Which racers?

Grueller

On the advice of a training partner I should be wearing what he calls racers or racing shoes for 5 & 10k races.
I wear asics gel cumulus all the time. Long runs, speedwork, tempo they are all I wear. He tells me that they are too heavy.
Has anybody any recommendations on a pair or any opinions? I am currently a 36 minute 10k runner with a neutral running style, medium arch and doing about 50 miles a week.
I don't want to break the bank and due to a lack of decent sports shops near me I would prefer to shop online.
Thanks in advance.

caseyjones1

I am totally in love with New Balance 1600V2, bought from and on the recommendation of Kevin in the Run Hub. On my second pair of them now, they are really really light and make me feel like I'm in race mode when I wear them.

demfad

caseyjones1 wrote: »

I am totally in love with New Balance 1600V2, bought from and on the recommendation of Kevin in the Run Hub. On my second pair of them now, they are really really light and make me feel like I'm in race mode when I wear them.

They have a pretty decent grip I think?

caseyjones1

demfad wrote: »

They have a pretty decent grip I think?

Yeah they do. Got them originally to wear for 3k indoors, as an alternative to spikes.

BeepBeep67

You'll get as many answers as there are 'racers', go try some pairs and experiment. They're typically cheaper than standard high mileage shoes, but also won't last as long.
My favs at the moment are the Saucony Endorphin for up to 10k, but they're light and minimal and offer little or no protection.

Sacksian

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

You'll get as many answers as there are 'racers', go try some pairs and experiment. They're typically cheaper than standard high mileage shoes, but also won't last as long.
My favs at the moment are the Saucony Endorphin for up to 10k, but they're light and minimal and offer little or no protection.

What's the sizing on these like?

I'm looking for a long-term replacement for my Asics Piranhas but a lot of the shoes I identified seem to be discontinued or unavailable from a bricks and mortar store - the Endorphins look like they'd fit the bill, so just wondering about size if I order them online.

BeepBeep67

Sacksian wrote: »

What's the sizing on these like?

I'm looking for a long-term replacement for my Asics Piranhas but a lot of the shoes I identified seem to be discontinued or unavailable from a bricks and mortar store - the Endorphins look like they'd fit the bill, so just wondering about size if I order them online.

So I'm normally a 10 in Saucony, but picked these up in 9.5. Mainly because I'll wear very thin or no socks and use for short races. No issues and have used for a mile on the track and a 3k and 5k road race, snug, but not cramped.

Krusty_Clown

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

You'll get as many answers as there are 'racers', go try some pairs and experiment. They're typically cheaper than standard high mileage shoes, but also won't last as long.
My favs at the moment are the Saucony Endorphin for up to 10k, but they're light and minimal and offer little or no protection.

How do they compare to the Saucony Type A6?

pconn062

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

How do they compare to the Saucony Type A6?

Much lighter, much less cushioning, not as durable. A fine shoe but they are really, really minimal. I wear the A6 and there is no way I could get away with the endorphin, you would need to be very light, and be fairly resilient.

Sacksian

I have the A6s but I really don't like them. They don't feel like racers - the Piranha were listed as 120g (I've seen the A6s listed as 147g) but there was a world of difference between them. The Piranhas felt closer to 100g. They really felt like shoes you only put on when you're actually racing! Just looking to find an adequate replacement.

BeepBeep67

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

How do they compare to the Saucony Type A6?

As the others say not a like for like comparison really.
I would chance running a marathon in the A6, I'm not sure the Endorphin would last that long :pac:.

The Endorphin are paper thin, I'm always careful putting them on, it feels like if I pull the tongue too hard it might just rip off.
They are zero drop, but actually do have some cushioning, they are aerated and have a section cut out of the sole to keep the weight down.

Gary, I would reckon you would have no issue wearing them to 5-10k and I think they will make a great track alternative for 3k+.

Happy to throw them in my training bag as I'll be in Shanganagh a few times next week after work.

Currently on 40-50% off from the usual UK stores

Here's a decent review from fellnr, he's gives them a highly recommended.

The Endorphin is an ultralight shoe that provides a surprising level of cushioning for its weight. Obviously there's not as much cushioning as many heavier shoes, but you might be surprised by how well it does for itself. Of course, a shoe this light may not provide enough cushioning for everyone, but I'd recommend trying it out if you're a reasonably efficient runner looking for an edge.

Krusty_Clown

...and there was I naively thinking that the A6 was about as racer-like as you could get! Might pick up a pair for track-training and racing. I'm still the wrong side of 11 stone, so don't think I'd get away with them on the roads, but the A6 seem good from that perspective. Thanks!

BeepBeep67

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

...and there was I naively thinking that the A6 was about as racer-like as you could get! Might pick up a pair for track-training and racing. I'm still the wrong side of 11 stone, so don't think I'd get away with them on the roads, but the A6 seem good from that perspective. Thanks!

I wore them for the local 5k on St. Stephen's Day - I was definitely the wrong side of 11st that day

Sacksian

I was going to get the endorphins because I thought that the flats I really wanted - NB RC5000 - were completely unobtainable. Some creative googling later and I found a shop which still had a pair.

I picked them up from the parcel motel at lunchtime and took them out for an easy 30 minutes. On the basis of that run and a few strides, I can quite confidently say that I think they are my favourite runner ever. You can feel the impending injuries just looking at them!

Frustratingly, they arrived too late for the 5k last Sunday, but just in time for the relays (which I'll hopefully make)!

TheBigGreen

Anybody on here have these?

BeepBeep67

TheBigGreen wrote: »

Anybody on here have these?

Of course

Wore them for the marathon as I wanted something that balanced weight with protection as you fatigue in the latter stages.
I'm really liking the revised 'racing' line up in the Boost series, I have the Takumi Sen, Takumi Ren, Adios Boost 2 and 3 and the Boston 5.
The Adios Boost 3 is really nice shoe, I would call it mid-weight for me, about 240gms for 10.5, but has a lighter more responsive feel than that.
I only had 20+ miles on them before the marathon, so there's no breaking in involved in these, just lace them up and run.

demfad

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Of course

Wore them for the marathon as I wanted something that balanced weight with protection as you fatigue in the latter stages.
I'm really liking the revised 'racing' line up in the Boost series, I have the Takumi Sen, Takumi Ren, Adios Boost 2 and 3 and the Boston 5.
The Adios Boost 3 is really nice shoe, I would call it mid-weight for me, about 240gms for 10.5, but has a lighter more responsive feel than that.
I only had 20+ miles on them before the marathon, so there's no breaking in involved in these, just lace them up and run.

Adios Boost sounds the business. How is the traction on them?

BeepBeep67

demfad wrote: »

Adios Boost sounds the business. How is the traction on them?

Haven't the 3's on anything greasy yet, but others are great, they have the Continental rubber along 60% of the sole from the toe and slightly raised with the boost exposed underneath, so I would expect very good traction.

demfad

Thanks a million. One more thing while I have you.
The rubber covers 60% of the sole. The boost is soft I guess. Would you feel a few stones under the sole if running offroad?
Sorry for the strange question. I have a particular race in mind with road, hill, and a stoney section that can hurt the sole on some runners (e.g Nike zoom LT). A racer with traction, that would protect the sole a bit but as light as possible are the necessary attributes.

BeepBeep67

demfad wrote: »

Thanks a million. One more thing while I have you.
The rubber covers 60% of the sole. The boost is soft I guess. Would you feel a few stones under the sole if running offroad?
Sorry for the strange question. I have a particular race in mind with road, hill, and a stoney section that can hurt the sole on some runners (e.g Nike zoom LT). A racer with traction, that would protect the sole a bit but as light as possible are the necessary attributes.

Very unlikely I would guess, I'm thinking there's about 10mm of boost at the front, so you would want to be unlucky with a particularly sharp stone.

I'm 60% likely to be in Tallaght on Sunday (visa and scheduling pending) I can throw them in the boot if you want to take a look.

Sacksian

I have the New Balance MT10 - not sure what the latest version is (or if there is one?) - I wear them on trails and they're light. They'd definitely fit two of your criteria but I'm not sure how just how much protection they'd provide on a very rocky route.

demfad

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Very unlikely I would guess, I'm thinking there's about 10mm of boost at the front, so you would want to be unlucky with a particularly sharp stone.

I'm 60% likely to be in Tallaght on Sunday (visa and scheduling pending) I can throw them in the boot if you want to take a look.

I wont be at the race on Sunday but what you say sounds good enough for me. Ill get a pair of 2's or 3's. Need a pair of trainers anyway. If they are suitable for the race Ill get a second. Thanks again!

BeepBeep67

demfad wrote: »

I wont be at the race on Sunday but what you say sounds good enough for me. Ill get a pair of 2's or 3's. Need a pair of trainers anyway. If they are suitable for the race Ill get a second. Thanks again!

I would recommend the 3's over the 2's, they just seemed to have evolved into a nicer shoe and about 10gms lighter. If you're not an Adi wearer go up half a size, especially if you are using them on trail with downhills.
All my Puma, Saucony and Brooks are size 10, I'm 10.5 in these.

TheBigGreen

Thanks for the reply BeepBeep67, just ordered a pair now. Really looking forward to running in them now.

BeepBeep67

TheBigGreen wrote: »

Thanks for the reply BeepBeep67, just ordered a pair now. Really looking forward to running in them now.

Have you had them out for a spin?

TheBigGreen

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Have you had them out for a spin?

100 kilometers done on them so far.

Nice and light and it almost feels like you're running bare foot.

I'm usually a UK9 but ordered a UK9.5 and it's a tight fit but I like my runners like that. UK10 would probably be better.

Love the styling and solar red colour.

Krusty_Clown

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

As the others say not a like for like comparison really.
I would chance running a marathon in the A6, I'm not sure the Endorphin would last that long :pac:.

The Endorphin are paper thin, I'm always careful putting them on, it feels like if I pull the tongue too hard it might just rip off.
They are zero drop, but actually do have some cushioning, they are aerated and have a section cut out of the sole to keep the weight down.

Gary, I would reckon you would have no issue wearing them to 5-10k and I think they will make a great track alternative for 3k+.

Well, I've had the Saucony Endorphins out for two separate outings:
1) A track session on the cinder track in Kilbogget - maybe around 5-6k, at 5k ->1,500m pace.
2) 5k road race in Enfield.

They are incredibly light and yes, they seem incredibly delicate. There does seem to be a very real risk that you'll tear them while putting them on. However, wearing them - you still get some sense that there is cushioning between your feet and the ground. But... They come at a cost. I've noticed distinctly more pain/niggle potential after the two outings, particularly in calf muscles and shins. So they seem like a great racing shoe, but I'll be keeping mine for mondo-based track sessions or races, and I'll stick with the A6s for the cinder and the 5k+ road races. Probably just as well, as they seem unlikely to last 150 miles.

BeepBeep67

TheBigGreen wrote: »

100 kilometers done on them so far.

Nice and light and it almost feels like you're running bare foot.

I'm usually a UK9 but ordered a UK9.5 and it's a tight fit but I like my runners like that. UK10 would probably be better.

Love the styling and solar red colour.

For the love of God has your mother never told you that's bad luck to put new shoes on a table, go out and say 3 hail Mary's and 1 our Father

Happy running

BeepBeep67

Krusty_Clown wrote: »

Well, I've had the Saucony Endorphins out for two separate outings:
1) A track session on the cinder track in Kilbogget - maybe around 5-6k, at 5k ->1,500m pace.
2) 5k road race in Enfield.

They are incredibly light and yes, they seem incredibly delicate. There does seem to be a very real risk that you'll tear them while putting them on. However, wearing them - you still get some sense that there is cushioning between your feet and the ground. But... They come at a cost. I've noticed distinctly more pain/niggle potential after the two outings, particularly in calf muscles and shins. So they seem like a great racing shoe, but I'll be keeping mine for mondo-based track sessions or races, and I'll stick with the A6s for the cinder and the 5k+ road races. Probably just as well, as they seem unlikely to last 150 miles.

I've actually read that even though they are classed as zero offset that they are actually a negative offset, - 1/2mm, so be careful with those calves.

demfad

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

I would recommend the 3's over the 2's, they just seemed to have evolved into a nicer shoe and about 10gms lighter. If you're not an Adi wearer go up half a size, especially if you are using them on trail with downhills.
All my Puma, Saucony and Brooks are size 10, I'm 10.5 in these.

Thanks BeepBeep. Arrived in the post yesterday. Got the 8.5 size. (.5 bigger).
Perfect. Had a test run last night. Roomy around the toebox, so you can get all your toes on the bed which i like. Great looking runner aswell! (orange)

TFBubendorfer

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

For the love of God has your mother never told you that's bad luck to put new shoes on a table

That's not a table!

Bez Bing

Anyone race in the new balance v2 1500 ? If so, how do find them?

Seem to be marketed as a racer with more support like the Brooks st racer which I really like.
Sounds like they might be a good shoe for longer races up-to marathon.

average_runner

Just got my brooks hyperion today. Can't wait to race in them on sat week

BeepBeep67

average_runner wrote: »

Just got my brooks hyperion today. Can't wait to race in them on sat week

Finally the ST5 replacement - where did you get them, they're like hen's teeth

average_runner

BeepBeep67 wrote: »

Finally the ST5 replacement - where did you get them, they're like hen's teeth

I got them via brooks, but they aren't available online here yet.

But i got them for free:D

BeepBeep67

average_runner wrote: »

I got them via brooks, but they aren't available online here yet.

But i got them for free:D

now I'm really jealous

Krusty_Clown

Picked up a pair of Adidas Adizero RC racers recently and have used them for a session on the track. They seem pretty well cushioned. Anybody worn them before? Would you use them for a 10k+?

overpronator

Bez Bing wrote: »

Anyone race in the new balance v2 1500 ? If so, how do find them?

Seem to be marketed as a racer with more support like the Brooks st racer which I really like.
Sounds like they might be a good shoe for longer races up-to marathon.

Ive close to 180 miles on the NB and have raced a marathon in the ST5 in the past. NB definitely racier than the Brooks and a good bit narrower especially in the midfoot and forefoot. NB fits snugger at heel too. Less heeldrop in the NB which i like alot. The Brooks has significantly more support for my gait and at slower speeds i.e easy running i can feel a wee bit sloppy in the NB if tired after a session. In saying that i really like them and theyre a great race day option for me. Ill probably wear them for my Autumn marathon as theyre nicely cushioned. I feel like i could train in the brooks full time without any problems but wouldnt chance it in the NB.

El Caballo

Anyone got any suggestions for a really stripped out flat? I'm kind of thinking down the line of something that feels like a spike plate on spikes but for the road, basically zero cushioning and really reactive. The only thing I can find that is similar is the ASICS blazingfast but was wondering if anyone has some other suggestions?

Sacksian

El Caballo wrote: »

Anyone got any suggestions for a really stripped out flat? I'm kind of thinking down the line of something that feels like a spike plate on spikes but for the road, basically zero cushioning and really reactive. The only thing I can find that is similar is the ASICS blazingfast but was wondering if anyone has some other suggestions?

The Blazingfast look like a replacement for the Asics Piranha (which I had loved and was trying to replace earlier this year).

Both Saucony Endorphin (110g approx) and NB RC5000 (< 100g) would be in that range. I've the NBs but only managed to wear them once in a race and a couple of times in training but they are really, really amazing. Genuinely like wearing spikes on the road! However, I'm not sure they're available anymore.

From what I've heard, Endorphin wearers are similarly enthusiastic about those shoes.

Serious bargains on Adidas racers here: http://www.mandmdirect.ie/01/details/AD11656/adidas-Mens-Adizero-Tempo-Boost-7-Neutral-Running-Shoes-Brick-Red-White-Royal

Bahanaman

Bez Bing wrote: »

Anyone race in the new balance v2 1500 ? If so, how do find them?

Seem to be marketed as a racer with more support like the Brooks st racer which I really like.
Sounds like they might be a good shoe for longer races up-to marathon.

My first racers were the ST5. Loved them and raced up to marathon distance in them. Then got the 1500 v1. Brilliant. More comfortable than the brooks, more cushioned. My feet have usually been in bits after a marathon but ran Frankfurt in them last year and they were like slippers from start to finish. And I had only done about three runs in them beforehand. A friend of mine has the v2 and there is little difference in them as far as I can make out. Given a choice between the Brooks and the New Balance I'd go for the NB.