Evergreen monthly benchmark — May 12
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 12 selected · 12 snapshots
Key takeaway
The Running Shoes category has settled into a fully locked hierarchy by run #6 in our dataset: ASICS Novablast 5 (SKU-level universal #1, 10 of 12 prompts), Brooks Ghost 17 (universal safe pick), HOKA Clifton 10 (universal joint-saver), New Balance 1080 (universal plush pick), Nike Pegasus 41 (universal classic), Saucony Ride 18 (universal value). The 2026 breakout signal: Adidas Adizero Evo SL has crossed into universal cross-model presence — first time Adidas has hit this consensus in our Running Shoes data. Claude introduced premium-tier picks no other model surfaced (Superblast 3, Endorphin Speed 5) — pattern emerging: Claude consistently recommends higher-price-point premium daily trainers than the other 3 models.
Mention Frequency Trend
Brands ordered by mention count in each run. Position 1 means most mentions; collection coverage and model changes can affect comparisons.
Scroll sideways to see all dates and labels.
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 | ASICS | Brooks | Hoka |
| Claude | ASICS | Hoka | Saucony |
| Gemini | ASICS | Brooks | Hoka |
| Perplexity | ASICS | Brooks | Saucony |
All 4 ranked comparisons list ASICS at recorded rank #1
What This Means
- ChatGPT (commerce-formatted): Provides explicit prices, review counts, 8+ SKUs per prompt.
- Surfaces Puma Velocity Nitro 4 specifically as value pick.
- Most detailed product-level breakdown.
- Claude (most opinionated, premium-leaning): Recommended ASICS Superblast 3 at $200 as "best overall" — a premium pick most other models didn't surface as #1.
- Most aggressive on Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 positioning.
- Cites RunRepeat, OutdoorGearLab, iRunFar specifically.
- Gemini (lifestyle-formatted): "Personality-typed" framing — "The All-Rounder," "The Reliable Workhorse," "The Joint-Saver," "The Plush Cloud," "The Traditionalist." Strongest Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 positioning of any model as the stability pick.
- Perplexity (most consolidated): Most balanced cross-tier picks.
- Surfaces less mainstream models like ASICS Megablast, Brooks Glycerin Max, New Balance Ellipse v1 that no other model touches.
- Strongest Adidas Adizero Evo SL positioning as standout 2026 brand-mover.
Findings and Limitations
- On only appears in ChatGPT P3 as lifestyle crossover.
- ASICS Megablast only appears in Perplexity P3.
- ASICS Superblast 3 only appears in Claude P1.
- Saucony Endorphin Speed 5 only appears in Claude.
- Brooks Glycerin Max only appears in Perplexity.
- Nike Vomero 18 only appears in Perplexity.
- New Balance Ellipse v1 only appears in Perplexity.
- Major Amazon-strong brands like Mizuno, Salomon (trail), Topo Athletic, Altra, Newton, Skechers Performance are absent from this run despite real retail presence.
- Mizuno Wave Rider absent across all models despite 30+ years of category authority.
- Skechers Performance is now structurally invisible despite Amazon dominance in budget tier.
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 4.7 best overall versatile cushioned daily trainer 9000+ reviews. 2. Brooks Ghost 17 $119.95 4.5 safest all-around pick. 3. HOKA Clifton 10 $155 4.6 most comfortable easy-run shoe rocker geometry. 4. Saucony Ride 18 $89 4.4 best value daily trainer. 5. New Balance Fresh Foam X 1080v14 $89.99 4.4 best plush option. 6. ASICS Gel-Nimbus 28 $170 4.5. 7. Brooks Revel 8 $100 4.4. 8. ASICS Novablast 4 $100.93 4.8. Final pick: ASICS Novablast 5 best mix cushion bounce versatility. Safest: Brooks Ghost 17.
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?
Best Overall: ASICS Superblast 3 ~$200 named best road running shoe massive cushion hyper-bouncy rebound most versatile ride. Best Daily Trainer: New Balance 1080v15 ~$165 springy smooth Infinion supercritical foam 6mm drop. Best All-Rounder: ASICS Novablast 5 ~$140 light 9.0 oz 27% more adaptive than average durable on pavements. Fan favorites: Brooks Ghost/Glycerin plush neutral forgiving, Hoka Clifton max cushion great for joints, Saucony Ride balanced cushion. Nike Pegasus/Hoka Clifton/Saucony Ride/Brooks Ghost or Glycerin all great for neutral runners.
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?
Daily Trainer 2026 picks: 1. Gold Standard ASICS Novablast 5 trampoline-like geometry every stride effortless fun bouncy versatile. 2. Maximum Comfort ASICS GEL-Nimbus 27 sofa for feet FF Blast Plus Eco foam plush landing. 3. Guided Support Brooks Adrenaline GTS 25 GuideRails technology overpronation legendary. 4. Stylish Tech HOKA Clifton 10 less chunky more streamlined rockered ride wide toe box.
Perplexity · Prompt 1Usable answer
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