The Best Running Shoes for Race Day in 2024

[@Believeintherun]

Remember, these are our favorite picks for shoes that have been released in 2024 (we may have slipped one late 2023 shoe in there). There are probably a couple others still coming in the summer/fall, but this is the majority of them. We dive deep into it, so buckle up. As always, these are our personal preferences, your tastes may differ (and that's okay).

[@jrabago1]

For 5k racing only, which one would you pick the Puma Fast R v1 or the V2?

[@jrabago1]

I feel you are looking at half to marathon distances when ranking these shoes, but there is a lot of us that only race 5k or 10ks so as suggestion could you do one on 5k and 10k race shoes only.

[@Makish...]

9. Hoka Cielo X1 8. Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro 2 7. Puma Fast R Nitro Elite 2 6. Diadora Gara Carbon 5. Saucony Endorphin Pro 4 4. New Balance SC Elite V4 3. Asics Meta Speed Sky/Edge Paris 2. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1 1. Nike Alphafly 3 Bonus: 1. TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon

[@GR1NCH]

thanks gangsta you a real one

[@fabio5504]

So no one best is Hoka cielo x1?

[@fabio5504]

I mean hoka is best?

[@fabio5504]

I am trying to save money too so a cheaper shoe close to hoka air good support would be great thank much!!🎉

[@BrianKim-ih4qh]

list starts at 5:46

[@AJ3000_]

MVP

[@scottie10014]

Interesting comments on the Sky vs. Edge. While on paper, as a forefoot striker, I thought I'd be a Sky runner, I actually found the Edge to be the better (and significantly snappier) of the two with my personal running mechanics. If you ask me, it's about what actually works for you on foot than what's supposed to work for you in theory.

[@michaelddrapala7479]

Marathon goal: Them: fast Me: live

[@Yardieboss]

Thank you for the in depth comparison of the ASICS Metaspeed sky/ edge Paris. Really helping me to decide, really tending towards the sky Paris now. Great work 😊

[@gavinbrown634]

I get the rating for the Hoka Cielo X1 but still criminal to me to have it at 9. Such a nice and fun shoe to run in.

[@robbristle5642]

Hold the shoe still for a couple of seconds. The Alphafly was in perpetual motion.

[@superjaymze]

I tested the Metaspeed Sky and Edge today while visiting the ASICS booth at the LA Marathon. I’m currently running in the Vaporfly but the Metaspeed is going to be my next race day shoe.

[@markoljustina]

Sky?

[@woidmoasta4673]

Which one feels softer Edge or Sky?

[@kenocontreras]

@@woidmoasta4673 I'd also love to know that! thanks for asking

[@Tomcat304]

Edge is softer in the forefoot.

[@jayjay878]

Which Vaporfly are you currently in? I'm looking at going from VF2 to Edge Paris or VF3, any thoughts? Thanks

[@raybadudu787]

Just wish the SC Elite v4 came in that white/silver colorway you guys have. Would buy it instantly!

[@josephsanjuan8964]

NB should produce the all white version of NB ELITE V4 I’m digging that Colorway 🔥

[@Anatoly_Tsvetkov]

All white proto are 🔥🔥🔥 but they'll never release them 😢

[@Smiles_42]

Great video! Thank you!!😊 Saving for the AlphaFly 3’s for Grandmas Marathon 😄

[@mad8298]

Thanks Carl for the editing and the outtakes😁 I usually want the lightest shoe I can find too for race day, but comfort is a close second and that's why I love the new NB SC Elite v.4. Ran a marathon in them a few weeks ago and never even had to think about my feet or felt like I was dragging the shoe at the end. They might not be the lightest or the fastest, but they were fun to run in.

[@fabio5504]

Walking for bad sore arthritic feet?

[@fabio5504]

Hey These are all TOO COSTLY!!HELP!!!

[@fabio5504]

😢I got very bad sore arthritic painful feet looking for high soft air support not TOO heavy walking thank NOT cost so bad gus thank 😅

[@Catcrumbs]

My Alphafly 1s are spent and I need a new race shoe. The reception for the AF3 has been mixed so I'm feeling completely loast rn. Wish I could just pick up a fresh pair of AF1s.

[@TimLSim]

Me waiting for the Adios Pro 4 🙏🏼

[@alllllll1]

why 🤣🤣🤦‍♂️

[@tkwasik]

And what is wrong with adios pro 3 ?????

[@isidrotormogarcia4879]

​@@tkwasiknothing.

[@sleepyturtwig]

​@tkwasik it's a wonderful shoe, just the upper is too thin and can't last over 200 miles. I broke 3 hrs in my 1st marathon in them but after that, 185 miles later they teared

[@ElizabethClorOfficial]

Me too!! I hope it's more like the 2.

[@livegreatalways]

Hey Thomas, I just ran a 3:25hrs marathon and my PB was 3:19hrs, we're at the same level, probably around the same age 🙌🏃‍➡️🏃‍♂️

[@MaxPiefke]

Since some time I race in the Adios 8 up to the Half Marathon :)

[@djseitz425]

Thomas, after running in the Tyr Valkyrie Elite, would you put it on this list for yourself personally? I’m a very similar size and runner (pace wise).

[@Believeintherun]

It’s equivalent to the Endorphin Pro

[@jordanmiller5627]

Great video! For me my pick is the Hoka Cielo X 1. The comfort, bounce, and just total experience make the weight a non issue for me. It is so propulsive and bouncy I don’t feel like it’s heavy.

[@David-hb1en]

I test metaspeed Sky Paris over 100km.I believe this is what I want it (A better vaporfly,elegant & activity )

[@MrN0115]

Such a great content as always! Can’t wait to see you again in Berlin!

[@TheHutchRuns]

Great video, agree with your number 1 choice but really want to try the Metaspeed Sky Paris but can't find them anywhere in the UK!

[@gregbrown3082]

33:36 That moment when I saw the "believe" on your shirt in a different way. Good recovery!

[@jmbaug1229]

I am waiting for my Believe in The Run T-Shirt ❤ Hopefully will arrive this coming week 🙏🏻 🙌🏻 😀 💙 J.

[@bobbrown1528]

Great review, the difference that Thomas and Robbie highlighted with the Metaspeed Sky and Edge was the exact opposite of how Kafusi described them, he said for him the Sky felt softer, less aggressive and perfect for marathon pace where as the edge felt aggressive, much firmer and didn't click until he started hitting those threshold type efforts. Hey, if you know anyone at Nike can you ask why they continue to release the Alphafly 3 in such limited volume, as a volume selling model it makes no sense financially and there's no way it can be a supply issue.

[@justoutlaw6423]

Check Sagasu review of Asics.

[@savekitmusiccompany]

this. the sky should be softer imho.

[@rocketboyxbb]

The best racing shoes I have ever worn, Nike Alphaflys and Vaporflys. Period.

[@zachjohnson7411]

I noticed a lack of Hyperion 4 in the cover photo 😂

[@peterandrewchua4672]

I will always support you guys.Take care and God bless always!❤❤❤

[@donsaquing]

What Racing shoe would you recommend for guys like me that has stability needs?

[@snowwalker9999]

Kofuzi felt the edge was better for shorter faster races and the Sky better for longer races. A bit different from your experiences. But you guys gave the best advice to try them see which ones feel better.

[@Believeintherun]

The three of us had different experiences with the shoes than Ko.

[@snowwalker9999]

@@Believeintherun And so might other reviewers or runners. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Asics foot biomechanics scientists all had different options too.

[@Minionthesecond]

My PB is 3:23:00 light weight and wide foot. What is the best suggestion for race shoes in 2024?

[@joshuavandewiel1051]

You need to do metric Aswell as imperial. Your audience is much bigger than just America

[@hectorbecerril1369]

Agreed. Still don't know why the leading country does t use the most widely accepted system in the planet

[@gregbrown3082]

“Win back to back World War Championships, and you can use whatever system of measurement you desire.” -Joanna Gaines

[@cg6924]

For the alphafly 3s what sizing would you recommend? (True to size or a half size lower/higher)

[@Believeintherun]

TTS

[@khaledmorsi1782]

Good review, thank you guys. Any idea when the update is coming up for Hoka Cielo x1?

[@Believeintherun]

Next year probably. It came out last spring.

[@Ben.StevenswithaV]

Still staring at the Salomon... Go Karl!

[@mikerobinson4589]

Which shoe runs/feels closest to the Vaporfly 2. Need a new race shoe, but struggling to choose 👍

[@Believeintherun]

Vaporfly 3 or MetaSpeed Edge Paris

[@alwaystmoza]

Great review once again. Craxy diadora charging 300 buck's for their supershoes! Especially with the lack of experience in the running category compared to Nike, saucony and asics

[@ucatani]

So many people mad about #1 right now, 😂! Great list, I wish I had them all!

[@markoljustina]

✌🏻

[@justoutlaw6423]

Who woud imagine basketball shoe would be no1 racing shoe.

[@kcc8041]

The video I have been waiting for has arrived❤

[@jribe]

Best running shoe video this year!

[@scholesiefirsttime]

For the heavier, slow plodder (190cm, 230-250lbs, 2hr 10-20min half marathon pace) - does this list change? Or would you recommend something different?

[@Thomasrice07]

would you recommend the Sky Paris or the Sky Edge for a heel striker?

[@Matt-cp9wh]

I recommend you stop heal striking

[@ro-qi4sw]

The stable, structured heel counter make it different from the other race day shoes.

[@swings1940]

I struggle with using carbon shoes as daily trainers. The price is crazy and I don't know if I believe these last as long. You guys say 400 miles, but I'm skeptical. I would like to see the tread wear of these 400 mile super shoes you wear.

[@jimoconnor8597]

Waiting on the SC Pacer V2... Gimme Emily's shoe!!!!!!! Just ran 3:08 and I want the fastest shoe out there. Another sub 3:10 coming this year.

[@davidg9120]

I’m David with believe in the run and 2023 I vote for endorphin pro 3. I’m back of the pack or slow Af heavier runner and the pro 3 is for me for race day.

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

I was pleasantly surprised that my size 10.5 Sky Paris weighed in at 6.89 oz. I noticed that you didn't include the Salomon S/Lab Spectur, considering how much you enjoyed it. I know it's not out yet. But for us mid-packers, it's nice to know how it compares to the others.

[@Believeintherun]

Watch til the end…

[@MyFatAdaptedLife]

Sorry, I stayed until Tyr, then my boss walked in. Thank you.

[@justoutlaw6423]

Haha.@@MyFatAdaptedLife

[@hahaheslop]

Love the Pigeon t-shirt! 👍

[@alessiobelperio4853]

My goal for my next marathon is 3:30 hours / 3:40 hours. Some recommendation? (Even without carbon plate)

[@brokenfreddy1262]

Nice video gang..pretty much agree with placing ..unfortunately at least 3 of them are not available for us normies that don't buy from stock X so not sure which I'll use for Boston qualifier this year..interesting to see what's happening in the top end right now tho..

[@Dade2020]

"...but it's up there with like, the ones that I love, like Superblast, this one, the Superblast, and this one." 😂

[@kosmaspozidis4962]

New new new balance !!! Half marathon Kalampaka - Trikala Greece

[@robsnow2099]

8:12 you heard updates about this shoe already…yesshhh. Also, I’m surprised you are …surprised people want to know your paces. Especially when 100x a video you all say, “when I’m picking up the pace or doing speed work”. It helps everyone know what you mean by “I was on tired legs, going at my recovery pace..and it felt _____”. Less jargon more practical information. Great video as always.

[@georgeatanasov6563]

What do you think is a similar shoe (being sold today) as the hoka tracer 2? I hated the OG Rincon and the Mach 2. The saucony endorphin speed 2 is the closest feeling I’ve seen to the tracer

[@Believeintherun]

Brooks Hyperion Elite

[@PJK19]

For me, Cielo X1 No. 1

[@jameslucena]

Thomas, do you wear the same size sky paris and af3? which one is longer on the inside? thanks! i believe in you guys! ha!

[@Believeintherun]

@@jameslucena yes, 10.5 in both

[@itsahardmuttlife9263]

Not sure why people want to know your PR. 😂 I would prefer to know your foot strike when running and what type of shoe you like (high stack, low stack, etc). Thats how I can decide who to go with when deciding shoes.

[@Believeintherun]

We say our foot strike, cushion preference, etc in most reviews. This one is for racing, so we thought we’d throw it out there.

[@JDeezle21]

Team Puma for me!!!

[@matthiaszucchet]

As always - really enjoyed watching the video! Just got the NB SC Elite v4 and the Cielo X1 today and had really hoped that I could rule out one of them by initial feel or fit. Truth is - I cannot :-D Will be impossible to decide... any advide? I`m a taller and heavier runner (~6ft6 and ~198lbs) and I´m searching for a not super aggressive but fun and bouncy shoe to use for 10k to half marathon (maybe marthon) racing. HELP :-D

[@fongsterturbo]

I need the heavy runners doing some evaluation. I’m a beginner runner who runs slow and I wonder if their opinions on these shoes differ from runners who run sub 3:30. Only 25% of runners are below 4 hours. I feel like sometimes all these high end carbon shoes won’t work for above 4 hour pace runners. Can we slow runners get some more evaluations from the 2 heavy runners. The fast runners already knows what shoes they want.

[@JPRESA]

Woot woot!! Jaw is looking strong, Tommy!

[@Believeintherun]

Working out 🏋️

[@eduardolacayo8625]

What if you are a 4hr marathoner? Do any of these shoes align with us more than others?

[@Tomcat304]

I run 3:50-4:20 Marathons. My choice is the Asics Nova Blast 4. It's soft like a pillow, but is able to pick up the pace under 8:15/mile if needed! It's very forgiving on your joints too! You won't feel beat up after a long run or a marathon!

[@eduardolacayo8625]

@@Tomcat304thanks!!

[@PaulFort-yi2tb]

Gara carbon are ❤ & fire !

[@drewsykes8152]

Would love to watch this video if it were a very straight-to-the-point max 10 min summary.

[@jimoconnor8597]

How is the upper (temperature wise and if rainy, does it hold water?) on the Hoka? We are in the 80s already and I fear the upper on the Cielo X will be a hot one.

[@Believeintherun]

I ran 20 miles in the rain and didn’t notice a big difference. -T

[@jimoconnor8597]

@@Believeintherun Perfect!

[@kevinclark5086]

I honestly wish I could trust the alphafly 3 to buy it. The alphafly 1 destroyed my arches. I have tried it on and step in does feel good but fir first ever marathon I just can't take the gamble. I think I'll either stick with adidas pro 3 or go saucony pro 4.

[@SRangerMtl]

Listen, all these shoes are pretty much about the same performance-wise. The most important thing when you make a choice is how they fit your feet, so you have to try them on. Don't just order anything online. For example I love my Saucony Endorphin Pro 3, I went to try the Endorphin Speed 4 on in a shop, wanted to love them but they were too narrow. Every shoe is different, they can even radically change from one iteration to the next. Also, if you train for a marathon, definitely do a long enough long run in your race shoe beforehand to make sure they'll be fine.

[@chucky1golf]

So megan has 15 pairs of Alphaflys now? 😂

[@angelabazzi8296]

Great job team! I love your videos!

[@wendymyers8918]

Thanks guys!!!

[@elMore1107]

Salomon PHANTASM 2!!!!🔥🙌🏾

[@nicholasjacobson7733]

You should try out the Atreyu Race Model and let us know what you think

[@Believeintherun]

We have and we did.

[@tuckertech]

TYR makes a plated trainer too that just came out. Making noise for sure. TYR Valkyrie Speedworks.

[@Believeintherun]

Watch to the end

[@tuckertech]

@@BelieveintherunI did. TYR has two plated shoes. The Valkyrie Elite you showed and a newer (little brother essentially) called the Valkyrie Speedworks.

[@Diddle1414]

Money not being an issue, do plated shoes have the same advantage for runners who run at slower paces?

[@red426]

Alphafly 3 will make you go a bit faster, but for me at 51 yrs, running for 16 yrs, first pair I run on without feeling the run on my knees.

[@philipeick-vocalmusic]

Cool to hear your times and shape! I am convinced that it influences how you can use a shoe

[@jackgoldstein3352]

The Metaspeed sky/edge review is so interesting (e.g. use cases for each swapped from last years version). Thomas said he'd rather use the Sky for faster paces and Edge for martathon and @Kofuzi said exact opposite that he prefers Sky for marathon and Edge for faster paces. I liked the previous Sky+ and want to upgrade but I'm so confused as to which one I want lol. Would love to see a between two shoes for Sky and Edge with Kofuzi making guest appearance to explain why they have such opposite views of the shoes.

[@Believeintherun]

Yeah tbh we don't quite understand the Takumi Sen/Edge Paris comparison that Kofuzi is feeling, but the consensus from all three of us at BITR is that the Edge Paris has a softer/more cushioned feel. Kofuzi also said the Edge Paris feels like you're working against it at slower paces, and we agree that it takes some effort to get it going, in comparison to the Sky Paris. But seems to offer more comfort over the long run.

[@Nyelands]

Don't rely on influencers they are amateurs, its entertainment and most really dont know what they are talking about. Best advise is to try out for yourself.

[@jackgoldstein3352]

@@Believeintherun Thanks that is helpful context

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

While I disagree with the tone and cavalier, categorical nature of the 1st comment below BITR’s (few of us runners get to test close to the number of shoes these guys do, let alone run close to as many marathons in them) I always recommend that ultimately people need to try on shoes for themselves. I find the reviews very helpful in narrowing down the field, but I would never buy a shoe I can’t return based solely on someone else’s experience/opinion. Support your local running store when possible; they often have club discounts that become quite significant on these “super shoes”! But no need to insult anyone here.

[@KillStreakMcH]

I had no idea Megan was 2:45 fast! 🔥

[@aslanjRuns]

Hi Thomas and Meghan, I would like to suggest a similar top 10 video for a daily trainer to raceday shoe (for average runner) around 200 grams (7 ounces), i.e. all in one lightweight yet cushioned shoe. Thank you!

[@aslanjRuns]

I am looking for such a shoe right now - so Rebel v4 seems to be an obvious choice, but out of my budget. So, I chosen Endorphin Speed 3, and searching online shop for a better deals.

[@gregorypetka8799]

wow, 150 miles on a $500 shoe, i better win, or its a loss..lol...but in reality if i could 500 miles its crazy that it would cost $1/mile like its burning Jet Fuel at those prices..lol.. thanks for the info on super shoes, Thought my Nimbus and Kayana were pricey..lol

[@Manuel_712]

Good morning. Excellent comparison. My question is: Where is the brooks hyperion elite v4, ???. Like to Believe in the Run. My vote goes to saucony E. Pro 4. A nice day for everyone.

[@CertainLight]

They did a short review on the Brooks. The tl;dr is that it is absolute junk and doesn't even deserve to be called a race day shoe. The foam is just so bad.

[@Manuel_712]

@@CertainLight . Thanks. Have a nice saturday.

[@Manuel_712]

@@CertainLight .Thanks

[@madsbp]

If the Edge can give a Alphafly'esque feeling I need to order it as well to try on the feet. Cant use the Alphaflys because of a Ankle Foot Orthosis I need. Love the feeling of the Alphafly v1. Any input on other shoes with similar feel? Heard the Rebellion Pro 1 described that way. Does it hold true for nr 2? 😀

[@Believeintherun]

Nothing really compares the pods in the Alpha.

[@MartinZachrisson-dx2qi]

Great review! Thanks! Living and running in China I've been positively surprised by local upcomers like Anta C202GT and Li-Ning Feidian Ultra, especially considering the price point. Any opinion on those shoes?

[@Believeintherun]

They don’t seed the US market too often

[@levandmarthapolyakin-aaron2183]

Watching this after a shoe-try-on-athon at my favorite running store. I ended up buying the Endo Pro 4, not surprising since v3 served me fantastically last April. They unfortunately don’t have the Asics Paris options but I suspect it’s a good idea to stick with tried-and-true success with barely a month left before Boston. For fun I also tried on the Cielo. Insanely difficult plasticky laces that need to be loosened to get into the shoe, and so difficult to pull through. Once on I couldn’t deal with the instability even with the promise they feel stable once you get going. Finally, the aforementioned running store had a pair of AF3 for me to test last month (30 day return policy) and I didn’t keep them. They just didn’t feel as natural with my gait as the Endo Pro so I’m glad Saucony didn’t ruin v4.

[@kalvin.]

Will we see the Endo Pro 4 on the long run this weekend?

[@botrytis_cinerea]

Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3 has come out now...

[@rof8200]

Got to respect anyone running less than 3 hours for a marathon

[@justinblake6543]

Would be nice to be able to buy the alphafly 3

[@melvinho77]

6.00km/hr pace. Shoes recommendations please.

[@markoljustina]

Sky Paris seems best; try AF3, nothing special

[@tgarcia615]

Hey What Happened to Brandon? I saw him in Fleet Feet👣

[@Believeintherun]

He is a freelancer now.

[@YourAverageC0der-t8b]

Can’t wait to buy these in two years when the price becomes affordable

[@krakhour2]

Love the alpha fly 2. Not sure what she doesnt like cause I run 2.40 marathon similar to her. Hate the Nitro fast r puma it is awful and I cant stand running in them.

[@robinbauer1975]

On cbe 3 goated

[@MrClemencio]

Next, daily trainers. 😅😊

[@CarlosRodriguez-zg9cv]

why is that none of these brands dont sell their speed shoes and their race day shoes in wide? Does anyone know? Except for New Balance of course

[@nihalreddy7665]

Why isn't saucony endorphin elite in the list ?

[@fabio5504]

Hi I'm 77 and I have horrible inflamed feet so bad I have to be in a power chair most timeshare are no good foot docs or bone-docs I can get on medicare;so I have to cushion my feet with thick sole Hoka 1,I have 2 old pairs,what other brands have very good air support for someone like me?thanks comments welcome😊

[@raymondstadiem8157]

Birds aren’t real but that shirt is real dope. Af3 all day for me and I’m embarrassed how many of these others that I’ve purchased.

[@mrgroundhog9790]

Of all the shoes shown, it’s the TYR I’m most excited about.

[@timmyrd9610]

Where’s the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4? 😜

[@Mr80Miles]

Great review (at 2x speed! These guys speak so slowly..!)

[@Yonisaj12]

12:32 Someone is asking for a severe ankle sprain.