Looking for some advice. I have used Asics for the past few years in shorter events but they rub when I use them for longer distances. Can anyone recommend some good racing flats for all distances up to Marathon distance. Still going to use trainers for IM’s but want to try flats for stand alone marathons.
6’ Tall - Weigh 144 lbs - Neutral Runner.
Any advice?
Brooks T5, OLD Model Saucony Fastwitch endurance (or the new type-A), Addidas addistar tempo
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This is sort of like a “whats the best bike?” question.
The best flats for you are the ones that fit the best, plain and simple.
You’re a pretty big guy, have you thought about a lightweight trainer for a marathon? New Balance and Asics both make very light trainers with decent midsole cushioning.
I am 5’11" 155lbs and a neutral runner. I do almost all my non trail running in Brooks ST3s. I ran the marathon at IMLou in these. For anything shorter than a marathon I use Brooks T5s.
I like the brooks st2/3s I have run several marathons, half IMs and one IM in them. They are light but have enough stability for me in the longer stuff. For shorter stuff, I like the t5.
just curious trimick - if you are a neutral runner, why do you do most of your running in a shoe designed for overpronators?
I have been testing a pair of the new Zoot shoes and they fit well are light and have a very lively road feel . if you can wait, give them a try when they hit the market in March. Or check out some Newtons. For someone your size, these are light enough for you to race in short as well as long
6’ 144 lbs is “pretty big”???
I’m 6’2", 185, I guess I’m friggin HUGE.
I was thinking the same thing…I’m 5’7", 140-ish, and I can’t imagine being this weight with another 4-5 inches on me. That’s super thin.
For a marathon runner 6 foot and 144lbs is pretty big…definitely at the big end to be running 26 miles in flats, which is why I suggested lightweight trainers. I always felt I was a bubble candidate for flats in the marathon and when in shape I was 5’7" 130 and running mid 2:30s. I occasionally ran a half marathon or 30K in lightweight trainers and didn’t feel like they slowed me down any or that flats would have given me an advantage over the distance. For shorter stuff, flats for sure, for long races I always thought it was a toss up.
I’m 6’ and 180 lbs and raced the Richmond marathon in Nov in my Newtons. They are light and comfy and do fine for a marathon. b2
Nike Zoom Streak XC…light weight and super comfortable, they weigh about 6.5 ounces…Im 5’11 161 race weight i train strictly for half ironmans but ive done runs up to 15 miles on these and had no blisters no hot spots nada…oh and im on my 3rd pair and will probably buy 2-3 more too
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I’m running mid 2:30s at 6’1/165 in Asiscs Hyperspeed (2) - no problems. I just don’t see why I should wear shoes with heel cushioning.
Thank’s for saying that JP. I didn’t think I was a big guy either. 28" waist and skinny, but I do understand where he was coming from.
Thanks for all the feedback, I’ve got tons of flats to look up now.
I’m a neutral runner, and pretty much run in the same shoes with no problems. I’ve never though of T5s as designed for anything other than a nuetral runner.
Styrrell
If its got a medial post (most obviously identified by a different colored material insole on the inside of the heel) then the shoe is built to control pronation. If you’re truly a neutral runner you wont need that control. And certainly if you’re a mid-foot or forefoot striker, you’'re just carrying around the extra weight of the higher-density midsole. Not saying it wont work for you, but if you’re truly neutral another shoe may work better.
MattinSF got me curious…so I looked up some stats
Abdirahman - 5’11", 130
Ritz - 5’8", 117
Hall - 5’10, 130
Sell - 5’10, 140
Browne - 5’10 - 145
Khannouchi -5’5", 125
so…compared to those guys (elite American marathoners), 6’0" is tall. 144 is pretty darn lean at that height though.
6’ 2"/ 175: Wore Mizuno Elixirs for 10k (33:49), 1/2 in 1:13:42, and marathon in 2:36. Will keep wearing light trainers for 10 milers and up. Might give Brooks Racers ST for events 10K and under.
There are only a handful of flats lighter than the T5, so the extra weight isn’t a concern. Basically for flats I look for the lightest shoe with a bit of cushion.
Styrrell
Oh you’re running in T5s, fine.
However, the person to whom i directed my original comment (trimick) says he is neutral and does all his running in ST3s… a shoe that has medial posting.