Evergreen monthly benchmark — May 2
Running Shoes
Research by Robert Hu · Published by RecoScope ·
- Usable answers
- 12/12
- Models
- 4
- Prompt types
- 3
Included: ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity
Report history · May 2 selected · 12 snapshots
Key takeaway
The running shoe category remains an ASICS-dominated market in AI recommendations, with Brooks as the consistent #2 and Hoka/New Balance/Nike fighting for the next tier. Adidas has consolidated into a real top-5 brand with the Adizero Evo SL specifically. On Running has surprisingly weak cross-model presence given its IPO and marketing investment. Puma has minimal AI visibility despite being a major global brand. Saucony continues a slow decline from earlier runs.
Mention Frequency Trend
Brands ordered by mention count in each run. Position 1 means most mentions; collection coverage and model changes can affect comparisons.
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Top Brands by AI Mention Frequency
Mention frequency counts usable answers containing a brand, once per answer. Unranked and critical mentions count as visibility. Recommendation ranks are shown separately below.
Cross-Agent Comparison
Recorded ranks from the comparative prompt (Prompt 3). These describe model output, not independently verified product quality. Historical parsing conventions may differ.
4/4 models with recorded ranks
| Agent | #1 | #2 | #3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | Brooks | ASICS | Nike |
| Claude | ASICS | New Balance | Nike |
| Gemini | ASICS | Brooks | New Balance |
| Perplexity | ASICS | Brooks | Hoka |
What This Means
- ChatGPT is the most commerce-formatted with prices and review counts, and uniquely surfaces On Cloudsurfer Max, Puma MagMax Nitro, Puma Velocity Nitro 4, and Altra Experience Flow 3 as top picks — brands that don't consistently appear in other models.
- Claude is the most opinionated, recommending against overspending and uniquely surfacing Brooks Launch 11/12 as the value play, plus Topo for wide feet.
- Gemini is the most stylistic with "vibe-based" framing (do-everything champion, comfort king, modern icon, plush performance pick).
- Perplexity is the most consolidated and consistent, surfacing Reebok FloatZig 2 and ASICS Gel-Pulse 15 as unique budget alternatives.
Findings and Limitations
- On only appears in ChatGPT this run despite being a public IPO'd brand.
- Puma only appears in ChatGPT.
- Altra only appears in ChatGPT and Claude.
- Topo only appears in Claude.
- Reebok only appears in Perplexity.
- Saucony has weak Gemini presence.
- Nike Revolution 8 only appears in ChatGPT.
- Major brands like Mizuno, Salomon (trail), Under Armour, Skechers, Tracksmith, and Norda are completely absent.
- Premium boutique brands like NNormal also have zero visibility.
Recurring themes in the answers
- All 4 models recommend "daily trainer" as the right framing for 3-4x/week recreational running — explicitly steering away from carbon-plated super shoes.
Inspect the captured answers
Saved response text is model output. Product and health claims are unverified. Tables and cards may be transcribed as text; source labels can remain. Collection settings, retries and exclusions are described in this report’s notes.
ChatGPT · Prompt 1Usable answer
I'm a 30-year-old who runs 3-4 times a week for fitness and stress relief, looking for the best running shoes. What would you recommend?
Top picks: 1. ASICS Novablast 5 $129.95 best overall daily trainer bouncy fun ride. 2. On Cloudsurfer Max $140 max comfort soft cushioning joint protection. 3. Brooks Ghost 17 $119.95 most reliable no-drama balanced cushioning. 4. Puma MagMax Nitro $125.99 best energy responsive springy ride. 5. Nike Revolution 8 $75 budget-friendly basic cushioning.
Claude · Prompt 1Usable answer
I'm a 30-year-old who runs 3-4 times a week for fitness and stress relief, looking for the best running shoes. What would you recommend?
Daily trainers: Brooks Ghost 16 neutral cushioned reliable workhorse. Hoka Clifton 9/10 max cushion polarizing marshmallow feel. Saucony Triumph 22 plush durable higher mileage. Nike Pegasus 41 default firmer responsive. ASICS Novablast 4 bouncy fun lighter. Stability if overpronate: Brooks Adrenaline GTS, ASICS Kayano. Wide foot: Altra, Topo. Default no-info pick: Brooks Ghost 16 or Hoka Clifton 9.
Gemini · Prompt 1Usable answer
I'm a 30-year-old who runs 3-4 times a week for fitness and stress relief, looking for the best running shoes. What would you recommend?
Top 2026: 1. ASICS Novablast 5 versatile all-rounder FF Blast Max trampoline feel best overall. 2. Hoka Clifton 10 comfort king plush rocker geometry recovery days. 3. Adidas Adizero EVO SL super daily trainer Lightstrike Pro foam fast feel. 4. Nike Pegasus 41 reliable workhorse ReactX foam balanced.
Perplexity · Prompt 1Usable answer
I'm a 30-year-old who runs 3-4 times a week for fitness and stress relief, looking for the best running shoes. What would you recommend?
Top picks: ASICS Novablast 5 lively cushioned daily trainer all-around. Brooks Ghost 17 safe reliable moderately cushioned familiar ride. Adidas Adizero Evo SL lighter fun versatile best overall/value. Pick: Novablast 5 best balance cushioning energy return.
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