How do people race in SuperShoes when they haven't trained in them?

Aren't you the guy who is always screaming about Oprah?

Uh no I don't know anything about Oprah sir, sorry! (no sarcasm here)

Everyone is different, but I only need one test run to feel comfortable racing in a given shoe, so 3-4 should be plenty. Supershoes are highly cushioned, so it's unlikely that you'd be exposing yourself to significant injury risk like you might with a pair of spikes.

I would definitely recommend racing in the Endorphin Pros if they feel good and you're serious about running your fastest time

wear the pros. no regrets.

Thanks. Will definitely give a try and have some hope for the Endorphin Pro 3. I am sure they wouldn't be stable enough for me on daily runs, but we are talking about a single 26.2 mi run at what is (for me) a decent pace of anywhere from 6:40-7:10 min/mi. Nothing fast for this site, but not a complete jog, either.

My feet have enjoyed Saucony Guides a lot. Zero issue with fit and I suppose the brand consistency should help from Guide/Speed/Pro. I received the Speed tonight and they fit like a glove (not run in them yet). Was also wondering...worth considering a test in the Tempus? I hear it's a mix of stability / lightweight.

Granted, the only Super Shoe in the above is the Endorphin Pro. I wouldn't consider them if I weren't feeling like I am just around 3 hours, and would hate missing it by just a few mins...if possible!

i have a friend who lives in the guides, but does all his races, from 5k to marathon in the alpha fly. that combination has worked very well for him

I think after a few runs in the endorphins you should be able to tell if they would feel good for a marathon. I use the guide for training since i overpronate and the endorphin speeds did feel a little unstable on the first batch of runs. However, it seemed like the carbon plate in the Pro made it feel more stable. After running in super shoes I have no issues with any, but I'm pretty sure after a run or two you'll know if you could do NYC or not in them.

You need only one good run to get used to it. It's just the extra plush and jumpiness. It's not a big deal. You will run faster.

VF3 (latest) is very very good

It's the aggressive toe spring on the Endo 3 and the Elites that you have to be able to handle. I was not able to handle the extra force on my calves even after a month and 4 long runs and some other runs. I had to bail back to my Endorphin Pro 2s for my fall marathons.

Had no issue. Only a 5k but no issues. And they damn sure work.

I agree about going with the Pros.

I’ve run only in the 2, but I’ve heard great things about the 3s. I’ve had one pair of Endorphin Speed 2 and two of the Endorphin Pro 2. Similar fit and feel for Speed 2/Pro2. I did several workouts in the Speed, then just 1 workout and one 16-miler in the Pro, then raced in the Pro. I then did many workouts and some shorter tune-up races in the Pro and raced in it again for a half. Did only one run in my second pair before racing in it. Went fine.

Also not fast. Male, mid-50s. Neutral with slightly high arch. Weight in 160s, varying. Workout and shorter race paces 6:10-7:15 (and faster in strides and very limited short reps). Half and full marathon paces ranging from 6:55 to 7:25 in them.

good luck.

Thanks all! This is super helpful and encouraging.
I’ve never run in neutral shoes before so definitely will be an interesting test, and I’ve read in several places online that the Endorphin Pro feels more stable than the Speed.

And I guess my concerns around injury potential are alleviated by the fact that this is not for daily training and instead, race effort in super soft shoes.

You’ll love the Pro 3 as an overpronator. It is also the most “normal” super shoe I have tried.

Aside from the amount of cushioning, the most significant difference between old racing flats and daily trainers was the heel-toe offset.

You'd go from running in a pair of trainers with a 10-12 mm drop, and then on race day, you'd be in a pair of flats with 2-4mm. Calves and achilles tendons didn't tend to like that.

Most super shoes have a fairly similar profile to modern daily trainers. There are a few that have a 4mm drop, but most are in the 6-8mm drop range. Most daily trainers are between 6-10mm now also, so people tend to be more accustomed to this.

To cut a long story short: you should be fine in the super shoes, but I'd suggest doing at least one shorter workout in them (to break them in), and then one longer workout at marathon race pace to see how they hold up. From these trials you should be able to tell if they'll work for race day.

Shoes are shoes, so called supershoes are lighter and more bouncy but you are just running at the effort you have done in training.

the pace maybe quicker and you feel less beat up but just remember you can run in dress shoes or crocs with the same form at the same effort but you will probably be slower

Other than maybe giving them a test run on a track doing some strides and light jogging I just basically strap them and go! Dude, they are shoes. They don't come with an instructional manual.

Fingers crossed.

Also, been experiencing some aching around big toes, first 1-2 metatarsals. Likely not a big injury but aching from new shoes (the Guides I had ordered thinking I'd run marathon in).

Are the Endorphin Pro 3 easier or harder on the toes? I think I've read both.

My recommendation:In an ideal situation, I'd make sure to have carbon shoes on hand 3 weeks before target race and get 3 runs in them before the race.

Run 1) 2-4 mile shakeout on track or out and back route.

Run 2) 5-8 miles at steady state or faster

Run 3) Race Pace interval workout or fast tempo

I'd recommend this protocol for any road racing shoe whether it has a carbon plate or not. If you feel significant discomfort or awkwardness on any of the trial runs, id reconsider. In all likelihood you will adapt to the shoe just fine but you want to eliminate any concerns/ excuses about your shoes before the race.