Racing Flats - who needs them?

dna_leri

I have been thinking for a while about getting a pair of lightweight running shoes that I would use mainly for races from 10K downwards.

I am targetting to stretch for under 40mins for 10K and 19 mins for 5K.

Do light weight shoes actually make a difference for those kind of times?
I remember a comment on this forum a while back about racing flats not for everyone.

I was looking at a pair of Nike Lunar or equivalent which weigh in at about 100g v's my current ASICs trainers at about 350g.

Or would I be better off losing more weight elsewhere? I have already lost over 10Kg in the last year to get my BMI in the 22-23 range.

Woddle

I think they do make a difference whether its just the fact that if you believe they'll make you faster well then you'll run faster, I had a bad experience with the lunars and I now have a pair of pearl izumi and love them, I wore them for pretty much all my races this year including a 10 miler but I wouldn't wear them for anything over the 10, they just feel so light and a nice bit of bounce on them http://www.pearlizumi.com/product.php?mode=view&product_id=1237489

I'm still carrying an extra stone in weight but glad I went with the racers

cfitz

I'm not really well up on BMI, but I think unless you are very heavy or have very poor biomechanics, the light shoes are the way to go for racing. Especially for 5k. Maybe don't go for the flimsiest ones you see if you haven't tried them before. I like the Asics DS Trainers - they're not actually racers but if you're used to wearing heavy runners they might be a nice introduction to lighter shoes.

Hard Worker

It's not just about the lightness. The racing shoe is much more flexible and therefore, your feet actually loose less energy flexing. Training shoes are designed to be rigid, stable and supportive and it is much more difficult to "get on your toes" and run fast.
It is important to gradually get used to racing shoes so that you know they will be suitable for the distance you want to run. Some racing shoes are so flimsy that they are only suitable for up to 5K. Try to get the balance right between flexibility and support. Racing shoes weighing 100g seem very light.

Hard Worker

cfitz wrote: »

I'm not really well up on BMI, but I think unless you are very heavy or have very poor biomechanics, the light shoes are the way to go for racing. Especially for 5k. Maybe don't go for the flimsiest ones you see if you haven't tried them before. I like the Asics DS Trainers - they're not actually racers but if you're used to wearing heavy runners they might be a nice introduction to lighter shoes.

Agree with you about the DS trainer. The DS Racer is suitable for all distances up to the marathon, once you get used to them in a few nippy training runs.

Sosa

Just bought a pair of asics gel hyper speed from startfitness.co.uk for £50.

If they perform like the name suggests it will be money well spent

violator13

Yes it would make a difference. As long as you are stable enough with no motion control issues that is.
The lunar are a great choice for you as they offer the best cushioning per weight ratio. I use them and always feel fast with them on.The racer version has pretty much the same amount of cushioning as the trainer version too.

dna_leri

violator13 wrote: »

Yes it would make a difference. As long as you are stable enough with no motion control issues that is.
The lunar are a great choice for you as they offer the best cushioning per weight ratio. I use them and always feel fast with them on.The racer version has pretty much the same amount of cushioning as the trainer version too.

Thanks guys for the feedback.

Violator - Are there two versions of the lunar (racer and trainer) ?

I will probably do bit of shopping around before I decide, ASICS DS & Gel Hyper Speed, Pearl Izumi. Any other recommendations?

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digitalage

I wear the saucony fastwitch, like running in my bare feet...they don't have much support, but I have run in them up 10miles and feel grand no issues, considering I wear motion control mizuno alchemy as a training shoe. I do find that the sole wears quickly, but otherwise a great runner.

http://www.saucony.com/ShoeDetails.aspx?gen=m&id=1083

violator13

dna_leri wrote: »

Thanks guys for the feedback.

Violator - Are there two versions of the lunar (racer and trainer) ?

I will probably do bit of shopping around before I decide, ASICS DS & Gel Hyper Speed, Pearl Izumi. Any other recommendations?

.

yes I use the trainer but will get the racer soon. I hear the cushioning is great with lots of spring, but really light.
I have used the DS racer and trainer but these are much better

tunney

if you are carrying weight then I would say leave the lightweights along.

dna_leri

tunney wrote: »

if you are carrying weight then I would say leave the lightweights along.

What's your definition of "carrying weight"?

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shels4ever

dna_leri wrote: »

What's your definition of "carrying weight"?

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Over 3% body fat
I have been talking to a few people about Flats and checking out peoples footwear at races, Was thinking about getting some myelf but will only use theren for distance under 5k.

Running Bing

I think the lunaracers are closer to 156g which is amazing to me considering the Mayfly's are 136g.

I thought nike mayflys were the lightest by a long way. I held a pair of them in runway and they feel like their made from paper with a bit of cardboard for the sole:D

Surprised lunaracers are only 20g heavier as they look a much sturdier and more cushioned shoe.