an essential. Brilliant at what it does but it's niche* *I also think the Adipro 3 is a better daily than the Boston 12 so I might be a little bit insane.

[@Cattnip13]

Just received my TYR Valkyrie Speedworks a week ago and have taken them on two interval workouts so far. I am really glad I took a chance on them. They are very poppy and have a killer toe off. Totally remind me of Endorphin speed 2 and 3.

[@kuriosites]

I'd like to try the Deviate Nitro 3 but I've got the Deviate Nitro 2 at almost 700 miles and it just refuses to die. Everybody talks about PumaGrip but the Nitro foam is really underrated. I haven't heard anything about Puma updating their core training models this year though.

[@ajmartinez1906]

Yo! I am so Glad to see the Non Elite Runner Mr Kofuzi having the top 2 tempo shoes that I also have. Awesome Vlog

[@bobcarrier4732]

Was looking forward to this review Kofuzi. Been wanting to check out the DN3 and may have to now in place of the magic speed 4. Was wondering if I’d see that in your top 5 and nope. Keep up the great work!

[@JL-yh7ve]

I bought Puma Deviate Nitro 3 based on your recommendation few months ago for my interval and tempo trainings. I like it, it was great for a half marathon race as well where I needed a good grip. The only small downside: It's not the lightest shoe

[@kofuzi]

glad to hear it treated you well in a race situation!

[@AneelKarim-d3r]

Kofuzi great review really appreciate it keep up the great work

[@kofuzi]

thank you

[@laalaa99stl]

Holy cow! You made the right call! I thought for sure you were gonna go with the ES4 since you already declared it SotY months ago lol. But yeah the extra stiffness of the carbon and the extra energy return from the Nitro foam puts it over the top -- even if it's a tad heavier. But you really can't go wrong with either shoe. A serious sneakerhead/runner should have both! (But last year's DN2 beats both.)

[@peterledrew2556]

You find the second better than this year's deviate nitro?

[@laalaa99stl]

Yes! Full length Nitro is nice, but last year's was lighter and faster.

[@edwardcreighton2638]

Speed 4 is great. Keep up the good work, fantastic video.

[@kofuzi]

thanks for watching!

[@fakhrifiqki1044]

Can't wait for the Stability section 👌

[@kofuzi]

unfortunately, I do not review stability shoes. I recommend Doctors of Running for their expertise in this area

[@mrne1433]

Among solo running shoetubers, Alex and Kofuzi have got to be up there when it comes to production value I think.

[@kofuzi]

thank you

[@LukeTalbot3]

Have you had a chance to wear the Zoom Fly 6? I don't really think it would have made the list, but just curious lol

[@GaaantHoover]

Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 has been my go to speed work shoe also great for long runs. The underrated Hoka Mach 6 has been a wonderful speed shoe as well. Especially for some long tempo runs!

[@jackatmensacosacoaching]

Used the Boston 12 for most part of the year (great shoe, but awful laces) - retired them and now switched to Saucony Endorphine Speed 4 due to all the positive reviews - 35k so far and feeling good.

[@loopytwxlsjr]

I agree about the laces. I ran my first half in them and had to triple knot to make sure they didn’t untie

[@derekbattle4077]

Have you run in the adios pro 3? If so hire did it compare to the Boston 12? I love the pro 3 but the outsoles wear out super fast so I need something more durable but with the rebound.

[@jackatmensacosacoaching]

@derekbattle4077 I had both of them. The pro3 are much more comfortable for longer distances and more cushioned compared to the Bostons. Ran the Eryri (Snowdon) marathon in the pro3 and they delivered. Would want to run that distance in the Bostons.

[@winstonsanjaya1124]

​@@loopytwxlsjri have issue with the sizing of Boston 12. I wear ultraboost and novablast 3 both on size 40 2/3 ( 25.5 cm ) , and buying the boston 12 at the same size but the fitting is just too roomey especially on the toe box and heel area even after wearing a crew socks which is thicker than actual running socks. That makes it feels unstable especially on slight uphill road , and adding one more issue is that the tongue will always be displaced after the running sessions. Should i buy another pair but with the half size down? Coz i actually loves the energy rod feeling on Boston 12 and it helps me break my sub 30 5k too. Do you guys got the same issue?

[@khawarizmi4634]

My favourite speedwork shoes currently is asisc magic speed 3 ❤

[@MLHunt]

Excellent choice sir

[@brianway4240]

I actually have a pair of 1st generation Magic Speed still in use. Don't know how many miles, but much closer to 1000 than 100.

[@minimumtrade]

Love the Takumi Sen 10, only one pace though FAST as a pure speed shoe, feels like its for advanced athletes!. Still rocking the superceeded Deviate Nitro 2, a great versatile shoe - superb for a 22-25 minute parkrun. ALL of my plated shoes are either the Puma bi-split plate or Adidas Energy Rods.

[@kofuzi]

Takumi Sen definitely only has one pace

[@ccccjjjjeeee]

I've been using the Endorphin Pro 4 for speed workouts. It's surprisingly durable and forgiving for a shoe that's marketed as a racer.

[@kofuzi]

I think that's the Endorphin Pro 4's biggest problem: it's too similar to the Endorphin Speed 4

[@ccccjjjjeeee]

@@kofuzi yea thats true

[@theswerunner]

I have not had to much speed/tempo shoes this year, but Topo sent me the specter 2 for a review and testing which has worked great for my tempo days and for more speed stuff I have grabbed a older pair of race day shoe like a vaporfly 2% that had some miles in them for training 😊

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

Agreed on the top pick. Takumi Sen 10 and Endorphin Speed would be on my honorable mentions. TYR Speedworks is an under the radar awesome shoe.

[@EnviroNerd411]

My go to has been the Hyperion Max 2. I know the foam feels a bit dated and it more of a daily trainer for folks. I tend to have some metatarsal pain so it works great for me and the brooks fit is ideal

[@kofuzi]

it's been a very popular choice. it's one of those shoes that perhaps I just it a bit too harshly as a reviewer who sees so many shoes in a single year.

[@acamilop]

I love my Pumas for speed days. They are so fun. I got them on a whim and they have been amazing. I have 160 miles in them and they are perfect.

[@Tegulatus]

major omission: zoom fly 6. should replace the spot of takumi sen 10 which was a dud

[@kofuzi]

I didn't test the zoom fly 6

[@Tegulatus]

@ fair enough!

[@pbnotj1]

I’m a Boston 12 fan for tempo and just got a discounted Black Friday and gift certificate reduced on cloud monster hyper as new tempo shoe. I did not get deviate nitro 2 to work for me, not tried nitro 3. I am much bigger than kofuzi always wonder if that plays a major role in my preferences.

[@samcollick9481]

I previously loved the endorphin speed 3 which I used for longer/marathon effort sessions but didn’t like the fit of the speed 4. How did you find the deviate nitro 3 performed during longer/marathon effort runs?

[@mattshifu]

I do a park run here in the UK and bought both Puma deviate nitro 2 and also adidas adizero takumi sen's based on your review. Love them both but the sen's I always have a better time I think it's cause they are lighter and the lightstrike pro is just so responsive it's so fast and light

[@MidLifeRunner]

Currently, takumi Sen 10 for intervals, rocket x2 for tempo soon to be replaced by Evo SL. Did use endo pro 4 earlier in the year 😉, and couldn’t stop running in the metaspeed edge Paris. 2025 I’m trying less racers for speed day and more non racers like Evo SL, speed 5, Mach x3. Btw just got deviate nitro 2 for $60 and wow, can’t believe I slept on this shoe. I am doing on cloud eclipse for daily runs and deviate 2 for steasy daily runs

[@tgarcia615]

Wow idol your top 1 last year is Puma,,Now Is Puma Again,Great Job Puma.Merry Christmas in Advance GOAT KOFUZI..

[@jutsni1030]

how about the Asics Magic Speed 4?

[@TheIkan88]

Deviate nitro 3 suit me very well and already over 400k still going strong 💪

[@RonnieDizon]

Hell yeah! I’m in Korea on holiday and shopping for some new kicks, good timing on a video. 🫶🏻

[@AdrianNiveau]

Have to get my hands on those pumas. Mostly I go for the audios pro 3 or superblast if I want to run faster.

[@Manuel_712]

Hi. Saucony E. Speed 4 all day. ¡¡¡¡Find your strong!!!!. Like to Kofuzi. Happy Monday.

[@FrancescaBuscicchio]

I loved the Endorphin Speed 4 as well! I’ll probably buy another pair again

[@rustysazon]

Nice shirt! 👐🏽

[@MLHunt]

Wu Tang forever

[@thecaptainchas2820]

Since you’re including the Takumi Sen 10 in this category, I’m going to submit the NB Fuelcell Pacer v2 as a performance trainer. I know I’m cross-categorizing, but that’s where it works in my rotation. Still though, I think the Valkyrie Speedworks is superb and sitting at or near the top of that category.

[@kofuzi]

The Pacer v2 is an interesting (but perhaps confused) shoe. Last year's shoe was definitely in the Takumi Sen category, and it was a lot of speedy fun, if your body could handle it for 5k racing. If v2 was similar to v1, it would have taken the spot of the Mach X2 for sure on this list. but this year, New Balance claims to have re-developed v2 from the ground up as a marathon racing shoe, with Emily Sisson as their North Star. Now, I suspect that Emily Sisson likes a very different style of shoe compared to her contemporaries and compared to non elites. And so I hope that the Pacer v2 is a shoe she loves because otherwise, I think it's a tough shoe to recommend for most people. It kinda feels like a lot of shoe for 5k racing, and I don't think most non elites will want to race a marathon in them. but if it works for you, then it certainly fits in this category

[@RobertPaulson87]

@Kofuzi Would you have put the ASICS Magic Speed 4 as a close 5th position?

[@arthursiwandavid4794]

No asics magic speed 4 kofuzi ?

[@kofuzi]

not in the top 5

[@satyadermawan]

Do you think deviate nitro 3 is good for up to half marathon? Love the DN3, but I only run 10K at the farthest with it

[@JeffPark95]

great list mike! sad to see my favorite speed shoe of 2024 the Asics Magic Speed 4 didn't make the list

[@jean-phil]

Did not like the Puma Deviate 2 (outsole too thick, midsole too thin) but really liked the Boston 12, still Nike Tempo Next is my fav! Honorable mention to Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 : very comfy and breathable upper. Takumi is not bad either.

[@RunTommy123]

Where would you class the New Balance SC Trainer 3? I'd use it in the same category as all these, and it's better. It's my Shoe of the Year for its versatility. (Not a racer)

[@kofuzi]

I don't remember if I've evaluated the SC Trainer in prior years as a tempo shoe or as a max cushion shoe. But this year's v3 made it clear to me that it's not a tempo shoe. This year, I'll be making a new category for Long Run Shoe and it will be considered against other shoes in that class

[@mannyflores4507]

Not a good pick for a speed shoe, in my opinion. It is a little heavy and the midsole is too thick and soft to provide quick turnover needed for speed workouts. The Nike Zoom Fly 6 would overtake the SC Trainer for speed workouts ….easily. The SC Trainer seems to be an easy/long run shoe only. And for that price, it should really do more.

[@andrewzilla89899]

I love my endorphin speed 4! Put at least 70 miles on mine. My suggestion to whomever sees this, it’s the shoes is True to size? However, if you prefer a wider toe box, it’s not the one for you.

[@peterledrew2556]

Which version is preferred by most people, the deviate nitro 2 or this year's version? I haven't tried either.

[@tomas0525]

Deviate Nitro 3 - They tinker it too much, DN3 have 10mm drop while DN2 have 6mm. They have more elite foam in forefoot which will compress more and make the drop feel higher. Though the shoes increase in weight, the heel stack increased by 6mm.

[@markpetersen]

Nice Wu Tang shirt!

[@kofuzi]

it's for the children

[@mahardi.k.a]

IMHO, Asics Magic Speed 4 ✨️ high stack height, extreme rocker, carbon plated, race day feels!!!

[@kofuzi]

If there's going to be a carbon fiber plate in the shoe, there needed to be more FF Turbo and less FF Blast. The shoe was pretty good for workouts for me, but just regular running in the Magic Speed 4 left a bit to be desired

[@dnice362]

How do you like the magic speed 4, I haven’t tried the nitro 3 but I like the magic speed 4

[@RobertPaulson87]

I was searching for this comment. I’m looking at getting the Magic Speed 4 for my tempo and interval runs and wanted to see what people’s thoughts are on it

[@dnice362]

@ before I bought I heard nothing but positive reviews. So far I love them.

[@viCoN24]

Please consider adding a list of contenders that were considered for the ranking. It's difficult to tell what was the pool of models that you picked your winners from. I'm surprised you've picked a 10 mm drop shoe for tempo while running more mid to forefoot - I thought maybe Mizuno Wave Neo Rebellion Flash 2 with cut heel would be a more unorthodox model better for you but I get why Speed 4 and DN3 are so high. Especially during winter Pumas are hard to beat with their outsoles.

[@kofuzi]

i've already made a review of the Flash 2 and I think the video makes it clear why it wouldn't make it into my top 5 tempo shoes

[@viCoN24]

@@kofuzi That's fair. I didn't get it in my recommended videos so I missed it but remembered the model as an example of a low drop tempo shoe. I appreciate your time to test and review as many models as possible. To me, a list of contenders would help everyone in the audience when not every video gets into individual feeds - especially with your experience with so many brands and models it just makes the top5 that much more special when they get the top place. Cheers!

[@scherry2900]

The big cat did it again ❤️

[@reimarc6606]

Just bought Puma Deviate Nitro 3.. tried it and got my 21km with it

[@LukaMagic-hg3dk]

The Adidas models (Boston 12, Adizero 8, Takumi Sen 10) are good for tempo workouts; however, they are not comfortable for long-distance runs in zone 1 or zone 2, especially when the shoes have accumulated more than 150 to 200 km of mileage. I prefer shoes with better cushioning, propulsion, bounce, and leg protection, such as those from Asics, Brooks, Puma, Hoka or New Balance

[@thetonitone]

that Wu Tang Tee is absolute fire!!!! where did you get it? I need one ASAP!!!! Great video as well as always.

[@B.Wise.B.Running]

Was the brooks Hyperion max 2 too firm for you? Seems people either love it or hate it

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

For those who have used the TYR Valkyrie Speedworks, did you find that the foam softens up and is at its' best after a few runs in them?

[@metalosaur]

I found them extremely soft, springy and unstable right from the box. I have no idea how someone can use them as casual shoes.

[@MarkSmith_Best-Athletics]

@metalosaur Perhaps it was instability rather than firmness that I was feeling on my first run in them which was done on pretty tired legs? To me it felt like perhaps there was a firm and narrow centre to the midsole where the plastic plate is and perhaps softer foam at each side of that causing some instability.

[@gelovr6]

By far my best efforts have been on the Takumi Sen 10

[@yapyucojosephat412]

Your shirts are fire lately

[@kofuzi]

thank you

[@remihamel4054]

Congrats PUMA for be number 1 in kofuzi heart❤

[@thalescarrafiello883]

Loving the superblast 2 as a non plated option for tempo work but not track work

[@markjohnson3737]

Brooks Hyperion Max for my speed sessions. Light weight and good responsiveness from the foam.

[@j.ernestomora5567]

In Mexico Puma Deviate 3 is by far cheaper than Endorphin Speed 4. So Puma has been my go to for that reason and it turned out to be a great shoe too.

[@kofuzi]

very interesting

[@Decisions4u]

What is better New Balance SC Trainer v3 or the Nike Zoomfly 6 (disregard price difference)?

[@kofuzi]

I have not tried the Zoomfly 6

[@Decisions4u]

@ look forward to your review of your do.

[@dgr8532]

Puma Deviate Nitro 3 is my favourite🔥

[@LukaMagic-hg3dk]

My expectations were high for the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, but I experienced heel drag when I bought these shoes. It's possibly because the insoles are not thick enough and do not provide sufficient energy return. To fix the issue, I used custom insoles, but it’s not practical to buy custom insoles every month. As a result, I sold the shoes and switched to the Asics Magic Speed 3 and Asics Superblast Version 1 for my tempo and long runs, which have worked really well for me. I hope the 5th version of the Endorphin Speed improves its midsole and insole to prevent the heel drag feeling. Otherwise, I will no longer buy this brand and model and will look for alternatives from Asics or New Balance or Adidas."

[@craigelliott5028]

Magic speed 4 for me…. I love the race day vibes

[@RobertPaulson87]

I’m looking at getting the MS 4. You obviously rate it for tempo and interval runs?

[@craigelliott5028]

@ yes…. Only negative I would say is they not as versatile as the Saucony speed 4…. But rock the race day vibes more which I appreciate. I was a massive speed 1 and 2 fan but the shoe has been diluted and widened too much for me now. Go the Puma…. I have a set of velocity 3 and love how they fit. I can imagine the nitro 3 would be great also.

[@RobertPaulson87]

@@craigelliott5028I’m not too worried about versatility, as I’d only be using it for a tempo/interval training for an upcoming marathon I have and then I’d be using the Metaspeed Sky Paris for the marathon.

[@laalaa99stl]

I feel like the tempo trainer is an experimental category that shoe manufacturers are still trying to figure out. I think some guys (with disposable incomes) just buy two copies of the same racing shoes -- training in one and racing in the other. (I myself use a retired DNE1 for some speed days.) But as one of the (apparently) few people who are true fans of this particular genre of shoes, I feel like I need to rush out and buy every one that comes out so as to "vote with my dollars" and see more shoes like them. So I guess I still need to add the (still boring-looking) TYR to my collection. I would have put the Magic Speed 4 in the Hoka's spot. You are working very hard to fight accusations of ASICS bias!

[@tedforsstromjacobsson4160]

That tee is just very good. Shoe talk was informative but mostly I’m wondering where to get that shirt

[@kofuzi]

pretty sure it got fed to me as an IG ad

[@JDeezle21]

PUMA!!! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@adennor3857]

Hey Michael, what do u think about a new category awards : Best Brand Lineup 🧐

[@jjcornelio7741]

Yey for DN3! but no Zoom fly 6?

[@buckfiftyplustax]

I just wish Puma would make a wider last. Even their wide models are still too narrow in the midfoot

[@Tomas346]

No honorable mention of the magic speed 4?

[@kofuzi]

for 2024, i have been reserving honorable mention for shoes that are not technically available until 2025

[@leodahdah2369]

can't find the puma deviate nitro 3 anywhere, sold out everywhere

[@kofuzi]

are you in the US? have you tried Puma.com? there seem to be most sizes available

[@alexworm1707]

Nice shirt!

[@io-rj6sk]

tried zoom fly 6 yet?

[@kofuzi]

i have not

[@io-rj6sk]

@ its getting alotta love from other runners. Maybe giv em a sus

[@joshuaroque6514]

Let’s just agree that the Cielo X1 is the best all around shoe. Can be used for everything

[@adityayulla]

Non carbon tempo shoes recommendation pls?

[@bobgibson1303]

As a bigger runner/hybrid athlete I LOVE the Takumi Sen 10 for fast efforts and workouts 4 miles and under. So much fun to run in

[@lordstalker93]

Auww yeeaahhhh..!!

[@kofuzi]

🙌

[@a_b-o3l]

Deviate Nitro 3 in the running for back to back Shoe of the year?! (Deviate Nitro line)

[@B.Wise.B.Running]

Speed 4 is the best speed yet and love it for everything but speed work feels best

[@amjid300]

No New Balance Rebel v4?

[@kofuzi]

New Balance has been telling me for years that the Rebel is and always has been developed as a daily trainer. For this year, and last year, I evaluated it against other daily trainers

[@albertcallahan4490]

Loving the wu tang shirt 👐🤌

[@kirkroundhouse]

Nice shirt.

[@maxspeeckaert5455]

No honorable mention for the magic speed 4's?

[@kofuzi]

for 2024, i have been reserving honorable mention for shoes that are not technically available until 2025

[@TheRealKyroo]

How come the ASICS Magic Speed 4 not make the top 5?

[@tomneave15]

Interesting take on the puma deviate nitro as a lot of people have said the total opposite.

[@kofuzi]

i feel like this isn't a comment in good faith but an attempt to either troll or pick a fight, but to the extent you are expressing an opinion on the general consensus, i really don't think i'm in a minority position here

[@tomneave15]

@ no bad intentions at all so confused with the defensiveness. Just seen a lot of reviewers say it’s not as good as the previous iteration and more of an easy day shoe as opposed to a speed shoe which you like it for. Just interesting how everyone sees shoes differently

[@really999]

What is your t-shirt? 👐

[@hahaheslop]

I use Tempo shoes as Daily Trainers, just prefer them.

[@Georgicus]

I've been with the NB 1080v13 for anything easy and long. Absolutely love them. For a slightly faster tempo run ill usually put on the topo cyclone 2s.

[@fwordhker]

is nike rivalfly good?

[@kofuzi]

I don't know. I have not tested that shoe

[@joseenricodemetriodingle1413]

Puma! ❤

[@Adam-1987x]

Got the Deviate Nitro 2 for 90€ because of your reviews and I have lots of fun in this shoe. You need some speed to let the magic start (