Best Running Shoes for Long Distance 2026: Carbon Plates vs Daily Trainers
Has anyone tried the new Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 yet? It’s technically a nylon plate but some reviews say it’s almost as snappy as the Pro. Thinking of it for my Manchester Marathon training block.
@NorthernLass I’ve got about 50km on the Speed 5s. They are brilliant for tempo runs but I wouldn't use them for a full 42k race if you're chasing a sub-3. The foam is slightly firmer than the carbon version.
I’m still a Daily Trainer purist for 80% of my miles. The cost of carbon plated shoes in Canada is getting ridiculous—nearly $400 after tax in Ontario! My Ghost 17s do the job just fine for base miles.
Wait, $400?? That’s mental. I thought $250 in the States was bad enough.
Everything is getting pricier. I just saw the new Adidas Adios Pro 4 listed for £230 in London. At that price, I'm wearing them until the rubber falls off.
Does anyone else feel like carbon plates change their gait? I feel like I'm forced onto my toes more, which is fine for speed but feels awkward when I'm just trying to survive a 32km long run in the humidity.
Totally. It’s the "rocker" geometry. If you’re a heel striker, some of these super shoes feel like you’re fighting the shoe the whole time.
Exactly why I stick to the Brooks Glycerin 22 for my long slow days. No plate, just loads of DNA Loft foam. It’s like running on a cloud around the park.
Anyone heard updates on the New Balance SC Elite v5? Rumour is they’ve widened the midfoot because the v4 was a bit unstable for some.
I heard the v5 is delayed until late summer. NB is focusing on the Rebel v5 launch right now.
I just want one shoe that does it all. Is that too much to ask for in 2026? Lol
@MidwestMike Check out the Asics Superblast 3. No plate, but the stack height is massive and the foam is top-tier. It's basically the "do-it-all" king right now.
Big fan of the Superblast. It’s my go-to for those "marathon pace" efforts where I don't want to burn through my expensive race shoes.
I’m actually finding that since I started using carbon plates for my speedwork, my calves are much tighter. Anyone else? I’ve had to double my foam rolling time.
Yes! My physio says it’s common because the plate takes some of the load off the foot but puts it elsewhere. Definitely stay on top of the stretching.
Just picked up a pair of Hoka Cielo X1s. The cutouts in the sole are crazy—I’m worried about catching a stone in there on the seawall.
Ha! The stone trap is real. I had to stop twice during a half marathon last year to dig gravel out of my Nikes.
So general consensus: Daily trainers for the bulk, Carbon plates for the glory? Or are we all just becoming gear junkies?
Both. Definitely both. My flat is basically a shoe warehouse at this point. No regrets!
The Canadian prices mentioned by TorontoTech are truly disheartening. It feels like we are always paying a premium for running gear. I usually wait for end-of-season sales, but even then, carbon plated shoes remain a significant investment. My wallet cries just thinking about it! 😭