Lunaracer / Lunaracer + / Nike Free

Firstly anyone know if there is a difference between the + and the 1st series?

I have been using the Frees for all my running and love them. I am thinking of getting the Lunaracer as a training shoe. Anyone doing all their running in them and if so feedback.

If you use the Frees or Lunaracer what’s your weekly milage in them?

Thanks

I think the + just indicates that it is compatible with the Nike+ system. (ipod + foot sensor in the sole)

You might find the lunaracers to be sluggish compared to the minimalist free. They are light and plenty of cushion, but a weird feeling for throwing down a fast 5 or 10K. Great training shoe and half up shoe.

Yes, the + indicates that the shoe is compatible with the Nike Plus system - iPod/Sportband. Can’t comment on the Lunaracer, but if you’re looking for a lightweight trainer, check out the new Lunar Glide. Just picked up a pair and I plan to run them at Chicago next Sunday - lightweight, but plenty of cushion in both the heel and forefoot without feeling ‘pillowy’.

I tried the Lunatrainer and found it too soft. I did like the amount of give in it. I thought the racer may provide a firmer ride.

Not the trainer…the Lunar Glide - new shoe that just came out in Aug. I haven’t tried the LunaTrainer, so I can’t offer any comparison. I’ve been in the Elite +4 for a couple years and think the Glide feels a bit more ‘racy’.

I bought the Glide too and freaking love it. Felt great right out of the box (which is rare). it feels crazy fast.

I do most of my training in the Lunar Racer…love’em. I also have the Lunar Trainers, but the racer is lighter, just as durable, and a much softer (though less stable) ride. I log ~16mi/wk in them (4, 4milers), but have used them for 10mile training runs and 70.3s without a problem.

I you want a soft, flexible ride it’s hard to go wrong with these, assuming you dig the neon and can deal with the $100 price tag.

I find when I am riding with my Lunaracers on pavement, the ride is really nice. Almost like riding with a really firm shoe on grass. I like running on grass and generally hate pavement, so this gives me a “grass like cushion” when on pavement. I’ve done a half Ironman and half marathon in them and did a PB half marathon in the them. Since my body has well over 50,000K of running spread over 30 years+, I’ll settle for a softer ride cause my body parts don’t owe me a single extra mile. Everything is in the “warranty expired” zone, so like an old car, I have to baby the suspect parts…soft is good.

Does the lunar series run true to size, or do they run slightly small? Specifically, the Lunaracer. Thanks!

I used the racer as my primary shoe in conjunction with my Haywards leading up IMLP and raced in them. I am currently using two pairs of the racers exclusively this Fall during my run focus in prep for Clearwater.

I feel for me they had plenty of support/cushion especially when
i was at race weight for Lake Placid(148ish) However I put on about 8 pounds after the race and took a little break from running. When I came back (heavier) I was a little nervous that the shoe was maybe not enough for longer stuff.

As others have mentioned they initially have a squishy feel to them but it was something I got use to after 30 mins. They are very light and I love the minimalist feel. I usually wear 8.5 in just about everything but sized up a half size in the racers. I also find them a tad bit narrow than normal.

I used a pair of the Lunar trainers for a few months this winter and really didnt notice the squishy feeling that I did immediately with the racers. Granted this was during the winter and I only run outside so the colder temps probably firmed them up some. Additionally I really did not find the trainers all that different from any other lightweight trainers. I would also suggest going up a half size in these too.

I actually have a new pair coming in the mail today.
I am curious to what the lifespan is on the Racers?

Does the lunar series run true to size, or do they run slightly small? Specifically, the Lunaracer. Thanks!

They run small and narrow. It’s definitely built on a different last than the LunarTrainer. I’m usually a 9.5 in Nikes, but took a 10 in the LunarRacer and that has a snug “racing flat” fit.

Does the lunar series run true to size, or do they run slightly small? Specifically, the Lunaracer. Thanks!

They run small and narrow. It’s definitely built on a different last than the LunarTrainer. I’m usually a 9.5 in Nikes, but took a 10 in the LunarRacer and that has a snug “racing flat” fit.

Anybody else got sizing input on the Lunaracers?? I hear many say to size up half a size. (RoadRunner sez that too)

FWIW, my shoe size is 9B. Narrow feet, high arches.
I wear 9 in Brooks T4/T6 and they are comfortably snug.
9.5 in Adidas Bostons, Adizero LT’s, XT’s, etc.
10 in Vitruvians.

I had a few pairs of Nike Frees (v1, and v2) and they fit well, but I cannot for the life of me remember what size I wore in them.

So I’m thinking I should get the Lunaracers in 9.5, rather than 9. What say ye?

Just order the 9 and 9.5 from Zappos (actually they are on sale: http://www.zappos.com/nike-lunaracer-neutral-grey-black-volt-1 ). They have free shipping both ways, so just return the ones that don’t fit.

Anybody else got sizing input on the Lunaracers?? I hear many say to size up half a size. (RoadRunner sez that too)

FWIW, my shoe size is 9B. Narrow feet, high arches.
I wear 9 in Brooks T4/T6 and they are comfortably snug.
9.5 in Adidas Bostons, Adizero LT’s, XT’s, etc.
10 in Vitruvians.

I wear the same size in all Nikes and Adidas. I would go with 9.5

Go 9’s. Pretty sure on that recommendation. I am devoted to the LunaRacers, and they are an awesome shoe.

I’m a 10.5 in Brooks T5 and the Lunaracers, if that helps. AND YOU KNOW WHAT BIGGER SHOE SIZE MEANS. Granted, I think your ballsy win at AZ proves that statement completely wrong.

The Lunar Racer is an amazing shoe. Historically I have not been a huge Nike fan, but that shoe is really, really good. I don’t wear them much any more as I’ve moved to a more minimal shoe (Mizuno Universe). But for nostalgia I broke out the LRs for a 10-miler this morning and ran my fastest time in several weeks. I’d be interested to try the latest version, which supposedly has a lower heel than last year’s model that I have.

Oh, and regarding sizing, they for sure run small and narrow. I’m a 10.5 in most shoes, but I have the LRs in size 11 and those are still rather tight, mostly in terms of width. They don’t feel overly snug once you start running though.

i just saw this thread, i use the frees for all my runs as well, have done up to 120km /week

since i started using them i have found two things…

  1. i don’t get injured

  2. all other shoes feel heavy and awkward and not comfortable

even though the lunars are light, they just don’t fit as well for me as the frees, i do like the air katana’s racing flat however, feels almost better than the free

i’ve pretty much decided to use the free for training and the katana for all races except the marathon, which i use the free…

Just order the 9 and 9.5 from Zappos (actually they are on sale: http://www.zappos.com/...al-grey-black-volt-1 ). They have free shipping both ways, so just return the ones that don’t fit.

I can see that and raise - runners warehouse will have them in stock again soon (10/30 I believe - OH, I just checked, they are IN NOW), and they have a good price,

PLUS… (here’s the super secret Team Discount code to get an additional 15% off)
if you put in CP20, you save that much more. Free shipping both ways, upgrade to overnight shipping for $5.95.

I dunno, for some reason I feel lame ordering 2 pairs knowing I’m sending one back for sure.
(I’m a recovering Catholic, so I guess it’s all that pent-up GUILT in there still :wink:

    Remove ![http://img.runningwarehouse.com/1update/site/xbut.jpg](http://img.runningwarehouse.com/1update/site/xbut.jpg) Nike Lunar Racer+ Mens Gry/Volt 9.5 Yes       $89.95 $89.95      Remove ![http://img.runningwarehouse.com/1update/site/xbut.jpg](http://img.runningwarehouse.com/1update/site/xbut.jpg) Nike Lunar Racer+ Mens Gry/Volt 9.0 Yes       $89.95 $89.95      Remove ![http://img.runningwarehouse.com/1update/site/xbut.jpg](http://img.runningwarehouse.com/1update/site/xbut.jpg) Corporate Perks Discount - 15% Off      1  $-26.98 $-26.98 

OK, I’m over it. Ordering 'em now.
THX all!!!
-M

Don’t feel even remotely guilty about ordering the two pairs and sending one back. 40% of products ordered on Zappos are returned (I work in the industry…this is not conjecture), so the majority of people using Zappos do this and it’s baked into their economic model. Zappos decided a long time ago that offering this capability was more attractive to consumers than offering big discounts on the shoes themselves.

I’d be interested to try the latest version, which supposedly has a lower heel than last year’s model that I have.

no