LOLZLetter 284 | My Favorite Running Shoes of 2024
So far
Welcome,
This Monday came quick. The weekend for me was a whirlwind. I ran a 5k at Venice Beach in 20:51. Definitely slower than I would have liked (I ran a minute faster a few weeks ago), but I haven't felt great lately. I'm happy to be racing. Then Saturday night, I went to a Flo Rida concert, followed by supporting my husband on Sunday at his mountain bike race. Needless to say, I need a weekend from my weekend.
Now onto the newsletter. I often get asked what are your favorite shoes or what are the best shoes? I usually struggle to write these types of posts because we know that the best running shoe for you is different than the best running shoe for me. These are just a few of my favorite running shoes of 2024. So far!
There are, of course, plenty I want to try.
For Races and Workouts:
Hoka Cielo X1: I really think Hoka outdid themselves with this one. It feels significantly faster than anything they've created before and it's just a fun shoe to run in. If you are looking for a carbon-plated shoe, this is a great option. Review here.
361 Furious Future 1.5: This has been my race day shoe choice lately. If you've ever run (and liked) the Nike Tempo, this is a great option. At just $180, it's hard to find any carbon-plated shoe at that cost, let alone one that is good. I recently ran my first sub-20 minute 5k in a few years wearing them and, for the most part, I do all of my races in them. Review here.
Easy Daily Trainers:
New Balance 1080v13: I don't remember when this came out, but it's current for 2024 so I added it to the list. It's that easy run/daily run trainer when you want to run "slow." What makes it one of the best running shoes? The simplicity of a good daily trainer as well as the durability. I have used the 1080v13 for what feels like forever. Review here.
rabbit Dream Chaser: You guys know I'm a huge fan of rabbit clothing (side note, just rabbit, the brand isn't "run in rabbit" and "r" is lowercase). Launched during the 2024 Boston race weekend, this daily trainer is ideal for daily runs but not speed work. Priced at $160, it weighs 9.3 oz and has a 5mm drop. The 100% recycled polyester upper is breathable and comfortable, and the 85% recycled ETPU midsole offers firm but supportive cushioning. The Carbon Trax strips add stability, though the shoe can feel rigid on longer runs. The outsole, made of 15% recycled rubber, provides excellent traction. Overall, it's a solid daily trainer for easy runs. It is hard for brands to dive into creating shoes, but rabbit has done a great job. Review here.
Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2: If you miss the simplicity of how "running shoes used to be," then the Atreyu Daily Trainer 1.2 is for you. It reminds me of the Saucony Kinvara of 10 years ago. The 9.3 oz shoe with a 6mm drop features a breathable 3D mesh upper and a secure fit with a new tongue gusset. Its midsole, made from Atreyu’s Supercritical EVA, offers comfort, durability, and responsiveness. The full-length rubber outsole enhances traction and longevity, making it ideal for daily runs. At $115, it’s an inexpensive, reliable choice. What makes it one of the best running shoes of 2024? Sometimes we just want a simple daily trainer that can get the job done.
Reebok FloatZig 1: In my opinion, Reebok is one of the most underrated brands. The Reebok Floatzig 1 is a versatile daily trainer priced at $130. Weighing 9.8 oz with a 6mm drop, it features a breathable engineered mesh upper and fits true to size, though slightly narrow in the midfoot. Made with at least 30% recycled materials, it includes soft Floatride Foam and Beaded TPE foam for durability and better performance in cooler conditions. The cushion makes it ideal for daily runs. Reebok Floatzig X1 Shoe Review
Faster Daily Runs:
361 ELEOS: No, this isn't sponsored by 361. I just like two of their shoes. The 361 Degrees Eleos is a versatile, low-stack height daily trainer designed for various types of runs, from easy to tempos and workouts. Priced at $145, it features the energetic Primo foam midsole, providing a soft yet responsive ride. The shoe has a sleek, streamlined design with a comfortable, breathable mesh upper, fitting true to size and slightly wider. The Eleos offers excellent traction and durability. Review here.
Topo Specter 2: The Topo Specter 2 comes out in August, but man, Topo has outdone themselves. It can handle any kind of run you throw at it. It's a lightweight, versatile road shoe, priced at $165, with a 5mm drop and weighing 7.6 oz. It features a recycled mesh upper for a snug, breathable fit, and an anatomical toebox for natural toe splay. What makes it one of the best running shoes of 2024? The midsole, made of responsive Pebax foam, offers a bouncy, energetic feel, as mentioned, is great for various running paces.
Puma Deviate Nitro 3: The sheer soft cushion in the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 makes it one of my favorites, but with the carbon plate, it can handle almost any pace. It's a standout carbon-plated trainer, ideal for daily training and uptempo workouts. Priced at $159.95, it weighs 9.3 oz with a 10mm drop. The shoe features a snug knit upper, suitable for narrow to normal feet, and offers excellent breathability. The midsole provides a smooth, responsive ride with full-length Nitro Foam. Review here.
I'm sure I'm forgetting a few I like as well. I haven't been running many trails this year (minus the desert), so I haven't been in the trail market lately.
Shoes I want to try:
ASICS Superblast 2: I can't believe how fast this shoe sold out!
Mizuno Neo Vista
Puma Fast R Nitro Elite: This is Puma’s carbon plated race day shoe. It just looks fast.
Since there are so many great shoes out there, I would love to hear some of your current favorites!!
What is Keeping Me Entertained?
Reebok FloatZig 1 Adventure Review
Fresh N Lean Meal Delivery Service Review
Podcast: Carrie Tollefson chats with Keira D’Amato: D'Amato recently moved to Utah to train. This was a fun episode.
Meet the Olympic Marathoners Going for Team USA’s First Gold in 40 Years: I'm already pumped for the Olympics but it was fun to see how our female marathoners are feeling.
This is a great post! I'll be looking at it again when I'm ready to buy shoes for fall races.