My Running Shoe Rotation, Summer 2026

I have been running for the last two and a half years, but I only got serious about it last summer when I bought my first proper pair: the ASICS Gel-Ziruss 8. They have carried me through more than 500 km, including my first and, so far, only marathon.

That race also made one thing clear: using one pair for every run was limiting my training. I wanted easy days to feel easy, faster sessions to have a little more snap, and race day to feel distinct. That led me to my current five-pair rotation:

• ASICS Gel-Ziruss 8
• Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24
• ASICS Novablast 5
• Saucony ENDORPHIN SPEED5
• HOKA Rocket X 3

Each pair has a clear job: the Gel-Ziruss and Adrenaline handle recovery and shorter easy runs, the Novablast takes care of long runs, the Endorphin Speed is for tempo and interval sessions, and the Rocket X comes out on race day.

ASICS Gel-Ziruss 8

These were my first real running shoes; before them, I ran in Allbirds Tree Flyer 2. They are a rebranded version of the ASICS Gel-Nimbus 25, sold exclusively at DECATHLON. From August to November 2025, I used them for every kind of run before adding my next pair.

I have always liked how cushioned they are, while still finding them surprisingly stable. With 514 km on the clock, they are by far my most battle-tested shoes and are approaching the end of their life. These days, I mostly use them for slow, easy recovery runs.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24

After running the Frankfurt Marathon last year, I realised the Gel-Ziruss were not the best option for me over longer distances, especially with my flat feet. That led me to the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 in November 2025.

They are dedicated stability shoes and exceptionally comfortable. Comfortable enough that I also wear them day to day, so the 412 km logged on Strava only tells part of the story. Despite that extra use, they still hold up really well. Like the ASICS, I now reserve them for shorter, easier runs.

ASICS Novablast 5

I will admit, these were an impulse purchase. Last winter, I stumbled into an ASICS store in Taipei and picked up this pair of Novablast 5 for about €80. They are now my primary training shoes, which I use for most runs over 6 km.

Their lightness and bounce make them particularly good for longer runs. I have 188 km in them so far, but that will change quickly as they carry me through every long run leading up to the Cologne Marathon.

Saucony ENDORPHIN SPEED5

The latest addition to my shoe rotation. Until I bought these, I did not have a dedicated tempo trainer, which had become the obvious gap in the rotation. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 are made for running fast, thanks to their nylon plate.

I found them in Taiwan for around €120. The Berlin-inspired colourway was an easy choice since I have lived in the city for over seven years. They have already earned plenty of compliments, but more importantly, I can feel a real difference when I use them for tempo and interval sessions, even with only 28 km on them.

HOKA Rocket X 3

Last but not least, my race shoes: the HOKA Rocket X 3. I was very lucky to receive these as a gift from a friend; otherwise, I probably would not have splurged on carbon-plated race shoes just yet.

I have already worn them in two races, a half marathon and a 10K, both in Berlin. They feel incredible at faster paces. During adidas Runners City Night, holding an average pace of 4:28/km felt effortless. I am confident that I will hit many more PBs wearing these.

What’s next?

As the ASICS Gel-Ziruss 8 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 24 approach the end of their useful lives, I am looking to replace them with one stability-focused trainer for easier runs. The shortlist is the ASICS Gel-Kayano 33, Brooks Glycerin GTS 23, and Saucony Guide 19.

I am going to make the final decision after running the Generali Köln Marathon in October. Now that I have a pretty diverse shoe rotation, I want to gather more insights on how each pair serves me before making another purchase.