In this product guide:
- 1. Plated half-marathon racer: Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris
- 2. Lightweight tempo trainer: Brooks Hyperion V2
- 3. Max-cushioned tempo shoe: Asics Superblast 2
- 4. Propulsive cushioned trainer: Brooks Hyperion Max 2
- 5. Versatile cushioned trainer: Asics Novablast 4
- 6. Versatile daily trainer: Saucony Ride 17
- How we selected
The Metaspeed series has two shoes – the Sky Paris and Edge Paris. The Sky has a less curved plate and softer forefoot landings. That’s because there’s a thicker layer of foam under the plate, as well as a softer outsole with a window.
On the other hand, the Metaspeed Edge’s plate design is similar to that of the Nike Vaporfly 3. The plate has a steeper curve and is anchored closer to the outsole. So most of the Flytefoam Turbo foam is above the plate. The Edge also has a different outsole than the Sky without the window.
So what happens on the road is this – the firmer forefoot and sharper curve of the plate make the turnover more efficient than the Sky. That’s why we recommend the Edge Paris for distances that are half-marathons and shorter, while the Sky is better used for a marathon.
The Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris makes short work of 10K runs.
This isn’t to say that the Sky isn’t fit for shorter distances, but the Edge has a stronger use case here.
The cushioned and bouncy ride of the Flytefoam Turbo Plus foam complements the stiff Carbon plate well.
The FF Turbo+ midsole adds responsive ride comfort while keeping the weight low – the Metaspeed Edge weighs a mere 6.5 ounces or 185 grams. On the other hand, the Carbon plate makes the transitions and push-offs quick and efficient. There’s just enough outsole rubber for traction in high-wear areas.
The upper has excellent fit and breathability. The fit is neither too tight nor loose, and the padded heel locks in the foot. The porous mesh and perforated tongue keep the feet cool. The Metaspeed Sky and Edge both share the same upper.
Also consider: The Nike Vaporfly 3, adidas Adios Pro 3.
Let’s clear up a few things first. The Hyperion 2 isn’t a true successor to the Hyperion. Rather, it’s a follow-up to the Hyperion Max.
On the other hand, the new Hyperion Max 2 (our next shoe on this guide) is a very different shoe from the H-Max V1. More on that later.
The Hyperion 2 offers a lot of value for its $140 price. It shares similar specs ( 8 mm drop and 34/26 mm stack) with the $170 Hyperion Max from last year, so you’re getting the same shoe for $30 cheaper.
And what is this shoe about?
It’s an ultra-lightweight (7.1 Oz/201 gram) tempo trainer that also happens to be very cushioned. The DNA Flash 2 (Nitrogen-infused supercritical foam) delivers a responsive and efficient ride but with levels of ride comfort that go the distance.
The breathable upper combines a racer-like exterior (with serrated laces and a flat tongue) with some elements of interior comfort – the heel is padded like a regular trainer.
Many shoes claim to do it all, but the Asics Superblast V2 is one of the few running shoes that deliver on that promise.
The specs appear contradictory, but the entire package runs like a well-oiled machine. Here’s what we mean: The Superblast 2 has stack heights of 45 mm (heel) and 37 mm (forefoot), so it should be a heavy shoe, correct? Wrong. The Superblast 2 weighs less than 9 ounces or a mere 250 grams.
The Superblast 2 is a souped-up version of the Novablast 4.
It’s also a fast shoe. The rocker profile of the thick midsole helps with quicker turnovers, and the responsive cushioning of the Flytefoam Turbo – Asics’s premier foam – prevents the midsole from feeling mushy.
While most of the midsole is the soft FF Turbo foam, the firmer base works with the rocker to keep the transitions efficient. That said, we don’t recommend the Superblast V2 for speeds faster than 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile).
Compared to the Superblast V1, the V2 has more toe-box room and better ventilation. The snug midfoot secures the foot to prevent sideways movement.
Asics has updated the outsole lug design and rubber compound for improved grip over the Superblast V1.
Use them for daily runs, endurance training, tempo runs, and marathons – be it a half or full 26.2.
Despite the same name, the Hyperion Max 2 is not the successor to the Hyperion Max 1 – the Brooks Hyperion 2 is.
The H-Max 2 is a brand-new shoe with a much taller stack (37 mm and 31 mm) and 9.1-ounce weight. That’s nearly 2 ounces over the outgoing Hyperion Max V1.
The V2 also has a transition plate (Speedvault plate) that prevents the foot from sinking into the soft midsole. It’s clear that the H-Max 2 has very little to do with the previous model and is a stand-alone model for 2024.
The Hyperion Max 2 is comparable to the New Balance SC Trainer V4 than any Brooks shoe.
In short, it’s a very cushioned trainer that’s also agile – thanks to the stiff plate that assists the loading process. So you get the cushioned comfort from the tall midsole, yet have the tempo-friendly character that’s useful during a half-marathon.
The transitions are also helped by the rocker midsole and stiff forefoot that rolls the foot forward for easier turnovers.
The lightweight upper is similar to the Hyperion Max V1 though – it’s lightweight and breezy with a true-to-size fit.
The Asics Novablast has neither a plate nor high-tech foam, but it does two things that are useful during a half marathon.
Given its considerable stack heights (41.5 mm and 33.5 mm), it’s a comfortable running shoe even for a marathon. The Flytefoam Blast foam is neither E-TPU nor PEBAX, but it has excellent cushioning feedback.
While it’s not overly soft or springy, the compression from the foam and transition groove (under the midsole) is noticeable.
Being speed-friendly is the other thing that the Novablast is good at. The rocker shape helps with quicker push-offs, and the firmness of the foam makes the Novablast relatively stable.
The upper fits very well, albeit a bit long. Asics hasn’t fixed the outsole grip yet, so the forefoot bite isn’t where it needs to be.
Between the softer Asics Cumulus 26 and the firmer Saucony Ride 17, we had to pick one for this guide. While the Cumulus is much softer than the Ride 17, this Saucony trainer is the more sensible choice. Here’s why:
The dense Pwrrun+ foam midsole has a firm ride. When combined with a mild midsole rocker, the midsole becomes capable of putting quicker miles than the Cumulus or Brooks Ghost 16.
When we say quick, that would speeds of 4:00 min/km (6:30 min/mile) and slower. For sub 4:00 min paces, we recommend shoes like the Brooks Hyperion 2 or a plated racer.
There’s a lot of underfoot comfort for a half-marathon – the Pwrrun+ foam used here is a firmer and lower-volume version of what the Triumph 21 had. While not as soft, the Ride 17 has a smooth and consistent cushioning experience.
The footbed is also made of the same material as the midsole, so the step-in comfort is noticeable.
The true-to-size upper has a plush interior; the sleeved midfoot and padded tongue/heel keep the foot secured in comfort.
- Saucony’s marketing pitch: A truly versatile shoe, from warm up to tempo runs.
- Upper: Engineered mesh, internal gusset.
- Midsole: Expanded Polyurethane (Pwrrun+) foam. 8 mm heel drop.
- Outsole: Carbon rubber in high-wear areas.
- Weight: 282 gms/ 9.9 Oz for a half pair of Men’s US 9/UK 8/EUR 42.5/CM 27.
- Stack heights: 35 mm (heel), 27 mm (forefoot).
- Available widths: D – regular (reviewed), 2E – Wide.
- Previous model: Saucony Ride 16.
- Country of origin: Vietnam.
- Recommended use: Daily training, tempo runs, half-marathons.
- Footstrike orientation: Heel, midfoot/forefoot (full contact).
- Recommended paces: 4:30 min/km (7:30 min/mile) and slower.
- Median lifespan: 500 miles.
- Recommended temperature range: Warmer than -5° C/23° F.
Pros
- Just-right upper fit
- Neutral and supportive ride
- Smooth cushioning
- Versatile ride character
- Optional widths
- Comfortable interiors
Cons
- Upper runs warm in summer
- Low reflectivity
- Heel loop needs to be bigger
How we selected: What to look for
We have running shoe product guides for 10K runs and marathons, but what about the under-rated half marathon?
A half marathon doesn’t get the credit it deserves. It’s a long-distance race that’s a good test of physical endurance. At the same time, it doesn’t require the intense training and long recovery period that a marathon entails. If you’re in reasonably good shape, a sub-2:00 half-marathon is within reach for most runners.
By the way, if you’re searching for an easy-to-follow training plan for a half marathon, here’s one on the Canadarunningseries website that’s put together by Saucony. And here’s another one from the Boston Athletics Association.
This guide contains running shoes that are recommended for distances between a 10K and a half-marathon. If you want to see a selection of plated running shoes for marathons (and longer), then reading this guide should help. On the other hand, if a soft running shoe is all that you need, then our recommendations are here.
So what kind of half-marathon running shoes would you find here?
This guide includes cushioned running shoes with a bit of snap in them. That way, the cushioning won’t slow you down during fast, high-mileage runs. Highly cushioned tempo shoes like the Brooks Hyperion Max 2 use transition-friendly components like a rapid plate for a speed-friendly character.
On the other hand, products like the Asics Superblast 2, Brooks Hyperion 2, and Novablast 4 don’t rely on stiff internal components. They combine midsole foam and geometry to create a ride quality that’s comfortable as well as fast.
While the Asics Metaspeed Edge is our recommended plated racer on this list, you’d be served equally well by the Nike Vaporfly 3 or adidas adios Pro 3.