assistant: I've got two solid Adidas options in my data right now, both built around the same Lightstrike Pro foam but tuned for different uses. **Adidas Adizero Evo SL** — $150 | Expert: 8.7/10 A lightweight speed-leaning daily trainer that punches way above its price. The Lightstrike Pro midsole is soft and bouncy with an aggressive rocker that makes it feel quick underfoot. Reviewers call it exceptional value — delivering performance closer to shoes costing twice as much. Best for fast training sessions, tempo runs, and intervals, though it's a bit narrow and runs short (size up half a size). The Run Testers prefer it over pricier competitors for most runners. **Adidas Adizero Evo SL ATR** — $160 | Expert: 7.6/10 A winterized version with the same Lightstrike Pro ride but adds water-repellent upper, grippier Continental lugs, and better laces. Same stack and drop as the standard Evo SL but slightly heavier. Best for autumn and winter running on wet, leafy, or frosty paths — reviewers note it's more of a weatherized road shoe than a true trail shoe. The standard Evo SL is the stronger pick for most runners unless you're specifically training through wet months. What's drawing you to Adidas — are you looking for something fast and snappy, or more of an everyday trainer?

assistant: Got it — for marathon racing, you've got a couple of strong Adidas options, but I need to know one thing first: **are you a neutral runner, or do you overpronate?** That'll help me narrow down whether the speed-focused Evo SL lineup or something with more support is the right call. In the meantime, here's what I'm seeing in Adidas: **Adidas Adizero Evo SL** — $150 The lighter, faster option. It's built for speed with a soft, bouncy Lightstrike Pro midsole and aggressive rocker that makes it feel quick underfoot. The Run Testers rate it 9.0/10 and say it performs at the level of shoes costing twice as much. The catch: it's narrow, runs short (size up half a size), and reviewers note it loses its magic past 10 miles — so it's better suited to tempo work and shorter racing than a full marathon effort. **Adidas Adizero Evo SL Exo v1** — $150 Same Lightstrike Pro midsole and price, but with an exoskeleton upper that adds structure and lockdown — the thing the standard Evo SL lacks. Fordy Runs calls it the best of the Evo SL lineup for runners who want security without sacrificing speed. Still narrow, but the upper keeps your foot locked in better on longer efforts. Neither of these is a dedicated marathon racer, though — they're speed trainers that *can* race shorter distances. For a true marathon super shoe built for comfort over 26.2 miles, I'd need to look outside Adidas in my current data. **Are you neutral, or do you tend to overpronate?**

assistant: Perfect — that changes things. You're a forefoot striker looking to race a marathon, and the good news is you've got a genuinely strong option in the **New Balance SC Elite v5**. **New Balance SC Elite v5** — $160 | Expert: 8.2/10 This is a proper marathon super shoe built for comfort over 26.2 miles, not a speed trainer. The full-length carbon plate and PEBA FuelCell midsole are stiff enough to reward your forefoot strike with propulsion, but Doctors of Running (who'd grab this for a marathon tomorrow) notes it's one of the most comfortable super shoes on the market — the kind that stays responsive from mile 1 through 15+. The rocker is aggressive, which plays well with forefoot strikers. Kofuzi calls it "beginner-friendly" for a racing shoe, meaning it's forgiving on form while still being race-ready. The wide toe box is a bonus for swelling over a full marathon distance. The catch: reviewers mention the carbon plate feels very stiff the first 30–40 miles, then relaxes and rolls better — so you'll want a few long training runs in it before race day. <details> <summary><strong>Why this shoe</strong></summary> Doctors of Running emphasizes it's "not the fastest super shoe on the market, but one of the most comfortable" — a critical distinction for marathons. The full-length PEBA FuelCell midsole with stiff full-length carbon plate and aggressive rocker align perfectly with forefoot strikers who want propulsion without sacrificing durability. EDDBUD notes it "shines at marathon effort" and "wants cadence runners" — forefoot strikers tend to be cadence-based, so this is your lane. The wide toe box and extra heel padding accommodate swelling and heel shape variation over long distances. At 201g, it's light for a marathon shoe while staying cushioned. The only real downside: it's narrow in the midfoot and heel (though a wide version exists), and that stiff plate takes 30–40 miles to break in. Plan your training accordingly. </details> <details> <summary><strong>What reviewers say</strong></summary> **Doctors of Running** — "A well-built, comfortable super shoe with excellent outsole grip that shines at marathon effort... a contender for super shoe of the year." **EDDBUD** — "A well-built, comfortable super shoe... smooth at marathon/half pace with good pop; wants cadence runners and full-footbed engagement." **Kofuzi** — "A meaningful upgrade... comfortable enough for a full marathon while still race-ready... especially for runners wanting a forgiving, accessible super shoe rather than the most aggressive option." **The Run Testers** — "A solid update that is versatile across race distances... a versatile carbon race shoe that mixes softness and speed across 5K to marathon distances." </details> How many miles per week are you currently running, and do you have any experience racing in carbon-plate shoes before?