4 Running Shoes That Need an Overhaul - Part 3

Today we’re adding another 4 running shoes to the Supwell Shoe ICU that are in need of some serious life support:

• New Balance SC Trainer 3—Critical condition: underperforming in all categories.
• Nike Pegasus 41—Critical condition: overweight and unresponsive.
• Adidas Adistar 4—Unstable condition: inconsistent test results and snug upper
• Brooks Glycerin 22—Flatlined entirely: potential crushed by lifeless DNA

Read below to see each shoe’s symptoms, diagnosis, and our prescription to bring them back to life.

New Balance SC Trainer v3: Underperforming in all categories

Symptoms:

• Muted bounce
• Bland ride compared to the newer releases
• Subpar blended midsole

Diagnosis:

The SC Trainer v3 doesn’t stack up to the more exciting, bouncy long run shoes on the market.

Prescribed Treatment:

New Balance’s PEBA/EVA blend isn’t cutting it anymore in 2025. To stand a fighting change against the Hyperion Max 3, Vomero Plus, Neo Vista 2 and other more exciting long run options, New Balance should  move to a more competitive foam compound like ATPU or supercritical TPEE.

Nike Pegasus 41: Overweight and unresponsive

Daily Trainer

Nike Pegasus 41

Basic everyday running shoe with flexible platform and groundfeel

Price

$140

Plated?

No

Foam

TPE

Weight (oz)

10.0

Drop (mm)

10

Support

Neutral

see details

Symptoms:

• Heavy for the stack height
• Unresponsive and flat foam
• Air Zoom unit that doesn't contribute much

Diagnosis:

The Pegasus is wildly popular, but firm and outdated compared to the market standard.

Prescribed Treatment:

We get it—the Pegasus is a legacy nameplate designed to deliver a traditional feel, but a shoe this popular and iconic deserves better. Nike needs to swap ReactX for a bouncier foam compound, slightly lower the drop for a more forgiving forefoot feel, cut down on excess weight, and tune the Air Zoom unit so that it’s actually noticeable.

Adidas Adistar 4: Inconsistent test results and snug upper

Daily Trainer

Adidas Adistar 4

Entry-level daily trainer designed for comfort and versatility

Price

$140

Plated?

No

Foam

EVA

Weight (oz)

9.6

Drop (mm)

5

Support

Neutral

see details

Symptoms:

• Fits incredibly snug
• Inconsistent foam softness between our left and right pair

Diagnosis:

The Adistar 4 is a solid shoe that’s held back by quality control issues.

Prescribed Treatment:

The Adistar 4 is emblematic of broader issues Adidas has been having recently with quality control in their manufacturing processes. Good shoes like the EVO SL (and now the Adistar 4) have been plagued with inconsistencies in sizing, foam softness, and weight. Adidas needs to step up their quality assurance game.

Brooks Glycerin 22: Potential crushed by lifeless DNA

Daily Trainer

Brooks Glycerin 22

Cushioned running shoe designed for comfort and durability

Price

$165

Plated?

No

Foam

Not disclosed

Weight (oz)

10.3

Drop (mm)

10

Support

Mild Stability

see details

Symptoms:

• Lifeless DNA "Tuned" midsole
• High drop feel

Diagnosis:

Brooks updated the Glycerin for the sake of change, not performance.

Prescribed Treatment:

This shoe could’ve been so good. If Brooks implemented the DNA Tuned formulation from the Glycerin Max into the Glycerin 22 midsole, they would’ve had a solid shoe on their hands. In the 23, we hope to see the comfortable heel and responsive forefoot that made the Glycerin Max so great, but in a lower-stack, more beginner-friendly package.

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