SB2 - Replace with MTC C1? Or others?
Hi all! Really hoping some of you can help me out by providing your experience with some shoes listed below...
My specs: 39M, 79kg, Heel/Midfoot strike depending on pace, 5k @21:12, 10k @44:27, HM @1:47:46, Easy pace ~5:40/km, Steady pace ~5:05/km, Tempo pace ~4:45/km. Currently getting back up to speed after an ankle injury (ATFL grade 2 tear in December 2025 wearing Evo SL ATR).
My shoes: I currently use my ASICS Superblast 2 as my daily and long run shoes with my Hoka Mach 6 being used for tempo duties. Deviate Nitro Elite 3 rounds things up for racing.
Criteria: Current rotation is getting a little tired so looking for replacement Easy/Long and Tempo options for three shoe rotation or a four shoe rotation splitting easy and long. No budget, price can vary.
Shoe History: I've tried ASICS SB3 (half a size too long in my UK10.5 causing toe issues but very comfy otherwise), Saucony Azura (causes shin aching), Mizuno Neo Vista 3 (too soft and unstable), New Balance 1080 v15 (soft and a little dull), Skyward X 2 (uncomfortable arch causing hot spots), Topo Specter 2 (pebax firmed up a lot after 300km)
Considerations: I'm currently considering the following to replace SB2; Mount To Coast C1 (main contender right now), ON Cloudmonster 3 Hyper, SB3 in UK10 if combining easy and long. Not sure what else if splitting the easy and long shoe roles. I prefer a shoe with plenty of toe vertical room as I have tall big toes and find lower volume uppers irritate my big toes.
Your input: Have any SB2 runners converted over to the Mount To Coast C1? Has anybody dropped down half a size from SB2 to SB3? Is the ON Cloudmonster 3 Hyper a shoe that can handle easier runs on is it purely a long run monster? Any of the above capable for two roles in a four shoe rotation, or best to split into four options?
Thanks for reading and info/experience is welcome!