> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://chrisis.now/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Going Through Running Shoe Rotation - URL: https://chrisis.now/going-through-running-shoe-rotation/ - Published: 2026-10-19T08:29:41.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-19T08:29:41.000Z - Author: Chris Sobolewski - Tags: running This is just an assortment of shoe “reviews”, based on my personal experience with each pair. Mind you, I’m not a shoe reviewer (hence the quote marks), nor a running influencer, nor a pro athlete. I’m just a guy who runs and participates in races just for the fun of it (middle-of-the-pack-ish, not breaking any records except for my personal ones). A few more details about my running, in case this helps you relate: - 42M - Based in Hong Kong (so conditions are hot and humid for the most of the year) - [Sub-4h marathoner](https://chrisis.now/seoul-marathon-2026-race-report/) - Running \~1,100 km a year, 4–5 runs a week (usually a mix of easy, tempo/threshold, and long runs) - Going through \~2-3 pairs of shoes a year - Typically, 2–3 pairs in rotation (easy runs shoe (sometimes two pairs, most of my running is easy after all), tempo/threshold/race day shoe) These days, so many reviews are done either by elites (and for elites) or by influencers (and for money/access/world major race bibs). I’m none of that. Bought all these shoes with my own money and used them enough to form an opinion. Here’s what I think about each pair. ## Asics Megablast *Currently in rotation. 391 km in. Speed run and race day shoe.* Probably the best shoes that I’ve ever ran in. Light, responsive, fast. And durable! — 400 km in, and they still feel good. Not *day-one good*, but suffice it to say I’m not even close to considering replacing them with another pair. They make you want to go fast(er). That makes them great for tempo/threshold runs and fartleks — and, for me, they’re a perfect race day shoe. This pair helped me get my personal best in Seoul Marathon. 42.2 km without any shoe-related issues. The ride feels fantastic, with good bounce and noticeable energy return. They're so much fun! My only gripe with them is that sizing feels wonky. I’m EUR 44 and typically US 10 fits me well. But with Megablast, they somehow felt too small and I had to go with US 10.5 (which feels slightly too large – but for long runs too large is better than too small, I guess). They’re expensive (HKD 1,699 retail price (about USD 215)), but when you consider their durability, the price-per-km does not look that terrible (and surely looks better than Superblast 3). ## Asics Superblast 2 Great long run shoes. Reliable, durable (easily 500+ km), responsive. A good all-rounder, too. If you just want to do all your runs (easy, speed, race) in one pair and don’t want(/need) to have a rotation, Superblast 2 can do it all. Good for long, steady runs — but also ready to support you when you want to pick up the pace. They fit well, they're comfortable, the upper is breatheable enough for Hong Kong summer – what's not to like? Ran a couple of races in them too – and did not regret it. But all this hype about it being the best shoe of all time? – I wouldn't go that far. ## Asics Superblast 3 But these... these I regret. My biggest disappointment this year. First of all, they feel *nothing* like Superblast 2\. I expected an improvement, a refinement of the formula — instead, they're like a complete change of direction. They’re much softer than 2s. I kind of prepared for that, based on reviews, but was still surprised just by how much difference there is in the ride between them and Superblast 2s. Secondly, while 2s lasted me for about 600 km, 3s started showing noticeable signs of wear after just 100 km. The foam on the outsole started to break and the rubber parts worn off too, offering less grip. Then, after about 250 km, the shoe felt dead. Not responsive at all, just flat. More expensive than Superblast 2, less fun, less durable. Such a letdown. Retired this pair after 350 km. ## Dynafish Xiaonian *Currently in rotation. 70 km in. Easy and long run shoe.* Now, for something completely different. My biggest positive surprise of the year. And my first pair of Chinese shoes. I’m happy to report that [the hype is real](https://youtu.be/PidRw6zxpZw?ref=chrisis.now). Xiaonian feel, to me, like something between Asics Superblast 2 and Megablast. Foam is responsive and you can notice it giving the energy back. Even on long runs, very consistent through every kilometer. They are a bit less stable, though, so need to be careful. They're unbelievably light. When I received the package, it felt as if there was nothing inside. Value for money is unbeatable. Got them for HKD 599 (about USD 75). For comparison, Asics Megablast cost HKD 1,699 at retail (about USD 215). Crazy. But yes, the laces do feel cheap and flimsy. And the upper seems weird, has a plastic-y feel to it. For the upper, I prefer the Megablast or Superblast 3 style. It's still breathable enough, though. Can’t speak to durability yet, because I'm not even 100 km in. ## Asics Gel Kayano 31 Got these because I tend to overpronate, so a dedicated stability shoe seemed like a good idea. Wrong! They may be stable but they just don’t feel fun *at all*. The opposite, in fact. Like running with bricks strapped to your feet. Big, heavy, and clunky. Like they're deliberately trying to slow you down. Hate that feeling in a running shoe. ## Nike Vomero Plus They feel like there’s a lot of shoe in there. Which is to say that they are kind of bulky and thick. Heavier than what I'm used to (I'm spoiled by Megablast and Xiaonian!). And, worst of all, too warm for Hong Kong summer. I'm saving them for winter runs and colder weather. I want to make them my easy run shoes for that season (and moving Xiaonian to long runs only). Let's see how that goes! ## Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Super fast but super unstable. My first (and, so far, last) pair of plated shoes. Sadly, they felt too narrow and to unstable for me and I had to retire them early. They were an injury waiting to happen. Which is a bummer, because I felt really fast (for my fitness) in them. ## Nike Pegasus 38 The definition of “mid”. Not really good at anything. Not particularly light, soft, or fast. Just there. To me, it’s more of a lifestyle shoe than a running shoe. Pegasus and its earlier versions were my first choice as a beginner runner. An easy default. But I would not recommend it. If you're just starting your journey with running, something like Asics Novablast might be a better option!