racing flats
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1283 days
Anton posted 20 weeks ago.
I can get a year out of my racing flats. But that's only racing in them (other than a few short break-in runs) They do make a difference, weighing ounces less than regular training shoes you get a much faster turnover rate. Races run on the same course at the same effort, I always do better (time wise) in flats. You don't mention what kind you're running in but some are only meant for 5k to 10k distances, others can handle longer distances up to the Mary.
The lighter ones wear out much faster with regular use. Think Brooks T4. other do well over time and distance. Asics Gel DS trainer for example ( a light weight training shoe that makes a great flat).
"What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything?" - Vincent Van Gogh
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933
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262 days
TriSooner posted 20 weeks ago.
Hmmmm, you got me thinking about my shoes, so I checked. My New Balance trainers weigh 12.8oz. Racing 'flats' in a comparable model? 8.7oz. So is that worth anything?
I might try it, even though I am ardently against the over-upgrading hype: skinsuits, GPS/HRM combos, deep dish carbon wheels, full wetsuits for a pool swim, aero helmets . . . all for a middle-of-the-pack sprint finish at the local Y.
650
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1067 days
deepbluex posted 20 weeks ago.
flats feel a lot less cushionned so you're going to feel more of the shock to the knees, kidneys, lower back when you are running on a hard surface. Comfort is a big deal on long distances and a bigger performance issue than the couple of ounces of weight savings.
106
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434 days
rebekahliz posted 20 weeks ago.
deepbluex wrote:
flats feel a lot less cushionned so you're going to feel more of the shock to the knees, kidneys, lower back when you are running on a hard surface. Comfort is a big deal on long distances and a bigger performance issue than the couple of ounces of weight savings.
Yep. I agree here. And you can get a very lightweight trainer that still provides decent cushioning these days. Depends on your primary distance in them. I personally don't buy them, and running is my best leg.
Di mana ada kemauan, di situ ada jalan (Where there is desire, there is a road). – Indonesian proverb
2349
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1245 days
Triguy98 posted 20 weeks ago.
I love my racing flats. I have pure flats, an older model Adidas Adizero, which weigh in around 6.5 oz. I also have a pair of spikes for of road races. Yes, they make a difference. If you arent competitve by nature, then dont sweat it. If you are trying for a podium spot, there is no reason to not wear them. Go to any track or XC meet. You wont see anyone at the front of the field wearing regular shoes. There is a reason for that. Lighter shoes are faster shoes.
I only wear mine for racing. No warmup workouts or practice runs. Ive had them for a couple years now, and expect to get a couple more out of em. They dont have much in the way of cushioning, but its 10k or less, so its no big deal.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
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174 days
Bullet posted 20 weeks ago.
For me, I really feel the weight difference later in the race when my legs are tired. It may only be a few ounces, but regular shoes for me feel like I'm running with bricks tied to my feet. I race in Brooks Racer ST.
147
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237 days
xc800runner posted 20 weeks ago.
You pace and leg turnover rate will have a huge bearing on whether you should race in flats or not. Due to the low profile of the sole, you should not be strinking the ground heel first, rather you need an efficient stride where you land more on the midfoot. You can expect to gain about 1-2 seconds per mile for each ounce less off your shoes, so when competing for medals, it will be beneficial. Think 30-40 seconds over 10k.
I've been running in flats for years and never had a problem other than blisters from racing without socks, using them both for racing and hard workouts on the track. It ivs you a better feeling for what to expect on race day.
933
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262 days
TriSooner posted 20 weeks ago.
xc800runner wrote:
You can expect to gain about 1-2 seconds per mile for each ounce less off your shoes
So 12.8oz - 8.7oz = 5oz X 2 seconds per mile = 10 second reduction in per mile pace? Or 4min 15sec faster on a marathon just by switcing shoes and doing nothing else? Where's my check card?!
1639
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1004 days
tri-ac posted 20 weeks ago.
TriSooner wrote:
So 12.8oz - 8.7oz = 5oz X 2 seconds per mile = 10 second reduction in per mile pace? Or 4min 15sec faster on a marathon just by switcing shoes and doing nothing else? Where's my check card?!
you forgot to add in the knee therapy appointments at $150 a session...
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375 days
tbs_craig posted 20 weeks ago.
just a comment, i tried on the new Zoot tri specific flats. they felt amazing. unfortunatly i didn't have the money to buy them. Does anyone have them?
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146 days
iamtb13 posted 20 weeks ago.
It's only Newtons for me. Discovered them at the end of last race season and I love those shoes!! I train in their trainers and race (Sprint and Olympic) in their racing flats - yes with no socks xc800runner! (what's a blister now and then)
210
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614 days
Nobody posted 20 weeks ago.
Why not run barefoot if the few extra oz are that important? I ran with 'em once and my ankles/knees paid for it for two weeks.
Greatness is only achieved by those who perpetually raise the expectations of themselves to the point where it ruins their life.
2349
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1245 days
Triguy98 posted 20 weeks ago.
Nobody wrote:
Why not run barefoot if the few extra oz are that important? I ran with 'em once and my ankles/knees paid for it for two weeks.
Protection from rocks and glass :D But it sounds like you need to refine your turnover/ technique. My legs are a tiny bit more sore after a flats run, but only for a day or two. Higher turnover rates = less impact on the feet and legs. You dont wear these if youre gonna be running 8:00- 9:00 miles unless your turnover is exceptional.
Life is short. Play hard and get dirty doing it.
So I have heard that racing flats can make you faster even if you arn't an elite runner. I have also heard they wear down faster.
Currently, I just rotate a training pair and a racing pair, but was wondering if there was truth to this from anyones experience and if it is worth it. I have heard the difference is actually pretty significant but was wondering how many out their actually use flats and how long they actually last.
Thanks.