What's The Best Non-Plated Long Run Shoe? Replacing the Speed 3
I retired my Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, and I'm left filling a hole in my rotation for long runs. Here are the non-plated shoes I'm testing to take its place.
I'm on a quest to replace my Saucony Endorphin Speed 3. The Speed 3 is that beautiful do-it-all shoe that's fast when it needs to be, comfortable all the time and easy to run in. After going through two pairs of them in the past year, I'm looking to find a non-plated alternative to take its place. Here's what makes the Speed 3 such a great long run shoe—and all the shoes I've tried so far to take its place.
Why Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 for Long Runs?
The Speed 3 is the perfect long run shoe for me. It manages to be lightweight and cushioned at the same time due to the PEBA-based PWRRUN PB foam. It's bouncy and energetic, but stable enough for slower-paced miles due to the winged nylon plate in the midsole.
So why am I giving it up? Because I'm on a mission to run only in non-plated running shoes, and the plastic plate in the Speed 3 discounts it. I found that I was leaning too heavily on my plated shoes, particularly the Speed 3 and carbon-plated Endorphin Pro 3, and decided to switch things up. Some studies (and intuitive thinking) suggest that running it shoes that make it significantly easier to run leads to potentially underdeveloping key muscles.
With that, I cast the Speed 3 decide and started filling my rotation with some of the best non-plated uptempo shoes out there. The contenders are the Brooks Hyperion Max, Hoka Mach 5 and New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3. I've run at least 16 mile long runs in all of these—here are my thoughts.
3. Brooks Hyperion Max
The Brooks Hyperion Max is the lightweight uptempo trainer in the Brooks speed shoe lineup. It sits between the standard Hyperion, which is a more minimal tempo shoe, and the Hyperion Elite, which is a carbon-plated marathon racer. So far, I've run one 16 mile long run in the Hyperion Max.
I found the Hyperion Max to be peppy and responsive over the course of 16 miles. The foam felt fresh and lively at the end of the run, never losing its structure of pop. This is because the DNA Flash foam (supercritical EVA) is extremely firm, among the firmest I've tested. By mile 13 of the run, my legs could've benefited from softer landings. However, when I picked up the pace to fast finish, the responsiveness and rigidity was much appreciated. While some runners may prefer a soft and cushioned ride for long runs, this is a good option for those who like a firm platform.
Pros
- Forefoot rocker
- Durable due to foam and thick outsole rubber
- Feels the same at mile 6 and 16
Cons
- Heel rocker doesn't work at many paces
- Firm ride and stiff platform
- Feels best at marathon pace or faster
Brooks Hyperion Max
.png)
2. Hoka Mach 5
The Hoka Mach 5 is a lightweight non-plated tempo shoe with a dual-foam construction. The top layer of the midsole is a supercritical EVA called ProFly+, while the bottom is standard EVA. There's no rubber outsole, which saves weight but reduces longevity. I've run two 16 milers in the Mach 5 so far.
The ride of the Mach 5 is smooth and cushioned. On the multiple 16 mile long runs I did in the shoe, I felt that it was the most comfortable out of all the ones I've tested for these two hour efforts, matched only by the Saucony Triumph, which I ran my 16 milers in at the beginning of 2023. The downside of the soft and cushioned feeling is that the foam can feel like it's bottoming out and doesn't have enough support at the end of some runs. If you're fast finishing a run, this may not be a problem as you stay on your toes and strike efficiently—but if you're dragging, the soft foam won't give you much help. This is a good option for runners who like a soft ride and don't mind buying a shoe with limited durability.
Pros
- Soft and cushioned (like Speed 3)
- Rocker geometry is smooth and comfortable across a range of paces
- Lightweight, breathable construction and well-fitting upper
Cons
- No rubber outsole means durability is lower than others
- Forefoot foam can feel tired by the end of the run
- Standard EVA makes the ride not as bouncy as Speed 3 or Rebel
Hoka Mach 5
.png)
1. New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3
The New Balance Rebel v3 is the lightweight daily trainer–tempo shoe hybrid in the New Balance lineup. It uses FuelCell foam, a supercritical TPU and EVA blend that's one of the bounciest foams out there. I've run one 16 mile long run in the Rebel v3 (on the treadmill, out of necessity).
The Rebel v3 was a great long run shoe. Of the three tested, it came closest to replicating the qualities I love in the Speed 3: it's bouncy, fast and, most important of all, fun. The Hyperion Max is staid in its approach, and the Mach 5 feels like its edges have been sanded down. The Rebel v3 has some of that uncontrollable glee underfoot—like a bridled horse waiting to be set free—that made the Speed 3 my favorite in my last rotation. I should note that toward the end of my long run, my left foot felt like it could use more support. However, I haven't experienced that sensation in the other shorter runs I put on the shoes, so I'll attribute that to me running a high mileage week with limited rest. Overall, this was the winner of the bunch.
Pros
- Bouncy and responsive ride
- Platform is flexible at the forefoot, providing a natural ride
- Generous covering of outsole rubber for durability
Cons
- Not as much cushion as other options
- Stability could be better
- Some runners may prefer a rockered platform
New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3
Verdict
Of the three non-plated shoes tested, the first two we tested feel far short of matching the magic of the Speed 3 on the long run. The Hyperion Max has the fast, rockered feel, but the firm foam doesn't provide much comfort on the end of runs. The Mach 5 is smooth and cushioned, but it won't last very long in the rotation due to its durability.
The Rebel v3 comes closest to matching the Speed 3's appeal. In its lower profile non-plated package, it will be a great companion during this training block to help me build lower leg strength. For more training shoe comparisons, sign up below.
Find your next running shoe
Answer a few questions to find the best shoe based on your preferences and goals
