Let’s see, a couple of questions for the runners out there. In December, I became the happy father of a healthy boy and since then I haven’t had much time for training. As a result of that, I decided not to do any long tris next season and just focus on becoming a better runner. The shoes that I used last season were kind of heavy so I wanted to buy something lighter. I recently bought a couple of Asics piranha. They felt great and light but my feet started to feel funny after 6 miles… So here you have 3 questions:
1-will I get used to it?
2-What is the longest distance that you have ran with this type of shoes without hurting yourself?
3-Should I use them in a marathon?
Thanks!
DPC
No way to answer those questions. But, I’d speculate that if your feet feel “funny” as you put, you probably should NOT wear them for a marathon.
I guess I should re-word the questions:
do you use them? what kind of distances do you run using them? did they feel right from the very beginning? have you had any problems with them?
thanks again,
DPC
I never had the Pirhanna (sp?) but I have used super light shoes like those and for me, I won’t do much more than a 10k in super light shoes because I weigh 170 lbs. I think that if you want a lighter shoe for regular running it might be a good idea to look into a lightweight trainer, I like the new asics DS trainers.
I would run probably a max of 10mi racing in those shoes.
They are close to the most minimal flats out there, and are best suited for 5-10k runs.
If you are a super efficient runner you might be able to get a half marathon out of them without getting hurt.
You are probably better off with the Asics Speedsters (the same shoes Ryan Hall wears for full/half marathon)
i use shoes that are in the 8-9 oz range and have run over 20m in training without any problems. Im not sure what funny is but they dont feel any different than when i started. I know mine aren’t super light flats but ive done a lot of running in 7.6oz shoes as well and i wouldnt hesitate to do a mary in either. I have spent quite a bit of time running in them so my feet are used to the pounding by now 
Yeah I raced in DS Trainers all last season and love them. I never ran more than 13.1 in them though. I stick with regular cusioned running shoes for the marathons. I run Kayano double wides for the marathons.
I use Brooks Racer STs (flats) for 5k, 10k, sprint, and oly.
I have flat feet so I use a lightweight trainer for 1/2 marathon, marathon, 1/2 IM and IM. I used to use asics, but now I am going to give the Nike Skylon a shot.
My hubby uses flats in the marathon, but then again, he runs a 2:28 which isn’t Ryan Hall, but still pretty fast. He has decided however, to start using something with a little more cushion that he will be 37. By the way, he is 6’0" and about 155-160 at marathon race weight.
I just got some Mizuno Wave Ronin’s and they’re really nice. Reported weight is 6.4 oz, so they’re really light. I do most of my short bricks (1-2 miles) in these, but nothing longer until race season, but so far they’re really comfortable. I used Wave Phantom’s before, but I think these are lighter and more comfortable.
It’s likely that the shoes aren’t the problem but your feet that aren’t used to them.
I run full time in the Asics Speedstar (heavier than a true flat). Before embarking on a full time minimalist approach, you need to strategically plan your course to achieve this goal. Unless you are a high end runner (like maybe 16:00 5K or faster), 6 miles is way to far to just lace em up and head out the door. Ease into it. 1 mile. 2 miles. Etc.
I weigh 185 on average but do vary as high as 190 and I have 0 problems with the Speedstars. I am definitely an advocate of minimalist running as I think it makes you more biomechanically efficient and reduces injury risk (if done right!!!). I will likely transition into a true flat full time when life allows me to concentrate more fully on the endeavor.
Also, I have put about 500 miles per pair on each Speedstar on 90% pavement running. In terms of 26.2… I have run a full marathon and many 20+ milers with Speedstars.
WARNING: This is horrible advice if you aren’t patient with the evolution to minimalist running!!!
I used to do all of my running in Saucony Kilkenny XC flats. That was the best that my knees have ever felt. My calves got much stronger as a result, as well. The tread wore out pretty quickly, but they’re not very expensive, and moving your running to softer ground wouldn’t be a problem. I started training for longer races and moved back to more cushion out of fear, but I think I may have had the right idea with the minimalism.
If you really want to start the whole minimalism thing, I would urge you to d is slowly. You would probably have more succes switching to a light weight trainer, then a lighter performance neutral show, then a racing flat with some stability and then into a truly minimalist shoe like the ones you have, the pirhannas, I still like to run on golf courses with Waffle racers and for quite awhile I did all my running in brooks st racers, I ended up switching back to heavier shoes because the lighter ones just wore out too quickly and can be more expensive.
I don’t know what “funny” means…but I run everywhere in flats. Brooks T4/T5 and similar. The lighter and the flatter the better.
Done everything from half IMs to marathons to trail marathons in them. I do pretty much all my running on asphalt and concrete and have stacked up many 50+ mile weeks on flats (not a lot by “real runner” standards, but a lot for a 47-y.o. casual runner).
What is funny? I feel funny after couple of drinks, if thats what you mean, it is not good.
Unlike race wheels, racing flats aren’t for everyone. First, you have to have good foot mechanics, second you have to be relatively light weight. Are you running in flats because of they are light or do you really need that extra edge to be fast?
And what distance are you plan on racing??? Some flats are only good upto 10K or half marathon. And Piranhas are definetely for the elite light weight runners and NOT recommended for full marathons.
The GEL-Piranha is the lightest racing flat ASICS® has ever presented to the US market. Built from the same platform as ASICS® Japanese racing flats, this top ended racer was designed to maintain a perfect balance between providing super fast road feel and exceptional platform comfort.
I wouldn’t use piranhas unless I am under 150 and super efficient runner. DS trainer is like a motion control trainer if you compare to piranhas.
Warning: This is a Thread Hi-jack. But I think that there are other lurkers out there that are wondering the same thing. So here goes:
The benefit if a light weight bike is well known (within reason) in terms of improved performance (speed). But I have not seen anything that lends insight to the benefit of upgrading from a heavier trail shoe to a racing flat in terms of racing speed. Anyone want to take a stab at this?
First, S~, I could not disagree with you more.
Second, RE: Racing Flats and performance.
I’ll start by saying that I have ZERO articles regarding this topic, engineering degrees and I did not stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night. But I would posit that much greater gains can be made for triathletes by switching to a racing flat as compared to spending oodles of money creating a weight weenie bike. Nothing funnier to me then triathletes who spend $5000K + on a bike including hundreds of dollars to save mere grams on things such as the drive train, handlebars, bolts, etc. So after riding a 16 lbs rocket ship to a fast time, they lace up their Kayano “10 pound Bricks”. So… for a mere $100, a 3 sport stud can purchase a racing flat that would last for many years and provide meaningful performance gains. But instead, they spend thousands to sex up their bike, much of which does not realistically help performance.
Diegop- Ive ran a half marathon in my Asics Hyperspeed 2s. Had no problems with them during the race, nor did I have any afterwards. Im planning on running my upcoming marathon in them. I think it really depends on how you feel while wearing the shoe, if you say it feels funny while running in them, I dont think id venture out too far in them; if you get used to them; id say lace up. not sure if this helps at all. Im 5’10 148-150 just in case your curious. good luck man
So you are saying a 200LBS heavy over pronator will benefit more in the racing flats rather than something heavier and more supportive?
thanks!
I bought these shoes a couple of months ago and so far I have been able to run 8 miles during speed sessions with only minor discomfort on my calves. I am starting to get used to them and I am planning on doing a couple of long runs to test them before my first marathon this May. They feel superlight and I feel (or at least I think) I am running faster…specially after coming out of a 4 month hip injury. I am 5-8 and even though I am well over 150 now, my in-season weight is +/-145;
ups!!! I guess I should start cutting on what I eat.
DPC
PS- GO HUSKIES!!!