The Best PEBA Running Shoes for Training in Fall 2023
The best PEBA foam shoes are lightweight, responsive and durable. Here are the top options.
While PEBA got its start in top-tier racing models, it's made its way down to everyday training shoes. Known for its bouncy ride and high energy return, PEBA foam provides a fast and cushioned underfoot sensation, while keeping shoes lightweight versus those with traditional EVA-based foams. This is what allows most PEBA-based shoes to have a large stack of cushioning. Below, we've rounded up five of our favorite training shoes with PEBA midsoles.
1. Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 ($170): Best Overall PEBA Training Shoe
The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is an uptempo shoe with a full PEBA midsole and a nylon plate. The foam Saucony uses here is called PWRRUN PB, which is a beaded PEBA that's soft and bouncy. Combined with the plate and aggressive rocker, it has a fast feel that's great for speed training and can also double as a budget racer. The nylon plate adds stability while the engineered mesh is stretchy, so this one should accommodate most runners' feet.
Saucony Endorphin Speed 3
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2. Tracksmith Eliot Runner ($200): Best PEBA Daily Trainer
The Tracksmith Eliot Runner is a daily trainer that uses a full PEBA midsole instead of a traditional EVA or TPU. The PEBA used here is a firmer and less bouncy compound that's responsive without being overly soft and compliant. With a 10mm drop, the Tracksmith has a classic feel that's accentuated by a flexible forefoot. If you like feeling connected to the ground when you run, the Eliot Runner is a great choice. It also has a thick outsole rubber covering, so it should be durable over the long haul.
Tracksmith Eliot Runner
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3. Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 ($150): Best Non-Plated PEBA-Based Uptempo Shoe
The Topo Athletic Cyclone 2 is a PEBA-based speed shoe with a low drop and anatomical upper. The midsole is made from 100% Pebax, which has a similar feel to the Endorphin Speed 3 but non-plated and in a slightly lower stack. The result is a ride that's great for speedwork and faster everyday runs. Some runners may be able to use this for 10+ mile long runs, though you may want more cushion.
Topo Athletic Cyclone 2
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4. Hoka Mach X ($180): Best PEBA Long Run Shoe
The Hoka Mach X is a dual-foam trainer with a soft and smooth ride. It uses both EVA and PEBA, with the PEBA foam layer closest to the foot above the plastic plate. The Mach X is great for long runs as well as tempo efforts where you'll want something that's fast and comfortable. Because of the EVA bottom layer and plate, the Mach X is also a fairly stable shoe that will sit runners with moderate stability needs.
Hoka Mach X
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5. Puma Deviate Nitro 2 ($160): Most Durable PEBA Running Shoe
The Puma Deviate Nitro 2 is a durable and versatile trainer that can handle everything from daily runs to long runs and trail running. It has a dual-foam construction with PEBA and a more traditional foam, and it uses a carbon composite plate in the midsole to stiffen the midsole and add a bit of pop. The outsole here is the famed PumaGrip compound, which is one of the stickiest and most durable in the game.
Puma Deviate Nitro 2
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