Top 5 Super Shoes 2023

Now that 2023 is coming to an end, it’s time to take a look back at the year in running. These are my Top 5 carbon plated race day shoes of 2023
0:00 intro
0:54 Disclosures
1:18 Salomon S Lab Phantasm 2
1:53 Adidas Takumi Sen 9
2:47 Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro
3:20 Adidas Adios Pro Evo 1
4:30 Saucony Endorphin Elite
disclosures: 4 out of 5 of these shoes were sent to me for the purpose of review. I purchased the 5th shoe.
No one is paying me to make this video or to include their video on this list. No one will get a chance to preview this list before this video goes up on KZbin.
S/Lab Phantasm 2
• Salomon S/Lab Phantasm 2
- 37mm/28mm (9mm)
- Pebax, carbon
- 8.5oz (210g)
Takumi Sen 9
• Takumi Sen 9
- 33mm/27mm (6mm)
- Lightstrike pro, glass infused fiber energy rods
- 6.4oz (181g)
Wave Rebellion Pro
• Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro
- 39mm/35mm (4mm)
- enerzy lite, carbon fiber reinforced wave plate
- 7.7oz (218g)
Adios Pro Evo 1
• Adidas Adizero Adios P...
- 39mm/33mm
- Light strike pro (non compression molded), energy rods
- 4.7oz (134g) (my weight)
Endorphin Elite
• Saucony Endorphin Elit...
- 39.5mm/31.5mm (8mm)
- PWRRUN HG (supercritical peba)/ slotted carbon plate
- 7.2oz (204g)
After 100 Miles
• Saucony Endorphin Elit...
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[@philortman8139]

Need to collab with Saucony on a Kofuzi Endorphin Elite: Non Elite edition.

[@axlrosea675]

😂

[@kofuzi]

So long as it’s not like the Kinvara Pro, I’m game

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

Gotta be all black

[@muscfiorentina]

Anyone that runs a sub 3 hour marathon is an elite

[@Richard_Johnson69]

Who the hell is going to buy non ellite shoes 😂😂😂....certainly not by a so called influencer runner

[@michaelbaptist7694]

After watching a ton of reviews (including yours) I picked up the Takumi Sen 9s a few months ago when they were on sale. So happy I did, they were really exciting and really made me look forward to my runs. I trained in them during my cross country season. There’s something to be said about paying a little extra for a more elite shoe, it just brings a new excitement that’s well worth the money.

[@kofuzi]

Hope you had a great XC season

[@JustinOsmerIV]

I was going to ask if you were going to be in Houston in January but you answered it. I look forward to meeting you and hope to join some of your runs before the race. Great top 5 video! I would like to get the Endorphin Elite but I know I am not fast enough for that yet so hope their next 2 generations keep up with this one and I will be ready for it!

[@kofuzi]

Hope to see you there!

[@joelmead]

Everyone: "We'll use plates!" Adidas : "Lol"

[@nanezferrer3565]

spatula

[@RoORou]

Couldn’t agree more, I’ve really enjoyed the Endorphin Elite. I was skeptical at first because I had already decided on a marathon shoe for my next marathon in a few weeks! I was going with the Adios Pro3 but I’m going to take the Endorphin Elite. I find it more comfortable than the Pro3. For me I prefer the transition too vs any other racer I have which is pretty much all of the top ones.

[@kofuzi]

Good luck for your race!

[@nberkel]

Great summary! Short and to the point 👌

[@kofuzi]

I have in depth reviews on all of these shoes. My goal was to get the rankings out as succinctly as possible But I think I may have been too succinct, based on how many people are asking why I haven’t included 2022 releases on this 2023 list

[@yevinn-]

Great list. I'm planning on buying my first carbon plated shoes in 2024 the Altra Vanish Carbon 2s

[@kofuzi]

I’ve seen it but don’t know much about. I did enjoy v1 quite a bit though.

[@affeytats5727]

Great content, as always. Thank you. I’ve run in the Saucony. Great shoe but didn’t work for me…I found the footbed a little too narrow, and especially tight in the toe box. You owe it to yourself to check out the Atreyu Race Model. Great shoe at great price.

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for watching!

[@lordstalker93]

Hey, Mike. Nice vid as always, love it! Im surprised that On ClodBoom Echo 3 does not make it on your list.

[@kofuzi]

It was a close 6

[@SpecialFX99]

My PR for everything from the mile to the marathon are in Vaporflys. Been curious about the Adios Pro but haven't pulled the trigger yet

[@williamadkins6894]

Have used the Mizuno and it is awesome! If I could get my hands on one I will love to try out the weird Forefoot Strikers only shoe also from Mizuno. I'm sure you would love that shoe because of that (although your calves might not).

[@michaelatsai4800]

Interesting picks. Probably too late for you to add the Nike Alpha Fly 3? My personal favorite was the Hoka Rocket X 2. Probably a show from 2022 but still my favorite for 2023.

[@adamhopson1143]

I hope you enjoy your time here in Houston. I won't be racing, but I'll cheer ya'll on.

[@kofuzi]

Thanks for the support!

[@alifrahim9093]

Cant wait for top daily trainer video 😍

[@kofuzi]

Soon!

[@der_sascha]

thanks for another nice Video. my absolute favorite super shoe is still the Endorphin Pro 3 even if its not from 2023

[@kofuzi]

Hard to argue with that

[@mattpeters6224]

no argument there sir.

[@elliotendures]

Interesting year for racing shoes overall. I am VERY slow, which begs the question of the use case entirely. But that said, still find the AP3 and EP3 at the top of the game. Curious to see what the next year looks like.

[@kofuzi]

2024 is an olympic year. It’s gonna be wild

[@BamainMn]

I love the Mizuno racer and only reason I didn’t use it at cim is I couldn’t quite get over a sort of phobia over its weird shape and the prospect of clunking out later in race (which happened). I did use it for a half no issue. Does it, however, require a lot more strength to complete a longer distance - if so where does it put the pressure on?

[@sandradyer5956]

Wondering your thoughts on the New Balance SuperComp Elite V3. I ran Chicago in it and really enjoyed it. Got a 19:05 buffer for Boston 2025.

[@wunderlichdrive]

I tried several of the top supershoes and I ended up with the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3. That was at the upper-end of what I was willing to spend and it fits my foot perfectly. I ended up doing a PR in the 10k with it and I really enjoy it for the marathon distance, too. It seems like it would be exciting to try out some of the more expensive shoes, but I don't think that it makes enough of a difference for a non-elite runner like me to fork out the money beyond what I already consider crazy expensive.

[@kofuzi]

the 2022 release of the endorphin pro 3 was quite remarkable. it's a shoe that is easy for me to recommend for a wide variety of runners.

[@malinr3385]

Takumi Sen 9 for me. And is fantastic for HM as well.💪💥

[@kofuzi]

I think it might be a stretch for me to use it for a half, but I’m always intrigued by people who do

[@adityayulla]

How big is the difference between saucony elite and the pro 3? Considering the price gap also

[@ires_Leandro]

Both vaporfly 3 and Endorphin ELITE, whats better in your opinion?

[@AstrumG2V]

I picked up the Takumi Sen 9! So much fun, first time that I've worn a shoe that only knows how to go faster, not slow down 😂

[@kofuzi]

It really is exciting

[@Larsjooo]

I cant believe Im one day late to this video! Im hoping for a Alphafly 3 review.. I want to treat myself for once but I cant decide on which supershoe to get.

[@kofuzi]

Believe in the Run has a review up. I don’t have a pair

[@kyleharpin]

Hey, thanks for the video and all your content! One question I had, do you feel like all these shoes are a step up from your 2022 list? Put differently, would you place any of the racers released in 2022 above any of the racers from 2023?

[@kofuzi]

That’s a great question. Yes I would

[@nhxnngxn]

I can't wait for my new Takumi Sen 9 to come, just order a pair for an amazing price!

[@kofuzi]

a great shoe and when you can get it on sale, a tremendous value

[@popcoupe4774]

Awsome i like it

[@JWHtje]

Epic stuff. Might try out Endorphin Elite someday. @Kofuzi, where do you get your workout-plan / suggestions from? Following the Daily Suggestions from Garmin? Or do you decide yourself?

[@kofuzi]

I make it up as I go. Putting together a video that might be helpful. Stay tuned

[@NeillyVille]

My top 5 in no particular order is albeit not 2023 supershoes but still bangers Prime X Strung 1, Vaporfly 3, Speed 3, Endorphin Pro 3 and Metaspeed Sky

[@kofuzi]

It’s been a good year but a weird year. You have a solid list, but only one of those shoes was actually released in 2023.

[@NeillyVille]

It's what I said, not really 2023 shoes but I haven't found any better this year from my list. Aside from the Vaporfly 3

[@Mondoman8282]

Tried on the Endorphin Elites at the store after only ever running in Novablast 3’s. Felt like a second puberty. Didn’t know shoes could feel like that.

[@kofuzi]

Racing shoes are a whole new world

[@marcoc2706]

3:05 Yes indeed. Lower drop and more stack for the forefoot!

[@kendraholloway]

Always exciting to see your end of year picks! Curious to know what your all-time favorite racer is.

[@kofuzi]

I have a pair of bronzed VF4%FK All-time favorites are always sentimental picks

[@kendraholloway]

🔥🔥🔥@@kofuzi

[@jennyy1130]

Watching your videos as a coping mechanism as i go thru my 3rd week not running from a hip flexor strain :"(

[@kofuzi]

Get well soon!

[@Deadbuck73]

Fork plate? I was thinking more like a slotted spatula! Just the chef in me coming out… 😊

[@kofuzi]

I believe they call it slotted. And I believe that’s what I called it in the review videos. But when I sat down to film this video, in my mind, all I envisioned was a spork.

[@Deadbuck73]

@@kofuzi That’s awesome! Who doesn’t love the Spork?! I mean they do have their place in history! 😂

[@BrianBecker4476]

Great reviews! I'm wondering if these shoes are only meant for runners who can hit faster times (maybe sub 3?). I'm wondering if people like me (3:53 PR) should even bother...plus I'm a heel striker so I've heard that negates these types of shoes' primary performance. Thoughts anyone?

[@denitsakoeva9242]

They aren't just for faster runners. There was recently a video from the Global Triathlon Network on the subject (kzbin.info/www/bejne/iqeXfKNjorqhb8k ) and the slower runner they did the test with was also getting benefits in terms of running economy. Above all these shoes are fun to run in. Just don't know what should the recommendations be for a heel striker.

[@Bryan_Gutierrez]

Used Vaporflys for my 1st marathon and I really enjoyed them. However I was thinking of doing the Elites the next go around 🤔

[@michaelf8918]

Thanks for these reviews! Super helpful with so many options out there! And they will keep coming in’24! Btw - although not a’23 shoe , enjoyed the Metaspeed Sky+ a couple of weeks ago at CIM.

[@kofuzi]

It’s one of my favorites. Very excited for the update in 2024

[@monunyabidness5949]

Just wondering which shoe has the best cushioning of the shoes you've worn/ tested. I'm heavier than you at 220lbs and just had back surgery, and they won't be used for running. At least not yet. I can really only walk or swim very gently because of my back surgery. In a month or so I may be able to do other things. So i need them for walking, but I can't stand walking on the treadmill, so i'd like to walk outside, and that's why i'm looking for the most cushioning; they want me walking on the treadmill. Thanks

[@kofuzi]

I’ll suggest that you wait for the Top 5 max cushion shoe. I don’t think you’d want to be in any of these. Maybe a Topo Atmos, More v4, or Bondi.

[@johnaskew3705]

I think you may have swayed me into the Endorphin Elite from the prime x strung for the spring marathon. How did the new puma Nitro Elite 2 fair against these 5?

[@kofuzi]

Not in the top 5

[@snowwalker9999]

Interesting choices. Is that true that Mizuno is a better option for heel strikers due to its geometry?

[@kofuzi]

I have not heard that before

[@kalvin.]

I haven’t tried quite as many 2023 shoes as you, obviously, but I have to pick the Wave Rebellion Pro as my favorite, followed by the Vaporfly 3. If I include older shoes that I tried this year, 3rd-5th would be Prime X Strung 1, Adios Pro 3, Alphafly 2.

[@kofuzi]

The wave rebellion pro really grew on me as I added more miles to it, which is not something that tends to happen with supershoe foams

[@tgarcia615]

Second from the Philippines🇵🇭 idolll

[@kofuzi]

Yo

[@bsmoov7]

Is that Mizuno shoe really a 4 mm drop or is it because of where they measure it from like they do the stack height so it’s not illegal?

[@kofuzi]

Good question. I don’t know. But I’m not sure anyone does. If I understand it correctly, due to the difficulty of getting calipers inside a shoe’s toe box, stack heights are typically estimated based off what the stated heel drop is and what the measured heel stack height is. But it feels like a lower drop shoe.

[@OttoVogrincic]

Are there any rumors of an Endorphin Elite 2 coming out in 2024? I just want to a discount on the Elites lol

[@kofuzi]

I have no information

[@muhammadfaishol4189]

start with no. 5? OK countdown mode... something different this time 😆

[@anjanjds8720]

Which one will you choose between saucony pro3 and elite!?

[@kofuzi]

I prefer the Elite, although the Endorphin Pro 3 is a shoe I recommend more frequently

[@macau.friend]

Somehow I kept thinking the Endorphin Elite was released last year and was hoping the Vaporfly 3 would make the cut.😂

[@kofuzi]

Maybe if it were a top 6

[@Drew.Whitcomb]

Top of Mike's list 🤝 Top of Drew's list

[@kofuzi]

🙌

[@AnthonyZafiris]

Ran 3 marathons this year in the endorphin elite. It is responsive, stable, and sooooo comfortable.

[@kofuzi]

Hope you had some fast and fun times!

[@lhprx4]

Awesome, ill try to get the elite, but it's quite expensive in Brasil

[@kofuzi]

Wait till you see the alphafly 3

[@anjanjds8720]

Today arrived my puma liberate nitro... I wanted one daily trainer that provides road feeling

[@kofuzi]

Hope you enjoy!

[@sleepyturtwig]

Sad that the Saucony Endorphin Elite is basically sold out, especially my size 9.5. If I want to, people sell them for x2 or x3 the retail price 😢

[@kofuzi]

That’s a bummer

[@justoutlaw6423]

Video on top 5 non plated racing shoes would be nice :).

[@kofuzi]

I’m not sure 5 exist. Even my speed day shoe video has mostly plated shoes

[@rasmusveje7975]

Adios 8, Liberate Nitro 2, Cielo Road, Cyclone 2 and Kinvara 14

[@Thieleklix]

Come on Adidas, come and collab with Kofuzi and create a Kofuzi non elite racer. 🤟👍. I think i have to make a call to Herzogenaurach😊😊😊. Kofuzi, 2024 will be your year. Believe in me🤟

[@mitomslo]

Which spot would Adios Pro 3 take if it was issued in 2023?

[@kofuzi]

Hard to say, because Id then have to add the other 2022 shoes

[@GotDamBoi]

I've never tried a supershoe and i'm kinda scared to cuz I feel like I wouldn't be able to go back to normal trainers without feeling like they are shit

[@kofuzi]

They’re different tools for different types of running. I wouldn’t want to run in any of these for an easy day

[@kuriosites]

I've had similar thoughts; or that my body would become dependent on some super foam to propel me forward.

[@jesseisrunning]

Adidas prime x?

[@Stashawk]

Disappointed my top pick, the Rocket X2 is not up there! I get it though, I think if I had access to the Evo1 I might have picked that one too :)

[@kofuzi]

I disagree so much with people that love the Rocket X2 that it makes me wonder if I have a bad, pre-production unit

[@Dzaen2]

Glad the wave rebellion pro gets the recognition it deserves. Also I am not sure the adios pro evo should have been included. I am sure this shoe is a beast, but like 99.9999% of us watching will not experience it and is not realistic option to consider buying no matter the good reviews.

[@kofuzi]

I hear your point, but I’m guessing that 99 percent of people will never try the wave rebellion pro, rare or no. And remember when it was impossible to get Puma running shoes? Would that mean that I shouldn’t include those shoes in my evaluations? Availability or market acceptance are variables I don’t have insight into and don’t affect what a shoe feels like on my feet. And I feel like ranking the Evo 1 is slightly different than if I had a chance to test out the a prototype shoe, like Emily Sisson’s American Record breaking shoes.

[@Dzaen2]

@@kofuzi Yeah ok you do you man, ofc your point is valid, the wave rebellion pro at least nearly anyone can try it and can realistically buy it if they wish.

[@QinRui1]

What about the rocket x2?

[@kofuzi]

Not in my top 5

[@oliverp8006]

Wenn did you run your last 'real' marathon?

[@kofuzi]

I PR’d at Tokyo 2023 with a 2:56 and then ran a 3:04 in Boston 2023.

[@TruffleDLaw]

How about Hoka Rocket X2?

[@kofuzi]

I raced a half marathon in it. I think it’s a safe update. But I don’t think it’s in the Top 5.

[@adityayulla]

Is takumi sen 10 better than 9?

[@kofuzi]

I don’t know. I just got them today

[@stefstar.]

Any shoe recommendations for a first time marathon runner Michael? Deviate Nitro 2? Pro 3? Novablast 3 ? Velocity nitro 2?

[@kofuzi]

Deviate nitro 2 would be a great choice, although the choice could change depending on running goals and other running experience

[@stefstar.]

@@kofuzi thanks Michael. It’s my first and it will be the windy city 2024! Just want to enjoy it and finish around 4h30 - 5h. Lot of shoes that will come out between now and Oct 13. I love my deviate, excellent shoe.

[@bstoran198]

What was the rush?

[@kofuzi]

Attention span

[@doublekfitness]

It’s so difficult to find the endorphin elites here in our country 😭

[@kofuzi]

Sorry to hear that

[@jameswong2280]

Interesting! Surprised Nike and Asics were not on this year's list.

[@kofuzi]

ASICS didn’t release a supershoe in 2023

[@jameswong2280]

That is true. ASICS is on the sideline taking in all competitive brand innovations and hopefully can release its upgraded or new version of supershoe in 2024.@@kofuzi

[@borkarms]

Surprised that Nike Vaporfly 3 not in top 5 list.

[@kofuzi]

A close 6th

[@olithetiger]

Vaporfly 3, rocket x2?

[@kofuzi]

Maybe if this were a top 7 list

[@A_SEGA_Dremcast]

Did you have a close number 6 that just fell of the list?

[@kofuzi]

Every time someone gets angry about why their favorite shoe isn’t on the list, I reply that it was a close 6th

[@A_SEGA_Dremcast]

@@kofuzi Of all the things to be angry about!

[@joaquimr]

Vaporfly 3 ?

[@kofuzi]

A close 6th

[@johnkohoutek5028]

I’m surprised Vaporfly 3 didn’t make the list?

[@kofuzi]

It was a close 6

[@j-drios2264]

Metaspeed sky?

[@kofuzi]

Metaspeed Sky was released in 2021. Metaspeed Sky Plus was released in 2022. There is no update for 2023 for me to consider for this 2023 list

[@edwinduisburg8138]

Takumi Sen is a unique performance shoe and probably the best one in my rotation. But I'm not sure how fair it would be to put Pro Evo on the list due to not being available to the public in comparison to the other shoes.

[@kofuzi]

It’s a fair argument. You’re not the only one who thinks that.

[@billycc97]

Takumi Sen 9 to me just isn’t all that, that huge cut out provides a poor surface to hit the road with

[@denitsakoeva9242]

unless you hit the road in the exact same area of the cut out I think it should be fine. I'm biased however, because TS9 is my first supershoe and one I love running in, from hills to intervals, from 5k to a half marathon. low to the ground, nimble, light.

[@kofuzi]

It’s not for everyone. Sorry it doesbt work for you

[@billycc97]

@@denitsakoeva9242 I think if you was to run any distance over 10k in them you’d have very sore legs

[@denitsakoeva9242]

@@billycc97 I did have somewhat sore legs after my HM PB this October, running in these shoes but I run easely up to 18k's in them without being sore and feeling great. I can make them work for me because I'm a very lightweight runner ( under 50kg female). I would not recommend an average built or heavier runner to run long km's in TS9. But yet again they are not intended for long easy runs 🙂

[@aidangerard4208]

Salomon, Mizuno and Takumi Sen in the top 5? Ahead of the Vaporfly 3? Love you but this ain’t it.

[@kofuzi]

I feel like the 4% was better than the VF3. The VF2 was a lot better,imo. I think Nike is trying to extend the durability of the zoom X in the VF3, and it’s resulting in an inferior racing experience. Something about it is off.

[@hahaheslop]

2nd 🙂

[@kofuzi]

Yo!

[@hahaheslop]

@kofuzi great video, would love to try the Saucony Elite but man, its expensive 😢

[@henryharmon5935]

So, the Vaporfly just couldn’t compete with this list???

[@kofuzi]

a close 6th

[@kit7579]

I saw that you checked out an Alphafly at the end of your video but obviously it didn’t make it to your top 5. Haha. Always no to Nike.

[@kofuzi]

That one was a 2022 release

[@hcronos]

I'm voting for the novablast 3. FTW

[@kofuzi]

A 2022 daily trainer in the 2023 supershoe category? Bold choice

[@MG-1987]

You cannot really make a super shoe comparison without including the Nikes.

[@kofuzi]

You just watched one

[@elijahmodnar1]

that 500buck gatekeeper... what shoe deserved the place instead of that gifted limited edition adidas??

[@kofuzi]

I can’t think of one that is better. What about you?

[@elijahmodnar1]

@@kofuzi any other shoe thats widely available is better than something thats unobtainable, dont you think?

[@taylorsmith6143]

⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠​⁠@@elijahmodnar1 I think a very vast majority of people would disagree. That's like saying the Toyota Camry is a better car than a Bugatti or saying an ikea couch is better than a vintage lc3. Just because something isn't made for you doesn't mean it's a bad product

[@elijahmodnar1]

@@taylorsmith6143 your sofa/car analogy aint making it. theres virtually twice as many Bugatti Mistrals, a 2023 limited edition(999 available) supercar at 5million bucks, then that adidas shoe, plus adidas must of given %5 of them away right?

[@taylorsmith6143]

@@elijahmodnar1 regardless of the product, accessibility has little to no impact on quality of the good. If anything there's a positive correlation between accessibility and quality, as more quality checks can take place with a smaller batch of product. And again, the evo 1 is essentially a general release prototype. Adidas released it so the public too could access the shoe most of their elites on par with world records run in, which is inherently cool. It's like if Nike sold a few pairs of the 4th iteration prototype alphaflys, if new balance sold the Emily sisson modified sc pacers, or if on sold the cloudspike that won millrose a few years ago. Frankly the evo 1 is a lot more accessible than quite a few similar shoes. The alphafly 3s have been seeded by ekins to sub elite athletes for close to a year and nobody takes issue with it.

[@DillonJan]

First by my count 😂

[@kofuzi]

Yo!

[@keithc1264]

First

[@kofuzi]

Yo!!!

[@surfeno]

No nike 🤔

[@kofuzi]

No Skechers either

[@syedsaqlainshah9005]

Where is Asics Superblast?

[@kofuzi]

It’s neither plated nor a shoe released in 2023

[@howelllacea9096]

Not carbon-plated so I don't think it fits the category.

[@lewickerman]

the Adidas Evo doesn't even count. it shouldn't be on the list. also disappointed all Mizuno got was "it looks weird and is fun".

[@kofuzi]

I know more people who have run in the Evo 1 than the Rebellion Pro

[@jmbaug1229]

You got the 500 bucks Adidas shoes for free 😂😂😂 If you needed to pay $500 from your own pocket not so sure if this Adidas nonsense make it to the top 5 ! Common !!!

[@kofuzi]

*c’mon