Firm vs Soft Bouncy Shoes

The rebels are great. I don't think they're too bouncy especially because I hate bouncy shoes. They have a nice roll through the gait and they handle speed well!

The first edition Rebels were pretty firm, but reviews for the new version mention them being much softer.

Not a big fan of soft and bouncy, personally. From what I've read it really doesn't spare your body any impact, as you tend to run with stiffer legs instead to compensate.

The 890 is hard as a rock. Don't waste your money on those.

If you're prepared to pay, the Saucony Endorphin Speed is an amazing shoe, so much better than the Rebel

What do you use the rebels for? Daily trainer, speedwork? Do you use other shoes in your rotation?

What did you choose instead of the 890s?

Ah I've heard good things about the endorphin speeds but I have pretty wide feet and not sure if I would fit into them

I’ve also wondered about this. I remember reading somewhere that it’s good to have a variety of shoes? Like one that’s soft and one that’s firm in your rotation so your body can work different muscles

shoes123 wrote:

What do you use the rebels for? Daily trainer, speedwork? Do you use other shoes in your rotation?

I use the rebels for long track intervals (1k and up) and 3-4 mile tempo runs. I have 4 other shoes in my rotation that go as follows:

Nike react infinity: daily trainer, long runs (I know they apparently aren't the best for long runs but I am not doing more than 90 minutes right now)

Adidas boston: shorter track intervals, grass workouts, sometimes 3-4 mile tempos

Hoka bondi 7: easy day/ whenever my shins hurt

361 Meraki: Daily trainer, long run shoe (it can do it all though)

The rebels fit in nicely when I need a little more pop than the adidas bostons provide. They also feel more stable on the track because of the heel flare. I guess they're considered "soft" but I have never noticed them to be overly soft. I find that training in them & racing in the saucony endorphin pros work really well. The TPU plate in the rebel callouses me to the pop & speed of the carbon plate but isn't as aggressive as the endorphin speed or as soft as the tempo next%

alsocurious wrote:

I’ve also wondered about this. I remember reading somewhere that it’s good to have a variety of shoes? Like one that’s soft and one that’s firm in your rotation so your body can work different muscles

I have no scientific evidence to back this up but I would say you are correct. Working the different muscles with different shoe and different softness/bounce (although wtf even is bounce? I hate using it as a description for shoes) can lead to stronger muscles, tendons, etc and cut down on injury.