and super trainers have something more compared to normal running shoes. They are more comfortable, expose you to fewer injury risks, and are also very fun and lightweight. And, thanks to their elastic response, they can make you go much faster.
Super trainers will give you a competitive advantage
Running shoes are not all the same. Some time ago, Ethiopian athlete Derara Hurisa had to give up victory and a personal best in the Vienna marathon because he ran wearing “irregular” shoes (specifically adidas Adizero Prime X), which were only guilty of having a midsole thickness that exceeded by 1 centimeter the maximum limit (of 4 centimeters) set by World Athletics for road shoes.
But why did the Ethiopian runner choose those shoes specifically? Probably because he had noticed the potential of Super Trainers, i.e., those sneakers with a particularly thick midsole that guarantee maximum cushioning and a more pronounced energy return from the impact with the ground. And so, yes, they can somehow improve the performance of those who wear them.
What do Super Trainers have different from normal running shoes
50 mm of foam, first of all. They are more reactive and energetic than midsoles with classic thicknesses ranging from 25 mm to 30-35 mm. If you could run on soles more than 60 millimeters thick, you could have even greater reactivity (if it weren’t for the fact that a shoe too high would become unstable). And it is precisely in the balance between reactivity and stability that the success of these shoes lies: in many cases, their footprint is larger, managing to compensate for the height and making them very balanced.
The advantages of the super sole
The advantages are many: more comfortable shoes that expose you to less injury risks due to impact trauma, more comfortable and lighter. And, thanks to their elastic response, they will make you go very fast. But they are not for everyone. The fact that the center of gravity is higher than normal (in some cases even 20-25 mm) can cause problems for those with proprioceptive difficulties and poor balance.
Who are they meant for and who is better off avoiding them?
According to those who have tried them, they are really fun and comfortable. As we said, the fact that the center of gravity is higher than normal can cause problems for those with poor balance. The consequences of so much cushioning on the musculoskeletal system have not yet been thoroughly investigated.
The best “super” running shoes that will elevate your daily run
For those of you who don’t need to adhere to World Athletics standards and instead just want to find the most comfortable/most performing shoes for your workouts, here are the best models of Super Trainers of the moment among which you should choose.
BROOKS HYPERION MAX
The latest arrival at Brooks is super lightweight (200gr.), ideal for fast training, ready to give gas with every stride thanks to the 8mm extra drop. In practice, the Hyperion Max—with DNA FLASH nitro-infused cushioning midsoles—are designed to maximize running potential with abundant ultralight cushioning that helps absorb impacts and provides uncommon responsiveness by offering quick transitions from heel to toe. Available on Amazon for 170€.
170€ – BUY ON AMAZON
ASICS NOVABLAST 3 M
Asics was one of the very first to believe in ST and to launch the famous Novablast, now in its 3rd generation. The Novablast 3 running shoe features FF BLAST PLUS cushioning on the midsole, which helps create a feeling of greater lightness and responsiveness under the foot. The tongue construction in the upper ensures it does not move and helps improve fitting. Available on Amazon for 125€ instead of 149.99€.
125€ – BUY ON AMAZON
ASICS GLYCERIN GTS 20
Another Brooks offering equipped with the GuideRails support technology that controls excessive movements to maintain the ideal stride. In addition, DNA LOFT v3 ensures that these super-cushioned running shoes offer total comfort. Available on Amazon at a discounted price of 126€.
126€ – BUY ON AMAZON
ASICS SUPERBLAST
Here is the latest star of the BLAST series. Lightweight and responsive, suitable for longer runs, timed runs, and much more. Its upper structure is characterized by an asymmetric mesh design. The shoe boasts different colors on the medial and lateral edges for greater visual impact. The midsole combines FF BLAST PLUS and FF BLAST TURBO cushioning. Also featured in our METASPEED running models, this foam promotes a lighter and more elastic run. Available on Cisalfa for 154€ instead of 220€.
154€ – BUY ON CISALFA
NEW BALANCE FRESH FOAM X MORE V4
The greatest amount of Fresh Foam in any shoe to date: greater overlay compared to previous models and redistribution throughout the length of the sole for a sensation of softness and stability under the foot. The sole is based on the strategic placement of refined and extremely flexible cushioning zones that ensure a natural walk, while the rocker profile of the silhouette promotes smooth transitions and strides. All this is under a technical mesh upper that keeps you secure, offering breathable comfort and support. The midsole + sole have a 4 mm differential. Available on the New Balance website for 160€.
160€ – BUY ON NEW BALANCE
ADIDAS ADIZERO BOSTON 11
New colorway for the Adizero Boston 11, designed for medium and long-distance running. Thanks to ENERGYRODS technology, energy dissipation is minimized for performance and race-like sensations even during training. They are fast but durable: the midsole combines ultra-light Lightstrike Pro cushioning—the most reactive Adidas foam—with the durable Lightstrike EVA compound. Available at Maxi Sport for an unbeatable offer of 96€ and also available in white.
96€ – BUY ON MAXISPORT
HOKA CLIFTON 9 M
The award-winning Clifton has reached its ninth version. Lighter and more cushioned than ever. By reducing weight and adding 3 mm to the sole height, the new Clifton 9 offers revitalizing sensations to the foot with new reactive foam and an improved sole design. Deprived of reinforcements and thermo-fused elements, the simplified upper is made with environmentally friendly methods and features a softer heel, a reflective panel on the heel, and a streamlined tongue with a panel on the medial side. Available at Cisalfa Sport in various colors at a discounted price of €104 instead of 150€.
104€ – BUY ON CISALFA
ON CLOUDSWIFT
With an 8 mm drop, the On Cloudswift running shoes are designed for neutral runners seeking cushioning, comfort, and protection for medium-distance workouts. They are made with Helion foam, and the midsole incorporates Helidsole compound that promotes a smooth run by facilitating natural foot and ankle movements while the upper structure supports the midfoot providing the right support. The upper has been made with an extremely light, durable, breathable mesh that hugs the foot like a second sock for extreme comfort from the first wear. The CloudTec rubber sole is designed to ensure maximum traction and increase the durability of areas prone to wear. Available at Maxi Sport in the color featured in the photo for 111€ instead of 159€.
111,30€ – BUY ON MAXISPORT
NIKE ZOOMX INVINCIBLE RUN FLYKNIT 3 M
In Nike’s ongoing focus on designing for runners, the redesign of the Invincible 3 is good news: it features ZoomX cushioning thicker than the previous model to provide maximum softness at each step while ensuring lightness and excellent energy return with each stride. These shoes are designed to offer maximum comfort and support where needed to maintain a natural gait. Available at MAXI SPORT on offer for 132,30€ instead of 189€.
132,30€ – BUY ON MAXISPORT
SAUCONY TRIUMPH 20
Beautiful and plush, these new Saucony running shoes are suitable for neutral runners and perfect for any distance. The mesh upper has been revised to ensure greater breathability and a fit that adapts perfectly to the foot. The PWRRun+ midsole, taller than the previous model, has been reformulated to be even lighter, more responsive, and perform better for greater energy return and less weight. The new geometry and the 2 mm higher drop combine perfectly for a smoother, more stable, and extremely comfortable running experience. Available at DF Sport Specialist for 119,90€ instead of 180€.
119,90€ – BUY ON DF SPORT SPECIALIST