5 Types of Super Trainer Running Shoes
Below we are breaking down the different types of super trainers in the running shoe market. See how we have categorized shoes like the Adidas Hyperboost Edge, ASICS Superblast 3, R.A.D UFO, Dynafish Xiaonin, Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra, On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, Adidas Evo SL EXO, Hoka Skyward X2, and more.
Super trainers are no longer just one category — they now cover everything from non-plated fast foam options and max cushion long run champs to zone 3 cruisers, max stack behemoths, and plated speed trainers built for uptempo work. Each type serves a different purpose depending on the kind of runner you are and the workouts you’re targeting, whether that’s easy miles, marathon long runs, steady efforts, or threshold sessions. The best super trainer isn’t the “best” shoe overall, it’s the one that fits how you train.
Non-Plated Plus Race Foam
Characteristics:
- Lightweight constructions and streamlined performance uppers
- Race-tuned foams taken from carbon-plated marathon shoes
- Quick, responsive rides thanks to aggressive rockers and/or rigid, snappy platforms
Shoes:
- ASICS Megablast
- Dynafish Xiaonian
- Adidas Evo SL EXO
- Saucony Endorphin Azura
Dynafish Xiaonian
Adidas Evo SL EXO
Max Cushion Long Run Champs
Characteristics:
- Dual foam midsole constructions with a soft top layer for bounce and comfort, and a bottom EVA layer for stability
- Optimized for long run protection over speed
- Typically feature at least one stability element (plates, carrier foams, wide platforms, etc.)
Shoes:
- ASICS Superblast 3
- On Cloudmonster 3 Hyper
- Hoka Skyward X2
- Mizuno Neo Vista 2
ASICS Superblast 3
Hoka Skyward X 2
Zone 3 Champs
Characteristics:
- Versatile midsoles that feel good for aerobic mileage, but encourage you to pick up the pace
- Optimized for fun and bounce at the expense of stability
- Non-plated midsoles with elevated compounds (most often PEBA)
Shoes:
- Adidas Hyperboost Edge
- R.A.D UFO
- Li-Ning Red Hare 9 Ultra
- Nike Vomero Plus
Adidas Hyperboost Edge
Nike Vomero Plus
Max Stack Behemoths
Characteristics:
- 50+ mm stack heights
- Innovative tech for enhanced performance (dual plates in the Prime X3 Strung and dual Air Zoom unit in the Vomero Premium)
- Bouncy race foam midsoles
Shoes:
- Nike Vomero Premium
- Adidas Prime X 3 Strung
Nike Vomero Premium
Adidas Prime X 3 Strung
Plated Speed Trainers
Characteristics:
- This is the format that pioneered the“super trainer” category: race foam plus a stiffening agent such as a nylon plate or carbon rods for snap
- Typically lower to the ground relative to the rest of the market
- Designed for to be usable for daily training, while also capable of ripping pace during workouts
Shoes:
- Adidas Boston 13
- Puma Deviate Nitro 4
- ASICS Magic Speed 5
- Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
Puma Deviate Nitro 4
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Saucony Endorphin Speed 5
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