The Top 6 Super Trainer Running Shoes
A new ‘super trainer’ category of footwear has entered the running landscape in recent times which has blurred the lines between your typical daily training and race day shoes. As running shoe brands have trended to offer runners with more cushioning over recent years, this fun category has emerged by mixing max cushion with features from their performance-based models.
In this blog, we dive into the nitty-gritty details of super trainers to determine whether they’re the right fit for you. We also discuss and review some of the best super trainer models in the current market; the Asics Superblast, New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v2, Hoka Mach X, Saucony Kinvara Pro, Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 and Adidas Prime X 2 Strung to help you take your first steps into this game-changing running shoe category.
What Are Super Trainers?
Super trainers can be typically characterised by their large performance-based midsoles, stabilising plates and/or sometimes rods, but with an upper that offers more support than their stripped-down race day shoe counterpart. They are also typically more durable and stable, but less aggressive than a race day shoe, such as super shoes.
A super shoe is a high stacked, often carbon-plated category of contemporary racing shoes that have risen in popularity since the introduction of the Nike Vaporfly 4% in 2016. By adding additional elements to the midsole, outsole and upper, super trainers cater to a wider experience level of runners and running sessions compared to both super shoes and traditional, minimalist racing shoes.
Many runners have reported the use of their super shoe during key training sessions and race events has their body feeling less fatigued and sore post-run. They are then able to return to their training load sooner with less fatigue when compared to traditional race shoes of the past. This is where super trainers become a valuable option to add into your shoe rotation - being optimised for versatility, improved running efficiency (to conserve energy) and enhanced comfort.
It is believed that the new generation of responsive ‘super foams’, which provide shock-absorbing compression on footstrike, have contributed to this performance and recovery benefit. The running brands that have engineered ASICS shoes, New Balance shoes, Hoka shoes and Saucony shoes have obviously heard that feedback. These companies have created super trainers as an option within their lineup of shoes for runners to get a similar benefit of their race shoe in training but in a more stable, supportive and versatile package.
World Athletics have introduced rules for professional athletes racing in super shoes in recent years, capping the stack heights to no more than 40mm and only allowing one plate within the midsole. It is important to note that super shoes are designed primarily or purely for racing, whereas super trainers are geared more towards training sessions and longer runs. This means that within the super trainer category, brands have more liberty in offering stack heights beyond the 40mm which makes them a fun shoe for recreational runners to add into their shoe rotation.
Where Does A Super Trainer Fit Into Your Shoe Rotation?
Super trainers can be used differently depending on your intended purpose of the running shoe. If you only want one shoe, it can be your ‘do it all shoe’ for daily training, long runs through to race day. Alternatively, they can be added into your shoe rotation to fill a particular need, such as an interval/session shoe that can double up as a long run shoe that can easily pick up the pace.
Super trainers can be used really effectively for longer duration runs and particularly when periods of more uptempo running is required during a long run. Runners training for races from half marathon to full marathon will most likely have these runs programmed into a training block, and super trainers can be a valuable training tool to help tick off those longer sessions.
Your super trainer can also help you adapt to how your race shoe might feel without clocking up kilometres on that shoe before an event. Given how fun super trainers are to run in, it’ll be interesting to see whether this category will leak into and take over more traditional mileage shoes. When deciding if these running shoes are for you, it’s really going to come down to your individual goals, running experience level and what your training consists of.
I personally believe super trainers should be used in conjunction with a more traditional mileage shoe to complement a running shoe rotation. It’s important to note how these stiff, higher stack ‘super trainers’ impact loading on the body and therefore injury history should be considered.
Generally speaking, a stiffer high stacked shoe can reduce the load at the foot and ankle level, but increase load further up the chain through the knees, hip and pelvis. Therefore, runners might want to consider rotating shoes with different stack height, midsole density and flexibility characteristics to slightly alter the distribution of load throughout their body over the course of a training block.
Asics Superblast Running Shoes
The easiest way to describe how Asics engineered the Asics Superblast would be taking the Asics Novablast and combining it with features from their Asics Metaspeed performance range.
This running shoe features a huge stack height of 45.5mm in the heel, and a forefoot height of 37.5mm, consisting of a FlyteFoam Blast Turbo top layer and a smaller FlyteFoam Blast Plus bottom layer.
The Asics Superblast doesn't feature any forms of stabilising plates, but given the large stack height the running shoe has a stiffer rocker geometry. This running shoe is surprisingly stable and achieves this by flaring the midsole platform while the sidewalls act to cradle the rearfoot.
The Asics Superblast midsole is a really nice balance of being soft enough for easy jogs, but also bouncy and responsive when you want to go faster. I loved this running shoe during my marathon block and found it really shines on a Sunday long run when you’re wanting to pick up the pace. This running shoe is super light given the amount of protection it offers and I found it really looks after your legs during those longer runs.
If I was going away and could only take one shoe to get all my training done in, this is the running shoe I’d take!
Asics offer the Superblast in a unisex fit which does fit true to size, although slightly shallow. It would be great to see Asics open this shoe up to men’s and women’s specific fits in future iterations.
- Support: Neutral
- Midsole: FlyteFoam Blast Turbo and FlyteFoam Blast Plus
- Heel Height: 45.5mm
- Forefoot Height: 37.5mm
- Offset / Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 239g / 8.4oz
Full Review: Asics Superblast
New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v2 Running Shoes
New Balance have tweaked the second version of the New Balance Supercomp Trainer to increase its versatility to sit in-line with other comparable models within this ‘super trainer’ category. They’ve done this by dropping the stack height and therefore weight of the shoe.
The New Balance SC Trainer v2 still sits on a massive stack of FuelCell foam, with a 40mm heel height and 34mm forefoot height. The FuelCell foam has been reworked to feel lighter and even softer than before.
Sandwiched between this foam sits an EnergyArc carbon plate which not only stabilises such a soft midsole foam, but also provides a snappy toe-off. The carbon plate has been cambered to allow increased loading during midstance before providing a nice pop through toe-off.
The New Balance SC Trainer v2 is the softest riding shoe in this new category. The large central cut-out running underneath the shoe creates a very soft landing, while increased midsole flaring and geometry has made a more stable platform.
Given how soft this FuelCell foam is underfoot, easy runs will feel very protective in this shoe and again will be suitable for daily miles and into longer runs. Runners wanting one of the softest underfoot experiences will enjoy this running shoe and it can also double as a more durable stable race shoe for some.
New Balance offers the SC Trainer v2 in both width options for men (D and 2E) and standard width (B) for women, allowing the shoe to fit more runners. This running shoe fits true to size with some notable volume through the midfoot, but tapers more through the toe box compared to the New Balance SC Trainer v1.
- Support: Neutral
- Midsole: FuelCell and EnergyArc carbon plate
- Heel Height: 40mm
- Forefoot Height: 34mm
- Offset / Drop: 6mm
Men
- Weight: 275g / 9.7oz
- Width: Standard (D) and Wide (2E)
Men
- Weight: 226g / 8oz
- Width: Standard (B)
Full Review: New Balance FuelCell Supercomp Trainer v2
Hoka Mach X Running Shoes
The Hoka Mach X blends two shoes in the Hoka lineup, the Hoka Mach 5 and Hoka Rocket X 2. The Hoka Mach X features a midsole set-up of a PEBA top layer and EVA bottom layer. The PEBA foam is biased to the forefoot with the denser EVA foam more apparent through the rear of the running shoe.
The PEBAX plate that runs through the running shoe creates some stiffness through the shoe, but has more flexibility than a carbon plate found in the New Balance Supercomp Trainer v2. Finishing off the Hoka Mach X is a lightweight breathable upper and a generous coverage of outsole rubber which was missing from the Hoka Mach 5.
The Hoka Mach X is a super stable option within this new shoe category. This is achieved through the wide geometry of the shoe and denser EVA foam that sits through the rear of the shoe. The EVA creates a nice lateral sidewall to provide forward guidance through midstance. The plate within the shoe also acts to stabilise the soft PEBA foam and create a snappy toe-off.
The ride of the Hoka Mach X is firmer than the New Balance SC Trainer, but runs softer than the Saucony Kinvara Pro. It can certainly be used for daily training and some tempo work, but like all these super trainer shoes seems to be geared towards that long run and longer efforts.
The fit of the Hoka Mach X fits true to size, however it is a little shallow and narrow through the forefoot. This running shoe is offered in only standard widths in the men’s model (D) and women’s model (B).
- Support: Neutral
- Midsole: PEBA / EVA and PEBAX plate
Men:
- Heel Height: 39mm
- Forefoot Height: 34mm
- Offset / Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 266g / 9.4oz
- Width: Standard (D)
Women:
- Heel Height: 37mm
- Forefoot Height: 32mm
- Offset / Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 227g / 8oz
- Width: Standard (B)
Full Review: Hoka Mach X
Saucony Kinvara Pro Running Shoes
The Saucony Kinvara Pro does not resemble any of the lower stack flexible iterations of the Kinvara to date. The Saucony Kinvara Pro is a completely new shoe that sits on a 42mm high stacked two layered midsole, featuring a PWRRUN PB top layer and PWRRUN bottom layer that becomes a rubberised EVA outsole.
The rubberised EVA outsole is a notable engineering feature of the Saucony Kinvara Pro that doesn’t feature on any of the other super trainers. Essentially, there is no harder wearing rubber on the outsole of this shoe. Saucony have opted for this engineering to reduce the overall weight of the shoe, and instead incorporated horizontal flex grooves through that rubberised outsole to provide a level of underfoot traction.
To counteract the huge stack height of the Saucony Kinvara Pro, Saucony have incorporated a wide midsole platform that flares out to create inherent stability.
The ride of the Kinvara Pro sits on the firmer end when compared to other super trainers, utilising a 3/4 carbon plate and Saucony’s Speedroll geometry to create a stiff rocker riding shoe.
The PWRRUN PB top layer is soft, but once met with the firmer EVA bottom layer it provides more of a cruising ride rather than a soft, fast underfoot feel. This midsole can be used for cruising miles and long runs but can go faster if you want it to.
This running shoe could work well for runners that prefer a slightly firmer ride, but still has plenty of protection underfoot. When compared to the other super trainers, the Kinvara Pro’s closest underfoot comparison would be the Asics Superblast, although running stiffer and heavier than the Superblast.
Size wise, the Saucony Kinvara Pro fits true to size, with a slightly snug performance fit. The upper is well padded through the tongue and heel collar. Saucony will be offering the Kinvara Pro in men’s D and women’s B standard widths.
- Support: Neutral
- Midsole: PWRRUN PB / PWRRUN and 3/4 carbon plate
- Heel Height: 42mm
- Forefoot Height: 34mm
- Offset / Drop: 8mm
Men
- Weight: 269g / 9.5oz
- Width: Standard (D)
Women
- Weight: 240g / 8.5oz
- Width: Standard (B)
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 Running Shoes
The Saucony Endorphin Speed series has been one of the most versatile shoes on the market over the past two years and was probably the running shoe to kick-start this super trainer category. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 features a nylon plate, Speedroll geometry and full-length PWRRUN PB performance foam which is utilised in Saucony’s race day shoe, the Saucony Endorphin Pro.
Saucony have tweaked the plate and created a winged shape that runs up through the medial and lateral midfoot to create increased stability while still maintaining that poppy responsive feel the Saucony Speed series is known for.
Although it's geared towards uptempo work, this change in the plate construction, wider midsole geometry and more substantial heel counter really allows the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 to be used for all types of running. It has a more subdued feel than some of the other super trainers and will be a great versatile entry in this category of shoes for many runners.
I’ve personally used the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 for easy jogs, tempo workouts and longer runs and I find it's really balanced with enough underfoot cushioning and stability for jogging, while being light enough to pick up the pace easily.
The fit of the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is true to size, with generous width through the forefoot. I’ve found a low volume, shallow foot type difficult to fit into the shoe as a result.
Saucony has offered the Endorphin Speed 3 in standard and wide fits in both the men’s model (D and 2E) and the women’s model (B and D) which has really opened the running shoe up to fit more runners than ever before.
- Support: Neutral
- Midsole: PWRRUN PB and nylon plate
- Heel Height: 36mm
- Forefoot Height: 28mm
- Offset / Drop: 8mm
Men
- Weight: 229g / 8.1oz
- Width: Standard (D)
Women
- Weight: 204g / 7.2oz
- Width: Standard (B)
Full Review: Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
Adidas Prime X 2 Strung Running Shoes
The Adidas Prime X 2 Strung is the most unique shoe in the super trainer category. This running shoe features the largest stack height of any super trainer with an enormous 50mm of Adidas performance based Lightstrike Pro midsole foam. The shoe also incorporates two carbon plates, the only shoe on the market to do this. As a result, the shoe disregards World Athletics regulations around stack height and stiffening agents for race legal shoe requirements.
The Adidas Prime X 2 Strung is surprisingly stable for a shoe with this much stack height. Adidas have addressed some of the stability issues the first iteration of the Prime X had by changing the midsole geometry of the shoe. The midsole is now a much broader platform underfoot, particularly through rearfoot and midfoot with more midsole flaring on the medial and lateral side. There is also a slight lateral bias to the heel of the shoe which provides some mild guidance through the gait cycle.
Durability on the Adidas Prime X 2 should also be decent as Adidas have offered a generous coverage of Continental outsole underneath to protect the midsole foam. This outsole set-up will also provide really good traction in all conditions and is similar to what Adidas used on the Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3.
In terms of midsole technology, Adidas are using three layers of Lightstrike Pro foam. The two carbon plates are sandwiched between two layers of Lightstrike Pro, while a third insert of softer Lightstrike Pro foam has been added into the forefoot of the shoe (similar to what Nike have done with the air units in the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly). The two carbon plates used in the midsole make the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung incredibly stiff and it doesn’t flex at all.
The overall ride of the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung is very unique. It is super bouncy which makes the shoe incredibly fun to run in. The rocker geometry rolls you forward really smoothly and allows you to engage with that Lightstrike Pro foam in the forefoot that is soft and bouncy at toe-off.
It will be geared towards uptempo efforts and longer runs given the large stack and heavier weight of the shoe. This shoe makes locking into a pace up to marathon effort feel rhythmic and easy to maintain. However, moving into paces quicker than that becomes more challenging as the shoe isn’t overly nimble.
The upper is made using Adidas Strung material which is a one piece construction and features a knitted tongue. The upper does have some give to it, but definitely has a more performance fit with a snug fit across the midfoot. The shoe is only offered in standard widths for men and women.
The Adidas Prime X 2 Strung will be enjoyed by runners wanting a training shoe that offers them a super maximal underfoot experience that is stiff and offers ample protection from the road. The shoe could be used for daily training, but will excel in longer runs and longer uptempo training.
The cost of all this cushioning and midsole technology underfoot is the weight in comparison to the other super trainers, so the Adidas Prime X 2 Strung won't double as your nimble lightweight racing option or your do it all running shoe.
- Support: Neutral
- Midsole: Lightstrike Pro and 2 carbon plates
- Heel Height: 50mm
- Forefoot Height: 43.5mm
- Offset / Drop: 6.5mm
- Weight: 295g / 10.4oz
About The Author
Nathan Pope
My running journey began when I was 8 years old at Little Athletics in the Barossa. I regularly participated in track and field events until the age of 12. From there, I had a hiatus from running and only returned in 2016 to run the City to Bay. This kick-started my love of running again and it’s now a huge part of my life.
I’ve enjoyed running from a social aspect but also the performance side and regularly run local South Australian events and interstate events such as the Gold Coast marathon festival (above). I have really enjoyed competing in half marathons, but after completing my first marathon in 2023 I have shifted my training towards the longer distance events.
My passion for running has led to a natural interest in running footwear. My experience working in run speciality retail paired with my Bachelor of Podiatry has allowed me to understand in depth how footwear functions. From there I’ve been able to educate runners on how their footwear choices can help manage injuries or improve their performance.
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