Hey everyone, I’m looking for some race day shoe recommendations for a marathon at the end of October (hoping to pick a pair up next month to break them in).

For the past two years, I’ve been running almost exclusively in the Saucony Ride 18 in Wide, I'm about to hit my third pair. I also swap in Currex RunPro insoles, which I plan on using in my race shoes too (unless anyone advises against it). I do have flat feet and low arches as well.

I’m currently running about 20–30 miles a week, and the race is going to be on a mix of asphalt and gravel. The Rides have been super dependable at keeping my legs feeling supported, but since they’re standard daily trainers, I want something faster with a bit more pop for 26.2 miles.

I'd prefer to stick pretty close to the Ride's 8mm drop geometry since my legs are used to it. Main requirements are that it comes in a true Wide (or has a roomier fit), has a removable sockliner to fit my Currex insoles, and has enough outsole rubber to handle gravel without feeling slick or getting destroyed.

Some shoes I Googled that seemed objectively match were the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 / 5 (Wide), Saucony Endorphin Pro 4, ASICS Superblast 2, or Hoka Mach 6 (Wide) but I wanted to ask here for y’alls subjective experiences with these shoes (or others)

Budget isn't an issue. If any other Ride 18 fans have found a race shoe or plated speed trainer that feels like a natural step up, I’d love to hear what’s worked for you

Current Shoe: Saucony Ride 18 (Wide) Size 10 — currently on my 3rd pair over 2 years.

Insole: Currex RunPro (planning to transfer into race shoes).

Target Goal: Marathon at the end of October (aiming to start break-in in September).

Terrain: Mix of asphalt and gravel. 

Weekly Volume: 20–30 miles per week. 

Budget: Flexible / Open to all price points.

Context & Fit Profile

The Saucony Ride 18 (Wide) has been my staple daily trainer for two years. The legs always feel supported and fresh in them, even if the upper mesh hasn't been the most durable over high mileage, but these shoes have been great (about to hit my 3rd pair).

Because the Ride 18 is a traditional daily trainer, I want to add a faster, dedicated race-day shoe to my rotation that offers a similar feel/geometry underfoot.

Also want to know if anyone reccomends using the Currex Runpro insole at all? I don't see much about it online but it's felt fine so far (wouldn't mind saving myself the $60 though)

What I Need:

• Width: Must come in a true Wide (2E) or have a sufficiently accommodating toe box/midfoot.
• Insole Compatibility: Needs a removable sockliner with enough volume to fit my Currex RunPro insoles.
• Geometry/Feel: Ideally stays close to the 8mm drop of the Ride 18 and offers extra pop/propulsion without feeling wildly unstable.

Has anyone who loves training in the Ride 18 Wide found a race-day "super shoe" or speed trainer that compliments it well?

Basically what the title says :)

Current Shoe: Saucony Ride 18 (Wide) — currently on my 3rd pair over 2 years. Insole: Currex RunPro (planning to transfer into race shoes). Target Event: Marathon at the end of October (starting break-in in September). Terrain: Mix of asphalt and gravel. Weekly Volume: 20–30 miles per week. Budget: Flexible / Open to all price points.

Context & Fit Profile: The Saucony Ride 18 (Wide) has been my staple daily trainer for two years. My legs always feel supported and fresh in them, even if the upper mesh hasn't been the most durable over high mileage.

I am currently training for a marathon on a mix of asphalt and gravel. Because the Ride 18 is a traditional daily trainer, I want to add a faster, dedicated race-day shoe to my rotation that offers a similar feel and geometry underfoot.

What I Need:

• Width: Must come in a true Wide (2E) or have a sufficiently accommodating toe box/midfoot.
• Insole Compatibility: Needs a removable sockliner with enough volume to fit my Currex RunPro insoles.
• Surface & Grip: Rubber outsole needs to handle gravel and road without slipping or getting destroyed easily.
• Geometry & Feel: Ideally stays close to the 8mm drop of the Ride 18 and offers extra pop/propulsion for 26.2 miles without feeling wildly unstable.

Has anyone who loves training in the Ride 18 Wide found a marathon race-day shoe or speed trainer that compliments it well on mixed surfaces?

Hey everyone. I have had some issues since graduating and honestly just burnt myself out studying for the MCAT. I was originally going to test in April, but I started a job so I pushed it to mid-July, but my studying has not been great. I would have gotten my score back in like September(??) and I'm sure I would have gotten cooked by rolling admission. I am considering just cancelling my exam and applying next cycle.

Did anyone else have a similar situation where they stopped studying and just took a break to come back to it later? How was it? Should I keep studying, or should I take a break and just focus on work and health? I feel like the obvious answer is yes, but I like having other people's opinions. If I do take a break, and want to apply next cycle, when should I take my exam?