r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 22d ago

AMA🎤 I'm Stephan Scholten, Senior Director, VP of Product for Running at adidas, AMA!

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276 Upvotes

Hey r/RunningShoeGeeks — I'm Stephan Scholten, VP of Product for Running at adidas. Footwear and apparel both sit in my world, so a lot of what you obsess over here is what I spend my days on.

Long-time lurker, occasional poster. I come here to see what you're loving, what's frustrating you, and — honestly — for the odd gear tip too. Some of you know these shoes better than the spec sheets.

I'm German, and running is my biggest love right after my wife and kids — so this isn't a job I fell into, it's the one I wanted. 13 years at adidas, the last 10 of them in Running. Best brief in the building.

I'll be here for the next hour — 17:00–18:00 CEST (16:00–17:00 BST / 11:00–12:00 ET) — to answer everything I can on our running footwear, the Adizero range especially. Fire away. If I don't know something, I'll pull in the person who does, and we'll group similar questions to move faster. Let's go.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

General Discussion Weekly General Discussion/Q&A Thread - October 19, 2026

2 Upvotes

This post is a place where any questions (especially those that may not deserve their own thread) can be asked. Feel free to engage and help others with questions.

For new runners or people who just found this sub, please don't forget to check out the handy FAQ where you can find a helpful list of different shoes for your needs.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 7h ago

Show Off Your New Shoes The dedicated daily thread for showing off your new shoes or shoe collection - October 20, 2026

5 Upvotes

This post is dedicated purely to those who just want to share their new purchases or shoe collections without needing to give any comments about them.

Photo upload has been enabled in the comments.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Sole Swaps/Hybrids Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3: Retreaded

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208 Upvotes

Here’s a fun one.

I (46m, 6’, 185lbs, ~55mpw) recently saw several posts on r/AskRunningShoeGeeks looking for advice on whether to use shoe X or the Adidas Pro 3 in their upcoming marathon. I don’t recall if it was 2 or 3 posts within a weeks time, but it was enough that I had to ask myself: “How many Pro 3s are actually out there in the wild?” Approximately 5-6 minutes later, I found what appeared to be a gently used pair in my size on Poshmark. They were listed as a Women’s size 11, but by decoding the international sizes listed on the tongue in one of the images, I determined they were, in fact, a US Men’s 11.

I’m typically a 10.5, but I’ve found that an 11 works best in the Adidas Pro 3. I probably lose some of the rocker dynamics with the extra length, but it’s more than fine for long runs and tempo work.

And therein lies the beauty of the Adidas Adizero Pro 3. It was/is an ok-to-good race shoe, but it’s a phenomenal marathon-training-long-run shoe, especially with a little extra room in the toe box. I got 320 miles out of the last pair I owned, but eventually, the outsole wore through the lateral heel on both pairs, and I had to reluctantly retire them. I’ve had Hokas built and designed for training (allegedly) last less than 180 miles, so 300+ on a “fragile” race shoe is pretty good. Maybe Adidas has abandoned durability in pursuit of fluffiness on more recent race shoes, but I wouldn’t know.

Once my new-to-me Adidas Pro 3s arrived, I unlaced them, flattened out the twists the previous owner was apparently content with, and re-laced them with a runner’s loop. The first run was a workout with 6x6min intervals, and I accidentally blew past the paces I was supposed to be hitting. My Strava comment was “First run in Adidas Pro 3s I got for $45 on Poshmark. Immediately thinking about finding another pair.”

Unfortunately, once I removed and re-examined the shoes… I noticed that the outsole on the lateral heel of the left shoe was starting to peel off at one of the interior punch-outs. It seems the Poshmark seller timed it perfectly.

Bummed at first, I quickly realized this might be an opportunity to try an experiment with a low downside ($45), but very high upside (hundreds of miles) risk. I could rebuild them. I have the technology.

As a running shoe geek, I also have a deep stable of shoes… many of which are expendable. Within that stable are two pairs of Adidas Boston 10s in a neon yellow and blue colorway not dissimilar to my newly copped Adidas Pro 3s. The Boston 10 was a criminally underrated shoe, and I have a pet theory that its form factor was the inspiration for the EVO SL, but I digress… The Boston 10 also had a thick and amply textured layer of Continental rubber, which granted them a lifespan far beyond the Pro 3.

With a loose conceptual understanding of what I needed to do, a suitable donor identified, and a Shoe Goo kit in hand (another $18.35, btw). I got to work cobbling.

Here are the steps I took, in order of the pictures above:

1.      Identify the failure

2.      Create a template

3.      Apply template to donor and cut along the guidelines

4.      Collect donor material (with the aid of a heat gun)

5.      Excise the failing material (with the aid of a heat gun)

6.      Debride the host and donor material to remove remnant glue, outsole, and midsole material to ensure a clean graft (with the aid of a Dremel)

7.      Slather both the host and donation material with Shoe Goo (not shown)

8.      Have winter-ready custom super-trainers 

As of this writing, the Shoe Goo has completely cured, and I’ve tried on my new FrankenPro 3s… but have yet to actually run in them. The lateral side, now having very generous outsole coverage and depth relative to the medial side, probably encourages pronation, but maybe that’s a good thing in my case.

I’ve never done this before, but based on how securely the new outsole appears to be adhered: I rate the odds these shoes won’t delaminate one or two miles into the first run at about 85%. Again, the upside risk is that I’ve created an Adios Pro 3 even more durable than the original iteration… and potentially a method for refreshing shoes with even more durable midsole foams (looking at you, Megablast).

Downside risks are either wasting $45 (+$18.35 in Shoe Goo and 2 hours), or jacking-up my running mechanics and injuring myself. If it's the injury thing to the exclusion of a failed graft; I can probably mitigate the former by doing the same thing to the medial heel to level things out.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Deal US - Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 - Woot - $124

54 Upvotes

Price shoes as $154.99. Extra 20% applied at checkout automatically

https://sport.woot.com/offers/saucony-endorphin-elite-2-unisex-shoes-6


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 2d ago

Unreleased/Prototype Megablast 2

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230 Upvotes

Credit: /u/severe_tour3627

Link to original post here with photo https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/s/HxlvvWS50j


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 1d ago

Show Off Your New Shoes The dedicated daily thread for showing off your new shoes or shoe collection - October 19, 2026

6 Upvotes

This post is dedicated purely to those who just want to share their new purchases or shoe collections without needing to give any comments about them.

Photo upload has been enabled in the comments.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 2d ago

Unreleased/Prototype Cumulus 29

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71 Upvotes

Credit: lsj110120119


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 2d ago

First Run Saucony Endorphin Azura

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181 Upvotes

My stats:

39, male, 5'11" on a low gravity day, 155ish lbs, 01:40 half marathon, LOTR obsessive, mushroom enthusiast

I have fallen out of love with the Asics Superblast 2. We've just grown apart, you know? A year and a half ago you couldn't have pried them off my cold dead feet. But now they kinda just feel big, clunky, and frankly pretty boring. So as a big fan of the Saucony Tempus a few years back, I thought to search instead for a spiritual successor. On paper the Saucony Endorphin Azura seemingly fits that bill: very good shock absorption and energy return, rockered, plateless, stable daily trainer that can pick up speed while still supporting easy paces. And at $150 US it was absolutely worth a try to potentially replace the SB2s.

The day I got these I had an easy to moderate 6 mile run lined up. I strapped them on with my typical runner's knot, and the step-in comfort was very good. My now typical men's size 12 US gave me about a thumb-width of clearance at the front. The only issue was the slightest bit of contact of my left pinky toe with the upper due to the toebox taper and reinforcement in that area. I noted in my head for later that this might cause a blister. I also noticed how firm the midsoles felt. These things are FIRM firm. I don't think I have tried on a running shoe this firm other than the Asics Sonicblast in the last few years.

Unfortunately for me a really intense rainy windy cold front hit right after I took off on my local well-paved river trail. This inadvertently gave me a great check on both the grip in bad conditions and the fit. The grip was actually outstanding. Wet pavement with lots of wet leaves is rather tricky conditions, but I never felt that I was slipping or sliding at all in the Azura. And even though my shoes and socks were soaked after 1.5 miles, I had no heel slippage, blisters, or rubbing anywhere. That genuinely surprised me. The shoes also dried out overnight with the (removable btw) insoles removed without any other special treatment.

I *absolutely loved* running in these. Great shoes genuinely put a smile on my face, and these lit me up. While my race shoes are the nearly polar opposite ultra-soft plated Saucony Endorphin Elite 2, the Azura felt truly excellent all across my pace range. The only real issue I had with these is that I was CONSTANTLY running too quickly without noticing it. Every time I looked down at my watch, instead of being comfortably in my easy range I was only 30-45 seconds off marathon pace. I had to actively force myself to slow down all the time. I genuinely don't think I will be able to use these on easy and recovery days for this reason. Is this what SpeedRoll technology is? I have never understood what that is, and at this point I'm too afraid to ask.

I think this shoe is gonna be absolutely excellent for tempo and threshold work, as well as racing at least for half marathons. I don't know yet whether the full marathon distance will agree with these or not, but I will be testing them on pacey long runs in the coming week.

tl;dr VERY firm tempo-oriented shoes with great comfort and grip at a good price.

Compared to Superblast 2: the Azura are much firmer, much livelier/more exciting, significantly faster, sexier colorways, potentially worse on easy days


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 2d ago

Show Off Your New Shoes The dedicated daily thread for showing off your new shoes or shoe collection - October 18, 2026

5 Upvotes

This post is dedicated purely to those who just want to share their new purchases or shoe collections without needing to give any comments about them.

Photo upload has been enabled in the comments.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 2d ago

🏆 Post of The Week Review of the Week: ASICS Superblast 3 by u/Subject_Local_3386

2 Upvotes

ASICS Superblast 3 by u/Subject_Local_3386

Every Sunday, we highlight posts that are well-thought-out and considerate of our community’s needs, celebrating contributions that help runners make informed decisions about their gear.


📖 Read the Full Review: Here
🎉 Congrats, u/Subject_Local_3386 Your post exemplifies the depth we love to see.


Reward

  • 📌 Pinned Spotlight: Featured at the top of the sub for 7 days.
  • 📚 Hall of Fame: Archived in our Wiki.

Why This Post Was Chosen

  • Depth: Detailed insights beyond basic first impressions.
  • Balance: Highlights both pros and cons.
  • Clarity: Organised and easy to follow.
  • Actionable: Helps runners decide if the shoe fits their needs.

How to Get Featured

  1. Follow our Review Guidelines.
  2. Include:
    • Distance tested (e.g., "50K in 3 weeks").
    • Comparisons to similar shoes.
    • Personal context (e.g., weight, pace, distance, foot type).
  3. Keep it focused: Prioritise quality over quantity.

Want to nominate a post? Please leave a comment below!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

First Run Mizuno Wave Rider 30 – First Run Impressions After 15 km

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48 Upvotes

Shoe model & size: Mizuno Wave Rider 30, US 12

Price: €130

Distance ran: 15 km (one run)

Use case: Easy / recovery runs

Pace: Around 6:00 min/km

Surfaces: Roads and paved forest paths

Why I bought it

I exchanged my Hoka Clifton 10 for the Mizuno Wave Rider 30. I wanted a shoe for easy and recovery runs and was interested in trying something different from the Clifton series. I've previously run in both the Hoka Clifton 9 and 10, and I also run in the Adidas Adistar 4. These are my main points of comparison.

Fit and comfort

The length is true to size in my usual US 12, but the shoe feels noticeably narrower overall than the Hoka Clifton 9 and 10, particularly around the forefoot. The fit is on the snug side, although it works for me.

Compared with the Adidas Adistar 4, the fit feels quite similar. Both shoes have a relatively snug, secure feel rather than a roomy fit.

The Wave Rider 30 also feels a little heavier than the Cliftons.

Ride, cushioning and stability

After my first 15 km run, the ride felt balanced, leaning towards firm rather than soft and plush. The shoe has a solid, stable feel that seems well suited to easy and recovery running.

The Adidas Adistar 4 is probably the closest comparison in my current rotation: both shoes feel similarly firm underfoot and have a similar fit. However, the Wave Rider 30 feels as though it offers more cushioning than the Adistar 4, while retaining that firm, stable character.

Grip was another positive. I ran on roads and paved forest paths, including wet surfaces, and the shoe held up well.

The construction also feels substantial and well-made, with plenty of upper material and a generous amount of sole underfoot. It gives me the impression of a robust shoe, although one run is obviously not enough to judge its actual durability.

👍 What I liked

- Solid, seemingly well-made construction

- Firm and stable ride

- More perceived cushioning than the Adidas Adistar 4

- Good grip on wet surfaces during my run

- True-to-size length

- Balanced ride for easy running

👎 What I liked less

- Noticeably narrower than the Hoka Clifton 9 and 10

- Slightly heavier-feeling than the Cliftons

- Relatively snug fit for runners who prefer a roomy toe box

First-run verdict

My first impression after 15 km is that the Mizuno Wave Rider 30 feels like a solid, stable daily trainer with a balanced, slightly firm ride. It seems promising for my easy and recovery runs at around 6:00 min/km.

The Adidas Adistar 4 is a useful reference point: the two shoes feel similar in terms of firmness and fit, but the Mizuno gives me the impression of having more cushioning. Compared with the Hoka Clifton 9 and 10, the main trade-offs are the narrower fit and slightly higher-feeling weight.

The grip was good, including on wet surfaces, and the shoe feels well constructed. However, these impressions are based on just one run, so I can't yet make meaningful claims about long-term comfort or durability.

I'll need more mileage before drawing firm conclusions.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Show Off Your New Shoes The dedicated daily thread for showing off your new shoes or shoe collection - October 17, 2026

5 Upvotes

This post is dedicated purely to those who just want to share their new purchases or shoe collections without needing to give any comments about them.

Photo upload has been enabled in the comments.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: Puma running shoes

7 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for everything Puma!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: Other brands running shoes

7 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for other brands that don't have their own post!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: Saucony running shoes

5 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for everything Saucony!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: Brooks running shoes

7 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for everything Brooks!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: Hoka running shoes

4 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for everything Hoka!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: Asics running shoes

4 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for everything Asics!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: New Balance running shoes

4 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for everything New Balance!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: Adidas running shoes

3 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for everything Adidas!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 3d ago

Weekend Discussion: Nike running shoes

3 Upvotes

Happy weekend!

This is our weekend post where you can give your reviews, tell us what you hated/loved, comparisons between versions, share photos, or ask questions below for everything Nike!


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 4d ago

📩 Post of The Week Nominations 📩 Nominate the Best Review of the Week! - October 16, 2026

7 Upvotes

Nominate the Best Review of the Week!

Help us spotlight the most insightful, detailed, and helpful shoe reviews in the community.


How to Nominate:

  1. Find a Review: Look for posts from the past 7 days that impressed you with their depth, honesty, and usefulness.
  2. Reply Here: Comment with a link to the post and explain why it deserves to win.
  3. Deadline: Nominations close Sunday.

Nomination Criteria:

  • ✅ Depth: Goes beyond first impressions (mileage tested, comparisons, etc.).
  • ✅ Balance: Highlights pros and cons.
  • ✅ Clarity: Easy to read and well-structured.
  • ✅ Actionable: Helps runners decide if the shoe fits their needs.

Rules:

  • Only nominate Review, Initial Thoughts, or First Run flairs.
  • No self-nominations.
  • One nomination per comment (multiple comments allowed).

Rewards for the Winner:

  • 📌 Pinned Spotlight: Featured at the top of the sub for 7 days.
  • 📚 Hall of Fame: Entered into our hall of fame page.

Nominate now!

Your input helps celebrate quality content and guides others to the best insights.

Need inspiration? Check our past winners.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 4d ago

Show Off Your New Shoes The dedicated daily thread for showing off your new shoes or shoe collection - October 16, 2026

3 Upvotes

This post is dedicated purely to those who just want to share their new purchases or shoe collections without needing to give any comments about them.

Photo upload has been enabled in the comments.


r/RunningShoeGeeks • • 5d ago

First Run First Run: Adidas Adizero Boston 13

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92 Upvotes

Total distance ran:

7.54 miles (12.13 km)

Type of runs:

Progression Run

Weather ran in:

Clear, warm, high humidity.

My profile:

Height: 5'6" (168cm)

Weight: 169lbs (76.6kg)

Average pace with this shoe: 9:18 min/mile (5:47 min/km)

Strike Type: Midfoot

Average runs per week: 5 runs. ~37miles (60km).

Positives:

  • Upper is soft and breathable, keeping feet comfortable and dry.
  • Midsole feels stable without being overly firm, despite a high proportion of LightStrike 2.0, especially in the heel.
  • The combination of a forefoot rocker and glass-infused Energy Rods 2.0 makes the shoe feel propulsive.
  • Traction felt spot on, especially in the toe-off.

Negatives:

  • Being lower stack than the direction most trainers are heading plus dual foam construction prevents this shoe from keeping your legs fresh as long.
  • Laces are too short, making tying a heel lock and a double bow a bit difficult, though not impossible.

Overview:

I've been excited to start training for longer distances, and with that, I've been so hyped to get my hands on a more advanced trainer. While this is just my first run in the shoe, I have to say it didn't disappoint.

Stepping right in, the Boston 13 feels good all around, the upper is comfortable and roomy enough in my regular size 9, and the tongue is more plush than I've experienced in Adizero shoes recently (Takumi Sen 10, EVO SL). I was able to confirm while lacing up, however, that the laces are indeed on the short side. I prefer a heel lock for a more secure feel, and I always tie a double bow to avoid untying mid-run. By the time it was all done, I had two teeny, tiny, little bows on my shoes.

Today was a progression run as part of my half-marathon training block. 60 minutes easy, 10 minutes at tempo pace. I kind of went out there with junk legs today, but even with the fatigue, I was surprisingly able to keep the paces I wanted the whole time. Even when I was exhausted and climbing up moderate grades, this shoe continued to feel propulsive. At times, I even caught myself running the top end of my easy pace without noticing, all while my junk legs felt like they were lagging behind. Even as I dreaded the 10 minute tempo at the end, I had no issues actually maintaining above my tempo pace range for most of the interval.

I wasn't terribly leery of the Lighttraxion outsole construction because of my experience with the Adios 9, but even then, I was surprised at how grippy this outsole was. Feeling over the outsole before running in them, I believe the black portion of the outsole is actually rubber and not CPU, despite having the Lighttraxion outsole pattern. It had substantially more grip than the transparent section, though not quite as much as the orange section marked Continental.

All in all, my first run in this shoe felt great, and I look forward to adding more miles and returning with more in-depth conclusions about this shoe down the road.