assistant: Before I lock in a recommendation, I want to clarify one thing: for race day, are you looking for a dedicated carbon-plated racing flat to chase that 4:30 goal, or a cushioned shoe you can also train in? The reason I ask is that a 4:30 marathon is a solid goal (about 10:18/mile pace), and at your body weight (85kg), the shoe choice matters for both speed and durability. A racing flat is built to be light and fast but only lasts 150–200 miles at race pace. A cushioned daily trainer or super-trainer can handle both your training miles and race day, and gives you more protection over 26.2 miles. Which direction appeals to you more?

assistant: Perfect — you want a cushioned shoe built for the marathon distance, not a lightweight racer. That's the right call for a first-timer at 85kg and a 4:30 target. You need protection and durability over 26.2 miles, not a shoe that'll be spent by mile 20. Here are my top three picks: **Mount to Coast C1 v1** — Best for marathon day A long-run specialist with 42.0/36.0mm stack (plenty of cushion without being sluggish) and a moderate rocker that reduces late-race calf fatigue. The CircleCell foam is durable and energetic — built to last 500–600 miles. At 261g, it's not heavy, and the wide forefoot should accommodate your foot comfortably. This is purpose-built for what you're doing. **Nike Vomero Plus** — Maximum cushion & comfort If you want the softest ride possible, this is it: 43.0/33.0mm stack with ZoomX PEBA foam and a high 10.0mm drop that biases heel landing (good for absorbing impact on tired legs late in the race). It's heavier (281g) and designed for recovery, but plenty of marathoners race in recovery shoes for the extra comfort. High durability rating means it'll handle your training miles too. **Saucony Endorphin Azura v1** — Balanced daily trainer Excellent expert reception, high cushioning, and at $150 it's a solid value. This sits between the C1 and Vomero — responsive enough for tempo work but cushioned enough for marathon day. Good all-around option if you want one shoe to handle both training and race day. One quick follow-up: are you planning to train in the same shoe you race in, or do you want a dedicated race-day shoe separate from your training rotation?

assistant: Great question — ASICS has some solid options for your marathon. Here are the best fits: **ASICS Superblast v3** — Best ASICS pick for your race This is purpose-built for what you're doing. It's got 46.0/38.0mm stack (maximal cushioning), a soft-plush ride from the FF TURBO PLUS PEBA foam, and it's explicitly rated for marathon racing. At $210, it's well within budget and sits right between a daily trainer and a racer in terms of responsiveness — you get protection without sacrificing forward momentum. Well-regarded expert reception and 400+ mile durability means it'll handle your training miles too. **ASICS Megablast v1** — Lighter, snappier alternative If you want something with a bit more pop for race day, this delivers. 45.0/37.0mm stack with FF BLAST MAX foam, lighter at 221g, and excellent expert reception. It's rated for marathon goal pace and tempo work, so it's versatile enough for training. The 8.0mm drop (vs Superblast's 8.0mm) is the same, but the Megablast feels more responsive — trade some cushioning for a faster turnover. Good call if you want to feel speedy on race day. **ASICS Novablast v5** — Budget option At $140, this is the cheapest entry point. High cushioning and well-regarded, but it's positioned as a daily trainer rather than a marathon-specific shoe. It'll work for race day, but the Superblast v3 is the stronger pick for your specific goal. I'd lean toward the **Superblast v3** — it's the most marathon-focused of the three, gives you the cushioning your body weight deserves, and the PEBA foam is durable enough for both training and race day. Are you planning to do most of your training in the same shoe, or rotate between a trainer and this race-day shoe?

assistant: Great — you're looking at two of ASICS's best options for your marathon. Here's how they stack up: **ASICS Superblast v3** — Best for your race day This is my top pick for you. It's got 46.0/38.0mm stack (maximal cushioning), a soft-plush ride from the FF LEAP PEBA foam, and a moderate rocker that reduces late-race calf fatigue. Kofuzi notes it "excels from recovery pace through marathon effort," and The Run Testers call it "softer, bouncier, and more marathon-friendly" than the v2. At 230g and with a wide forefoot, it's built for your body weight and the 26.2-mile grind. Durability is solid for training miles too. **ASICS Megablast v1** — Lighter, snappier alternative If you want something with more bounce and responsiveness, this is it: 45.0/37.0mm stack, 221g (the lightest of the two), and excellent expert reception. Doctors of Running calls it "a blast to run in" with "crazy energy return." The Run Testers say it "excels as a cushioned all-rounder around marathon to half marathon pace." The trade-off: reviewers note the upper is thinner and can feel less locked down, and some found it a touch mushy at easy paces. It's more of a "fast marathon shoe" than the Superblast's "comfortable marathon shoe." **The difference:** Superblast v3 prioritizes comfort and durability for 26.2 miles; Megablast prioritizes liveliness and pace. Both are 8.0mm drop (same as your Azura), both are neutral, and both will handle your training. For a first-timer at 85kg chasing 4:30, I'd lean Superblast v3 — the extra cushioning and stability in the heel/forefoot matter when you're tired at mile 20. But if you love a bouncy, responsive feel and want to feel speedy, Megablast is the call. Which ride appeals to you more — maximum comfort or maximum bounce?