assistant: You're in the sweet spot for a cushioned daily trainer that can handle the full range of build-up paces—easy runs, long runs, and the occasional tempo work. At 85 kg and heel-striking, you'll benefit from a shoe with solid stack, a smooth transition, and enough durability to carry you through 16–20 weeks of training without wearing out. Your 4:30 target is a solid recreational marathon pace, so you don't need a racing flat yet—a good daily trainer or super-trainer will be your workhorse. The key is finding something that feels smooth at easy paces but doesn't fight you when you pick it up for threshold or long-run surges. Here are three strong options for your build-up: **ASICS GT-2000 v13** — Best for versatility and durability. This is a mild-stability daily trainer (3D Guidance sidewalls) that Doctors of Running calls "Old Reliable" for a reason. At 230g, it's light enough to feel snappy on tempo work but cushioned enough (36/28mm stack) for long runs. The FlyteFoam Blast Plus midsole is firm-leaning, which suits heel strikers well—it gives you a smooth, predictable transition without feeling mushy. Durability is 400–500 miles, so it'll easily carry you through 16–20 weeks of build-up. The fit is slightly snug but breaks in well. **Caution:** forefoot is narrow, so if you have a wide foot, this may pinch. **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** — Best for cushioning and versatility. This is a neutral daily trainer with a high-stack PEBA midsole (41/33mm)—noticeably more cushion than the GT-2000. The Run Testers calls it "the more versatile of the two," praising its firmer, bouncier, rockered feel that covers easy to fast paces well. At 244g it's slightly heavier, but the extra stack and rocker make it exceptionally smooth for long runs and recovery days. Neutral fit, standard forefoot width. At $150, it's $10 more than the GT-2000 but worth it if you want maximum comfort on those 18+ milers. **ASICS Megablast v1** — Best for max cushioning and long-run comfort. This is a maximal-stack daily trainer (45/37mm) with FF BLAST MAX supercritical EVA—the bounciest shoe in this group. Run Moore notes it's "extraordinarily bouncy and light with the most cushion of the family, best for easy/long runs." At 221g it's the lightest here, and the rocker geometry is very smooth. The trade-off: it's $225 (pricier) and reviewers note it can feel almost *too* bouncy for some runners, so it's best if you like a lively, responsive feel. Neutral fit, narrow forefoot (same caveat as the GT-2000). **Which one?** If you want a do-it-all shoe that handles daily miles *and* tempo work with excellent durability, go **GT-2000 v13**. If you prioritize comfort on long runs and have a standard-width foot, go **Endorphin Azura v1**. If you love a bouncy, cushioned ride and don't mind the extra cost, go **Megablast v1**. One quick check: do you have a wide forefoot, or is standard-to-narrow typical for you?