Of all the shoe of the year pick from other channels, yours is the most ballsy! The Supernova Rise, overlooked, often in the bargain bin, it's not sexy, vanilla in its simplicity, but completely love the 3 pairs I own, and just got the latest iteration. I thought I was alone in the running world that's totally fanboying on this shoe, so it's thrilling that you picked the supernova rise over all the rest. So, cheers and amen to that!
It’s one of those shoes that is totally overlooked in the world of max stack everything. It does have some amazing engineering in it too. Not as simple as it looks. I’ll have a “Shoe of the Year” video midweek on it all.
Great list. It's such a fresh breathe of air to not see max stack shoes taking up 80% of the list. You're really an outlier of a runner and that's why I keep coming back to your channel. I'm excited to see what 2025 brings. Looking forward to your Evo SL, Vomero 18 & Pegasus Premium reviews next year. Oh almost forgot it would be great if you could cover the new Skechers Aero series as well,
You mean 80% non max stack? The NB4 is the high stack shoe (outside of a super shoe). The shoes you mentioned are all coming in 2025, minus the Skechers.
@@SagasuRunning A lot of runners have 80% of their 2024 lists filled with max stack shoes, so I appreciate that your list is the opposite. You probably missed the word 'not' in my original comment..
ya… didn’t see it but I thought that was what you meant. I have no issue with max stack shoes but when that is ALL you run in one is really doing a disservice to their legs, feet and running in general.
I’ve trusted your opinion many times and you have yet to let me down. Going to grab a pair of the SNR and use them for my 2025 rotation with SNR/EVOSL/AP4. Always appreciate the fantastic insight. Hope you have a good holiday buddy!
@@SagasuRunningconsider my calendar marked. I’m curious to see your thought on the evo sl when you grab a pair. I’m going to assume we’ll both agree they’re not a daily trainer shoe and most definitely an up tempo or any faster workout shoe. Kinda like the peg plus ;)
We will see. I’ve held a pair but they aren’t on sale here yet. I’m split on what I think they are. I do look forward to running in them. Soon’ish I hope. The good news is that I have an Adios 9 now… which is a more important shoe IMO… reviews soon.
A very different kind of Top 10 list but it is to be expected for anyone who followed you this year. Didn’t expect SNR to get this high. Just got it for casual wear but now may need to reconsider. Thanks for the great videos! Happy holidays! Looking forward to new content in 2025!
Got my list coming for the end of the year. It’s a top 9 because some shoes I could put at number ten just don’t feel very “top” and unearned . Great list and video as always
I had a hard time narrowing it down to 10 this year, thus the honorable mentions (I even cut 2 out of that final list because it was too much). I look forward to your cinema magic and sit down transitions in your Top 9.
I almost bought SL2 and ended with SN Rise due to your analysis. And I'm happy with that because Evo SL seems to overlap with SL2 uses and... because SN Rise is so easy to stride. This is its most observable feature of this shoe. It's so easy to walk or run on it. I'm positively surprised with it having the #1 spot on your list. And as a product I think it really deserves it because it brings more people to the sport. High tech ultra light supershoes are nice BUT they ain't where I'll clock most of my km..... Well done, Chris! Well done 🇧🇷👍❤️
Interesting list. They do match all your previous reviews. I was just surprised Supernova Rise was your number 1. But I was close at guessing Nike Pegasus Plus. I love daily trainers. So much that I wish plated trainers did not exist. I think daily trainers have still a long way to go to become perfect running shoes. Daily trainers like SL2 Pegasus Plus (Evo SL & Novablast 5 based on the reivews) and for me Mach 6 have taken a few steps forward in that path. I tested the Supernova Rise in an adidas shoe store. Even though they were half a size too big I was surprised how much I really liked the way they felt, even better than the SL2 and Novablast 4.
I agree, kind of. I love my super shoes and race shoes...but yes...you can do A LOT with a good daily trainer. There were some great ones in 2024 but it looks like some even better ones in 2025. Daily trainers will still be a focus for me in 2025. Stay tuned.
Amazing, I just got the supernova rise today, excited to put kms on it. I have to say I discovered your channel this summer and it quickly became my fav running shoe content on Yt, video subjects are always well thought out and insightful, thank you for the knowledge and info you bring.
Definitely enjoy them. Funny how things work sometimes. 🤙🏻 Thank you for the kind words on the channel. Glad to have you here and I hope you continue to find value here. I have much planned for 2025.
I liked the Mach 6, until I didn't (Hoka fit issues) and the Invincible 3 is a 2023 shoe (release date March 2023)... but it's good you found your favorites. That is always hard to do given ALL of the options out there.
Thanks for the reviews over the year, hope you have a happy Christmas. Been thinking about a daily trainer to add in, will need to try the Supernova Rise - all but thought it was going to be an EVO SL or Novablast.
Thank you for watching! Any of those three shoes will work well as a daily, each have their own strength. Hopefully I'll have an Evo SL soon and will be able to cover that one. I have ALOT of thoughts on it. 🤙🏻
Honestly… it’s the race shoe that is most comfortable for you. For me I’d likely opt for the AF3 but if the course was twisty I’d go for the VF3. But that’s me.
Expected to hear Pegasus Plus in the top two from the high praise you had for it in previous videos, e.g. Pegasus Plus vs Vaporfly Next% 3, but definitely not the Adidas Supernova Rise. Interesting.
I flipped back and forth all year between the two shoes. It really was close. It also never was not one of those shoes for me last year. The closet a shoe got to being in consideration was the Velocity Nitro 3 or TS10 at certain points in 2024.
I ran 300+ km in the SNR and I think it's best suited for daily runs / recovery runs under 1hr. I once ran a 20km long run in it and the foam in the forefoot just bottomed out and made my legs (around the knee area) very sore. It's a good and very comfortable shoe but the lower stack and bottomed out forefoot during long run make me only reach to it 1-2 times per week.
We never got that model here in Taiwan… only the other three. So I’ve never seen it. That being said I’d like to test it but a big part of what makes the SNR so good is the lower stack and ground feel. So I doubt I’d prefer it…. But if I ever see a pair I’ll grab them.
And the winner is...🏅 Wow, what a list!👏👏 And what does it say of 2024 that so many shoes on this list are daily trainers? I knew your top 3 shoes would be on the list, but I was pleasantly surprised about #1 being, well, #1! With over 450k on them, I can only agree, and they're bringing a lighter upper next year. I've run far less on #7, but they haven't let me down yet! Wish I could get my hands on #2 to try it out, but the Evo SL or Adios 9 are more likely to show up, what's tragicomic considering Adidas has been having raffles for the SL from what I've heard. I am rather curious whether Adidas will release a SL3 or replace it with the Evo SL going forward, and what changes Nike will bring to the VF4. I anticipate the NB5 will be quite high up on your list next year, and possibly dethrone #1, but we'll see.
Adidas is killing it right now! As for the Evo SL, we have to keep in mind that Adidas is marketing that shoe as a hybrid run/lifestyle shoe, that explains why the raffles are happening. That is also the reason why I don’t think it will interfere with the standard SL line. Having ran in the Evo SL and SL/SL2, I think the SL2 is a more streamlined trainer for runners. It has a better upper and doesn’t push you to run fast. The Evo SL is a tempo runner, I would not go out and do daily miles in it unless it was my only option.
@@CorGP Adidas is doing it all for the hype! To then throw in their own windows by flushing the market with EVO SL in every single colour you can think of. They go on sale worldwide in February, and there is already a yellow on the way and red. They did exactly the same with soccer/football cleats. Their revamp of the predator shoes was a big success! But there was a problem, they have a new young star player and they gave him predators in his signature colour way, and what happens, nobody wants them! Because the buyers wild on dozens of colour ways. No Adidas is making a comeback indeed, they’ve closed the gap to Nike and Asics. Now adidas is having the same issues like Nike, their low to mid tier shoes are all over the place. They have models overlapping each other too much. The have the EVO 1, Adios pro 4 and right now EVO SL and then everything else around it is covering each other too much. takumi sen, SL2, and a bunch more hovering around it. You can slash at least 3 off their offerings. Asics is much more clear. Metaspeed sky and edge - race Superblast 2 - long run tempo trainer Magicspeed 4 - speed workouts Novablast 5 - Daily trainer, easy/recovery runs Nimbus 27 - comfort, easy runs, recovery Then there is another branch with the glide ride, cumulus, etc. It’s clear, and what happens is, their lineup works so when a runner buys 1 pair and likes it, the second pair is inevitable. With Adidas it’s kinda clear if you look top down, but Nike it’s a bloody mess. You like the alpha fly, top down there is too much.
@@stephenwouw8624 Nike and Adidas have the funds to flood the market with colorways because they’re that big. ASICS is very specific in the running market because they have to be. They only became popular in the lifestyle market this past year. Same with Saucony who released a shoe with minted last month that sold out instantly.
I think it highlights two things. 1). Daily trainers had a great year 2). As a runner I spend most of my time in a daily trainer OR a supershoe...I don't spend much time in shoes between those categories. That will be a theme I'll carry into 2025 as well, though there will be a few more tempo/performance trainers in for review than in 2024.
Adidas had a great 2024, but 2025 looks even better for them. I look forward to finally getting a pair of Evo SLs....I have ALOT to say about that shoe but have been holding my tongue until I can get a pair to test...
To me, following your time period rules, the SL2 is the clear winner. I tried the SN Rise but didn’t like them for anything but walking around. The only shoe on your list that I hated was the Puma VN3. I think I hated it as much as the other Puma shoe that shall remain nameless. Outside of November 1, the Evo SL is easily the best shoe, and maybe the shoe of the decade!
Made me look at the peg plus and supernova in a different lens. For you to recommend this better than metspeed and alphafly blows my mind. 😮 thank you for the list and keep up the good work
Wow, the Supernova Rise comes in at number 1. I loved the Supernova Glide 8 with Boost. it was a little heavy but nothing better for pounding out miles. It was incredibly durable. Might have to give the Rise a chance.
I love the saucony endorphin pro 4, laces and all, I have the sky Paris as well, and although lighter, I still always find myself reaching for my pro 4s instead
The EP4 definitely is easier on the legs than the MSEP, though not as fast. I was very surprised over the summer how fast the EP4 was for me, based on data, when compared to other super shoes. It's a great shoe. Still impressed with it.
Interesting choices. Novablast 4 or any nike pegasus not even in my top 10 grass cutting shoes never mind anything to do with running. 1.Saucony pro 4 2. Superblast 2 3. Prime x v2. Zoomfly 6 gets a worthy mention as its brought nike back from the dead. My 2024 standout performers.
@SagasuRunning Yeah i do tend to prefer more cusion. The novablast 4 is cushioned but I just find them boring/bland so tend to just use the superblast instead. The zoomfly 6 should suit you since you like the alphafly but are a lot different to your picks.
I really wanted to like the Peg Plus but the toe box was so narrow for me. It has such an extreme taper. The Rise fits me much better. If I could improve one thing on the Rise it would be the heel. The posterior flair feels clunky to me but it’s still runnable. Maybe they’ll reduce it with version 3.
I think it would be interesting to hear your analysis of what Mizuno is doing these days in terms of their rebuilding and reinvention of their brand and running shoe line up.
My opinion is...nothing interests me, thus no coverage on the channel. Crazy geometries and funny marketing don't have a ton of value to me. I'm also not a midfoot striker so alot of their "innovations" are not for me. I watch what they are doing but nothing is interesting, at all, right now. I did try the Neo Vista on and it was one of my least favorite underfoot feels all years... so hard no.
Great to see a non Nike there! Plus the Supernova Rise! After 100km on this shoe I must say the technology is exciting though there is much room to improvement on the upper compartment. I only hope they don’t abandon it in the favor of EVO SL.
Well…. I have the SNR2 in now… minor changes but all in the upper (but also barely noticeable). I too hope they don’t go all in on the Evo SL as it would be a big mistake. I have a lot of thoughts on that shoe that I have been sitting on until I can get a pair and run in them. Once I do…. I will unleash…
@ That’s sad to hear. I mean for first version it was an exciting release but certainly I expect meaningful improvements for next releases and for the upper there was such a need. I was very happy with SNR1 however the right insole was a bit smaller than the left one and was hitting my toe, I told Adidas in hope they replace my insole and they asked me to completely return the shoes. I am now waiting for either new shoes or money return but it’s weird, I only wanted a new insole. I miss them already.
Nice video, I have the SL2 and Takumi and now considering the Supernova Rise as am curious on the experience. I don't think I've ever owned something as soft and flexible.
Just checked Adidas Online and there is already a Supernova Rise 2 and a more expensive Supernova Prima. Maybe a 2025 review suggestion for this channel😂. I already added those to my cart but will wait for a promo or a good deal elsewhere.
A shoe(t)out between the Sky Paris and the Adios Pro 4 would be fun to watch. They seem somewhat similar, weight wise anyway. Three Nike shoes in your top 10? Shocker lol. It will be interesting to see if the Rise 2 will dethrone the Rise 1.
I plan on doing a “vs” video on the Metaspeed Sky 4 (or whatever the name is) in 2025 again the AP4 and AF3. Looking forward to that. I more curious if the SNR2 can maintain its position…. 2025 has some great releases, looks like a stronger year than 2024. To be fair… I’m rather proud there are ONLY three Nikes in the list. If I would have included spikes in this list it would have been more….
@@SagasuRunning The 2024 shoe releases were epic. Based on what I observed from the TRE livestream, 2025 promises to be an even more epic shoe release year.
We never got the Prima here in Taiwan. If I ever see a pair I will pick them up…. But a big part of the appeal of the Rise for me is the flex and ground feel.
One of the main things makes the SNR special is the low stack and ground feel. The Prima was never released here in Taiwan, so I've never seen one. I do want to cover it and if I find a pair in 2025 I'll pick them up...but I doubt I'll prefer it over the SNR, even as a forefoot striker.
Adidas really had a year! I have the peg plus as my top shoe of the year, but the only 2024 shoes I bought were the NB4, peg plus and the SB2. I was able to secure a few pairs of the Evo SL but I’m not counting that as a 2024 shoe.
I don’t understand your list and with the number 1 i was shocked. Good shoe is something and to be shoe of the year is something else especially in 2024 I think this year was great year of improvement and new technologies for shoes I hope your choice is yours and not influenced by others
I mean...my editorial voice is authentic to a fault on this channel. I'm VERY clear with what I cover and why. I have to be interested in it and am not afraid to go against the current meta in the running space. I will always fiercely protect my editorial integrity on this channel and always disclose brand relationships. So yes, this list is VERY me and very subjective to MY tastes. As any channel top 10 list should be. 👍🏻
Their engineering is in an awful direction. bad fits, bad uppers, bad foams that are WAY to soft and spongy and overall bad ideas... until something changes for them I doubt I'll be covering them. I also don't expect anything to change on their end as they seem very proud of their lineup... though their lack of any excitement for 2025 product at TRE was telling.
The PX3 looks SO ridiculous and is SO not my thing...that I just might cover it in 2025 because I'm so curious... it's that out there. Stay tuned... there might be a surprise on this channel for Prime X fans in 2025.
@@SagasuRunning 🤣 Yeah, I know that you'd probably hate it, but you asked 😁 Even I had to get used to the PXS2, it didn't instantly wow me, like the AP3 and TS10 did. But once it broke in, and unlocked it's speed (which didn't take long), it became my favourite shoe! I fully expect the 3 to be a lot lighter, because that's where the most criticism of the 2 came from, but without completely sacrificing the gained stability from 1 to 2. So I'm not expecting it to be as soft as the AP4 is.
There is a Puma in the list 🤦🏼♂️.... and the shoe I mentioned that I'll never mention on this channel again (and my worst shoe of the year) is one you mentioned the other one was "meh" when i tried it on...
I mean that’s the cliche critique of a review now isn’t it. If they don’t agree with YOUR personal opinion it must be because they don’t send me stuff. Totally logical thinking that. I mean, performance of shoes obviously shouldn’t matter, right? FYI - I am VERY clear on this channel who I work with and clearly disclose it. No one on this list sent me anything in 2024, other than Inov8 which I disclosed. But ya… must be that. 🤦🏼♂️
Well said on the Superblast 2. I feel the same thing about the 1 and so I have not picked up the 2 yet. Superblast overall tho- a very good shoe, but falls just shy of the hype for me personally.
The SB was amazing because 2'ish years ago there really wasn't anything else like it that could do everything it did, in a non-plated and performance way. While the SB2 is a big upgrade on the SB, it entered a space where daily trainers are more capable and unless you had a specific need in marathon training for the SB2 , there was generally a better option in 2024. Still a great shoe, but not all that.
I'm not sure I follow the logic on the Pegasus though. I get that he loves them / Nike shoes generally + using them for speed work, and most people bracket the Superblast as an all-rounder / long-run / marathon trainer ... but he goes on to say the Pegs are a new breed of performance shoe with the best foam + no stiffening agent in a lightweight package - which is exactly what the Superblast is. And is why so many people have gone ga-ga over them. It's his list of course and that's what makes the conversation fun, but aren't the Pegasus and Superblast solving for the same thing?
I said that on the Peg Plus… which it is. The Superblast is way too bulky for speed work outside of marathon pace. Try doing 200s in a pair of Superblasts… The Superblast is a nearly ideal long run trainer for marathon builds. Beyond that it doesn’t have much utility for actual use.
@@davidrogers7787 I don’t think the regular peg is a running shoe but that’s just me. It’s my casual wear and work shoe, nothing more. Have not tried peg + but would like to tho.
I bought a Superblast 2, and it was super expensive in Brazil, about the price of Vaporfly 3 or Adios Pro 3. I’d been hearing it was super versatile, but I quickly found out that it can do ONE thing, which is fast long runs. I think it’s really one of the best shoes for that use case, but “versatile” is the last thing I’d call it.
Not sure about supernova rise. i got one pair but its terrible for running, it bottoms out extremely fast and im not even heavy lol. i prefer even the ultraboost 5 over them which is crazy given the UB's backgroud
I’ve never had a bottoming out feeling in them… even after 200mi on them. Always smooth and cushioned. To be fair I have a strong preference for lower stack shoes.
Two things...it's a Nike (people prefer the internet points they get for dunking on Nike) and it's not 33mm+ in the forefoot so to many it is "unrunnable". 🤦🏼♂️
Ultimately this is your list and there are no right or wrong answers. However, I do find your criteria quite subjective, essentially the brand importance having such a large weighting. Wouldn’t the best approach for this type of Video to objectively assess each shoe on A defined set of characteristics that define them ; Such as performance, durability, Cost, etc. Brand importance and Industry impact are more considerations to me than anything. Great year for the work on the channel, You have brought a refined approach to this space and your production level is very high
Yes… ultimately it is. This may be the most subjective video I do on the channel all year. I’m cherry picking my favorite shoes from the pool I reviewed in 2024, which I’m already very selective on to begin with. I cover the brands and products I find “the best” and most interesting to me. Arbitrary scales and points systems don’t matter. I’m neither trying to be inclusive nor something like consumer reports. I’m giving my POV on what product I find exciting and why…. Plus trying it back to some of the larger stories I’ve covered in 2024. Unabashedly subjective. I do appreciate the kind words on channel growth in 2024. It was quite a year. Plenty more planned for 2025…. Onward. 🤙🏻
I dont know Adidas has become really odd. They copy the chinese market like crazy and the Supernova lineup is straight up copy paste from Xtep. The Xtep shoes in the 160x 5.0, 260x 360x and the 2000km use the exact same peba foam as the supernova lineup, the Xtep 2000km is almost the exact same shoe as the supernova rise, I had both on my feed left and right and I could baaarely a difference. Just the Xtep is 50bucks cheaper. Plus the concept of the 2000km and the foam used is almost 2 years old already. I dont mind copying... but that Adidas is like "we developed this we are..." is... not very sympathic. But Overall a very great video. For 2025 one of the most important things for me will be the Vaporfly 4... this shoe will be miss or hit and I hope for a very very big hit.
I mean… they are working with Shincell, as do most of then Chinese brands. So it’s not a surprise. It is interesting to see what Adidas picks out of the Chinese market though. The Chinese brands have had 2 years of crazy materials ideas and engineering. So Adidas can no work with the best of the crop as far as materials. Suppliers are just that. So the fact Adidas doesn’t credit them is no surprise. My guess is they are now using the vanilla OEM formulas Shincell is selling them. There is likely some level of customization happening (for Adidas and all the Chinese brands) which technically is their “development”. That’s how it goes be it BASF, Shincell or Arkema.
@@SagasuRunning you seem to be on point as always... I know till 2022 early 23 xtep had Arkema as supplier, and all the shoes basically had "pwrrun pb" foam, same structure, same softness... My xtep 160x 3.0 Pro is litterally an endorphin pro on steroids and some extra weight. Li-ning seems to be the only Chinese brand that had an entire own formular. And for 2025 a complete New one, their extemely firm Peba "boom" foam will remain in upper class daily trainers and otherwise as carrier foam for their new super race shoes a squishy and soft Main foam which looks btw exactly like in the adios pro 4 in terms of squish and structure 🫠 Whats going on in the market, what an amazing time to be alive as a shoe geek. That they all go for super squishy foams is a littlebit worrying, I like Li-ning and Nike mainly that much because they arent super squishy, Li-nings boom foam is almost guiding you with the firmness... And now squish squish squish
Ya… super foams are changing, a lot right now. Maybe the biggest evolution in them since 2017. I’m curious where they stabilize and how that leads to next gen materials. Interesting times ahead.
Still marvel how the Saucony Endorphin Speed4, in the specific colorway you show passed muster (and was approved)... from any distance, in action on course, it reads to the eye as Nike. Being in design, the amount of vetting for things like that can be frustrating... funny how that colorway slipped through.
Saucony has done iterations on the BAA colors for the Boston marathon for years on various models. However, I agree... that color way may be one of the worst of 2024. Especially how the dyes are bleeding in it. Sadly it was the only color way released here in Taiwan until recently and I don't need a second pair, so it is what it is.
Ah for sure a very different top 10 to anything else have seen. For a start Peg 41 in but Superblast 2 and Speed 4 "out" (well just) I doubt we will see elsewhere. Supernova Rise I thought of getting but just could not see what I might get excited about especially as in a UK 13.5 it did not have much obvious "go" about it. In a way I was a bit underwhelmed by racing shoes this year - the ASICS ones are off limits to me due to my size and the AF3 I feel just not scale well and everything else just seemed more like glorified super trainers so I am still very much reaching for Vaporflys and more the 1/2 than the 3 TBH. I wonder where the Zoom Fly 6 may have come in your list and I was half expecting to see the Victory 2 and Dragonfly 2 spikes in here! Peg Plus I like but still feel a bit disappointed compared to the original versions. The Zoom Fly 6 largely has replaced it in my pecking order.
I left spikes out of this as they are so specialized, though the Victory 2 "almost" made an honorable mention. The ZF6 is a 2025 shoe for me (Nov 1 release date) so we will see where it nets out next year. I have been running in the ZF6 and I can see why you like it, given your preference for the older Vaporflys. What I find so interesting about the ZF6 is how I think we are getting a bit of a preview of the VF4... the forefoot feel in that shoe is a bit unique. Not something totally ZF, A little AF3 up on the toes and VF nimbleness... it's interesting...
I’ve not had that at all and I’m nearly 200mi on 2 pairs… I’ve done everything in them but the majority has been speed work around 5k to half marathon pace.
I am 84Kg and it’s perfectly fine. The high stack mania is definitely brainwashing people about how the shoes should be and what’s good for your body. I can 100% ensure you that “not feeling the ground” is bad for your body because it can’t find a solid floor and all the secondary muscles that stabilize your body work way more.
In the trail shoe segment I think the terrex agravic speed ultra set a new mark as the first real super shoe that is a successful design for a fairly wide range of applicable terrain.
The Kjerag still is my goto trail shoe, though the Inov8 Trailfly is close. I enjoyed the Tomir 2.0 but it didn't make the cut for this list. My Kboix is a proto and too large so that one didn't either. There will be some more trail shoes on the channel in 2025, some exciting things happening behind the scenes. The Nnormal Kjerag 2 and the Nike Kiger 10 are my most anticipated 2025 trail shoes.
I agree and love the Kjerag. The Kjerag 2 is my most anticipated trail shoe for 2025. Nevertheless and despite some flaws and weirdness, I think the ASU was the first practical super shoe for trail.
Ahh… sadly Adidas doesn’t bother importing their trail line to Taiwan, at all. Next time I’m in Japan I’m going to look for these. Mostly due to your recommendation.
#1 is definitely a bit surprising. Okay, I only tried it in a shop on the Treadmill but can't say was blown away. Felt good though and good that Adidas now has a decent normal Daily Trainer sort of like a Pegasus. Maybe I should give it a chance:)
Think of the SNR as a cross between a Pegasus and an Invincible... not exactly either but a mix of the two. It's not a shoe that will blow you away, but it is a show that will constantly perform, day after day.
Positives: the list is really thought-out and far from mainstream trends. That's always great to witness. Negatives: Including probably the most commercial, borderline lifestyle shoe to the list, to me signals that this list is much more about emotional attachment and loyalty to a brand than is it about performance/running qualities (not completely disregarding those, though). I think the fact that you have very strong bias towards Nike adds up to an already existing natural subjectivity of any review. And while you attempt to break down and ground your opinion with detailed (and very illustrative) graphics and scales, that bias is still an elephant in the room. Reverse is true as well. For instance, your negative bias towards Saucony when you over-stress/hyperbolise negative aspects of particular shoes while evidently enjoying them, to the point that you almost appear as guilty because you actually enjoy them and that needs verbose commentary to exonerate oneself. I believe if you were a half as critical about concrete Nike models, end picture would be very different. I wonder if you would still be running in a shoe like Pegasus if it hadn't Nike swoosh on it.
You know...I'm just as critical to Nike as I am any other brand. A list like this is maybe the most subjective content item I'll do all year. I'm cherry picking my favorites of stuff that already made my list of being worthy of review. But someone watching this type of video is likely watching it to see MY list, fully expecting it to subjective to me as a creator/review/influencer. Another thing I find, frustrating. Every other shoetuber has a shoe (or two) they love no matter what. None of them get called out for it because it’s not a Nike. Again…. The bias for most to want to dunk on Nike just because internet points. The Pegasus 41 is an outstanding shoe, full stop, regardless of the logo that is on it. If you want to question subjectivity or bias think about why you think it is such a "bad" shoe. Give me one constructive reason that IS NOT a personal preference? The Peg is an everybody and anything shoe. It made for any runner to really do anything in. It achieves that spectacularly. As for bias...ya, I'm a Nike fan and I spend 60%, or more, of a given year of my running in Nike. I've been VERY transparent about that. I also have an bias for Adidas and cerian Asics models, but that never gets called out because it's not cool to dunk on those brands in our space as they are somehow more "core" than Nike... I'm completely open to being surprised by brands and shoes. Every single product I was hard on this year, and there were a few, I tried and I gave a chance. They earned that place for me via poor engineering and design. As for Saucony... even though I have issues with the brand I was pleasantly surprised by the Endophins, but will still point out there (many) faults and find it interesting that Saucony issues that were present over a decade ago are STILL present in the product.
Haha...I cannot, for the life of me, think of a more succinct way to say it. Meaning, how well the shoe helps you recover after a run. Some foams are harsh on the legs and body and you feel it afterwards. Other shoes leave you feeling fresh and ready for the next run. PEBA foams, especially PEBAX foam (ZoomX), are typically very soft on the legs. The benefits of a super shoe like the using ZoomX are it's increased efficiency AND faster recovery. If I ever do merch....I think I need a t-shirt of this. 🤣
Got Supernova Rise for my mom for Christmas found it for $60 on Amazon. She runs a slow mile a day so I think it’s perfect. Glad to see it still ended up topping your list.
no brooks, no hoka, no new balance etc.? What about picking a model from each brand and presenting a top list? Indeed, Adidas made a huge come back this year with some solid daily trainers. Nike seems to follow the trend with the peg41 and zoomfly, but still! For me Adidas, Asics, Saucony, Puma and Hoka are the brands with options for every taste of running.
I ran in a brooks and a Hoka last year, neither made the cut. I don't cover NB. I'm not trying to be inclusive on this channel. I cover only what is interesting to me and what I want to run in. So a list like this from me (or any creator) is VERY subjective as we are cherry picking an already smaller subset of shoe we reviewed on a given year.
Not in the slightest. I can get anything I need, sometimes it just takes longer. There is nothing in 2024 that I wanted to run in that I couldn’t (or didn’t get), though a few things were months later.
@ Ok. I thought I remove red watching a review once where you mentioned certain brands weren’t readily available where you were, I must’ve misinterpreted…
@@SagasuRunning it is clear that every review on youtube is subjective and it expresses the level, the body structure and other factors of a specific runner. Btw, your videos are something different and I frankly thing that although your personal view is presented, many objective elements are shown. Well done Segasu
Shoe makers invested so much money on tech.. Foam.. Stack.. Carbon plates.. Yet the best shoes for you only simple shoes.. So obvious your top 2 only work for you.. Some of your top list are a big no to other runners.. Too rigid & stiff.. But after this.. We can predict best shoes for you in future.. Seriously.. I think if you run bare footed you ll ve no problem.. Because you need minimum cushions.
More tech doesn’t make a shoe better always. Running starts with a solid foundation and those are your feet. There is a wide range of shoes in this list and I’m far from the “only” one who enjoys many of these shoes.… read through the comments and you’ll see. Also this is MY list… it’s very subjective and about my tastes from the shoes I reviewed all year. That shouldn’t come as a surprise.
So you "love low stack", that 6mm drop Roadfly, yet also the Endorphin Pro4 & it's 8mm drop, however have no love for anything NB including their 4mm low stack FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, perfect for forefoot racing. SMH. Different strokes. It's now 20% off and imo the best $200 or less shoe in the market.
I was literally about to say the same thing… it seems there’s confusion between low stack and low drop. That said… I do believe the author believes in low stack running shoes as I believe he’s stated there’s an adaptive benefit to using them I.e. not doing a max cushion high stack trainer all the time
NB's engineering is awful, their fits and upper materials are horrendous and their foams are spongy messes... I've been VERY clear all year about my thoughts in NB. I know you like to disagree with (literally) everything I post... but even this is low effort baiting.
My best road/daily is tracksmith eliot, for trail merrell longsky 2 was amazing on the supper tech trails of malaysia. For road to trail, the nnormal kjerag.
The Kjerag was in my 2023 list and the Tomir 2.0 didn’t make the cut this year for me. I think the Inov8 Trailfly might be my trail shoe of the year… but I don’t think there was a 2024 model. I al looking forward to the Kjerag 2…. Hopefully I’ll have an early release pair to cover as well.
@SagasuRunning yeah I think the kjerag 2 has a new foam, a tpeu base I think. They've also got a 5mm lug version of 1 with a single ply matrix upper that I'm super excited about as jungle mountain shoe, the merrell is my favourite for when I really need a trail shoe to be a trail shoe. Be nice to hear your thoughts if you get your hands on yhe nnormals next year.
Of all the shoe of the year pick from other channels, yours is the most ballsy! The Supernova Rise, overlooked, often in the bargain bin, it's not sexy, vanilla in its simplicity, but completely love the 3 pairs I own, and just got the latest iteration. I thought I was alone in the running world that's totally fanboying on this shoe, so it's thrilling that you picked the supernova rise over all the rest. So, cheers and amen to that!
It’s one of those shoes that is totally overlooked in the world of max stack everything. It does have some amazing engineering in it too. Not as simple as it looks. I’ll have a “Shoe of the Year” video midweek on it all.
Great list. It's such a fresh breathe of air to not see max stack shoes taking up 80% of the list. You're really an outlier of a runner and that's why I keep coming back to your channel. I'm excited to see what 2025 brings. Looking forward to your Evo SL, Vomero 18 & Pegasus Premium reviews next year. Oh almost forgot it would be great if you could cover the new Skechers Aero series as well,
You mean 80% non max stack? The NB4 is the high stack shoe (outside of a super shoe).
The shoes you mentioned are all coming in 2025, minus the Skechers.
@@SagasuRunning A lot of runners have 80% of their 2024 lists filled with max stack shoes, so I appreciate that your list is the opposite. You probably missed the word 'not' in my original comment..
ya… didn’t see it but I thought that was what you meant. I have no issue with max stack shoes but when that is ALL you run in one is really doing a disservice to their legs, feet and running in general.
I’ve trusted your opinion many times and you have yet to let me down. Going to grab a pair of the SNR and use them for my 2025 rotation with SNR/EVOSL/AP4. Always appreciate the fantastic insight. Hope you have a good holiday buddy!
I hope you enjoy them. I'll have some 2025 Adidas rotation building content on the channel towards the end of Jan or early Feb. Stay tuned.
@@SagasuRunningconsider my calendar marked. I’m curious to see your thought on the evo sl when you grab a pair. I’m going to assume we’ll both agree they’re not a daily trainer shoe and most definitely an up tempo or any faster workout shoe. Kinda like the peg plus ;)
We will see. I’ve held a pair but they aren’t on sale here yet. I’m split on what I think they are. I do look forward to running in them. Soon’ish I hope.
The good news is that I have an Adios 9 now… which is a more important shoe IMO… reviews soon.
@@SagasuRunningExtremely envious right now 😂. That shoe is like a fairytale in the states currently. Looking forward to it!
@@dickhead7348 I do not understand Adidas's marketing or supply chains. Beyond frustrating...
A very different kind of Top 10 list but it is to be expected for anyone who followed you this year. Didn’t expect SNR to get this high. Just got it for casual wear but now may need to reconsider. Thanks for the great videos! Happy holidays! Looking forward to new content in 2025!
Happy holidays and thank you for watching. Definitely give the SNR a chance. 🤙🏻
Got my list coming for the end of the year. It’s a top 9 because some shoes I could put at number ten just don’t feel very “top” and unearned . Great list and video as always
I had a hard time narrowing it down to 10 this year, thus the honorable mentions (I even cut 2 out of that final list because it was too much). I look forward to your cinema magic and sit down transitions in your Top 9.
You 2 really fit to eachother :D
🤣
I almost bought SL2 and ended with SN Rise due to your analysis.
And I'm happy with that because Evo SL seems to overlap with SL2 uses and... because SN Rise is so easy to stride.
This is its most observable feature of this shoe.
It's so easy to walk or run on it.
I'm positively surprised with it having the #1 spot on your list.
And as a product I think it really deserves it because it brings more people to the sport.
High tech ultra light supershoes are nice BUT they ain't where I'll clock most of my km.....
Well done, Chris! Well done
🇧🇷👍❤️
🎯
Interesting list. They do match all your previous reviews. I was just surprised Supernova Rise was your number 1. But I was close at guessing Nike Pegasus Plus. I love daily trainers. So much that I wish plated trainers did not exist. I think daily trainers have still a long way to go to become perfect running shoes. Daily trainers like SL2 Pegasus Plus (Evo SL & Novablast 5 based on the reivews) and for me Mach 6 have taken a few steps forward in that path. I tested the Supernova Rise in an adidas shoe store. Even though they were half a size too big I was surprised how much I really liked the way they felt, even better than the SL2 and Novablast 4.
I agree, kind of. I love my super shoes and race shoes...but yes...you can do A LOT with a good daily trainer. There were some great ones in 2024 but it looks like some even better ones in 2025. Daily trainers will still be a focus for me in 2025. Stay tuned.
Amazing, I just got the supernova rise today, excited to put kms on it. I have to say I discovered your channel this summer and it quickly became my fav running shoe content on Yt, video subjects are always well thought out and insightful, thank you for the knowledge and info you bring.
Definitely enjoy them. Funny how things work sometimes. 🤙🏻
Thank you for the kind words on the channel. Glad to have you here and I hope you continue to find value here. I have much planned for 2025.
Your Shoe of the Year is my favorite. I love running in it and really looking forward to the future of this shoe.
Same same, very deserving, right?… I have more to say on it in 2025. Stay tuned. 🤙🏻
Thank you! Super line up! My favs 2024 are SL2, Mach 6 and Invincible 3 :)
I liked the Mach 6, until I didn't (Hoka fit issues) and the Invincible 3 is a 2023 shoe (release date March 2023)... but it's good you found your favorites. That is always hard to do given ALL of the options out there.
@@SagasuRunning Oh, yeah, it was a 2023 release, forgot about it. That´s true, there are so many options out there!
So many…
@@SagasuRunning Too many?
Never too many options.
I’m glad to see the Peg 41 on your list! It’s my favorite daily trainer since the 34!
You and I may be the only two (well Tim Grose too) but I agree… it’s my go to for just about everything. Has been for years.
@@SagasuRunningHey, me too, and I also started to run in them in 34! 😅
I go back a few geeks further… but it’s been a staple for a long time.
Thanks for the reviews over the year, hope you have a happy Christmas. Been thinking about a daily trainer to add in, will need to try the Supernova Rise - all but thought it was going to be an EVO SL or Novablast.
Thank you for watching! Any of those three shoes will work well as a daily, each have their own strength. Hopefully I'll have an Evo SL soon and will be able to cover that one. I have ALOT of thoughts on it. 🤙🏻
@SagasuRunning Thanks for that, interested in your thoughts on the EVO SL for sure 😃
Great vid, what do you think is the best 5k road racing shoe currently??
Honestly… it’s the race shoe that is most comfortable for you.
For me I’d likely opt for the AF3 but if the course was twisty I’d go for the VF3. But that’s me.
Expected to hear Pegasus Plus in the top two from the high praise you had for it in previous videos, e.g. Pegasus Plus vs Vaporfly Next% 3, but definitely not the Adidas Supernova Rise. Interesting.
I flipped back and forth all year between the two shoes. It really was close. It also never was not one of those shoes for me last year. The closet a shoe got to being in consideration was the Velocity Nitro 3 or TS10 at certain points in 2024.
I ran 300+ km in the SNR and I think it's best suited for daily runs / recovery runs under 1hr. I once ran a 20km long run in it and the foam in the forefoot just bottomed out and made my legs (around the knee area) very sore. It's a good and very comfortable shoe but the lower stack and bottomed out forefoot during long run make me only reach to it 1-2 times per week.
🎯 (minus the bottoming out… I never got that)
Your thoughts on the supernova prima? Is the rise really better? Thank you !!
We never got that model here in Taiwan… only the other three. So I’ve never seen it. That being said I’d like to test it but a big part of what makes the SNR so good is the lower stack and ground feel. So I doubt I’d prefer it…. But if I ever see a pair I’ll grab them.
@ got it thank you! Nice list of top 10 shoes 🫡
🙏🏻
And the winner is...🏅 Wow, what a list!👏👏 And what does it say of 2024 that so many shoes on this list are daily trainers? I knew your top 3 shoes would be on the list, but I was pleasantly surprised about #1 being, well, #1! With over 450k on them, I can only agree, and they're bringing a lighter upper next year. I've run far less on #7, but they haven't let me down yet! Wish I could get my hands on #2 to try it out, but the Evo SL or Adios 9 are more likely to show up, what's tragicomic considering Adidas has been having raffles for the SL from what I've heard. I am rather curious whether Adidas will release a SL3 or replace it with the Evo SL going forward, and what changes Nike will bring to the VF4. I anticipate the NB5 will be quite high up on your list next year, and possibly dethrone #1, but we'll see.
Adidas is killing it right now! As for the Evo SL, we have to keep in mind that Adidas is marketing that shoe as a hybrid run/lifestyle shoe, that explains why the raffles are happening. That is also the reason why I don’t think it will interfere with the standard SL line. Having ran in the Evo SL and SL/SL2, I think the SL2 is a more streamlined trainer for runners. It has a better upper and doesn’t push you to run fast. The Evo SL is a tempo runner, I would not go out and do daily miles in it unless it was my only option.
@@CorGP Adidas is doing it all for the hype! To then throw in their own windows by flushing the market with EVO SL in every single colour you can think of. They go on sale worldwide in February, and there is already a yellow on the way and red. They did exactly the same with soccer/football cleats. Their revamp of the predator shoes was a big success! But there was a problem, they have a new young star player and they gave him predators in his signature colour way, and what happens, nobody wants them! Because the buyers wild on dozens of colour ways. No Adidas is making a comeback indeed, they’ve closed the gap to Nike and Asics. Now adidas is having the same issues like Nike, their low to mid tier shoes are all over the place. They have models overlapping each other too much. The have the EVO 1, Adios pro 4 and right now EVO SL and then everything else around it is covering each other too much. takumi sen, SL2, and a bunch more hovering around it. You can slash at least 3 off their offerings.
Asics is much more clear.
Metaspeed sky and edge - race
Superblast 2 - long run tempo trainer
Magicspeed 4 - speed workouts
Novablast 5 - Daily trainer, easy/recovery runs
Nimbus 27 - comfort, easy runs, recovery
Then there is another branch with the glide ride, cumulus, etc.
It’s clear, and what happens is, their lineup works so when a runner buys 1 pair and likes it, the second pair is inevitable.
With Adidas it’s kinda clear if you look top down, but Nike it’s a bloody mess. You like the alpha fly, top down there is too much.
@@stephenwouw8624 Nike and Adidas have the funds to flood the market with colorways because they’re that big. ASICS is very specific in the running market because they have to be. They only became popular in the lifestyle market this past year. Same with Saucony who released a shoe with minted last month that sold out instantly.
I think it highlights two things. 1). Daily trainers had a great year 2). As a runner I spend most of my time in a daily trainer OR a supershoe...I don't spend much time in shoes between those categories. That will be a theme I'll carry into 2025 as well, though there will be a few more tempo/performance trainers in for review than in 2024.
Adidas had a great 2024, but 2025 looks even better for them. I look forward to finally getting a pair of Evo SLs....I have ALOT to say about that shoe but have been holding my tongue until I can get a pair to test...
To me, following your time period rules, the SL2 is the clear winner. I tried the SN Rise but didn’t like them for anything but walking around. The only shoe on your list that I hated was the Puma VN3. I think I hated it as much as the other Puma shoe that shall remain nameless. Outside of November 1, the Evo SL is easily the best shoe, and maybe the shoe of the decade!
Shoe of the decade! Wow. I have ALOT of thoughts on the Evo SL but am waiting to get a pair to test before I unleash them all. Soon, I hope... 🤞🏻
Made me look at the peg plus and supernova in a different lens. For you to recommend this better than metspeed and alphafly blows my mind. 😮 thank you for the list and keep up the good work
It is a blended list. I spend more time in trainers and that is reflected here. But you can see my top super shoe list too 3-6…
Wow, the Supernova Rise comes in at number 1. I loved the Supernova Glide 8 with Boost. it was a little heavy but nothing better for pounding out miles. It was incredibly durable. Might have to give the Rise a chance.
The new Supernovas are not as much tanks as the old Supernovas…. But my SNR with 200mi+ on them feels remarkably similar to a fresh pair.
I have to ask, from a marketing and product standpoint, what do you think of the name “incrediRUN” for Saucony’s new foam?
Awful... possibly one of the worst product names I've seen. 1990s informercial bad...
I love the saucony endorphin pro 4, laces and all, I have the sky Paris as well, and although lighter, I still always find myself reaching for my pro 4s instead
The EP4 definitely is easier on the legs than the MSEP, though not as fast. I was very surprised over the summer how fast the EP4 was for me, based on data, when compared to other super shoes. It's a great shoe. Still impressed with it.
Great pics and great vid
🙏🏻
Interesting choices. Novablast 4 or any nike pegasus not even in my top 10 grass cutting shoes never mind anything to do with running.
1.Saucony pro 4
2. Superblast 2
3. Prime x v2.
Zoomfly 6 gets a worthy mention as its brought nike back from the dead.
My 2024 standout performers.
You like 'em thicc I see. ZF6 (release date Nov 1) is a 2025 shoe for me... I'll be talking about it (alot) next year.
@SagasuRunning Yeah i do tend to prefer more cusion. The novablast 4 is cushioned but I just find them boring/bland so tend to just use the superblast instead.
The zoomfly 6 should suit you since you like the alphafly but are a lot different to your picks.
I’m currently testing the ZF6…. I’ll have my review in the first week of Jan. So far… positive.
I really wanted to like the Peg Plus but the toe box was so narrow for me. It has such an extreme taper. The Rise fits me much better. If I could improve one thing on the Rise it would be the heel. The posterior flair feels clunky to me but it’s still runnable. Maybe they’ll reduce it with version 3.
Ya, the pointy toe of the PP is odd, I also don't love the outsole... but neither give me issue, but the contributed to it's #2 spot.
I think it would be interesting to hear your analysis of what Mizuno is doing these days in terms of their rebuilding and reinvention of their brand and running shoe line up.
My opinion is...nothing interests me, thus no coverage on the channel. Crazy geometries and funny marketing don't have a ton of value to me. I'm also not a midfoot striker so alot of their "innovations" are not for me. I watch what they are doing but nothing is interesting, at all, right now. I did try the Neo Vista on and it was one of my least favorite underfoot feels all years... so hard no.
wow I got the supernova rise for $40 but I havent tried it yet. And now its your shoe of the year!? Looking forward to running in it.
Enjoy them… amazing deal too. 🤙🏻
Great to see a non Nike there! Plus the Supernova Rise! After 100km on this shoe I must say the technology is exciting though there is much room to improvement on the upper compartment. I only hope they don’t abandon it in the favor of EVO SL.
Well…. I have the SNR2 in now… minor changes but all in the upper (but also barely noticeable). I too hope they don’t go all in on the Evo SL as it would be a big mistake. I have a lot of thoughts on that shoe that I have been sitting on until I can get a pair and run in them. Once I do…. I will unleash…
@ That’s sad to hear. I mean for first version it was an exciting release but certainly I expect meaningful improvements for next releases and for the upper there was such a need. I was very happy with SNR1 however the right insole was a bit smaller than the left one and was hitting my toe, I told Adidas in hope they replace my insole and they asked me to completely return the shoes. I am now waiting for either new shoes or money return but it’s weird, I only wanted a new insole. I miss them already.
I like the upper actually. Maybe if there is a v3 we will see bigger change.
Ya, no brand is going to replace a part… it’s the whole shoe or nothing.
@ It will be quite upsetting if there’s no version 3. SNR is unique in so many ways.
@ Agree, fully.
Great list! Thanks for the video ! Have you tried the Altra vanish Carbon 2 ?
I don't run in Altra, sorry.
Nice video, I have the SL2 and Takumi and now considering the Supernova Rise as am curious on the experience. I don't think I've ever owned something as soft and flexible.
It will be a change for you. It complements the SL2 well. This way you have SNR/SL2/TS10 as Easy/tempo/race.
Just checked Adidas Online and there is already a Supernova Rise 2 and a more expensive Supernova Prima. Maybe a 2025 review suggestion for this channel😂. I already added those to my cart but will wait for a promo or a good deal elsewhere.
I have a pair of SNR2s… you’ll see them on the channel very soon. Review will be in mid/late Jan (they aren’t much different than v1).
A comprehensive line up. Solid work horses.
The bottom 5 especially… a ton of value there.
How is Puma Foreverun Nitro compared with Velocity Nitro ?
Sorry, I don't know. I don't need stability shoes and have never run in the Puma Foreverun Nitro. Maybe someone in the channel community has? Anyone?
A shoe(t)out between the Sky Paris and the Adios Pro 4 would be fun to watch. They seem somewhat similar, weight wise anyway. Three Nike shoes in your top 10? Shocker lol. It will be interesting to see if the Rise 2 will dethrone the Rise 1.
I plan on doing a “vs” video on the Metaspeed Sky 4 (or whatever the name is) in 2025 again the AP4 and AF3. Looking forward to that.
I more curious if the SNR2 can maintain its position…. 2025 has some great releases, looks like a stronger year than 2024.
To be fair… I’m rather proud there are ONLY three Nikes in the list. If I would have included spikes in this list it would have been more….
@@SagasuRunning The 2024 shoe releases were epic. Based on what I observed from the TRE livestream, 2025 promises to be an even more epic shoe release year.
2025 looks to be an even better year. Which is saying something. 👍🏻
Rise is sneaky good shoe. I prefer the Prima but still like the rise a lot
We never got the Prima here in Taiwan. If I ever see a pair I will pick them up…. But a big part of the appeal of the Rise for me is the flex and ground feel.
Adidas is selling the Prima for about $60 on ebay which is a great deal. I think the prima is better than the rise because its more comfortable
One of the main things makes the SNR special is the low stack and ground feel. The Prima was never released here in Taiwan, so I've never seen one. I do want to cover it and if I find a pair in 2025 I'll pick them up...but I doubt I'll prefer it over the SNR, even as a forefoot striker.
The supernova rise just isnt mentioned enough by youtubers, do you feel that it resembles the invincible 2s?
I agree. The SNR is like an Invincible and a Pegasus hybrid… not either exactly but also notes of both.
Adidas really had a year! I have the peg plus as my top shoe of the year, but the only 2024 shoes I bought were the NB4, peg plus and the SB2. I was able to secure a few pairs of the Evo SL but I’m not counting that as a 2024 shoe.
The Evo SL's "official" release date is March 2025, so very much a 2025 shoe. Adidas looks to have an even better 2025.
I don’t understand your list and with the number 1 i was shocked. Good shoe is something and to be shoe of the year is something else especially in 2024 I think this year was great year of improvement and new technologies for shoes I hope your choice is yours and not influenced by others
I mean...my editorial voice is authentic to a fault on this channel. I'm VERY clear with what I cover and why. I have to be interested in it and am not afraid to go against the current meta in the running space.
I will always fiercely protect my editorial integrity on this channel and always disclose brand relationships.
So yes, this list is VERY me and very subjective to MY tastes. As any channel top 10 list should be. 👍🏻
Heyy hello! Did I saw that correctly that you avoid NewBalance shoes? If so, why is that?
Their engineering is in an awful direction. bad fits, bad uppers, bad foams that are WAY to soft and spongy and overall bad ideas... until something changes for them I doubt I'll be covering them. I also don't expect anything to change on their end as they seem very proud of their lineup... though their lack of any excitement for 2025 product at TRE was telling.
Looking forward to the Prime X 3! I'm very firm in the 'max stack performance trainer' camp, so I was very surprised that I like the TS10 so much.
The PX3 looks SO ridiculous and is SO not my thing...that I just might cover it in 2025 because I'm so curious... it's that out there. Stay tuned... there might be a surprise on this channel for Prime X fans in 2025.
@@SagasuRunning 🤣 Yeah, I know that you'd probably hate it, but you asked 😁
Even I had to get used to the PXS2, it didn't instantly wow me, like the AP3 and TS10 did. But once it broke in, and unlocked it's speed (which didn't take long), it became my favourite shoe! I fully expect the 3 to be a lot lighter, because that's where the most criticism of the 2 came from, but without completely sacrificing the gained stability from 1 to 2. So I'm not expecting it to be as soft as the AP4 is.
The PX3 is the idea form the PX2S turned up to 11…. It’s either going to work amazingly well or completely fail. I’m actually curious.
Have you tested anything Puma this year?! DNE3 & DN3 hands down better than 90% of your top 10
There is a Puma in the list 🤦🏼♂️.... and the shoe I mentioned that I'll never mention on this channel again (and my worst shoe of the year) is one you mentioned the other one was "meh" when i tried it on...
@@SagasuRunning Guess Puma doesn’t send you free stuff 😂
I mean that’s the cliche critique of a review now isn’t it. If they don’t agree with YOUR personal opinion it must be because they don’t send me stuff. Totally logical thinking that. I mean, performance of shoes obviously shouldn’t matter, right?
FYI - I am VERY clear on this channel who I work with and clearly disclose it. No one on this list sent me anything in 2024, other than Inov8 which I disclosed.
But ya… must be that. 🤦🏼♂️
Well said on the Superblast 2. I feel the same thing about the 1 and so I have not picked up the 2 yet.
Superblast overall tho- a very good shoe, but falls just shy of the hype for me personally.
The SB was amazing because 2'ish years ago there really wasn't anything else like it that could do everything it did, in a non-plated and performance way. While the SB2 is a big upgrade on the SB, it entered a space where daily trainers are more capable and unless you had a specific need in marathon training for the SB2 , there was generally a better option in 2024. Still a great shoe, but not all that.
I'm not sure I follow the logic on the Pegasus though. I get that he loves them / Nike shoes generally + using them for speed work, and most people bracket the Superblast as an all-rounder / long-run / marathon trainer ... but he goes on to say the Pegs are a new breed of performance shoe with the best foam + no stiffening agent in a lightweight package - which is exactly what the Superblast is. And is why so many people have gone ga-ga over them. It's his list of course and that's what makes the conversation fun, but aren't the Pegasus and Superblast solving for the same thing?
I said that on the Peg Plus… which it is. The Superblast is way too bulky for speed work outside of marathon pace. Try doing 200s in a pair of Superblasts…
The Superblast is a nearly ideal long run trainer for marathon builds. Beyond that it doesn’t have much utility for actual use.
@@davidrogers7787 I don’t think the regular peg is a running shoe but that’s just me. It’s my casual wear and work shoe, nothing more. Have not tried peg + but would like to tho.
I bought a Superblast 2, and it was super expensive in Brazil, about the price of Vaporfly 3 or Adios Pro 3. I’d been hearing it was super versatile, but I quickly found out that it can do ONE thing, which is fast long runs. I think it’s really one of the best shoes for that use case, but “versatile” is the last thing I’d call it.
Not sure about supernova rise. i got one pair but its terrible for running, it bottoms out extremely fast and im not even heavy lol. i prefer even the ultraboost 5 over them which is crazy given the UB's backgroud
I’ve never had a bottoming out feeling in them… even after 200mi on them. Always smooth and cushioned. To be fair I have a strong preference for lower stack shoes.
I am keen to give the Supernova Rise a try now. I hadn't given it the consideration it seems to deserve.
It is very good and very worth a look.
I’m looking forward to this one. I have my coffee. Here we go!
🎢
@@SagasuRunningSupernova Rise? That was a surprise. I’ll have to do myself a favor and take a hard look at it. Thanks for your review. I enjoyed it.
@@TomCantu-q2x Definitely take a look at them. A very underrated show. Thank you for watching. 🤙🏻
The Peg Plus is a great shoe and I’m surprised that it’s not getting more attention from the industry.
Two things...it's a Nike (people prefer the internet points they get for dunking on Nike) and it's not 33mm+ in the forefoot so to many it is "unrunnable". 🤦🏼♂️
Ultimately this is your list and there are no right or wrong answers. However, I do find your criteria quite subjective, essentially the brand importance having such a large weighting.
Wouldn’t the best approach for this type of Video to objectively assess each shoe on A defined set of characteristics that define them ; Such as performance, durability, Cost, etc. Brand importance and Industry impact are more considerations to me than anything.
Great year for the work on the channel, You have brought a refined approach to this space and your production level is very high
Yes… ultimately it is. This may be the most subjective video I do on the channel all year. I’m cherry picking my favorite shoes from the pool I reviewed in 2024, which I’m already very selective on to begin with. I cover the brands and products I find “the best” and most interesting to me.
Arbitrary scales and points systems don’t matter. I’m neither trying to be inclusive nor something like consumer reports. I’m giving my POV on what product I find exciting and why…. Plus trying it back to some of the larger stories I’ve covered in 2024.
Unabashedly subjective.
I do appreciate the kind words on channel growth in 2024. It was quite a year. Plenty more planned for 2025…. Onward. 🤙🏻
I dont know Adidas has become really odd. They copy the chinese market like crazy and the Supernova lineup is straight up copy paste from Xtep.
The Xtep shoes in the 160x 5.0, 260x 360x and the 2000km use the exact same peba foam as the supernova lineup, the Xtep 2000km is almost the exact same shoe as the supernova rise, I had both on my feed left and right and I could baaarely a difference. Just the Xtep is 50bucks cheaper. Plus the concept of the 2000km and the foam used is almost 2 years old already.
I dont mind copying... but that Adidas is like "we developed this we are..." is... not very sympathic.
But Overall a very great video.
For 2025 one of the most important things for me will be the Vaporfly 4... this shoe will be miss or hit and I hope for a very very big hit.
I mean… they are working with Shincell, as do most of then Chinese brands. So it’s not a surprise. It is interesting to see what Adidas picks out of the Chinese market though. The Chinese brands have had 2 years of crazy materials ideas and engineering. So Adidas can no work with the best of the crop as far as materials.
Suppliers are just that. So the fact Adidas doesn’t credit them is no surprise. My guess is they are now using the vanilla OEM formulas Shincell is selling them. There is likely some level of customization happening (for Adidas and all the Chinese brands) which technically is their “development”. That’s how it goes be it BASF, Shincell or Arkema.
@@SagasuRunning you seem to be on point as always... I know till 2022 early 23 xtep had Arkema as supplier, and all the shoes basically had "pwrrun pb" foam, same structure, same softness... My xtep 160x 3.0 Pro is litterally an endorphin pro on steroids and some extra weight.
Li-ning seems to be the only Chinese brand that had an entire own formular. And for 2025 a complete New one, their extemely firm Peba "boom" foam will remain in upper class daily trainers and otherwise as carrier foam for their new super race shoes a squishy and soft Main foam which looks btw exactly like in the adios pro 4 in terms of squish and structure 🫠
Whats going on in the market, what an amazing time to be alive as a shoe geek.
That they all go for super squishy foams is a littlebit worrying, I like Li-ning and Nike mainly that much because they arent super squishy, Li-nings boom foam is almost guiding you with the firmness... And now squish squish squish
Ya… super foams are changing, a lot right now. Maybe the biggest evolution in them since 2017. I’m curious where they stabilize and how that leads to next gen materials. Interesting times ahead.
Still marvel how the Saucony Endorphin Speed4, in the specific colorway you show passed muster (and was approved)... from any distance, in action on course, it reads to the eye as Nike. Being in design, the amount of vetting for things like that can be frustrating... funny how that colorway slipped through.
Saucony has done iterations on the BAA colors for the Boston marathon for years on various models. However, I agree... that color way may be one of the worst of 2024. Especially how the dyes are bleeding in it. Sadly it was the only color way released here in Taiwan until recently and I don't need a second pair, so it is what it is.
Ah for sure a very different top 10 to anything else have seen. For a start Peg 41 in but Superblast 2 and Speed 4 "out" (well just) I doubt we will see elsewhere. Supernova Rise I thought of getting but just could not see what I might get excited about especially as in a UK 13.5 it did not have much obvious "go" about it. In a way I was a bit underwhelmed by racing shoes this year - the ASICS ones are off limits to me due to my size and the AF3 I feel just not scale well and everything else just seemed more like glorified super trainers so I am still very much reaching for Vaporflys and more the 1/2 than the 3 TBH. I wonder where the Zoom Fly 6 may have come in your list and I was half expecting to see the Victory 2 and Dragonfly 2 spikes in here! Peg Plus I like but still feel a bit disappointed compared to the original versions. The Zoom Fly 6 largely has replaced it in my pecking order.
I left spikes out of this as they are so specialized, though the Victory 2 "almost" made an honorable mention. The ZF6 is a 2025 shoe for me (Nov 1 release date) so we will see where it nets out next year. I have been running in the ZF6 and I can see why you like it, given your preference for the older Vaporflys. What I find so interesting about the ZF6 is how I think we are getting a bit of a preview of the VF4... the forefoot feel in that shoe is a bit unique. Not something totally ZF, A little AF3 up on the toes and VF nimbleness... it's interesting...
I love your videos because they are very technical, as if an engineer made them
I’m a designer… so close. But I have always been on the technical side of things, at least interested in it all. 🤙🏻
I really don’t like my Pegasus plus. 150 miles and it keeps bottoming out on me.
I’ve not had that at all and I’m nearly 200mi on 2 pairs… I’ve done everything in them but the majority has been speed work around 5k to half marathon pace.
I am 84Kg and it’s perfectly fine. The high stack mania is definitely brainwashing people about how the shoes should be and what’s good for your body. I can 100% ensure you that “not feeling the ground” is bad for your body because it can’t find a solid floor and all the secondary muscles that stabilize your body work way more.
pegasus plus felt really heavy and stiff for me
In the trail shoe segment I think the terrex agravic speed ultra set a new mark as the first real super shoe that is a successful design for a fairly wide range of applicable terrain.
The Kjerag still is my goto trail shoe, though the Inov8 Trailfly is close. I enjoyed the Tomir 2.0 but it didn't make the cut for this list. My Kboix is a proto and too large so that one didn't either. There will be some more trail shoes on the channel in 2025, some exciting things happening behind the scenes.
The Nnormal Kjerag 2 and the Nike Kiger 10 are my most anticipated 2025 trail shoes.
I agree and love the Kjerag. The Kjerag 2 is my most anticipated trail shoe for 2025.
Nevertheless and despite some flaws and weirdness, I think the ASU was the first practical super shoe for trail.
@ ASU?
Agravic Speed Ultra
Ahh… sadly Adidas doesn’t bother importing their trail line to Taiwan, at all. Next time I’m in Japan I’m going to look for these. Mostly due to your recommendation.
#1 is definitely a bit surprising. Okay, I only tried it in a shop on the Treadmill but can't say was blown away. Felt good though and good that Adidas now has a decent normal Daily Trainer sort of like a Pegasus. Maybe I should give it a chance:)
Think of the SNR as a cross between a Pegasus and an Invincible... not exactly either but a mix of the two. It's not a shoe that will blow you away, but it is a show that will constantly perform, day after day.
Positives: the list is really thought-out and far from mainstream trends. That's always great to witness.
Negatives: Including probably the most commercial, borderline lifestyle shoe to the list, to me signals that this list is much more about emotional attachment and loyalty to a brand than is it about performance/running qualities (not completely disregarding those, though).
I think the fact that you have very strong bias towards Nike adds up to an already existing natural subjectivity of any review. And while you attempt to break down and ground your opinion with detailed (and very illustrative) graphics and scales, that bias is still an elephant in the room.
Reverse is true as well. For instance, your negative bias towards Saucony when you over-stress/hyperbolise negative aspects of particular shoes while evidently enjoying them, to the point that you almost appear as guilty because you actually enjoy them and that needs verbose commentary to exonerate oneself.
I believe if you were a half as critical about concrete Nike models, end picture would be very different. I wonder if you would still be running in a shoe like Pegasus if it hadn't Nike swoosh on it.
You know...I'm just as critical to Nike as I am any other brand. A list like this is maybe the most subjective content item I'll do all year. I'm cherry picking my favorites of stuff that already made my list of being worthy of review. But someone watching this type of video is likely watching it to see MY list, fully expecting it to subjective to me as a creator/review/influencer.
Another thing I find, frustrating. Every other shoetuber has a shoe (or two) they love no matter what. None of them get called out for it because it’s not a Nike. Again…. The bias for most to want to dunk on Nike just because internet points.
The Pegasus 41 is an outstanding shoe, full stop, regardless of the logo that is on it. If you want to question subjectivity or bias think about why you think it is such a "bad" shoe. Give me one constructive reason that IS NOT a personal preference?
The Peg is an everybody and anything shoe. It made for any runner to really do anything in. It achieves that spectacularly.
As for bias...ya, I'm a Nike fan and I spend 60%, or more, of a given year of my running in Nike. I've been VERY transparent about that. I also have an bias for Adidas and cerian Asics models, but that never gets called out because it's not cool to dunk on those brands in our space as they are somehow more "core" than Nike...
I'm completely open to being surprised by brands and shoes. Every single product I was hard on this year, and there were a few, I tried and I gave a chance. They earned that place for me via poor engineering and design. As for Saucony... even though I have issues with the brand I was pleasantly surprised by the Endophins, but will still point out there (many) faults and find it interesting that Saucony issues that were present over a decade ago are STILL present in the product.
“Legsavingsness” - guess I just learned a new word.
What exactly do you mean by that?
Haha...I cannot, for the life of me, think of a more succinct way to say it. Meaning, how well the shoe helps you recover after a run. Some foams are harsh on the legs and body and you feel it afterwards. Other shoes leave you feeling fresh and ready for the next run. PEBA foams, especially PEBAX foam (ZoomX), are typically very soft on the legs. The benefits of a super shoe like the using ZoomX are it's increased efficiency AND faster recovery.
If I ever do merch....I think I need a t-shirt of this. 🤣
7:56 LMAOO the shoe that shall not be named
Banned from the channel… ❌
Got Supernova Rise for my mom for Christmas found it for $60 on Amazon. She runs a slow mile a day so I think it’s perfect. Glad to see it still ended up topping your list.
Perfect shoe for that. That is a primary use case Adidas designed it for. A comfort shoe for any runner.
Good reviews, definitely not following the herd of shoe reviewers. Surprisingly, a lot of the shoes are super affordable in the US, $120-$140…
While I don’t factor price in on this channel, or very rarely. The current crop of daily trainers is exceptional value for money.
@ Loving my SL2s, also loving my DV8 3s, which I’m guessing is your Puma shoe “not to be named.”🤣
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@@SagasuRunning Huh. Fascinating, I love them…
I think I can guess your top 1 worst shoe of 2024. 🤔
There are two candidates… for sake of sanity they both get the award and I’ll never mention either on this channel again.
But can I buy a pair of running shoes that doesn't look like something designed for a clown?
They are out there... just takes some looking to find the simple color ways.
no brooks, no hoka, no new balance etc.? What about picking a model from each brand and presenting a top list? Indeed, Adidas made a huge come back this year with some solid daily trainers. Nike seems to follow the trend with the peg41 and zoomfly, but still! For me Adidas, Asics, Saucony, Puma and Hoka are the brands with options for every taste of running.
I ran in a brooks and a Hoka last year, neither made the cut. I don't cover NB.
I'm not trying to be inclusive on this channel. I cover only what is interesting to me and what I want to run in. So a list like this from me (or any creator) is VERY subjective as we are cherry picking an already smaller subset of shoe we reviewed on a given year.
@@SagasuRunningIsn’t some of this based on what’s available in your location?
Not in the slightest. I can get anything I need, sometimes it just takes longer. There is nothing in 2024 that I wanted to run in that I couldn’t (or didn’t get), though a few things were months later.
@ Ok. I thought I remove red watching a review once where you mentioned certain brands weren’t readily available where you were, I must’ve misinterpreted…
@@SagasuRunning it is clear that every review on youtube is subjective and it expresses the level, the body structure and other factors of a specific runner. Btw, your videos are something different and I frankly thing that although your personal view is presented, many objective elements are shown. Well done Segasu
Shoe makers invested so much money on tech.. Foam.. Stack.. Carbon plates.. Yet the best shoes for you only simple shoes.. So obvious your top 2 only work for you.. Some of your top list are a big no to other runners.. Too rigid & stiff.. But after this.. We can predict best shoes for you in future.. Seriously.. I think if you run bare footed you ll ve no problem.. Because you need minimum cushions.
More tech doesn’t make a shoe better always. Running starts with a solid foundation and those are your feet.
There is a wide range of shoes in this list and I’m far from the “only” one who enjoys many of these shoes.… read through the comments and you’ll see.
Also this is MY list… it’s very subjective and about my tastes from the shoes I reviewed all year. That shouldn’t come as a surprise.
So you "love low stack", that 6mm drop Roadfly, yet also the Endorphin Pro4 & it's 8mm drop, however have no love for anything NB including their 4mm low stack FuelCell SuperComp Elite v4, perfect for forefoot racing. SMH. Different strokes. It's now 20% off and imo the best $200 or less shoe in the market.
I tried NB and couldn’t get past the foam. Best upper for my foot, but the NB foam is sloppy.
Thought you were saying low drop? Which is not the same thing as low stack?
I was literally about to say the same thing… it seems there’s confusion between low stack and low drop. That said… I do believe the author believes in low stack running shoes as I believe he’s stated there’s an adaptive benefit to using them I.e. not doing a max cushion high stack trainer all the time
NB's engineering is awful, their fits and upper materials are horrendous and their foams are spongy messes... I've been VERY clear all year about my thoughts in NB. I know you like to disagree with (literally) everything I post... but even this is low effort baiting.
My best road/daily is tracksmith eliot, for trail merrell longsky 2 was amazing on the supper tech trails of malaysia. For road to trail, the nnormal kjerag.
The Kjerag was in my 2023 list and the Tomir 2.0 didn’t make the cut this year for me. I think the Inov8 Trailfly might be my trail shoe of the year… but I don’t think there was a 2024 model.
I al looking forward to the Kjerag 2…. Hopefully I’ll have an early release pair to cover as well.
@SagasuRunning yeah I think the kjerag 2 has a new foam, a tpeu base I think. They've also got a 5mm lug version of 1 with a single ply matrix upper that I'm super excited about as jungle mountain shoe, the merrell is my favourite for when I really need a trail shoe to be a trail shoe. Be nice to hear your thoughts if you get your hands on yhe nnormals next year.
The Kjerag 2 and Norda 005 were both reported out of TRE as being supercritical TPEE - like Lightstrike pro.
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Great pics and great vid
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