assistant: Before I lock in a recommendation, I need to know one more thing: **have you raced in a carbon-plated super-shoe before**, or would this be your first time in one? That matters because at your level (sub-19 5K), you're in the sweet spot where a full carbon racer like the **Metaspeed Edge Tokyo** or **Endorphin Elite v2** will give you a real edge — but only if you've got some experience with the plate feel and the snappier ride. If you're new to super-shoes, I might steer you toward something with a gentler learning curve first. Also quick clarification: **are you looking to race 5K and 10K in the same shoe, or do you want separate shoes for each distance?** A 5K racer and a 10K racer can have different priorities (lighter + snappier vs. slightly more cushion for the longer grind). Once I know those two things, I'll give you the picks.

assistant: Got it — you're a forefoot striker new to super-shoes, so I'm steering you toward shoes that reward your natural landing and won't feel jarring on the first outing. Here are your three: **Saucony Endorphin Elite v2** — **Best overall.** Full carbon racer with a soft, bouncy PEBA midsole that plays beautifully with forefoot strikers. The Run Testers called it "wild, soft and very bouncy" after delivering a PB-level race on a twisty 10K — that responsiveness under the forefoot is exactly what you want at your pace. $275. **ASICS Metaspeed Edge Paris** — **Lightweight precision.** At 159g, this is the lightest in the bunch, with an angled carbon plate positioned lower in the forefoot — engineered for your strike zone. Fordy Runs raced a 10K in it and praised the lightness and energy return. The 5.0mm drop is lower than the others, which suits forefoot strikers. $270. **Adidas Adizero Adios Pro v4** — **Budget racer.** Full carbon plate, true-to-size fit, and Kofuzi notes it's a "great marathon racer" that blends speed with enough cushion for the grind. At $220, it's the most affordable entry into super-shoe racing. Slightly heavier (201g) and narrower in the forefoot than the other two, but still solid for your strike. All three are proven race-day shoes. The Elite v2 is the most forgiving for a first super-shoe; the Edge Paris is the most efficient; the Adios Pro 4 is the most budget-friendly. Which distance are you targeting first — the 5K or the 10K?