I’m looking for some feedback on racing flats. I currently run in Asics Gel Kayanos and was considering the Gel Bandito, Saucony Fastwitch or the Zoot Tempos.
I had looked at the Zoots once previously but wasn’t sure how well I’d do with them. I’m 10-15 lbs lighter now though and am a much more comfortable runner now than I was when I first thought about racing flats. I’ve never run in any.
I’d be using them for anything up to 1/2 marathon distance. Any opinions on support/cushioning for any of those?
The Saucony Fastwitch are NOT racing flats (neither are the Zoot tempos either really).
A great shoe is the Saucony A2 if this if your first flat. You can go real minimal after that if you don’t injury yourself (like a Kilkeny, H-street, etc.). There is a HUGE difference between the Kayano and an A2. If you like the Kayano, I’d suggest going to a light weight trainer with some medial posting first (like the Fastwitch 2 endurance or the new NB 903 - a really great shoe). Then, on to the real racing flats.
OK thanks for the clarification. So is there a big difference between the Fastwitch 2 Endurance and the Fastwitch 3? I had looked at those online briefly (the 2’s) but I haven’t found them in my size, and then started looking to the 3’s.
No, the Fastwtich2s and 3s aren’t really much different (they dropped the “endurance” and “speed” versions and just make the one now - only diff was a dual density rearfoot EVA medial post on the endurance). Supposedly they use a new outsole compound on the 3s since the 2s didn’t last very long at all - otherwise the same.
Now, the original Fastwitch to the Fastwich2/3 was a paradigm shift!
maybe this is a stupid question…but I have been wondering this for awhile….
I usually run with OTC orthotics in my shoes to correct my severe over pronation. I have been considering buying some racing flats as well. Do people put orthotics in their racing flats…or is this ridiculous? Why?
If you really have “severe” pronation as you put it, then your orthotics won’t physically work in a true racing flat (and would make no sense anyway). If you really wanted to try a racing flat, just run in them for racing and hope that the race only wouldn’t cause any issues. Train in your orthotics - that is what the bulk of my “high end” athletes that truly need orthotics (or just like them) do.
But, remember most of the shoes discussed in this thread are NOT racing flats. It is often a decent idea to use a posted polypropylene (WAG here) orthotic in a lightweight trainer/neutral cushioned shoe like the new Saucony Fastwitch3, or the NB 903, etc.
I’m currently rocking some Pearl Izumi Streaks and I have to say I really like them. I’m a slight over-pronator but I’ve found these flats to be comfortable up to about 6 miles – haven’t tried any further. They’ve been getting some good reviews so I thought I’d add those into the bunch.
Asics Hyperspeed are cheaper and ligher than the Bandito model so maybe a better choice as a racing flat. However the Bandito has better cushioning than the Hyperspeed’s so it’s fairly more comfortable if you are a heavier dude.
I would consider Adidas Adizero too along with Nike’s Air Zoom Marathoner. Lightweight and both great racing flats used by some of the World’s fastest half-marathon runners.
Since most of the shoes being discussed are not “flats”, what makes a flat a flat, and these shoes not a flat?
I have also been considering switching to a flat, or something considerably lighter, for racing. I haven’t considered this in the past because I am a heavier triathlete (190-195 in training, about 185 for peak race). I use a normal cushioned shoe (Mizuno Wave Rider for training, Mizuno Wave Precision for racing) with no pronation issues.
Will a lighter shoe be an improvement for HIM and IM racing, or just a perceived improvement?
One thing you’ll find in most good flats is that the sock liner is actually glued to the shoe. This is KEY if you’re after fast transitions. You don’t want to be trying to put wet, sweaty feet into shoes with loose and flimsy sock liners like many “fast training/racing” shoes…the sock liners will bunch up at the end of the shoe…and either you take extra time to fix it or you end up with blisters and funky stride.
The Adidas Mana is such a shoe…really light and fast…but NOT good for triathlon…unless you glue down the sock liner…and that is tough to get done right.
Every ounce lost in your shoe will shave a few secs. But for IM distance, very few people sport racing flats (most aren’t “running” anyway). A lightweight trainer like your Wave Precision is probably a better choice (esp at your weight) vs. say the Wave Ronin, but you might want to try that for some 5Ks or OLY races. The lack of cushioning and limited support puts a lot more stress on the legs (esp quads) and you will feel it over a marathon for sure.
Hey rroof I noticed by reading the twitch forum you seem to be quite knowledgeable when it comes to running. What is a good shoe for a 205 lb. runner who is a forefoot striker. I us the zoot TTs to race in, but I need a decent training shoe. i know the TT’s are not flats but them do me well with the added coushin. Price isn’t a big factor I just need to train in something comfortable. I’m getting ready for a 70.3 in nov Beach to battleship and a 70.3 in april in New orleans. I have never put in that much run training. I have only completed a oly. So any advice you wish to dish I’m all ears. Thanks dean
I’d agree to stay with Precision for the 1/2 distance. I race/train longer distances in the precision but race 10K/oly and under in the wave ronins which i really like.
Currently racing/training in Asics DS trainers. Would switching to a “racing”/flat shoe make a big dif? If so, how much of a dif and which shoe is a close fit/feel to my current trainers?
Your best bet is to let your local, trusted running store guide you (if you have such a place near you). They can see your “build”, foot type, relate any injuries you might have, tell em’ what you run in now and like, etc.
Having said that: 205 lbs AND a “forefoot runner” as you put is pretty unusual. I would recommend (for a high mileage, long run training shoe) an Asics Gel Nimbus if you don’t need any rearfoot control/structure or the Gel Kayano if you need some. I would stay away from most of the Adidas shoes (I like em, just not for you) and Nike. You may also like the Mizuno Wave Riders or Saucony Grid Trigons if your foot is wide. Brooks Axiom tend to fit more narrow feet. Again, these are wild ass gueeses on my part what you/your foot/expections and propensity for lower extremity injury are.
