Recommend me some ultra-cushioned shoes....
Discussion
Hi there. Long story cut reasonably short....I ran competitively for maybe 12-13 years (was a 34min 10km runner)....had to stop through illness in 2014, couldn't run after (story for another day!) so took up cycling. I cycle a lot and I'm in really good shape but I am looking to get back into some form of running again. I went for a few runs in a new pair of trainers that I used to get on very well with, but they are merely moderate cushioning at best (Asics Gel-DS Trainer).
The problem I have is that I just went for a run at what felt like a comfortable, sustainable pace which was around 7:45-8min/mile (HR was around 145-150, so nothing drastic) but bugger me my ankles and knees felt it! I strained a peroneal tendon mildly too....so I have been doing some eversion exercises and also wobble cushion stability work too, but I'm thinking that whilst I'm purely doing base miles and no speed work yet it's worth just getting an ultra cushioned shoe to get me back into running. I'm a relatively neutral runner, very, very mild pronation and a slightly reduced arch but nothing major.
I was looking at the Asics Gel Nimbus 22....has anyone got any other suggestions and why they may be better?
Thanks very much in advance!
The problem I have is that I just went for a run at what felt like a comfortable, sustainable pace which was around 7:45-8min/mile (HR was around 145-150, so nothing drastic) but bugger me my ankles and knees felt it! I strained a peroneal tendon mildly too....so I have been doing some eversion exercises and also wobble cushion stability work too, but I'm thinking that whilst I'm purely doing base miles and no speed work yet it's worth just getting an ultra cushioned shoe to get me back into running. I'm a relatively neutral runner, very, very mild pronation and a slightly reduced arch but nothing major.
I was looking at the Asics Gel Nimbus 22....has anyone got any other suggestions and why they may be better?
Thanks very much in advance!
ajap1979 said:
Have a look at the Asics NovaBlast too (the Gel Nimbus of recent years have had terrible reviews), and the New Balance Beacon V3s. Personally I tend to feel more beat up after running in ultra cushioned shoes.
Thanks for your thoughts. I had read in recent years the Nimbus had bad reviews, but the new model (22) is apparently a marked improvement! Hmmm!
i4got said:
If you're looking ultra cushioned have a look at Hoka One One (the One is pronounce O-nay)
Yes I've been looking at those...not sure whether it'd be the Bondi 6 or the Elevon 2? edit - I think it's actually between the Bondi 6 and the Clifton....but probably the Bondi 6!
Edited by TyrannosauRoss Lex on Thursday 18th June 20:08
I have a wide forefoot and always look for a wide/roomy toebox so bear that in mind as your foot shape may not work for these but my suggestions based on owning/using them currently though all are older models and there are newer versions out:
Mizuno Waverider 21's -They aren't super mushy soft if that's what you are after, more firm with a bit of squish but work v well for me. Firm heel counter with thick padded collar for good ankle support and wide toebox.
Nike Vomero 13's - last model before they ruined it with the narrow 14's IMO
ASICS Cumulus 21 - quite firm but got a good discount on these so I had to lol
Saucony Ride ISO - Wide and comfy sole but the "lock" around my foot isn't great so retired to casual walking abt duties.
ASICS Nimbus 21's - bought, tried on and sold on without ever using. Far too clunky and heavy.
Whilst I love a well cushioned sole, flimsy fit or soft ankle heel collar is a big no no for me..the lack of support being a risk for injuries, at least for me anyway.
Other suggestions: Brooks Ghost, Brooks Glycerin, New Balance 1080v10, ASICS Novablast, ASICS Evoride......I've only tried an older version of the Ghost that were excellent IMO, others I haven't but they get decent reviews on youtube
Mizuno Waverider 21's -They aren't super mushy soft if that's what you are after, more firm with a bit of squish but work v well for me. Firm heel counter with thick padded collar for good ankle support and wide toebox.
Nike Vomero 13's - last model before they ruined it with the narrow 14's IMO
ASICS Cumulus 21 - quite firm but got a good discount on these so I had to lol
Saucony Ride ISO - Wide and comfy sole but the "lock" around my foot isn't great so retired to casual walking abt duties.
ASICS Nimbus 21's - bought, tried on and sold on without ever using. Far too clunky and heavy.
Whilst I love a well cushioned sole, flimsy fit or soft ankle heel collar is a big no no for me..the lack of support being a risk for injuries, at least for me anyway.
Other suggestions: Brooks Ghost, Brooks Glycerin, New Balance 1080v10, ASICS Novablast, ASICS Evoride......I've only tried an older version of the Ghost that were excellent IMO, others I haven't but they get decent reviews on youtube
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
Yes I've been looking at those...not sure whether it'd be the Bondi 6 or the Elevon 2?
edit - I think it's actually between the Bondi 6 and the Clifton....but probably the Bondi 6!
Yep, the Bondi 6 is pretty much the definition of a maximalist ultra cushioned running shoe!edit - I think it's actually between the Bondi 6 and the Clifton....but probably the Bondi 6!
Edited by TyrannosauRoss Lex on Thursday 18th June 20:08
TyrannosauRoss Lex said:
i4got said:
If you're looking ultra cushioned have a look at Hoka One One (the One is pronounce O-nay)
Yes I've been looking at those...not sure whether it'd be the Bondi 6 or the Elevon 2? edit - I think it's actually between the Bondi 6 and the Clifton....but probably the Bondi 6!
Edited by TyrannosauRoss Lex on Thursday 18th June 20:08
I think they have now brought out hiking shoes which I will have a look at as I think they will have the same comfort but probably harder wearing.
Thanks for your suggestions chaps, I ended up ordering a pair of Hoka One One Bondi 6s. Should be delivered Saturday at some point 
I have read a few reviews which state they seem to take time to "bed in" and soften up, so I'll bear that in mind.
Will let you know how I get on within the next week or two
I have read a few reviews which state they seem to take time to "bed in" and soften up, so I'll bear that in mind.
Will let you know how I get on within the next week or two
Just an update guys.....I got the Bondi 6 and oh my are they soft! I have to build my miles back up very slowly, I went for a very short run on Friday in my old shoes, only 0.7 miles and throughout my ankles felt OK but knees were just sore/tender. I went for a run in these Monday, only 0.9 miles but absolutely no ankle pain, knees a little tender but nothing compared to with the other shoes. Did 1.2 miles yesterday and no ill effects, knees only sore for maybe 0.4 miles and then felt fine.
The pace feels comfortable and I don't look at my watch when I run but still wear a HRM, the 1.2 mile run I did was at 7:50/mile and max HR was 144. I just need to be very careful about building the miles up because my legs and breathing just felt like I could have gone on for much, much longer than 1.2 miles but I decided I just need to be sensible about this. I am still cycling lots and where my running mileage is so low I'm just adding it onto my normal training without reducing my cycling for the time being.
I plan to just run 3 days per week and I've said no more than 2 miles or so for 4 weeks even if that feels fine, just to allow my body to get used to the impact before I can start to increase the mileage a bit more.
Thanks very much for the suggestion on the Bondi 6, they are without a doubt the most cushioned shoe I have ever run in. I will keep my DS Trainers because I'm sure in a couple of months I will be fine to run in them once I'm used to it a bit more. I am also very happy and a little surprised than sub 8min/mile still feels my natural "mechanical" pace. Any slower just feels bizarre, so that is positive.
The pace feels comfortable and I don't look at my watch when I run but still wear a HRM, the 1.2 mile run I did was at 7:50/mile and max HR was 144. I just need to be very careful about building the miles up because my legs and breathing just felt like I could have gone on for much, much longer than 1.2 miles but I decided I just need to be sensible about this. I am still cycling lots and where my running mileage is so low I'm just adding it onto my normal training without reducing my cycling for the time being.
I plan to just run 3 days per week and I've said no more than 2 miles or so for 4 weeks even if that feels fine, just to allow my body to get used to the impact before I can start to increase the mileage a bit more.
Thanks very much for the suggestion on the Bondi 6, they are without a doubt the most cushioned shoe I have ever run in. I will keep my DS Trainers because I'm sure in a couple of months I will be fine to run in them once I'm used to it a bit more. I am also very happy and a little surprised than sub 8min/mile still feels my natural "mechanical" pace. Any slower just feels bizarre, so that is positive.
Muscle memory is an amazing thing.
Pleased that the Hokas are working for you. I’m of the opinion that highly cushioned shoes actually place more stress on muscles and joints, but that’s only my experience of them. When you can I’d definitely recommend mixing it up with a harder shoe.
Pleased that the Hokas are working for you. I’m of the opinion that highly cushioned shoes actually place more stress on muscles and joints, but that’s only my experience of them. When you can I’d definitely recommend mixing it up with a harder shoe.
ajap1979 said:
Muscle memory is an amazing thing.
When you can I’d definitely recommend mixing it up with a harder shoe.
Definitely! I plan to use the Hokas for 4 weeks or so and then use the firmer shoes just for shorter runs initially just to build up impact resistance. Will keep you posted. I very much appreciate your help.When you can I’d definitely recommend mixing it up with a harder shoe.
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