Couple thoughts on the new Nike shoes.
Came from a high-performance run back ground in the late 1970's early 1980's into triathlon. A "Racing Shoe" or "Racing Flat" from my experience from years ago was always a minimalist affair. We trained in "Trainers" that were heavier, clunkier, had more heel lift, and more padding and support, but for racing, you pulled out the "Flats". On the track we wore spikes, which were even more minimalist that the road flats - essentially like running barefoot - with spikes embedded in your forefoot!
The ride of the classic Racing Flat, and for sure the track spike was very firm. Depending on how thin the midsole actually was, you could feel small pebbles on the road or the track through the shoe! But we associated this firm ride with being fast!
I don't run anymore, but I triathlete friend of mine had a pair of the Nike 4% in my size, in the trunk of his car. After we finished up a bike ride I noticed the shoes again, and I asked if I could put them on and run around the parking lot.
First impressions - from what I considered a "racing shoe", albeit from the past, they seemed to have a lot of cushioning, and the ride felt kind of "mushy", not firm - like I was kind of running in quick sand. But I'm not doubting the claims and the actual data, that the shoes are making runners on average about 4% more efficient, which does translate, all things going well, into faster running!
Steve Fleck @stevefleck | Blog