@@Feanaro5503 I only buy running shoes at 40% to 50% off, but if companies keep raising prices, even at half off shoes sell for what feels like too much. Especially if you live in a country that often has higher prices than the US SRP.
In years past I had given up on running and turned to cycling due to shin, knee, and hip pain. This year I found the invincible 3 and was able to run without pain. Then I got a Prime X Strung 2 and did my first 10k since high school.... I'm 45. So for me, give me the cushion!!! I am just under 200lbs so as a heavier runner I benefit from the stack. When I run in something less cushioned I feel it. I know some people hate the invincible 3 but I love them. I know they are heavy but I'd rather be slow than sidelined with injury. Love my AF3 as well, but I save those for days when I'm feeling like an absolute unit and ready to go for it.
@marcusszavaleta I have 2 pair of Boston 12's and yes I love them too. I keep those for my workout days and stride sessions. They work extremely well for me! I have so many shoes right now, trying a bit of everything to see what works for me best.
I absolutely agree!! I have a similar story. My knee was completely trashed, I needed a brace to walk around and had to go down stairs backwards. Had an MRI and everything, not a candidate for surgery. Then Pebax came around, and the Invincible 2's got me running again! I also totally feel the pain in the bottom of my feet, and through all the joints in my body whenever I don't wear high cushioned shoes. The Boston 12s felt like absolute bricks to me and almost knocked me back out of running, until I wisely shelved them and went back to max cushioned shoes. I've been through 4 pairs of Invincible 3s. Now I'm a sub-3 marathoner and Boston Qualifier and I hope max cushioned doesn't go anywhere!!
The thing I struggle with personally sometimes when running in max cushion shoes is how they can lead me to getting complacent and putting down too much force in my gait cycle--to the point that I often feel more beat up after running in max cushion shoes than in something lower stack where it feels easier for me to keep my body in a healthier tune with the forces I'm exerting with each stride. That says more about me as a runner than the shoes, but that is a difficulty I run into with them sometimes.
"fighting the algorithm :)" It has been interesting to watch the trends. I actually quite enjoyed the minimalist trend going back to the 2010 time frame. There was a time where I ran in vibram 5 fingers exclusively...and enjoyed them. But as age has tightened up my calves and achilles a bit - I don't feel confident running in the super low stack stuff anymore. These days I really dabble in both sides.... I like trying some fun high stack shoes (enjoying Mizuno Neo vista right now) but I do still mix Vibram and Xero shoes into my rotation for casual wear and gym stuff sometimes. Just not for running anymore.
My favorite max cushion shoes were Nike Invincible v 1 and 2. I never tried the differently v 3. I also like the NB More v 4 and the new v 5. All very comfortable. I especially appreciate the thick midsole in the forefoot. I am heavily built.
I've got hallux rigidus in my big toes so I'm loving shoes like the Skyward X that provide rigidity and cushion. Excited by the images of the Glideride Max, as well, as someone who loved and misses the Glideride 3.
Good vid Edd 👍 . Being flat footed and a bit chunky, I need cushioned shoes for my running and I prefer 8mm drop shoes for comfort. I do use my 10mm drop Puma Nitro Forever Runs when my feet are aching or twingy for some reason or in winter due to the great tread on them. I was very happy when NB reduced the drop on their 860v14’s to 8mm and I got a pair which I use quite a lot, but I’m still holding out for the Saucony Tempus 2’s. I love the Tempus as they’re well cushioned, but light.
I have the original Prime X as my daily trainer. After 900Km, I replaced it with NB SC trainer V1, another max cushion shoes with carbon plate. So far so good.
@@aliasgharkhoyee9501 Prime X is bouncier, specially in the forefoot, it has a lot more cushion than SC trainer. but Prime X extremely unstable. You need to watch where you land every single step. SC trainer has bouncy heel, not so much in the forefoot, but much more stable.
@@thejeffinvade Good to know, thank you. I have the OG Prime X and find it really good, but I'm always curious if I'm missing out on anything even better - I haven't tried any of the NB SC shoes (nor most other competitors to the PX).
I always go for the prime x strung for my long runs now after retiring my prime x v1 after 1.000km. The nimbus 25 and the sc trainer v1 are not that often used. The absolute favorite race day shoe is the Alphafly 1 and 3 (hate the 2) 😉✌️🏃♂️
@@EDDBUD I know the knock is weight but I think for mooooost runners who are in that 2:45-4:00 hr frame (which tbh is elite for 99% of the world) the Cielo is top notch. Hoka has had some misses but their foams and durability of late are solid.
My top max cushion shoes are as follows: Adidas adizero prime 1. Nike Alphafly 1. New balance SC trainer 1. Nothing wrong with some extra cushion for the pushin. 😝
I'm enjoying Ghost Max, hyperion Max , Superblast, and I'm looking forward to Puma MagMax and Glycerin Max. I'm a slow, heavy, older runner, and a higher stack, but not super soft seems to work for me.
Update on wave rebellion 2..I NEVER had injuries at soul of my foot..in my shins like this!! I will say this.. I ran on running machine and it was like floating on air!
It's the law of diminishing returns. They have about reached the limit of stack height. Don't get me wrong I love max stack and my Prime X Strung is a treasure. The first brand to invent a new performance foam that's better than the existing ones will cash in big time. I'm not talking about a change to an existing one like we have seen them do over the past years. I'm talking something new and revolutionary. Big paycheck for whoever does it first. Too much stability loss over 50mm. Regardless of what happens max stack will probably always have a place in most runners rotation. Love me some max stack!
@@Dizzywind I bought the Puma Fastroid by curiosity, and for the fun of trying something really high stacked: it is surprising how springy they feel under foot, and they are very stable. The loss of stability you refer to is only down to design.
@@cedricgrandseigne Interesting because that is a crazy looking shoe. I love experimental shoes and when companies push the boundaries. I’d love to try them on just for fun.
i saw the invincible 4 proto and it was crazy tall stack like probably 50mm and you could see orange tube things that were probably air pods in the heel and forefoot
I can't be doing with them. We all love a bit of soft, bouncy responsive foam, but the max stuff just feels like bouncy castle territory. Prime X aside, I'm sticking to the lower profile stuff. I still feel the recent Takumi Sen series are the best shoes on the market, the perfect blend of light, nimble and cushioning.
I'm a big fan of the SC Trainer v1. I have over 400 km in my current pair, and another new in the box. I don't like the v2 as much, especially for the 230 euro that it costs... Now they've made v3 a completely different shoe, yet again, only this time the price is 250 euro (same as the Metaspeed Paris). I won't be getting that one. I'm really enjoying the Prime x 2 strung at the moment, which I got for 50% off. I wouldn't pay 300 euro for them, so I hope I can get another cheaper pair, somewhere down the line. I compensate my love for max stack/cushion shoes with the Takumi Sen 10, which on paper wouldn't be something that I'd like, but it's fantastic.
I feel exactly the same about SC trainer V1. I started running last September and now I run half marathon due to the max cushion that SC trainer V1 offers. Tried other cushiony running shoes but have not found the one to replace V1 yet
As you always say, horses for courses. I guess varying the stack height works the best, from primex to adios 8 to vibram. Different stimulus for a different run. As always great video edd cheers 🍻
I’ve moved away from max cushion, daily plodder is the Adidas Duramo Speed. It’s a little firmer, a little lower and a budget offering but I’m really enjoying it.
@@Actae0n7 innit! The 26.7mm forefoot is of more interest to me as a mid-foot striker. Note I said ‘a little lower’ 😉 Big up Run Repeat for the true stack info! When the shoe came out Adidas measured it incorrectly on their website, people complained and they updated it! I was hoping Ed would cover the shoe, it’s a budget banger.
Fighting the algorithm! The more shoes I’ve tried the more I realise that I actually don’t appreciate many max stack shoes. I prefer lower stack and firmer generally. Models like the Adidas Takumi Sen and Adios series and the Brooks Hyperion Max. The exception is a marathon race shoe where I’m a big Alphafly fan. Horses for courses always…
Invincible 3 from Nike is an excellent shoe for easy/long runs. Takes any sort of pain away from the body. Love them! However I have the Boston 12s coming this week which I’m super excited about
Give the Boston some time to break in. They are firmer than the invincible by far, but have a great bounce to them and awesome toe off. They are a much faster shoe overall. I use the invincible 3 all the time, one of my favorite. The Boston is my option for when I want to go a bit faster, and it's a little more stable.
There is definitely a point of diminishing or even decreasing, returns, in large part because of the weight and clunkiness. I will race with the Metaspeeds and Vaporflies, but I do prefer Magic Speed 3s and Takumi Sen for tempo and even slower runs under 15K. I also rotate in Adios 8s and they always feel refreshing!
I've gone over on my ankle, wearing my Saucony Triumph 20's....I've ditched these cushioned shoes and gone for the Adios 8. Low stacked shoes with no plate....no regrets so far
Some Bob Martin's will put the spring back in your step! Only an hour till the 1500m final now, those chaps would be pretty lively on hearing the 4 minute warning 🔉
I have three in my list. New Balance Vongo 6, cloud monster 2, and Kayano 30. As someone who has a slight over pronation these 3 have been kind to my feet and ankles. I must admit the NB is very comfortable and works my calves more because of the lower drop and coming from the Kayano, and it has some pop. The Kayano is very soft with good stability but very little energy return. The monster is just 3 days into my shoe rotation but I find it it is a medium ride with some pop and feels a little firmer than the original which I have. Overall I feel the NB is my number one with the Cloud Monster 2 in a close 2nd. The NB vongo 6 has been the best for my peroneal tendonitis. Thanks again. I enjoy the channel!!! I do also feel the prices are headed upward a little too much.
Not a fan of max-cushion shoes! They simply feel too much, nothing to do with weight, kind of running with a piece of mattress under your foot. Missing of ground feel is also a big no for me! Thumbs up for the great vids! 👍 Cheers from Thailand! 🙏🌴
Depends on the person. Too much squish is too unstable for me (NB1080 v13 for example). Too minimal and not enough Cush for my old knees. Triumph 20 hit the sweetspot for me. Good cushion and responsive too. For 1/2 marathon racing I actually like the Cielo x-1.
My Triumph 20s were quite helpful as a beginner runner in terms of getting up to 10K and a half marathon. I was using the Ride 15s and felt like I just hated taking them past like 5 miles. Put on the Triumphs, expedienced notably less soreness at 5+ mile distances. Now I’m fitter and can take a “traditional” daily trainer further than 5 miles for sure, but the Triumph allowed me to work my cardiovascular system harder than my legs would’ve allowed otherwise.
As a certified running shoe nerd, I can say I love the max-stack (over the race-legal limit) shoes and the Prime X Strung v1 remains my all-time favorite. The PXS v2 isn't as much fun but I also enjoy it a lot and its weight hasn't bothered me at all. I ended up loading up on multiple pairs of the PXS v1 when it strangely went on 50%-off sale in the US shortly after its release (along with virtually everything else in the Adidas lineup). That kept me from trying out the Superblast but I did get the NB SC Trainer v1, which I liked initially but started disliking after a while and which I've now retired after 150 miles as I decided I just don't want to run in it anymore. I much prefer the SC Trainer v2 for easy long runs. Love the Cielo X1 as it's the first shoe that really reminded me of the PXS v1 in terms of bounce, propulsion, and fun factor. Finally got the Superblast 2 and it really is as great as people have been saying it is. It probably is the best all-round do-it-all running shoe. I've got the Mizuno Neo Vista coming and I think it will fall in the category of fast uptempo max-stack shoes. Then there's the max-stack heavy-and-slower category of shoes like the More v5, Gel-Nimbus 25/26, Invincible Run, and Skyward X. Can't tell yet where the upcoming Puma MagMax Nitro will fit in but I'm guessing the latter soft-and-plush category than something like the PXS 1/2 and Superblast 1/2. I'm 59 (and light at 57kg) so I appreciate the protection, comfort, and bounce these max-stack shoes provide. I can't resist trying them out when they get very positive reviews from a wide variety of runners. Some didn't work out for me - Invincible 3, Nimbus 25, Triumph 21, and SCTv1 as mentioned earlier. Had heel slippage issue with IR3 and the upper just didn't fit my feet properly. I also didn't care for the ride. It felt really clunky to me. The Nimbus 25 felt firm to me for what it is. Heavy-tall-and-firm isn't a combination I can get on with. The Triumph 21 was okay but I decided I like other shoes in its category more. I could never take the SCTv1 for more than 7~8 miles before feeling I've had enough of its weird bouncy-and-heavy combination. I like the More v4 and v5. They force me to run slow when I need to take it easy for 3~5 miles after hard workouts and faster-paced long runs. I also like the 1080v13 for easy runs while being able to pick up the pace a little bit here and there but not for much else. I also find it also too soft for long runs over 10 miles. So, it all comes down to one's personal preferences and how one wants to use the different shoes for. We all have different physiques (including foot sizes and shapes besides the overall body build and weight) and discover through trial-and-error what works and doesn't. As much as I love the over-the-limit max-stack shoes, I've been trying to balance things out by running more in medium-stack (around 35mm at the heel) shoes that are not too assistive with tech like super bouncy foams and plates/rods. I've been enjoying the Adizero SL2 a lot recently (even though it's because it has the assistive Lightstrike Pro foam across the footbed) and I liked the feeling of being closer to the ground while still having good protection and underfoot comfort. The SL2 got me looking into similar types of shoes and I then stumbled upon the Mount to Coast R1 and S1 and I really like how they feel for long cruises without bouncing along. And, of course, I make sure I put in some speed work with firm aggressive shoes like the Boston 12, Takumi Sen and Adios 8 as well as softer lower-stack shoes like the Rebel v4/v3. The same goes for trail running. I'll balance out running in assistive racing shoes like the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra that has virtually no ground feel at all with the low-stack Nnormal Kjerag with which makes me feel every rock and pebble I step on. As for this question about max cushioned shoes having gotten out of hand, the brands are only making them because many people want them - especially new runners who want to ease into this rewarding but difficult sport. I'm a relatively new runner myself and I'm so glad that there are all these options available. As many have said, we are now in a golden age of running shoes and it seems it will continue for a long while. Nobody makes "bad" running shoes anymore. All major brands (and many smaller ones) are putting out good-to-great running shoes for every type of runner. The way I look at it, it's about finding what works for me and keeping a balance. That doesn't mean accumulating a huge collection/rotation like I do. I'm old (although I like to think not!) and can afford to indulge, but I know many aren't and can't afford to buy every great new running shoe out there. But I do think a serious runner should have minimum of 3 to maybe 5 different types of running shoe. And one of those should probably be a max cushioned shoe. Once you experience the benefits it offers, it's really hard to ignore and cast aside.
one thing i have taken away at 63 and been running in the 70s 80s 2000 and 2020, i have been begging the manufacturers and retailer to sell more plush, the thing with runners we range from thin runner(and not really needing stack) to heavy runner 200lbs+ needing more stack , so the Selection is amazing today, selection was terrible until 2010, all i could run in was Nike Air Max in the 90s and even these were not that plush, but compared to the hard hockey puck shoes, they were great for its time.
Bit of a heavier runner here, and I find them awesome for just cranking out mileage and feeling good, which works great for marathon training. That said, I’ve come to realize that my “shortest” shoe is still around 36mm in the heel, so they’re all still pretty stacked. The 9-ish mm difference is certainly noticeable between my Superblast 2 and Endorphin Pro 3, but, they all still make me feel a good bit taller!
Been absolutely loving the Mizuno Neo Vista for long runs - big old stack of foam but also still feels light and nimble on the foot; I think the booty upper helps in that respect, as does the big cut out in the nylon plate. Would really encourage anyone to give it a try, a Superblast alternative that doesn't break the bank, really can't get over how well priced it is
I find the Boston 12 to be the sweet spot of cushion and a little ( in my case very little) speed. They have stood the test of my long runs from 115++kg in January down to sub 95kg now.
As someone who picked up running in his 30’s and overweight the invincible series has been a godsend and the reason I’ve been able to stick with it thanks to the protection it offers. Now on the V3 and I don’t just like them, I appreciate them.
I like to keep the variety. Ran my first marathon in the Altra Escalante, but I also absolutely loved throwing down miles this week in my Puma MagMax. It’s good to mix it up :-)
I love the Prime X, I have done nearly 1000km on my first pair and they still are great to run in. I still run to work in them occasionally (17km) and my legs recover a lot faster after wearing them than other shoes. When I first got them, I struggled with stability, but I don't even think about it anymore. My 2nd paid have 300km in them and I got a third pair which I have stored away which I got at 60% off the RRP.
I prefer lower stacked. Mach 5, Rebel v4, Velocity 2, Topo Cyclone 2. Saucony Tempus is my largest stacked shoe. 2 inch stack seems bit high. Hope helps the algorithm. Danke jeune!
Ed, I struggle with the stack height in the Saucony Shift 2 can't imagine what the 40+ mm would feel like. I still have a soft spot (intended) the Hoka Rincon 3 a lot of cushion but light but not very robust. For a musical interlude have a listen to The Beyond a Derby band, very much noise with syncopation and a drummer that's intense.
I like stack and cushion. Have the Superblast 2 on pre-order. But, I'm also getting a little tired of plates and 40+ mm. Everything in moderation. The SL2 and Rebel v4 were good additions. Looking at the Pegasus Plus.
Max Stack would be a great name for a runner. Personally, I love the bounce of the ZoomX Invincible 1. I ran in them for 400 miles, then bought another pair when they fall to bits.
I have been using vaporfly 3s as my daily training shoe, for everything from easy runs to long runs to speed sessions. They are light, stiff and fast. A really underrated shoe from the last year. Let's be honest, the high stack shoes are catering for heavier runners who need the cushioning due to their bigger size and increased impact.
Correct me if I am wrong, but I feel like the original infinity run was the shoe that began the max cushion thing. Not 40mm but it was certainly a much larger midsole. Edd?
Tried the Endorphin Speed 4 recently, too much stack, too much rocker and too much plate for me. Back to my beloved Adios 8 ✌️ Rest that hip and all will be well!
Being an OFG (old, fat geezer) max cushioned shoes have been a God send. They save my joints from taking a pounding and as long as the sole is wide enough, I don't get any stability problems. A bit of a weight penalty is minimal price to pay for pain free running.
I'm looking forward to the review. I'll wait and put earthcredits in the money box. Prime x strung, Nimbus 25 and superblast 2 (plus some more🫣) can now collect kilometers after my injury.
Weight is severely overrated. I'll take a heavier shoe that leaves me feeling fresh afterwards over a light shoe that leaves me feeling beaten up every time. It also leads to shoes with poor durability (outsoles that lack proper coverage), and poor grip (looking at you, Asics).
Thanks for the reminder of The Von Bondies! Hadn't heard that name in a long time. C'mon C'mon is the one song I know of theirs, which sits alongside The Hives I Wanna Get Free for high energy...great training /warmup songs On another note, the max stack shoes have been excellent for this 95kg runner with >40 years of running in the legs. Not sure how I ran as much as I did in shoes like the air180/ air structure/ Gt2000 series....(apart from weighing low 80s then)
Prime X Strung 1 is my favorite. I've done hundreds of km in them and took them on a parkrun last weekend and they are better than ever. I think durability is better than anything else and justifies the high price. Also have Brooks Ghost Max 2 in the rotation and that is also going well. Very stable. NB More v5 maybe next up in the max stack picks.
I like to mix it up. Different kind of shoes, different stack height, different brands, different drop. I have the first version of the Nike Invincible and ASICS Superblast 2. And a very heavy Mizuno! But I also have some very different shoes 😍
Max Stacked Cushion shoes dont agree with me. Im forever potentially turning an ankle in them. My running form isnt always great but switching to a low stacked shoe is teaching me to improve my posture/ foot strike.
@@EDDBUD I've switched to the Adios 8 shoe and gone back to basics with my running. Ditched any races I had booked up and just worked on my posture and foot strike, doing short distances Its already made a big difference.
The only time I will look at stack height is when I'm looking for a recovery run shoes for those days when running on tired legs. I prefer the ground feel that I get from the likes of Brooks hyperion 2 which is very similar to the original Hyperion tempo
I have the Superblast and the Neo Vista but I don't really like them for anything but easy runs. As daily trainers, I'm preferring shoes like the Mach 6 and Adizero SL2, which are in the mid-30's in stack and close to 8 oz. Even though the Superblast is light, it still feels like a lot of shoe.
I run in the superblast, or i did. For some reason i had achilles, calf and glute problems. I ran in barefoot shoes for years and i never had problems.... Cracked out the five fingers and vivobarefoot shoes, started off slowly and my Achilles got noticeably better. Then calf and glute issues resolved themselves. My lower legs feel solid. Pain free. I need cushion and supershoes for a pb but barefoot shoes will always be in my rotation now
@@EDDBUD I think it's both, a huge stack encourages such an unnatural gait. Overreaching, landing on heals etc. But yes, these big shoes have been my problem. But they are much faster. Save them for races
Love the stack, but I think that the really soft foams can be a bit overrated. The best shoe for me in recent times has been the Hyperion max from brooks. Definitely not soft, but a decent stack. Lovely & responsive.
I love Max Cushion shoes. Recently i rediscovered how much i enjoy a simple 5k run with the simplest shoes i got like the Velocity Nitro or the ride 17. It seems that i forgot the ground feel for a moment.
skyward x is my fave, but only used so few on my runs when it's been raining all the time lol. so hard to wash that one. that's why I always go for dark cilor ones. af3 is in transit.
It depends what you compare them with and the target user. To an average runner, a Superblast 2 would feel extremely poppy. If compared to a carbon plated rigid conpetition shoe, it may feel marshmallow...
I'm not a barefoot runner but max cushioned shoes are ultimately useless for any terrain that is even slightly uneven. They are pure road running shoes and I very much dislike running on asphalt and concrete.
@@cedricgrandseignewhat's that supposed to mean "if any"? Maybe read my other posts under this video. I'm not even a trail runner but a Ghost Max simply doesn't work on rocky paths for ME.
Yes, I think they have gotten out of hand. I still love my old Asics J33 with minimal cushioning and am always surprised how little difference it makes for how my feet feel after a run (knees feel better when running in less cushioned shoes anyway because I'm less likely to ever heel strike). My Brooks Ghost Max is only used for walking. First time I used it, I twisted my ankle and it felt like running on 70's plateau shoes. I'm not gonna get another max cushion shoe. At this point in time the max cushioned shoes are looking like the caricatures that people posted just half a year ago 😂.
I just got a pair of New Balance 1080 more, to use as a recovery shoe. If I am honest with myself I don't think I will go down the max cushion route again. They just feel too clunky on my feet. Great for walking but not so for running
My question is: Do you pick shoes based on where you are in your training?? For instance…in early pyramidal sessions do use a max cushion injury prevention, shoe for base miles? As you work yourself up into faster speeds now using a less cushioned quicker shoe for tempo workouts.? And then of course, picking your race shoe based on your race distance?
Absolutely pick shoes for specific body feel! If I feel fatigued I go for something to give me some extra pop. Otherwise I try and go minimal or lightweight. The big cushions only feel good on days when I feel decent as they all take more effort to raise my legs
Von Bondies? You’re speaking my language! I think Jack white produced “lack of communication”. They are wild. There’s a Canadian duo called “death from above 1979” that give me similar feels. Untamed wild rock!
The Kinvara was my go-to, but it's wandered far from its roots, and is now taller than I'm comfortable with. Do you have any suggestions for those of us who prefer something more traditional?
For those of us coming back from injury these max stack shoes can be the difference between running or not. I’m in my mid 50’s and a keen marathoner but slipped a disc in my back at the start of the year and my adidas prime X shoes have cushioned my way back to fitness when I thought I was done for! Keep well everyone.
I love a max cushion shoe! They definitely have a place in the shoe market. My Superblast 2's are living the dream of being my running partners at the mo 😂
It’s not the cushion that got out of hand… it’s the prices!🤦🏻♂️
Best comment of the month!
Probably both isn’t it!
I still haven't paid more than US $130 for a pair of running shoes. If you don't have to get the high end ones at launch, you can save a lot of money,
@@Feanaro5503 I only buy running shoes at 40% to 50% off, but if companies keep raising prices, even at half off shoes sell for what feels like too much. Especially if you live in a country that often has higher prices than the US SRP.
Haha! Agree!
In years past I had given up on running and turned to cycling due to shin, knee, and hip pain. This year I found the invincible 3 and was able to run without pain. Then I got a Prime X Strung 2 and did my first 10k since high school.... I'm 45. So for me, give me the cushion!!! I am just under 200lbs so as a heavier runner I benefit from the stack. When I run in something less cushioned I feel it. I know some people hate the invincible 3 but I love them. I know they are heavy but I'd rather be slow than sidelined with injury. Love my AF3 as well, but I save those for days when I'm feeling like an absolute unit and ready to go for it.
Glad you are enjoying those models
This makes me so happy for you! Some recommendations can also be the adidas lines like adios pro and Bostons, the stacks are nicely and nimble n
@marcusszavaleta I have 2 pair of Boston 12's and yes I love them too. I keep those for my workout days and stride sessions. They work extremely well for me! I have so many shoes right now, trying a bit of everything to see what works for me best.
I like you Eddbud. There, comment done!
I absolutely agree!! I have a similar story. My knee was completely trashed, I needed a brace to walk around and had to go down stairs backwards. Had an MRI and everything, not a candidate for surgery. Then Pebax came around, and the Invincible 2's got me running again! I also totally feel the pain in the bottom of my feet, and through all the joints in my body whenever I don't wear high cushioned shoes. The Boston 12s felt like absolute bricks to me and almost knocked me back out of running, until I wisely shelved them and went back to max cushioned shoes. I've been through 4 pairs of Invincible 3s. Now I'm a sub-3 marathoner and Boston Qualifier and I hope max cushioned doesn't go anywhere!!
The thing I struggle with personally sometimes when running in max cushion shoes is how they can lead me to getting complacent and putting down too much force in my gait cycle--to the point that I often feel more beat up after running in max cushion shoes than in something lower stack where it feels easier for me to keep my body in a healthier tune with the forces I'm exerting with each stride. That says more about me as a runner than the shoes, but that is a difficulty I run into with them sometimes.
Yes that’s a good and valid point. Sometimes the cushion is a bit too inviting.
Invincible 3 and fresh foam v4 have litterally changed my life. I have so much more energy throughout the day
"fighting the algorithm :)" It has been interesting to watch the trends. I actually quite enjoyed the minimalist trend going back to the 2010 time frame. There was a time where I ran in vibram 5 fingers exclusively...and enjoyed them. But as age has tightened up my calves and achilles a bit - I don't feel confident running in the super low stack stuff anymore. These days I really dabble in both sides.... I like trying some fun high stack shoes (enjoying Mizuno Neo vista right now) but I do still mix Vibram and Xero shoes into my rotation for casual wear and gym stuff sometimes. Just not for running anymore.
@@bpg201 The calves and hips are my nemesis. Lots of range of motion and stretching for me these days
My favorite max cushion shoes were Nike Invincible v 1 and 2. I never tried the differently v 3. I also like the NB More v 4 and the new v 5. All very comfortable. I especially appreciate the thick midsole in the forefoot. I am heavily built.
I've got hallux rigidus in my big toes so I'm loving shoes like the Skyward X that provide rigidity and cushion. Excited by the images of the Glideride Max, as well, as someone who loved and misses the Glideride 3.
Good vid Edd 👍 . Being flat footed and a bit chunky, I need cushioned shoes for my running and I prefer 8mm drop shoes for comfort. I do use my 10mm drop Puma Nitro Forever Runs when my feet are aching or twingy for some reason or in winter due to the great tread on them. I was very happy when NB reduced the drop on their 860v14’s to 8mm and I got a pair which I use quite a lot, but I’m still holding out for the Saucony Tempus 2’s. I love the Tempus as they’re well cushioned, but light.
There’s some great cushion in the foreverrun. Very underrated model
I have the original Prime X as my daily trainer. After 900Km, I replaced it with NB SC trainer V1, another max cushion shoes with carbon plate. So far so good.
How do the two compare?
@@aliasgharkhoyee9501 Prime X is bouncier, specially in the forefoot, it has a lot more cushion than SC trainer.
but Prime X extremely unstable. You need to watch where you land every single step.
SC trainer has bouncy heel, not so much in the forefoot, but much more stable.
@@thejeffinvade Good to know, thank you. I have the OG Prime X and find it really good, but I'm always curious if I'm missing out on anything even better - I haven't tried any of the NB SC shoes (nor most other competitors to the PX).
Hi. Now, I have the Brooks Ghost Max 1. I love the drop 4mm-8mm. Like to EDDBUD. Have a good day.
I always go for the prime x strung for my long runs now after retiring my prime x v1 after 1.000km. The nimbus 25 and the sc trainer v1 are not that often used. The absolute favorite race day shoe is the Alphafly 1 and 3 (hate the 2) 😉✌️🏃♂️
i love the prime X orginal got two pairs makes running very fun! haven’t tried the 2 strung yet. i think the prime x might be my favorite shoe yet
Totally agree!
Just clocked +1000km in mine & Still feel great and hands down favourite shoe to run in. How long will they last 🤷🏻
Love a good bit of squish 4 occasional run. 1080 V13 is max stack shoe atm.
Using the Cielo x1 for long runs. Durable outsole, bouncy and fun as hell. One of the best midsoles out there.
Yea they have good a good balance there
@@EDDBUD I know the knock is weight but I think for mooooost runners who are in that 2:45-4:00 hr frame (which tbh is elite for 99% of the world) the Cielo is top notch. Hoka has had some misses but their foams and durability of late are solid.
To me , it depends on the type of cushion. The point is well made by you at 6:19 in the video.
My top max cushion shoes are as follows:
Adidas adizero prime 1.
Nike Alphafly 1.
New balance SC trainer 1.
Nothing wrong with some extra cushion for the pushin. 😝
I'm enjoying Ghost Max, hyperion Max , Superblast, and I'm looking forward to Puma MagMax and Glycerin Max. I'm a slow, heavy, older runner, and a higher stack, but not super soft seems to work for me.
Ascis gel numbs 26 I love
Superblast 1. Favorite max cushioned.. Superhsoe.. Daily.. Everything Trainer xD
Just ordered 2 more 😂 will run in that shoe till i die
Update on wave rebellion 2..I NEVER had injuries at soul of my foot..in my shins like this!!
I will say this..
I ran on running machine and it was like floating on air!
@@martinmcgrath1985 Yeah this is the thing. The max shoes do test different bits of the body!
It's the law of diminishing returns. They have about reached the limit of stack height. Don't get me wrong I love max stack and my Prime X Strung is a treasure. The first brand to invent a new performance foam that's better than the existing ones will cash in big time. I'm not talking about a change to an existing one like we have seen them do over the past years. I'm talking something new and revolutionary. Big paycheck for whoever does it first. Too much stability loss over 50mm. Regardless of what happens max stack will probably always have a place in most runners rotation. Love me some max stack!
@@Dizzywind I bought the Puma Fastroid by curiosity, and for the fun of trying something really high stacked: it is surprising how springy they feel under foot, and they are very stable. The loss of stability you refer to is only down to design.
@@cedricgrandseigne Interesting because that is a crazy looking shoe. I love experimental shoes and when companies push the boundaries. I’d love to try them on just for fun.
i saw the invincible 4 proto and it was crazy tall stack like probably 50mm and you could see orange tube things that were probably air pods in the heel and forefoot
@@aSkibidiRunner did put some images of that one later on in the video.
@@EDDBUD i sorry i didnt watch till end
I can't be doing with them. We all love a bit of soft, bouncy responsive foam, but the max stuff just feels like bouncy castle territory. Prime X aside, I'm sticking to the lower profile stuff. I still feel the recent Takumi Sen series are the best shoes on the market, the perfect blend of light, nimble and cushioning.
P.s talking about the original Prime X, which I got for £99. Still fun and daft.
Yes the sen is the best of both worlds to me.
I'm a big fan of the SC Trainer v1. I have over 400 km in my current pair, and another new in the box. I don't like the v2 as much, especially for the 230 euro that it costs... Now they've made v3 a completely different shoe, yet again, only this time the price is 250 euro (same as the Metaspeed Paris). I won't be getting that one. I'm really enjoying the Prime x 2 strung at the moment, which I got for 50% off. I wouldn't pay 300 euro for them, so I hope I can get another cheaper pair, somewhere down the line. I compensate my love for max stack/cushion shoes with the Takumi Sen 10, which on paper wouldn't be something that I'd like, but it's fantastic.
I feel exactly the same about SC trainer V1. I started running last September and now I run half marathon due to the max cushion that SC trainer V1 offers. Tried other cushiony running shoes but have not found the one to replace V1 yet
In a word, yes.
Hoka Cielo x1 is sooo bouncy and propulsive. More so than the Prime X Strung for me.
I think there are plenty of low stack shoes. I like the rare few max stack ones, as they reduce injuries.
As you always say, horses for courses. I guess varying the stack height works the best, from primex to adios 8 to vibram. Different stimulus for a different run. As always great video edd cheers 🍻
I’ve moved away from max cushion, daily plodder is the Adidas Duramo Speed. It’s a little firmer, a little lower and a budget offering but I’m really enjoying it.
What a time to be alive when a stack haight of 32.7 mm isn't considered max cushion lol.
@@Actae0n7 innit! The 26.7mm forefoot is of more interest to me as a mid-foot striker. Note I said ‘a little lower’ 😉
Big up Run Repeat for the true stack info! When the shoe came out Adidas measured it incorrectly on their website, people complained and they updated it!
I was hoping Ed would cover the shoe, it’s a budget banger.
Fighting the algorithm! The more shoes I’ve tried the more I realise that I actually don’t appreciate many max stack shoes. I prefer lower stack and firmer generally. Models like the Adidas Takumi Sen and Adios series and the Brooks Hyperion Max. The exception is a marathon race shoe where I’m a big Alphafly fan. Horses for courses always…
Invincible 3 from Nike is an excellent shoe for easy/long runs. Takes any sort of pain away from the body. Love them! However I have the Boston 12s coming this week which I’m super excited about
I miss my v3. Sold my other two pairs of the invincible. Hope there’s a new one soon
Give the Boston some time to break in. They are firmer than the invincible by far, but have a great bounce to them and awesome toe off. They are a much faster shoe overall. I use the invincible 3 all the time, one of my favorite. The Boston is my option for when I want to go a bit faster, and it's a little more stable.
@@gkott78 I’ve read this on pretty much all the reviews, appreciate the advice 👍
@@gkott78 A few runs in with the Boston 12 - wow! Absolutely love them. 🏃🏻 💨
@kevinmcateer7281 will be in mine today! Glad you are enjoying them!
There is definitely a point of diminishing or even decreasing, returns, in large part because of the weight and clunkiness. I will race with the Metaspeeds and Vaporflies, but I do prefer Magic Speed 3s and Takumi Sen for tempo and even slower runs under 15K. I also rotate in Adios 8s and they always feel refreshing!
Nice video. My pick for max cushioned shoe is Asics Novablast 4. And I like The Von Bondies🎶🤩
I went over on my max cushion Saucony Triumph 21s at the weekend. Broke my left metatarsal in 2 places. The GNR isn’t looking good..
Oh no! Hope things are ok
I've gone over on my ankle, wearing my Saucony Triumph 20's....I've ditched these cushioned shoes and gone for the Adios 8. Low stacked shoes with no plate....no regrets so far
Some Bob Martin's will put the spring back in your step! Only an hour till the 1500m final now, those chaps would be pretty lively on hearing the 4 minute warning 🔉
@@Stevenc1984 Can’t wait for the 1500. Think a holiday to Margate might pep me up. No salmon though.
@@EDDBUD 🎣
@@Stevenc1984 Just need to find my chopper now.
I have three in my list. New Balance Vongo 6, cloud monster 2, and Kayano 30. As someone who has a slight over pronation these 3 have been kind to my feet and ankles. I must admit the NB is very comfortable and works my calves more because of the lower drop and coming from the Kayano, and it has some pop. The Kayano is very soft with good stability but very little energy return. The monster is just 3 days into my shoe rotation but I find it it is a medium ride with some pop and feels a little firmer than the original which I have. Overall I feel the NB is my number one with the Cloud Monster 2 in a close 2nd. The NB vongo 6 has been the best for my peroneal tendonitis. Thanks again. I enjoy the channel!!! I do also feel the prices are headed upward a little too much.
Not a fan of max-cushion shoes! They simply feel too much, nothing to do with weight, kind of running with a piece of mattress under your foot. Missing of ground feel is also a big no for me! Thumbs up for the great vids! 👍 Cheers from Thailand! 🙏🌴
The Prime X is up there with my favourite shoes of all time. I’ve not always been a fan of the super stackers, but my knees and ankles love them!
Really looking forward to hearing about the Puma MagMax
for me its been adidas adizero prime x strung, done 519km and still feels like it can go another 400 kms,
Depends on the person. Too much squish is too unstable for me (NB1080 v13 for example). Too minimal and not enough Cush for my old knees. Triumph 20 hit the sweetspot for me. Good cushion and responsive too. For 1/2 marathon racing I actually like the Cielo x-1.
My Triumph 20s were quite helpful as a beginner runner in terms of getting up to 10K and a half marathon. I was using the Ride 15s and felt like I just hated taking them past like 5 miles. Put on the Triumphs, expedienced notably less soreness at 5+ mile distances.
Now I’m fitter and can take a “traditional” daily trainer further than 5 miles for sure, but the Triumph allowed me to work my cardiovascular system harder than my legs would’ve allowed otherwise.
As a certified running shoe nerd, I can say I love the max-stack (over the race-legal limit) shoes and the Prime X Strung v1 remains my all-time favorite. The PXS v2 isn't as much fun but I also enjoy it a lot and its weight hasn't bothered me at all. I ended up loading up on multiple pairs of the PXS v1 when it strangely went on 50%-off sale in the US shortly after its release (along with virtually everything else in the Adidas lineup). That kept me from trying out the Superblast but I did get the NB SC Trainer v1, which I liked initially but started disliking after a while and which I've now retired after 150 miles as I decided I just don't want to run in it anymore. I much prefer the SC Trainer v2 for easy long runs.
Love the Cielo X1 as it's the first shoe that really reminded me of the PXS v1 in terms of bounce, propulsion, and fun factor. Finally got the Superblast 2 and it really is as great as people have been saying it is. It probably is the best all-round do-it-all running shoe. I've got the Mizuno Neo Vista coming and I think it will fall in the category of fast uptempo max-stack shoes. Then there's the max-stack heavy-and-slower category of shoes like the More v5, Gel-Nimbus 25/26, Invincible Run, and Skyward X. Can't tell yet where the upcoming Puma MagMax Nitro will fit in but I'm guessing the latter soft-and-plush category than something like the PXS 1/2 and Superblast 1/2.
I'm 59 (and light at 57kg) so I appreciate the protection, comfort, and bounce these max-stack shoes provide. I can't resist trying them out when they get very positive reviews from a wide variety of runners. Some didn't work out for me - Invincible 3, Nimbus 25, Triumph 21, and SCTv1 as mentioned earlier. Had heel slippage issue with IR3 and the upper just didn't fit my feet properly. I also didn't care for the ride. It felt really clunky to me. The Nimbus 25 felt firm to me for what it is. Heavy-tall-and-firm isn't a combination I can get on with. The Triumph 21 was okay but I decided I like other shoes in its category more. I could never take the SCTv1 for more than 7~8 miles before feeling I've had enough of its weird bouncy-and-heavy combination.
I like the More v4 and v5. They force me to run slow when I need to take it easy for 3~5 miles after hard workouts and faster-paced long runs. I also like the 1080v13 for easy runs while being able to pick up the pace a little bit here and there but not for much else. I also find it also too soft for long runs over 10 miles. So, it all comes down to one's personal preferences and how one wants to use the different shoes for. We all have different physiques (including foot sizes and shapes besides the overall body build and weight) and discover through trial-and-error what works and doesn't.
As much as I love the over-the-limit max-stack shoes, I've been trying to balance things out by running more in medium-stack (around 35mm at the heel) shoes that are not too assistive with tech like super bouncy foams and plates/rods. I've been enjoying the Adizero SL2 a lot recently (even though it's because it has the assistive Lightstrike Pro foam across the footbed) and I liked the feeling of being closer to the ground while still having good protection and underfoot comfort. The SL2 got me looking into similar types of shoes and I then stumbled upon the Mount to Coast R1 and S1 and I really like how they feel for long cruises without bouncing along. And, of course, I make sure I put in some speed work with firm aggressive shoes like the Boston 12, Takumi Sen and Adios 8 as well as softer lower-stack shoes like the Rebel v4/v3. The same goes for trail running. I'll balance out running in assistive racing shoes like the Terrex Agravic Speed Ultra that has virtually no ground feel at all with the low-stack Nnormal Kjerag with which makes me feel every rock and pebble I step on.
As for this question about max cushioned shoes having gotten out of hand, the brands are only making them because many people want them - especially new runners who want to ease into this rewarding but difficult sport. I'm a relatively new runner myself and I'm so glad that there are all these options available. As many have said, we are now in a golden age of running shoes and it seems it will continue for a long while. Nobody makes "bad" running shoes anymore. All major brands (and many smaller ones) are putting out good-to-great running shoes for every type of runner. The way I look at it, it's about finding what works for me and keeping a balance. That doesn't mean accumulating a huge collection/rotation like I do. I'm old (although I like to think not!) and can afford to indulge, but I know many aren't and can't afford to buy every great new running shoe out there. But I do think a serious runner should have minimum of 3 to maybe 5 different types of running shoe. And one of those should probably be a max cushioned shoe. Once you experience the benefits it offers, it's really hard to ignore and cast aside.
one thing i have taken away at 63 and been running in the 70s 80s 2000 and 2020, i have been begging the manufacturers and retailer to sell more plush, the thing with runners we range from thin runner(and not really needing stack) to heavy runner 200lbs+ needing more stack , so the Selection is amazing today, selection was terrible until 2010, all i could run in was Nike Air Max in the 90s and even these were not that plush, but compared to the hard hockey puck shoes, they were great for its time.
Bit of a heavier runner here, and I find them awesome for just cranking out mileage and feeling good, which works great for marathon training. That said, I’ve come to realize that my “shortest” shoe is still around 36mm in the heel, so they’re all still pretty stacked. The 9-ish mm difference is certainly noticeable between my Superblast 2 and Endorphin Pro 3, but, they all still make me feel a good bit taller!
Been absolutely loving the Mizuno Neo Vista for long runs - big old stack of foam but also still feels light and nimble on the foot; I think the booty upper helps in that respect, as does the big cut out in the nylon plate. Would really encourage anyone to give it a try, a Superblast alternative that doesn't break the bank, really can't get over how well priced it is
I find the Boston 12 to be the sweet spot of cushion and a little ( in my case very little) speed. They have stood the test of my long runs from 115++kg in January down to sub 95kg now.
Yeah the Boston is a superb balance between propulsion and cushion
As someone who picked up running in his 30’s and overweight the invincible series has been a godsend and the reason I’ve been able to stick with it thanks to the protection it offers. Now on the V3 and I don’t just like them, I appreciate them.
Great analysis Ed!
Thanks for tuning in!
Max cushion got me back into the running game! Shout out to the NB More V3👍🏾👏🏾👏🏾👊🏽💪🏾🏃🏾♂️
Triumph 21/22 is a great shoe plenty of cushion but also gives something back.My fav shoe at present..
I like to keep the variety. Ran my first marathon in the Altra Escalante, but I also absolutely loved throwing down miles this week in my Puma MagMax. It’s good to mix it up :-)
I love the Prime X, I have done nearly 1000km on my first pair and they still are great to run in. I still run to work in them occasionally (17km) and my legs recover a lot faster after wearing them than other shoes. When I first got them, I struggled with stability, but I don't even think about it anymore. My 2nd paid have 300km in them and I got a third pair which I have stored away which I got at 60% off the RRP.
I prefer lower stacked. Mach 5, Rebel v4, Velocity 2, Topo Cyclone 2. Saucony Tempus is my largest stacked shoe. 2 inch stack seems bit high. Hope helps the algorithm. Danke jeune!
Not a fan of high stack shoes, just looks ridiculous,too much foam,I run with the rebel V2,good enough cushion and not heavy
Ed, I struggle with the stack height in the Saucony Shift 2 can't imagine what the 40+ mm would feel like. I still have a soft spot (intended) the Hoka Rincon 3 a lot of cushion but light but not very robust.
For a musical interlude have a listen to The Beyond a Derby band, very much noise with syncopation and a drummer that's intense.
I like stack and cushion. Have the Superblast 2 on pre-order. But, I'm also getting a little tired of plates and 40+ mm. Everything in moderation. The SL2 and Rebel v4 were good additions. Looking at the Pegasus Plus.
Max Stack would be a great name for a runner. Personally, I love the bounce of the ZoomX Invincible 1. I ran in them for 400 miles, then bought another pair when they fall to bits.
I have been using vaporfly 3s as my daily training shoe, for everything from easy runs to long runs to speed sessions. They are light, stiff and fast. A really underrated shoe from the last year.
Let's be honest, the high stack shoes are catering for heavier runners who need the cushioning due to their bigger size and increased impact.
Algorithm battled for today!
Yes! I’m rejecting high stacked modernity and my current running shoe rotation are shoes from 2016-2017 😅
Correct me if I am wrong, but I feel like the original infinity run was the shoe that began the max cushion thing. Not 40mm but it was certainly a much larger midsole. Edd?
The hokas had massive stack as did the new balance tc which was a carbon plate high stack trainer back in 2020
@@EDDBUD when did the infinity come out? 2018?
@@TheSiameseDreamer yeah but not really that high compared to others before
@@EDDBUD I forgot, Hoka were always massive.
Tried the Endorphin Speed 4 recently, too much stack, too much rocker and too much plate for me. Back to my beloved Adios 8 ✌️
Rest that hip and all will be well!
Asics Gel Nimbus 26 is so soft and protects my foot really well, love running in them. No need for a 50mm monster!
Nice🎉
🥈
Being an OFG (old, fat geezer) max cushioned shoes have been a God send. They save my joints from taking a pounding and as long as the sole is wide enough, I don't get any stability problems. A bit of a weight penalty is minimal price to pay for pain free running.
This is the way!
The magmax will no doubt appeal. Though I can’t say anymore on that shoe
I'm looking forward to the review. I'll wait and put earthcredits in the money box. Prime x strung, Nimbus 25 and superblast 2 (plus some more🫣) can now collect kilometers after my injury.
@@EDDBUD I look forward to your review when it comes out. The Forever Run is my long run shoe at present, so this shoe obviously piques my interest. 😁
Weight is severely overrated. I'll take a heavier shoe that leaves me feeling fresh afterwards over a light shoe that leaves me feeling beaten up every time. It also leads to shoes with poor durability (outsoles that lack proper coverage), and poor grip (looking at you, Asics).
The Superblast 2 grip is superb now.
Thanks for the reminder of The Von Bondies! Hadn't heard that name in a long time. C'mon C'mon is the one song I know of theirs, which sits alongside The Hives I Wanna Get Free for high energy...great training /warmup songs
On another note, the max stack shoes have been excellent for this 95kg runner with >40 years of running in the legs. Not sure how I ran as much as I did in shoes like the air180/ air structure/ Gt2000 series....(apart from weighing low 80s then)
I’m sure the hives had a similar tune
I'm not a max cushioned shoe fan. I really like my Brooks Hyperion Max 2's, but one can argue whether they are a max cushion shoe or not.
Just bought some too - great shoe
Prime X Strung 1 is my favorite. I've done hundreds of km in them and took them on a parkrun last weekend and they are better than ever. I think durability is better than anything else and justifies the high price.
Also have Brooks Ghost Max 2 in the rotation and that is also going well. Very stable.
NB More v5 maybe next up in the max stack picks.
No other shoe has lasted so well as the primex
I like to mix it up. Different kind of shoes, different stack height, different brands, different drop.
I have the first version of the Nike Invincible and ASICS Superblast 2. And a very heavy Mizuno! But I also have some very different shoes 😍
Max Stacked Cushion shoes dont agree with me. Im forever potentially turning an ankle in them. My running form isnt always great but switching to a low stacked shoe is teaching me to improve my posture/ foot strike.
Some things work but others mess up my hip
@@EDDBUD I've switched to the Adios 8 shoe and gone back to basics with my running. Ditched any races I had booked up and just worked on my posture and foot strike, doing short distances Its already made a big difference.
Thanks for the topic, got injured in my achilles thanks to Asics Kayano 30😢
The only time I will look at stack height is when I'm looking for a recovery run shoes for those days when running on tired legs. I prefer the ground feel that I get from the likes of Brooks hyperion 2 which is very similar to the original Hyperion tempo
I have the Superblast and the Neo Vista but I don't really like them for anything but easy runs. As daily trainers, I'm preferring shoes like the Mach 6 and Adizero SL2, which are in the mid-30's in stack and close to 8 oz. Even though the Superblast is light, it still feels like a lot of shoe.
Is it fair to say Saucony endorphin pro 4 checked all the boxes?
+ get well soon
Hip seems ok now. Maybe trapped a nerve or something.
You need to try the Mizuno Neo Vista Ed.
Looking forward to the Puma MagMax, I love my Magnifys, they enable keeping the legs fresh for harder runs in the Deviate Nitro 2s.
I think you will like them!
@@EDDBUD I guess you already have them for testing! How do they fit? I have to go half a size down on Magnifys compared to other Pumas.
I run in the superblast, or i did. For some reason i had achilles, calf and glute problems. I ran in barefoot shoes for years and i never had problems.... Cracked out the five fingers and vivobarefoot shoes, started off slowly and my Achilles got noticeably better. Then calf and glute issues resolved themselves. My lower legs feel solid. Pain free. I need cushion and supershoes for a pb but barefoot shoes will always be in my rotation now
I think the foams are the most important part. Some soft stacks mess with the legs.
@@EDDBUD I think it's both, a huge stack encourages such an unnatural gait. Overreaching, landing on heals etc. But yes, these big shoes have been my problem. But they are much faster. Save them for races
I prefer a more nimble and quick shoe. Saucony Kinvara 13 my fav. But...I don't go for long distances.
Love the stack, but I think that the really soft foams can be a bit overrated. The best shoe for me in recent times has been the Hyperion max from brooks. Definitely not soft, but a decent stack. Lovely & responsive.
I love Max Cushion shoes. Recently i rediscovered how much i enjoy a simple 5k run with the simplest shoes i got like the Velocity Nitro or the ride 17. It seems that i forgot the ground feel for a moment.
"midsole monstrosities"....hahaha always fun and informative Edd!
Thanks for tuning in!
skyward x is my fave, but only used so few on my runs when it's been raining all the time lol. so hard to wash that one. that's why I always go for dark cilor ones. af3 is in transit.
It depends what you compare them with and the target user. To an average runner, a Superblast 2 would feel extremely poppy. If compared to a carbon plated rigid conpetition shoe, it may feel marshmallow...
addict Barefooters be like.
"what a waste of money for couple pairs of ankle buster"
they think we gonna do court sports
I'm not a barefoot runner but max cushioned shoes are ultimately useless for any terrain that is even slightly uneven. They are pure road running shoes and I very much dislike running on asphalt and concrete.
@@MrSeedi76 I don't know what max cushion shoe you tried, if any, but I use my Magnifys on rocky path all the time with no problem.
@@MrSeedi76 but this video discuss max cushion road running shoe that tuns on asphalt and concrete lol, not trail
@@timo7641no need to "lol" my man.
@@cedricgrandseignewhat's that supposed to mean "if any"? Maybe read my other posts under this video. I'm not even a trail runner but a Ghost Max simply doesn't work on rocky paths for ME.
Edd, you forgot, the Puma Fast Record Breaker
I did forget that. Don’t know where that one has gone
Yes, I think they have gotten out of hand. I still love my old Asics J33 with minimal cushioning and am always surprised how little difference it makes for how my feet feel after a run (knees feel better when running in less cushioned shoes anyway because I'm less likely to ever heel strike). My Brooks Ghost Max is only used for walking. First time I used it, I twisted my ankle and it felt like running on 70's plateau shoes. I'm not gonna get another max cushion shoe. At this point in time the max cushioned shoes are looking like the caricatures that people posted just half a year ago 😂.
I just got a pair of New Balance 1080 more, to use as a recovery shoe. If I am honest with myself I don't think I will go down the max cushion route again. They just feel too clunky on my feet.
Great for walking but not so for running
So we went from barefoot minimalist shoes to this. I wonder what's next?
The world is based on extremes sadly right now
@@EDDBUD….so sadly true-in every way!
Too bad they don't make better midsoles instead of making bigger shoes..
Imo the AF1 was perfect, then it went downhill fast.
My question is: Do you pick shoes based on where you are in your training?? For instance…in early pyramidal sessions do use a max cushion injury prevention, shoe for base miles? As you work yourself up into faster speeds now using a less cushioned quicker shoe for tempo workouts.? And then of course, picking your race shoe based on your race distance?
Absolutely pick shoes for specific body feel! If I feel fatigued I go for something to give me some extra pop. Otherwise I try and go minimal or lightweight. The big cushions only feel good on days when I feel decent as they all take more effort to raise my legs
Love the cushy shoes, not the prices they commands nowadays. However, for recovery.. strangely, the reebok float energy 5 is my go to.😅
The prices have gone nuts.
ADISTAR 3 for me amazing max cushion show on a budget
Von Bondies? You’re speaking my language! I think Jack white produced “lack of communication”. They are wild. There’s a Canadian duo called “death from above 1979” that give me similar feels. Untamed wild rock!
Will check them out!
Yes. The answer is yes.
The Kinvara was my go-to, but it's wandered far from its roots, and is now taller than I'm comfortable with. Do you have any suggestions for those of us who prefer something more traditional?
I got some foot pain that has caused me to wear my strung1s most everyday. They are really worn out. But no pain 🎉
For those of us coming back from injury these max stack shoes can be the difference between running or not. I’m in my mid 50’s and a keen marathoner but slipped a disc in my back at the start of the year and my adidas prime X shoes have cushioned my way back to fitness when I thought I was done for!
Keep well everyone.
I love a max cushion shoe! They definitely have a place in the shoe market. My Superblast 2's are living the dream of being my running partners at the mo 😂