Travel influencer and running content creator Daniel Fang is the latest guest on set as he discusses his favourite daily trainers for marathon training for the Sydney Marathon
"Sole Mates" is a series made by runners created for runners, and a SportPlus.sg initiative to help you find the right running footwear for you and your runs.
As part of this series, SportPlus.sg has teamed up with local running content creators, Key Opinion Leaders and athletes to have them share their thoughts on the latest running footwear.
Known for his travel and lifestyle content and looking to travel to 193 countries, Daniel Fang only recently started his running journey in the last couple of years. One of the highlights of his running journey was no doubt the Sydney Marathon in 2023, a race which he claimed his personal best against the odds.
The traveller-turned-runner now shares his running content all over his social media platforms and has since joined over 5 marathons to date.
With a variety of options on the running shoes market, it's easy to get lost in a sea of noise when it comes to choosing the right pair of daily trainers for your marathon training. Here, we attempt to help you break down key things to consider when purchasing your next daily trainer to add to your running shoe rotation.
Daniel shares his thoughts on a few of his favourite daily trainers in the lead up to the 2024 Sydney Marathon, and highlights what he usually looks out for in his running shoes.
“A good trainer should last very long and feel comfortable at the same time. I usually rotate between two or three pairs. One with a good foam for my usual and regular runs. However, I also need one that is slightly plated for faster runs but also not too aggressive for my tempo runs,” says Daniel, in reference to having a shoe rotation for the different types of runs executed in a marathon training block.
When it comes to training for a marathon, Daniel’s foremost priority in a daily trainer is one that does not cause blisters or any hot spots. This can be subjective and varies from runner to runner depending on your running gait.
He adds, “Training in Singapore's weather is really humid and I sweat very heavily to the point where my feet tend to get wet. If the shoe is too hot, my feet will get blisters. For example, if I run a 35km distance for training, I will get blisters. Therefore, I will usually look for a trainer that has a breathability mesh in the upper and one that doesn't trap heat.”
While the term "daily trainer" is widely used, these days there is a broad category in which such shoes fall under - with each serving a different purposes. Here, Daniel provides his thoughts on the ASICS Novablast 4, adidas Supernova Rise, HOKA Mach 6 and the Nike Pegasus 40. These renowned models in the running scene are already widely used by many, but just what exactly sets them apart?
Does each shoe perform differently for different runs? Read on to find out more.
ASICS NOVABLAST 4
The ASICS NOVABLAST 4 is renowned for its responsive cushioning, making it an ideal choice for neutral runners in search of a plush and bouncy ride. This shoe boasts excellent energy return, providing runners with a comfortable feel while prioritising cushioning and responsiveness. The shoe's upper is expertly engineered with breathable mesh, ensuring optimal ventilation and a ‘snug’ fit for enhanced comfort and support during runs.
With its highest stack height overall as compared to other 3 daily trainers, the shoe measures 42mm in the rearfoot and 34mm in the forefoot. This results in an overall drop of 8mm. The NOVABLAST 4 offers a plush and cushioned experience that stands out among other daily trainers.
Daniel says, “I'm a superfan of the NOVABLAST. It can even double up as a race shoe in some sense. The foam is not too soft but there is sufficient cushioning. It gives a little bit of aggression. It is great as a daily trainer and also a racing shoe.”
Additionally, the ASICS NOVABLAST 4 stands as a versatile pair that transcends the boundaries of a typical daily trainer. Its adaptability and plush cushioning makes it the most luxurious option among daily trainers, appealing to runners who value both comfort and versatility in their footwear. Whether you're logging miles at a steady pace or picking up the speed for faster runs, the NOVABLAST 4 can be considered as a performance daily trainer suitable for both everyday runs and more uptempo sessions.
You can read up on our in-depth review of the NOVABLAST 4 here.
adidas Supernova Rise
The adidas Supernova Rise, released in December 2023, is meticulously designed for daily training. Offering a harmonious blend of cushioning and support, this iteration of the Supernova franchise features a redesigned silhouette. adidas also incorporates its proprietary Dreamstrike+ technology into the midsole, utilising re-engineered super foam to provide a responsive and comfortable feel with each stride.
Furthermore, the adidas Supernova Rise is equipped with stability features, making it particularly suitable for runners who overpronate mildly or require additional support during their runs. The shoe's system of denser foam has ‘Support Rods’ that promote smoother transitions from heel to toe. Additionally, the Supernova Rise boasts a comfortable heel fit that combines cushy foam and soft textile materials, creating a secure fit around the heel. This is one unique feature of the Supernova Rise!
Host John says, “One of the main differences in the Supernova rise as compared to the previous editions is the more secure lockdown. It is also a lot more comfortable and feels soft around the heel collar area. Moreover, the padded tongue adds to the comfort. A good pair to consider for runs ranging from 10 km to 12 km runs.”
With its balanced combination of cushioning, support, and innovative features, the adidas Supernova Rise stands out as a reliable option for daily training and enjoyable running sessions. Measuring 36mm in the rearfoot and 26mm in the forefoot, the shoe has an overall offset of 10mm. Ultimately, the Supernova Rise is good for easy runs or recovery runs at comfortable paces.
“As part of any marathon training blocks, There are very different runs you need for the entire week not just tempo or long runs, but anywhere between your medium runs and progressions runs as well. The supernova rise is a good pair to consider for that.” adds John.
HOKA Mach 6
The HOKA Mach 6 is a lightweight and versatile shoe meticulously designed for tempo runs, interval training, and even racing. With its balanced combination of responsiveness and cushioning, the Mach 6 delivers a fast yet comfortable ride that caters to runners seeking both speed and support.
Crafted with lightweight materials, the shoe prioritises breathability and also offers a snug fit, enhancing overall comfort and performance during various running activities. Despite having a lower heel-to-toe drop compared to the other running shoes, the Mach 6 stands out for its plush and bouncy feel, setting it apart from its predecessor, the Hoka Mach 5. This makes it a preferred choice for uptempo runs, fartlegs, and interval training sessions.
“I wore the Clifton 9, the high stack regular training shoes, it's pretty good. What I love about HOKA is the stack height in most of its shoes. It gives you very good cushioning, it's comfortable for long runs and provides good stability too.” shares Daniel on his experience after using the Clifton 9.
In addition to its performance-driven design, the Hoka Mach 6 is often likened to the Nike Pegasus 40 but distinguishes itself by being even more lightweight. The shoe's stack height further underscores its versatility, with the rearfoot measuring 37mm, the forefoot measuring 32mm, and an overall offset of 5mm.
This configuration ensures that the Mach 6 is suitable for clocking daily miles and engaging in tempo training, providing runners with the responsiveness, cushioning, and lightweight design they need to excel in various running endeavours. Whether you're pushing the pace during speed workouts or maintaining consistent training mileage, the Hoka Mach 6 offers the ideal combination of features to support your running goals.
Nike Pegasus 40
The Nike Pegasus 40 stands out with its innovative features tailored to enhance the running experience. At its core, the shoe incorporates Nike React foam cushioning in the midsole, delivering a unique blend of responsiveness and durability that caters to runners seeking reliable cushioning.
This foam technology is complemented by two Air Zoom pods strategically placed in the forefoot and rearfoot, further enhancing the shoe's overall responsiveness and providing a dynamic feel with each stride. The Pegasus 40's neutral platform design makes it suitable for a wide range of runners, offering a balanced combination of cushioning and support that ensures smooth transitions during runs.
Daniel says, “For the pegasus, I think it is like an all-rounder shoe, so I could even use it for the gym. It is very stable, there is sufficient cushioning for easy runs ranging from 5k to 10k. I think it is pretty versatile in that sense as you can use it for many different situations.”
Additionally, the Nike Pegasus 40 is recognized for its lightweight and breathable upper, engineered with materials that prioritise comfort and support. While it may not be the top choice for long-distance runs due to its design focus on daily miles and uptempo runs, the Pegasus 40 remains a popular choice among runners of all levels for its reliable cushioning and smooth transitions.
“Good for short distance runs and short distance tempo runs,” adds Daniel, referring to the types of runs he thinks the pair is suited for.
The shoe's stack height further reflects its versatile nature, with the rearfoot measuring 33mm, the forefoot measuring 23mm, giving the shoes an offset of 10mm. Ultimately, the Pegasus 40 is suitable for daily training, long-distance runs, and even some speed work, making it a versatile option that can adapt to various training needs and preferences.
Are Daily Trainer Stability Shoes For Consideration?
All four pairs are neutral shoes. Stability shoes are protective shoes to help runners with their running gait. Depending on a runner’s pronation, stability shoes help runners stabilise their running form to help prevent injuries.
“Two models of daily trainers that are considered as stability shoes that you may want to consider are GEL-KAYANO 30 and the New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13,” recommends John.
The GEL-KAYANO 30 incorporates a 4D guiding system which is essentially an advanced take on stabilising the foot based on biomechanical research. The shoe has a medial foam unit that helps provide adaptive, on-demand stability to help your arch return to the appropriate position for the next footstrike.
The New Balance Fresh Foam X 860v13 combines the pinnacle cushioning experience of Fresh Foam X with a supportive medial post to provide essential stability. The supportive medial post helps to control pronation. Such features are what sets these models apart as stability shoes!
All in all, how exactly do you decide which shoe is right for you? Ultimately, it depends on your individual preferences and needs. Whether you're a beginner looking for cushioning, a long-distance runner in need of support, or a speed enthusiast seeking responsiveness, there's a daily trainer out there for you. Even if you’re looking for stability shoes, there are versatile pairs that also cater to your needs.
Having discussed the shoes in-depth, would any of these pairs be your very next ‘Sole Mate’?
Cop your next pair in stores at all iRun Singapore stores or check them out online at irunsg.com