assistant: You're in a solid build-up phase for a first marathon, and the good news is that a strong daily trainer will do most of the work here — you don't need a race-day super-shoe yet. At 4:30 pace (roughly 10:20/mi), you're in the zone where a cushioned, durable daily trainer shines for long runs and tempo work alike. Given your heel strike and current mileage, I'd lean toward shoes with good impact protection and a rocker that rewards steady effort without demanding a snappy forefoot landing. Your weight (85 kg) means durability and stack height matter — you want shoes that won't compress out by mile 16 of a long run. Before I pin my top pick, one quick clarification: **Are you looking for one workhorse shoe to train in all spring, or are you open to rotating 2–3 shoes to spread the mileage load?** That'll shape whether I prioritize maximum versatility (one shoe for easy + long + tempo) or whether I can suggest a dedicated long-run option alongside a tempo trainer. In the meantime, here are three strong candidates: **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** — Excellent daily trainer with a firm, bouncy PWRRUN PB midsole and a pronounced Speedroll rocker. The Run Testers call it "light, poppy, and propulsive" and note it's "better at the slower miles" — exactly what you need for marathon build-up. At $150, it's a steal for the versatility. True-to-size fit with good heel lockdown. **ASICS Gel-Kayano v32** — If you want maximum cushioning and durability, this is the tank. It's rated for 500+ miles and designed for daily training and long runs. The mild stability and high stack (40/32mm) give you a forgiving platform for heel strikers, though the forefoot runs narrow. Well-regarded for the long haul. **Adidas Adizero Boston v13** — A firmer, faster-feeling daily trainer with a fiberglass plate and PEBA top layer. Better for tempo work and faster-paced long runs if you want to build some speed into your build-up. The Run Testers praise its stability and durability. Note: it runs short, so size up a half. Which direction appeals more — one versatile workhorse, or are you open to a two-shoe rotation?

assistant: Perfect — you're thinking like a smart marathoner. A solid daily trainer is exactly what you need for the build-up, and it'll carry you through race day too if you want. For your profile — heel striker, 85 kg, 4:30 target, ramping up mileage — I'd lead with **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1**. It's the sweet spot: high stack (41/33mm) for impact protection at your weight, a pronounced rocker that rewards steady effort without demanding a snappy forefoot, and PWRRUN PB foam that stays responsive even on mile 16 of a long run. The Run Testers call it "light, poppy, and propulsive" and note it's "better at the slower miles" — exactly marathon pace. At $150, it's also the best value here. If you want a second shoe for rotation (smart at 25 mi/wk ramping up), **New Balance 1080 v15** is your complement. It's bouncier and slightly lower-stack (38/32mm) than the Azura, so it handles tempo work and faster long runs well without sacrificing durability (500+ miles). Doctors of Running notes it's "lighter, bouncier, and more run-focused" than the previous version — good for building some speed into your build-up without switching shoes entirely. For pure durability and a firmer platform, **New Balance 880 v15** is the tank — excellent stability for a neutral shoe with a pronounced rocker. At $140, it's the budget pick and a solid third-shoe option if you want to spread the load across three trainers. <details> <summary><strong>Why the Azura leads</strong></summary> You're a heel striker ramping mileage on a first marathon. The Azura's 41mm heel stack and rocker geometry mean your landing is cushioned without forcing you to change your natural footstrike. The PWRRUN PB midsole is firmer than max-cushion shoes but still absorbs impact well — it won't feel mushy on an 18-miler. And at true-to-size fit with good heel lockdown, it'll stay locked in over the long haul. The Run Testers' verdict that it covers "easy to fast paces well" means you can do your easy runs, long runs, and tempo work in the same shoe — no juggling. </details> One follow-up: **Are you planning to stick with one shoe through marathon day, or do you want to race in something lighter?** If you're racing in the Azura, that's totally fine for a 4:30 pace. If you're curious about a dedicated race-day shoe later, we can talk about that separately — but for now, the Azura will get you there strong.