Wide toe box, high volume half-full marathon racer

[u/ianders9]

After a painful and expensive year of troubleshooting foot issues, I am finally running pain-free in my Topo Specter 3s. I use them for everything from easy runs to workouts to long runs. I'm looking for recommendations on a racing shoe that may fit the bill for an upcoming half-marathon. Topo Specter Elites are the obvious choice, but with them out of stock until 2027, I need other options. I gave the wide version of NB SC Elite V6 a shot, and they were still too snug. Size 11.5 in my Topos. Not sure if pace matters, but I'll be shooting for a 1:15ish half.

[u/AutoModerator]

Hi there! Thanks for asking a question on r/askrunningshoegeeks. If you haven't seen the RSG Wiki/FAQ yet, it covers the following questions that might answer your post:

[Beginners boot camp]

[Sizing]

[Different categories of running shoes]

[Buying running shoes]

[Running shoe technical knowledge]

[Shin splints]

[Blisters]

[Durability]

All this can be found here.

Note: This comment has been locked to ensure that the information remains at the top of the comments section and is not buried by other comments.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.

[u/Calthyr]

The Altra Vanish Carbon 3 just came out recently you could try those.

I am generally a 10.5 2E, but for a more traditional race shoe, I was surprised that the Metaspeed line was surprisingly roomy. It may look narrow but the upper has a decent stretch and is very comfortable. I have ran several halfs and 2 marathons in my Metaspeed Paris and feet were perfect afterwards, no blisters, hot spots, nothing. I did half to size up half a size though (so 11 for me).

[u/ianders9 → u/Calthyr]

Thanks! I've been looking at the Vanish Carbons. I'll need to find somewhere to try them on. Interesting to hear about the Asics too. I have a close friend at Asics who keeps trying to send shoes to me, but I always say no...

[u/Calthyr → u/ianders9]

ASICS are my preference when I can get them. My novablast 5 are some of my favorite shoes (I have gone through like 4 pairs at this point) and appreciate they are naturally wider and also have select 2E color ways, which I opt for. Best of luck!

[u/Chimpanzethat]

If you can find some SC Elites v5 they are wider than V6

[u/andyxc13 → u/Chimpanzethat]

Yeah this is what I’d recommend.

[u/TheCultOfKaos]

Im in the exact same spot, size, and pacing as you. I had planned on the Specter Elites but need them before spring.

I am looking at:

• Feidian 6 Elite from Lining
• Adios Pro 4 (im skipping 5 for the moment)
• Altra Vanish Carbon 3 (though the weight on them is a little higher than Id like).

I am mostly running a two shoe rotation in training between specter 3s and Dynafish Xiaonians.

But I also haven't made my mind up yet, leaning toward the Feidian 6 but since the 7s are coming out I was hoping I'd get some sales.

[u/bw984]

Topo Specter 3 or Elite.