2020 May Shoes

Testing:

• Skechers Gorun 7+ - I like the midsole and new upper.  That said, there seems to be an issue on the right foot with a callous/blister since the new material is very inflexible.  Feels better than the Razor 3 from an energy return perspective for my foot strike.  Will give it a few more runs before I decide.  The Panthea seems like a better choice (no fit issues, higher drop, and just as nice energy return).

In Rotation:

• Asics Novablast - Had a $50 gift card, so it was this or the 1080 v10. Went with this shoe since I was really interested in the "bounce."  Drop is very noticeable in this shoe.
• NB 1080 v10 - It was a close call between this shoe and the Novablast. LeftLaneSports had a size 9 on sale for 30% off (cheapest I have seen this shoe) in the color I wanted.  Had to bite.  Will likely replace the Propel as an alternative to the Novablast.  
• NB TC - The best carbon fiber training shoe that feels like a Vaporfly.  Just a tad firmer, which is some ways makes it better.  Wish it was lighter by an ounce.  The Speed might be a good alternative.
• NB Rebel 2 - Goto fast and not a bad choice for medium distance shoe.  Likely to use more since max distances right now are around 13 miles.  2nd version has better heel-cup.  It also seems more roomy and a bit longer (probably because of the less aggressive heel cup).  Wouldn't have kept it, but it was only $52.
• Nike Pegasus 36 Trail - My only real trail shoe.  Run hills on trail with coach.  Lugs do seem to help.
• Reebok Panthea - I took a risk on this shoe (since there were very few reviews and initial try-on felt tight).  That said, it is a top choice in the mid-distance runs (Accelerate is there too).  It has a nice bounce and more protection than the Run Fast. Got it for 30% or 40% off.
• Reebok Run Fast - Really like this shoe as an alternate to the Rebel.  That said, it is firmer.  Starting rotating it in.  I have a backup-pair I need to use too.
• Salomon Accelerate - This is a keeper.  I had to figure out how to lace this shoe and was concerned about the firmness, but it is a nice go-fast midsole and I got the hang of lacing after 3 runs.  It is a bit firmer than other shoes.
• Vaporfly 4% and Next % - Races.

Shoes "in the wings":

• Adidas Boston 8 - Moved out of rotation with all the other high-quality shoes.   Will try to move back in (maybe before I use the Rebel 2).  I got a bit scared when I had hamstring/nerve issues that might have been partially caused by the Boston 8 on initial runs.
• Altra Escalante - Looking for opportunity to rotate in.
• Altra Escalante Racer - Test shoe before using Run Fast Pro.
• Reebok Energy - Not sure why, but don't seem to want to put into rotation.
• Reebok Run Fast Pro - Race only.
• Reebok Run Fast Pro London - Going to try to use prior to the Pro.

Retired/Returned:

• Adidas Prime - Officially retired. I can't get myself excited about this shoe.  
• Adidas Solar Glide - Gave away.  10+ oz is just too heavy now and the midsole isn't that exciting.  Other than the Boston 8, I have given up on boost.
• Hoka One One Carbon X - In case I didn't say it before, retired. Too firm and never really engaged carbon plate for my running gait.  TC is soo much better for my need (high-mileage trainer).  Never much of a competitor for Vaporfly.
• NB Rebel Black/Red - Started having heel issues.  Ordered 2nd Rebel, and would have returned, but NB has changed things so the heel cup is less aggressive.  I am going to keep them now.
• Nike Zoomfly 3 - Returned, too stiff and firm.  I think I have given up on react foam.  Too dense and energy return is lacking.  Still have Odyssey Shield (which is ok).  Wonder about the new Tempo, but will probably go Saucony Speed first.
• Propel - Retiring as it seems to have lost bounce (but this is compared to the Novablast).  Fit is a bit sloppy too.
• Salomon Sonic RA 2 - Nice bounce for eva.  But, there seems to be an issue with the right shoe in the little toe area.  Only noticed on last run (and I had 40+ miles already).  Retired to casual use, unless I can leverage for trail (it does have more lugs than other road shoes).

Thinking About:

• Asics Rideblast - One review wasn't 100% positive. Was hoping it was a solid alternative to Novablast (which seems to have too much stack). 
• Asics MetaRacer - Probably going to wait on this one.
• NB RC - Watching for release date.  
• Nike Alphafly - Might release in June.
• Nike Pegasus 37 - Pass.  Looks like Vomero 14 and it is just as heavy.
• Saucony Speed - Gave up on the Pro since it was reviewed as being firm.  Also pass on the Shift, which is too heavy for me.