For more thoughts see our written reviews: Rocket x2: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2023/04/hoka-rocket-x-2-review-2023.html Cielo x1: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/02/hoka-cielo-x1-review.html EP4: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/04/saucony-endorphin-pro-4-review-2024.html Endorphin Elite: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2023/01/saucony-endorphin-elite-review-2023.html
Very impressed with how Matt was balancing that tower of shoes 😂 I've had the Endorphin Elite at the top of my list for next marathon shoe for a while so glad to get the DOR seal of approval (v2 is looking like a very different shoe stability-wise!)
where would one of your previous recommendations, the Adidas adios pro 3, fall on this list? Cielo looks like one i will need to try, thanks for the awesome information!
Adios pro 3 is a stable one for me. I’m a heavier runner and found both the rocket and cielo too soft over longer distances. Not tried the saucony elite but have seen reviewers say it’s got a super aggressive rocker
Have the Endorphin Elite and can attest to its stability. IMO it's more stable than most neutral shoes, and nearly as stable as the Tempus for my stability needs. A phenomenal shoe!
Cielo X1 really impressed me. I have significant over pronation on left heel, narrow feet, and unevenly high arches. Never had a more fun or stable feeling race shoe, despite its weird geometry. Love it!
Wow, super helpful video. I did not think that there were any racing style shoes which I could wear. I tend to prefer neutral shoes which have good stability, or something like the Saucony Hurricane 24 which don’t feel like a stability shoe per se. I have had good luck in the past with daily trainers like the Mizuno Wave Rider, On Running Cloudstratus 2, etc. I did not like the wobbly heel feeling on the Saucony Triumph 20.
I ran my first marathon in the Cielo X1. It was insanely hot and I ended up running for almost 5 hours. The shoes still felt absolutely amazing right through to the finish line.
Tried 3/4 of those based on last years video: Hoka Rocket x2 is impossible to buy anywhere in EU, so that is almost out of the window right away, also that low drop is scary! Cielo was nice and i could see the stability elements (much more stable than e.g. metaspeed), but i felt like there was still something "wierd" Pro 4 - really nice fit for me, but being softer than e.g. the elite i did not pick it Saucony Elite - Pure magic. I have even bought a second pair lying in a box for 2025/2026. It is for me by far the most stable, at speed feels more stable than many of my stability shoes! I have not idea how Saucony made this, but rumours says the v2 will not be as stable so time to try this one out now!
Thanks for the review, Matt! For someone with a history of hip issues (FAI) who is looking for a marathon distance racing shoe, which would be the least likely to defer strain to the hips? In the recent times, shoes that seem to work for me are Endorphin Shift 3 (worked really well for 86km road Ultra), Tempus, Gaviota 4 (haven't tried 5 yet), Cliftons. I've not used a super shoe since Endorphin Pro 2 where I ran my fastest marathon in recent years - clocking a minute over 3hrs BUT felt heavy impact on my hips and glute muscles which might've led to injury. I'm also considering Superblast 2 (if they restock!). Note: I have been working hard on strengthening hip and glute over the past year so hoping that helps accommodate the supershoes.
Really helpful! Thank you Matt! I’ll also be interested in the other two shoes you mentioned, the Tempus and Hyperion GTS 2. A comparison of non-plated fast stability shoes would be another good topic for this series.
Can confirm that the Cielo X1 is a bad match for supinators. I should have known better but took a chance and picked up a small injury due to the collapsing lateral heel and mid foot cutout. Shoe was impressive just not a match for me at all. Endorphin Pro 4 I will add benefits from a relatively (for race shoe) wide base in the heel. That’s helped me over EP3 although it maybe misses a bit of magic the EP3 seemed to have. Thank you always speaking to stability elements in all you guys do
You guys always release a video exactly when I need it I’ve got a marathon coming up and am searching for a shoe just with some mild guidance so I don’t get my Tib post pain
For me a stable heel counter is most important for stability. Unfortunaly all this shoes have a flexible heel counter. The only shoe I have found so far with a stable heel counter is the Diadora gara. Hope future versions of the shoes come with a more stable heel counter.
Interesting. My big issue with the Saucony Pro is that it has a really narrow toe box and I have a wide hobbit forefoot. I've generally found the same is true for Hokas, volume is really low and my foot is always squeezed in at the front, unless I have their wide fit, which they do not offer in their race day options. That leaves me with the Saucony Elite, which worries me because I have not got on with really firm shoes in the past, and I've heard it is a super aggressive shoe, that almost forces you up on your toes all the time.
Thank you! This video dropped at just the right time as I'm trying to choose my first carbon shoe for a November half marathon. Took the TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon for a spin last week and its stability, for me, is just poor. When taking corners at speed, the narrow heel platform wants to roll out from under me. I'm 6' 1" 170lbs, so tallish, but not that heavy. Trying to decide between the Rocket X2 and Cielo X1! When will Hoka restock those in all colors? 🤔
Hi. What are potential drawbacks for a neutral-foot runner wearing a stabilized shoe? I know it doesnt’t bring much advantage, but does it bring any hazard?
I’ve been getting significant pain in ankles and medial side of the arch of my foot (I pronate quite a lot) when I wear the NB SC trainers v2. No issues with my kayano 30s or the puma deviate nitro 2s. Wonder if it’s due to the softer foam in the new balances. Looking to get race day shoes - might go for the saucony EP4. Thanks for the video Matt!
I bought the Tempus and Salomon Spectur S/LAB but have found that the flimsy uppers do not provide any assistance for my overpronation that my daily trainers (Brooks Glycerin GTS 21) do. I've been searching everywhere for a race shoe, is there anything out there or am I stuck to my dailys for race day (half-full marathon)
Hi I have a collapsed arch and overpronate I ran my last marathon in a pair of kayano 30s in 4.35 but would like to get a pb can you recommend a race day shoe for my needs
This training block I have noticed my ankles are starting to hurt more on the longer runs. Inside left ankle the most. Is that due to stability and I should look into a more stable shoe or just strain on it since I am ramping up in miles and intensity?
which super shoe is closest to the tempus as far as stability features? I'm able to run in the tempus for a half marathon, but am doing my first marathon in november and want to try a super shoe
I have mild pronation - I run on neutral shoes and find that stability shoes feel clunky; however certain race shoes feel unstable (vaporfly 3’s made my ankles feel so weak the next day after a 5k ((sub 20mingang whattap)). What’s the best neutral shoe for mild pronation on race day? I want to try the endorphin pro and the brooks Hyperion max 2- any word?
@@247Performance we have not tested the Mach x 2 but it technically is not a super shoe. The brook Hyperion elite is absolutely not a super shoe as it does not have the correct foam type or properties.
@@DoctorsofRunning I thought the hoka was a smaller stack shoe of the ceilo for shorter distances. Nike alpha I test could it be that it is not really stable. I go often to lateral. So no ceilo for me but rocket x2 :). Nb pacer 2 would be also stable they say compare to the elite v4 do you agree for
I'm curious why you don't include any of the 5k-10k racing shoes in this list like the Adidas Takumi Sen, or the New Balance Supercomp Pacer v2. I'm assuming because they are lower stack and a little firmer, that they are inherently more stable than alternatives.
@@hamoudalnasser I understand but neither of those are stable even with their lower stack! No sidewalls, narrow midfoot (sen) or extremely soft foam (pacer).
I run in my pair a bit over 100km. Liklely its the most stable supershoe currently available. Has a stable heel counter which was the reason I bought it. I had good luck to get a pair for around 200 Euro at this time. A great shoe for race day. The 2 drawbacks are price and durability of the outsole.
Is there a option for people who need a correction due to pronation? I have custom insoles for a correction of my arch and flat feet and I want a shoe that’s quicker for e.g. 5K - half marathon distances. Currently using the Hoka Mach X but I think it’s also not wise to stack an insole on top of a carbon running shoe. Any tips?
That stack of 4 shoes after tax is what? $1,200?-$1,300? I'll patiently wait and buy all 4, new, in 2026 for a total of about $250, you know how the game goes.......
All love but tbh, Rly getting burnt out on the stability rave on this channel. Can we progress a little and maybe talk about Morton’s toe and biomechanics?
For more thoughts see our written reviews:
Rocket x2: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2023/04/hoka-rocket-x-2-review-2023.html
Cielo x1: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/02/hoka-cielo-x1-review.html
EP4: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2024/04/saucony-endorphin-pro-4-review-2024.html
Endorphin Elite: www.doctorsofrunning.com/2023/01/saucony-endorphin-elite-review-2023.html
Very impressed with how Matt was balancing that tower of shoes 😂 I've had the Endorphin Elite at the top of my list for next marathon shoe for a while so glad to get the DOR seal of approval (v2 is looking like a very different shoe stability-wise!)
where would one of your previous recommendations, the Adidas adios pro 3, fall on this list? Cielo looks like one i will need to try, thanks for the awesome information!
Adios pro 3 is a stable one for me. I’m a heavier runner and found both the rocket and cielo too soft over longer distances.
Not tried the saucony elite but have seen reviewers say it’s got a super aggressive rocker
Have the Endorphin Elite and can attest to its stability. IMO it's more stable than most neutral shoes, and nearly as stable as the Tempus for my stability needs. A phenomenal shoe!
Saucony Tempus is good enough for me.
Been waiting for this! 😇🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
Cielo X1 really impressed me. I have significant over pronation on left heel, narrow feet, and unevenly high arches. Never had a more fun or stable feeling race shoe, despite its weird geometry. Love it!
Please review the Saucony Tempus 2!!!
Pairs coming soon for testing!
Wow, super helpful video. I did not think that there were any racing style shoes which I could wear. I tend to prefer neutral shoes which have good stability, or something like the Saucony Hurricane 24 which don’t feel like a stability shoe per se. I have had good luck in the past with daily trainers like the Mizuno Wave Rider, On Running Cloudstratus 2, etc. I did not like the wobbly heel feeling on the Saucony Triumph 20.
I ran my first marathon in the Cielo X1. It was insanely hot and I ended up running for almost 5 hours. The shoes still felt absolutely amazing right through to the finish line.
Tried 3/4 of those based on last years video:
Hoka Rocket x2 is impossible to buy anywhere in EU, so that is almost out of the window right away, also that low drop is scary!
Cielo was nice and i could see the stability elements (much more stable than e.g. metaspeed), but i felt like there was still something "wierd"
Pro 4 - really nice fit for me, but being softer than e.g. the elite i did not pick it
Saucony Elite - Pure magic. I have even bought a second pair lying in a box for 2025/2026. It is for me by far the most stable, at speed feels more stable than many of my stability shoes! I have not idea how Saucony made this, but rumours says the v2 will not be as stable so time to try this one out now!
Thanks for the review, Matt! For someone with a history of hip issues (FAI) who is looking for a marathon distance racing shoe, which would be the least likely to defer strain to the hips? In the recent times, shoes that seem to work for me are Endorphin Shift 3 (worked really well for 86km road Ultra), Tempus, Gaviota 4 (haven't tried 5 yet), Cliftons. I've not used a super shoe since Endorphin Pro 2 where I ran my fastest marathon in recent years - clocking a minute over 3hrs BUT felt heavy impact on my hips and glute muscles which might've led to injury. I'm also considering Superblast 2 (if they restock!). Note: I have been working hard on strengthening hip and glute over the past year so hoping that helps accommodate the supershoes.
I am a slow runner. So Superblast 2 is good enough for me on race days
Really helpful! Thank you Matt! I’ll also be interested in the other two shoes you mentioned, the Tempus and Hyperion GTS 2. A comparison of non-plated fast stability shoes would be another good topic for this series.
I run in the Tempus and the Guide. I prefer the Tempus on the longer distances including a sub 4hr marathon.
@@chenchensdl yes! Waiting to see if the Tempus 2 shows up as that was just released!
Can confirm that the Cielo X1 is a bad match for supinators. I should have known better but took a chance and picked up a small injury due to the collapsing lateral heel and mid foot cutout. Shoe was impressive just not a match for me at all.
Endorphin Pro 4 I will add benefits from a relatively (for race shoe) wide base in the heel. That’s helped me over EP3 although it maybe misses a bit of magic the EP3 seemed to have.
Thank you always speaking to stability elements in all you guys do
Thanks for the video Matt! I was kinda surprised that NB Elite V4 isn't on the list.
You guys always release a video exactly when I need it
I’ve got a marathon coming up and am searching for a shoe just with some mild guidance so I don’t get my Tib post pain
How does the Kinvara Pro fit into this lineup?
Hyperion GTS 2 at its price range is flawless. Saucony durability is horrendous. My Tempus 1 lasted 400~450k. Never looked back.
I still use an endo speed 2 with 850k and counting; it still has no significant wear on the outsole and enough bounce from the midsole.
For me a stable heel counter is most important for stability. Unfortunaly all this shoes have a flexible heel counter. The only shoe I have found so far with a stable heel counter is the Diadora gara. Hope future versions of the shoes come with a more stable heel counter.
Like the NB sc elite v4 for stability !
Great review , I have mild over pronation . Are the saucony endorphin pro 4 good for a half distance….or would you tick to those 5/10kms
Could use them up to a marathon for sure
so guess imm gonna get the hoka cielo next year when im gonna run my 1st half marathon ... need something to help a bit with my pronation...
Does the overall stability of the rocket still make it a better option than the cielo for someone who needs the support mainly for pronation?
Thank you, this was very helpful! 😁
What about the new balance elite v4 in terms of stability? Thanks and keep up the excellent work! 😊
Interesting. My big issue with the Saucony Pro is that it has a really narrow toe box and I have a wide hobbit forefoot. I've generally found the same is true for Hokas, volume is really low and my foot is always squeezed in at the front, unless I have their wide fit, which they do not offer in their race day options. That leaves me with the Saucony Elite, which worries me because I have not got on with really firm shoes in the past, and I've heard it is a super aggressive shoe, that almost forces you up on your toes all the time.
What would you recommend for:
Very Mild stability needs
Very wide splaying forefoot
Highish arches
Wideish mid foot & regular width heel
Hi DOR,would Adizero Boston 12 work for someone with mild overpronation?
Thank you! This video dropped at just the right time as I'm trying to choose my first carbon shoe for a November half marathon. Took the TYR Valkyrie Elite Carbon for a spin last week and its stability, for me, is just poor. When taking corners at speed, the narrow heel platform wants to roll out from under me. I'm 6' 1" 170lbs, so tallish, but not that heavy. Trying to decide between the Rocket X2 and Cielo X1! When will Hoka restock those in all colors? 🤔
Hi DOR, which super shoe works best for someone who overpronates?
I’m surprised the Topo Specter 2 did not make this list. That heel provides a great wide stable base.
Hi. What are potential drawbacks for a neutral-foot runner wearing a stabilized shoe? I know it doesnt’t bring much advantage, but does it bring any hazard?
I’ve been getting significant pain in ankles and medial side of the arch of my foot (I pronate quite a lot) when I wear the NB SC trainers v2. No issues with my kayano 30s or the puma deviate nitro 2s. Wonder if it’s due to the softer foam in the new balances. Looking to get race day shoes - might go for the saucony EP4. Thanks for the video Matt!
Hi! Great review would you recommend the elites? As i use the hurricane 24s as my daily and get on really well
NB sc elite 4 didn’t make the list?
Adios Pro 3?
For a bad ankle which super shoe u recommend
I bought the Tempus and Salomon Spectur S/LAB but have found that the flimsy uppers do not provide any assistance for my overpronation that my daily trainers (Brooks Glycerin GTS 21) do. I've been searching everywhere for a race shoe, is there anything out there or am I stuck to my dailys for race day (half-full marathon)
Hi I have a collapsed arch and overpronate I ran my last marathon in a pair of kayano 30s in 4.35 but would like to get a pb can you recommend a race day shoe for my needs
Would recommend any of these options in the video.
This training block I have noticed my ankles are starting to hurt more on the longer runs. Inside left ankle the most. Is that due to stability and I should look into a more stable shoe or just strain on it since I am ramping up in miles and intensity?
Between Saucony EP 4 and Cielo 1 which si better to run a Sub 4 Marathon
Hey Matt can I ask what length your feet are to be in a size 10US?
which super shoe is closest to the tempus as far as stability features? I'm able to run in the tempus for a half marathon, but am doing my first marathon in november and want to try a super shoe
I have mild pronation - I run on neutral shoes and find that stability shoes feel clunky; however certain race shoes feel unstable (vaporfly 3’s made my ankles feel so weak the next day after a 5k ((sub 20mingang whattap)). What’s the best neutral shoe for mild pronation on race day? I want to try the endorphin pro and the brooks Hyperion max 2- any word?
Which stability shoe is best for those of us who are one step closer to the edge?
And about to break?
How about the new hoka mach x2? Or brooks elite
@@247Performance we have not tested the Mach x 2 but it technically is not a super shoe. The brook Hyperion elite is absolutely not a super shoe as it does not have the correct foam type or properties.
@@DoctorsofRunning I thought the hoka was a smaller stack shoe of the ceilo for shorter distances. Nike alpha I test could it be that it is not really stable. I go often to lateral. So no ceilo for me but rocket x2 :). Nb pacer 2 would be also stable they say compare to the elite v4 do you agree for
I'm lost, the Cielo is the most instable shoe I've tried (& returned) in years..
I'm curious why you don't include any of the 5k-10k racing shoes in this list like the Adidas Takumi Sen, or the New Balance Supercomp Pacer v2. I'm assuming because they are lower stack and a little firmer, that they are inherently more stable than alternatives.
@@hamoudalnasser I understand but neither of those are stable even with their lower stack! No sidewalls, narrow midfoot (sen) or extremely soft foam (pacer).
How about Saucony SC edit v4? Is it stable in your opinion?
I found them to not be super stable due to how soft the Fuelcell foam is. But they are extremely comfortable! -Matt
@@DoctorsofRunning Thank you very much.
What about Puma DNE3? Is it stable enough for overpranater?
We have not received any pairs to test.
WIll you review Diadora Gara Carbon?
@@PxTSILver if I can find it on eBay for not $300 -Matt
I run in my pair a bit over 100km. Liklely its the most stable supershoe currently available. Has a stable heel counter which was the reason I bought it. I had good luck to get a pair for around 200 Euro at this time. A great shoe for race day. The 2 drawbacks are price and durability of the outsole.
What about Gel Kayano 31
Is there a option for people who need a correction due to pronation? I have custom insoles for a correction of my arch and flat feet and I want a shoe that’s quicker for e.g. 5K - half marathon distances. Currently using the Hoka Mach X but I think it’s also not wise to stack an insole on top of a carbon running shoe. Any tips?
I’m the same and hate my inserts they cause much discomfort
What about the Hoka Skyward?
@@jamesrichardson7090 super trainer but not a super racing shoe! We’ll have a different video for that!
I have never heard Matt say Cielo wrong on accident lmfao, only when he tries to correct his already correct pronunciation is when he gets it wrong
I wonder how Matt found out that he needs stability shoes, like what are the telltales ?
Good luck with the endo elite 2; most UNstable shoe on the market 😂
Endorphin Pro 3??
That stack of 4 shoes after tax is what? $1,200?-$1,300? I'll patiently wait and buy all 4, new, in 2026 for a total of about $250, you know how the game goes.......
Adidas Adios Pro's, Asics Metaspeed's, Brooks Hyperion's, New Balance super's and rebels are not included on this video
Metaspees's are anything but stable.
All love but tbh, Rly getting burnt out on the stability rave on this channel.
Can we progress a little and maybe talk about Morton’s toe and biomechanics?
I’m surprised the Topo Specter 2 did not make this list. That heel provides a great wide stable base.