What makes a race day beast?
First off, carbon plated super shoes are not a requirement for running. For years, runners set and shattered records without carbon plates and super foams. People run thousands of miles without ever sniffing ZoomX. Many of them running times we can only dream of as mere mortals.
That said, race day specific shoes are ubiquitous nowadays. From training sessions to ParkRun start lines and World Marathon Majors, nearly everyone will be sporting a carbon plated monster on foot. The explosion in quantity and quality of these shoes has been remarapkle over the past few years. It isn’t long ago that Nike’s Vaporfly was the only choice and almost impossible to get hold of. Nowadays, every brand has at least one race day variant and they are sold in in sales for a fraction of the RRP. They are now a very accessible form of footwear.
Brands like Diadora released an absolute belter with the Gara Carbon. adidas smashed world records and wallets with the release of the Pro Evo v1. There is a world of choice out there. Which ones made the grade for us?
Ivan’s Race Day Shoe of 2024: adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo v1
Ivan: I’ve been blown away by so many race day shoes in 2024, with nearly every brand making significant strides in their latest models. That said, for me, the clear standout is the adidas Adizero Adios Pro Evo 1.
Not only has this shoe dominated podiums among elite runners, but it has also redefined what a race-day shoe can be. In fact, it is setting a new benchmark for the category. The ability to pack a full 40mm stack of super foam underfoot at such an incredibly low weight is groundbreaking. Furthermore, it has reshaped the possibilities of race-day footwear.
While some may argue that the high price point makes it inaccessible to the masses, the same could be said for many so-called “supershoes” on the market, even those priced at half as much. This reflects the natural progression of innovation in the running industry. Boundaries are constantly pushed – similar to the high-end bicycles used by pros in the Tour de France, which are also out of reach for most.
Having logged a few runs in the Evo 1, I can confidently say that its efficiency is unparalleled. The combination of its ultra-lightweight design, early-stage rocker, responsiveness, and yet protective feel delivers a race-day experience that’s truly second to none. This shoe is a game-changer. It will undoubtedly be remembered as a trailblazer in running innovation. This is why it is my favourite race day shoe of 2024.
Alex’s Choice: Diadora Gara Carbon
Alex: I am going with the Diadora Gara Carbon as my favourite race day shoe of 2024. This shoe blew my mind from the moment I stepped in it and I keep on being surprised when I put it back on. Diadora is not a brand that many people have on their radars. However, it deserves credit for innovating and becoming a true outsider in the running market. The Gara carbon comes with a Pebax midsole, which reminds me a lot of the HOKA Rocket X 2. It delivers unparalleled bounce and fun among 2024 racing shoes.
The only downside can be the purpose of this shoe, which clearly enjoys cruising at faster speeds. Running a full marathon with it would work but might be challenging for pace control. The Matryx upper is not only a nice touch but also provides a great fit. The only issue is the price tag and most importantly the availability. This shoe sold out very quickly and Diadora had to up the production to keep up with demand. The second version was previewed at TRE and I look forward to testing it.
Tim’s Favourite Race Day Shoe of 2024: Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB
Tim: 2024 was an incredible year for racing models. Not so long ago, the number of truly good racing shoes could be counted on one hand. 2024 completely changed the game. This category is probably the one I feel least comfortable giving advice on, as there are so many great options to choose from. Especially as these shoes are often narrow and lack sufficient padding. This can lead to chafing and blisters for some, even while fitting perfectly for others.
Also, take into consideration that I sadly haven’t tried the adidas Adios Pro Evo 1. That being said, if I had to choose just one shoe for all the distances I race (5K, 10K, half marathon, and marathon), I’d probably go with the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB. To be transparent, it might not be my absolute favourite for each individual distance, but it ranks in the top three for nearly all of them. By comparison, most of the other shoes I loved this year—such as the New Balance Pacer v2, Nike Alphafly 3, or PUMA Deviate Nitro Elite 3—excel for a specific distance. But, I wouldn’t use them for others.
So, congratulations to Brooks! You managed in the same year to release what I consider one of the worst racing shoes, but also my overall favourite race day shoe of 2024.
Josh’s Selection: ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris
Josh: The supershoe scene has seen so many great shoes being released this year. Some of my favorites include the Brooks Hyperion Elite 4 PB, Diadora Gara Carbon, Altra Vanish Carbon 2, and the Puma Deviate Nitro Elite 3. However, the one to trump them all is the ASICS Metaspeed Sky Paris. To do well in this category I was looking for a shoe which would perform well in everything from the 5k to the HM and nothing bests it. The lightweight and breathable upper paired with the stable (for a supershoe) and reactive midsole creates an unparalleled performance experience. This is why the Metaspeed Sky Paris is my favourite race day shoe of 2024.
Andy’s Race Day Favourite of 2024: Alphafly 3
Andy: I have been very lucky with the choice of race days shoes I have had a chance to try this year. From taking to the streets of Amsterdam in the Mizuno Wave Rebellion Pro Beta to racing around the roads in the Diadora Gara Carbon, it has been (mainly) a pleasure. That said, the shoe I have chosen for my race day shoe of the year is Nike Alphafly 3. The original Alphafly is probably still my favourite race shoe of all time. Where Nike have chosen to place the Air Zoom pods perfectly fits my foot strike. I feel fast and free when running in them. Unfortunately, the second version was not a great shoe.
However, Sifan Hassan, Kelvin Kiptum and others absolutely blasted courses in the third version. Thankfully, I was able to get hold of a pair in the initial launch (thanks Tim!). Since then, I have loved putting the miles in them. They are light, responsive and fast. Whilst still not quite as mind blowing for me as the original, they are the shoes I put on to know it will all go well. The Alphafly is back and my world is a better place for it.
