I Accidentally Became a Running Shoe Scientist
I am normally a size 8, and I have not bought new tennis shoes in about five years, which explains why my current pair (Saucony Ride 13s) are basically emotional support animals at this point. They’ve been with me through errands, chaos, and my very convincing “I’ll work out tomorrow” era.But now I’m officially doing more walking, running-ish attempts, treadmill sessions, AND I just acquired a new job where I’ll be standing on my feet all day, so it was time to enter the Running Shoes Thunderdome.After doing my first round of research on a very trustworthy source—aka TikTok, I found a runner giving shoe advice, who said with full confidence, that you must size up a full size on your running shoes because your feet will swell.So naturally, I listened to her because she looks like she owns electrolytes.I ordered a size 9.These Gel Nimbus: Easily the most comfortable of the five pairs I ordered.They’re like walking on warm mashed potatoes. Soft, cushy, forgiving, zero arch poking me like a judgmental Pilates instructor.The other shoes I tried and immediately sent back to their creators were:• Hoka Clifton 10 (my feet said “ma’am, why?”)• Saucony Guide 18 (firm like my mother’s opinions)• Brooks Glycerin Max (had feelings about my arch)• New Balance 1080 (also had feelings about my arch)This whole process taught me a valuable truth:I prefer a neutral shoe with no arch drama.If the shoe tries to “correct” me, guide me, or offer unsolicited arch support? Absolutely not.Now, about sizing:The size 9 Nimbus don’t feel too big at all… but they do look like I borrowed my husband’s shoes.So I ordered the 8.5 too, because at this point I’m performing a full PhD dissertation on cushioning versus toe room.In the photos, you can see the size 9 Nimbus on one foot and my ancient Saucony Ride 13s (size 8) on the other foot.One foot is ready for a marathon, the other is ready for a Target run.And because I’m going all-in on this foot-comfort journey, I also ordered Feetures Elite Ultra-Light Cushion ankle socks. (Which I have on in the attached pictures.) If we’re committing to luxury, I refuse to let a crusty old sock ruin the experience.For Round Two of the Tournament, I’ve also ordered:• Brooks Ghost Max 3• Hoka Bondi 9• Saucony Triumph 22• Nike Vomero Plus (loved the Vomero 18s in store)• On Cloudrunner 2I will report back with my findings once my living room becomes a certified Running Shoe Testing Lab.But for now:Gel Nimbus is the reigning champion of Comfortland.If you love soft shoes, hate intrusive arch support, and want something that can handle walking, jogging, treadmill-ing, and existing—these might be your soulmate.***************Update 12/2/25 ****One pair from round 2 came in yesterday that made me change my mind about the asics… the asics have moved to second place against the Brooks Ghost max 3. IN LOVE!!! (Keep reading… this change of opinion was short lived.)Today the saucony triumph 22s came in, which I ordered a 7.5 due to a review saying to size DOWN in those, HOWEVER I wish I would have only sized “down” to my actual size of a size 8. The 7.5 fit, but an 8 would have been better. However, I will not be repurchasing them in an 8 to experiment because I already know I don’t like them as much as the brooks ghost max 3 (shown in last pictures with asics and by themselves. Ordered in coconut, size 9- as a true size 8, the size 9 in the brooks ghost max 3 is perfection.)***update 12/4/25I spoke too soon about the Books taking first place. I was excited. They were cute. Cuter than the asics for sure. But after wearing them for a few hours, I did start to become aware of the inner arch support. They aren’t as comfy as the asics. Better looking, yes. And if you’re looking for a shoe that’s a little springier with a light arch support, the Brooks ghost max might be for you. Still very comfy, but apparently the mid foot structure help isn’t needed for my feet because it becomes uncomfortable after a while. Maybe I just need to get used to it, but with the asics it has been nothing but comfort.The other shoes in my testing experiment arrived as well.I did get the asics in an 8.5, which I do like better than the 9. So if you’re going to size up, I’d recommend only a half size.Compared against the Nike vomero plus- the Nikes are more stylish/better looking. Bouncier, also very comfortable, more responsive, and a very good competition.I had to put a Nike on one foot and ASICS on the other and walk around to really decide.As far as comfort- asics won again.Compared to the On Cloudrunner 2- not a competition. ASICS is more comfortable hands down. But the cloudrunners were super cute.Compared to the Hoka Bondi 9- again no comparison. The Bondis hurt my ankle bones almost immediately. Instant reject.These ASICS beat out every other shoe I tried in my experiment to find the best for me. Hope this helps.