Inside My Current Sneaker Rotation
Base mileage, long runs, and sprints — I've got a pick for each and every one.
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For a while, I did a commerce-focused newsletter once a month with some of my favorite picks. This week, we’re bringing that back with a new installment focused on sneakers. Especially since a chunk of the questions I receive over on social during training season have to do with kicks. What kind of shoes do you wear? How often do you rotate? Do I need different pairs for different activities?
A refresh on my background, so you know where my perspective comes from: As a veteran writer in the health and wellness industry, I’ve tried my fair share of sneakers. I’m also a certified trainer and run coach (ACE, UESCA). I probably try anywhere from 20 to 30 pairs of running-specific shoes a year.
My shoe rotation has certainly changed since getting into the wellness industry. There are a few styles that continue to make my ideal list year after year, and others that I try, love for a bit, but leave behind. Below is my current lineup of shoes as I train for the London Marathon next Sunday.
Some notes before we begin:
I have a neutral foot, so the shoes listed below are catered to that type of gait. I highly recommend you get properly fitted for running shoes at a store (most running specialty shops will do this for free) to know what foot type you have. Although none are featured in this list — I can also do my best to provide advice on some solid stability shoes if you leave a comment below, or you can always put a custom insert into a neutral sneaker for an individualized fit.
I know shoes are expensive and the idea of rotating different choices within your weekly mileage can certainly be an investment. But let me tell you that your feet are worth investing in. And studies have shown that rotating shoes can reduce the risk of injury by up to 39% during your training cycle. The best place to start? Get one pair for longer, base mileage runs and one for shorter, faster training workouts. You’ll find that your shoes will last longer when you rotate throughout the week, giving the foam ample time to rebound between sessions.
THE PICKS
New Balance 1080 V12 | Best for: Daily Trainer
This is one of my go-to workhorse shoes. I use the 1080s for every type of run in my training schedule — tempo runs, speedwork, long runs, you name it. The shoe features a stacked fresh foam heel with a supportive, sock-like upper construction to give the perfect balance of stretch and comfort. My personal cutoff with this shoe for long runs is about 16 miles, but that will vary by runner. And the white-on-white colorway has my heart.
Asics Novablast 3 | Best for: Daily Trainer
Another staple in my rotation; I find myself grabbing for these shoes in the same way I do the 1080s. No matter the run or workout, I know the Novablasts will feel light and responsive while keeping my foot cushioned and supported.
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run | Best for: Long Run/Base Mileage
I turn to this super plush shoe from Nike when I know I’m going to be on my feet for a while and want something that will keep me cozy without giving up responsiveness. Personally, I feel like it’s got a wider forefoot than most other Nike’s which is something I really dig.
Puma Deviate Nitro | Best for: Interval workouts (Carbon plate)
This is lightweight, bouncy, and perfect for picking up the pace for laps around the track or timed intervals on road. While it’s a little heavier than some of my other sneakers that I reach to for this purpose (check out the New Balance FuelCell Rebel 3), I feel confident in my stride almost every time I slip it on.
HOKA Clifton 8 | Best for: Long Run/Base Mileage
Another super cushy option, exactly what HOKA is known for. This shoe is plush while keeping a streamlined silhouette. The updated upper construction made with engineered mesh feels like butter on my feet well into my saturday long run. Added bonus: They also offer it in a white on white colorway.
New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer | Best for: Marathon Race Day (Carbon Plate)
A recent addition to my sneaker lineup (and new shoe addition to the New Balance line-up) — this might just be my new marathon race day shoe. New Balance released the SuperComp Trainer with its new Energy Arc technology — a stacked height midsole housing an arched carbon fiber plate, sandwiched between two layers of FuelCell cushioning — and I’m obsessed. Although the stack height is technically illegal (more on stack height below) for professional competition, these shoes make me feel absolutely invincible, something that hasn’t happened since my first few races in the Nike Vaporfly Next%.
A note on stack height: Stack height refers to the amount of shoe material between your foot and the ground, determined by measuring the distance from the bottom of the outsole lugs to the top of the shoe’s insole. Currently, World Athletics has a rule in place that limits the stack height of professional competition shoes to 25mm for track events of 800m and above (including cross country), and 40mm for road events. However — these limits are for pros, not for the everyday runner.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% | Best for: Race Day (Carbon plate)
What can I say? Nothing feels quite like the Vaporfly. I’ve run at least three marathons and a slew of half marathons in this sneaker, and each time I lace up I feel like I can achieve even my loftiest goals. Thanks to the technology of the carbon fiber plate, the NEXT% provides incredible energy return with each step to help you get to the finish line in record time. There’s a reason why you see so many elite runners striding to new PRs in these kicks.
Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 | Best for: Race Day (Carbon plate)
The Endorphin Pro 3 might just be my favorite sneaker from the past 2 to 3 years — and like I said — I try a lot of running shoes. I love how stable and durable this shoe feels while also being really lightweight. As far as a super shoe, this one doesn’t feel quite as springy as some others. But, it’s a Goldilocks combination of propulsion and stability, and I find that my calves don’t feel as tight after wearing them for a long run versus some of my other favorites.
Altra Mont Blanc | Best for: Trail Running
I’ve had a few trips this training cycle take me from the road to the trails, and the Mont Blanc trail shoe by Altra has been my go-to for the offroad. This sneaker packs everything I like about my road shoes into a trail shoe that features Altra’s LITEBASE outsole which provides grip, traction, and durability while also staying lightweight.
Keep hurdling,
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE WEEK
I’m Listening To: Scout Bassett on the WHOOP Podcast
One of my favorite guests from Hurdle is back at it, chatting about resiliance, prioritizing mental health, the importance of sleep, and how Whoop has helped her throughout training and recovery.
I’m Watching: Alone Together from Tracksmith
The Speed Project is an unforgettable and unforgiving 340-mile journey from LA to Las Vegas, usually contested as a relay race with six team members. This March, 2:19 marathoner and former Tracksmith accountant Jason Ayr attempted to run it on his own. No stranger to high mileage or late nights and armed with an obsessively plotted excel pace sheet, Jason set out to understand his capacity for distance. Together with his support crew, including his partner and fellow marathoner, Sam Roecker, it was an adventure across the desert and into the unknown. This short film follows his journey.
I’m Reading: Token Black Girl by Danielle Prescod
I read this book in two days (haven’t done that in a while). The author Danielle and I met on a press trip (that she actually mentions in the book). The memoir unpacks the impact that being a Black woman in media had on her mental health and wellbeing, and touches on a slew of themes ranging from body image and perfection to celebrating identity.
Quote I’m Loving: "Whatever you are feeling right now, it's not how you are going to feel forever. Your actions are in your hands. Some things take longer than others, but all feelings can change in time." — Alexi Pappas
Thanks to LMNT — an electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don't — for supporting Hurdle.
Meet LMNT, zero-sugar hydration to support your active lifestyle. I’m the saltiest sweater (cute, I know). These electrolytes have been my go-to recently to perform better. I like them not just because they taste great (the orange salt is my favorite), but they’re also without artificial ingredients, sugar, and coloring. With LMNT, you can:
☀️ Kickstart your mornings
💪 Fuel workouts and improve recovery
Head to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle to get a FREE LMNT sample pack with purchase. To claim this deal you must go to DrinkLMNT.com/Hurdle — no code necessary.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: 221. Allyson Felix, 5x Olympian, Co-Founder of Saysh
Season 11, we've made it! 221 numbered episodes, 530+ in the catalogue — and a whole lot of gratitude. To celebrate: Welcome the most decorated track and field athlete of all time, Allyson Felix, back to the show (peep her first appearance, here). For this week’s season premiere episode, we talk about what it feels to be retired, explore the word "legacy" and how Felix wants to be remembered, plus unpack what it's been like for her to start her company Saysh with brother Wes Felix from scratch. She also talks about one of the most challenging moments in her career as an athlete. Plus: A little bit on Saysh's maternal returns policy and what the 7-time gold medalist is looking forward to next.
🎧 NEW PODCAST EPISODE: #HURDLEMOMENT: How Your Diet Impacts Your Mood With Daina Trout, Co-Founder of Health-Ade
This week I’m sitting down with Daina Trout, co-founder and Chief Mission Officer of Health-Ade, as well as their in-house nutritionist. Daina has spent her adult life dedicated to finding and sharing health and wellness through food. Founded in 2012, Health-Ade Kombucha is a multi-million-dollar success that retails in 45,000 stores across the country. Known for their bubbly beverages that are good for your gut, Health-Ade is one of the fastest-growing refrigerated functional beverage brands in the country. For today’s episode, of course Daina and I talk about how she got into the kombucha business, but most of our chat is focused on how diet and mood are connected — plus the difference between pre-pro-and postbiotics. (I have a feeling some of you have never heard of post-biotics before.)
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Another (weekly) Hurdle conquered. Catch you guys next week.