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Click to view Arrojo070's profile Legend
Arrojo070
307 posts since
Apr 4, 2001

Jun 22, 2006 9:19 AM

Racing flats

I've never used 'em, but a lot of my friends race in them. Do they really make a difference in a 5K or a 10K as opposed to racing in my regular trusty training shoes?
Click to view RTCRUNR's profile Legend
RTCRUNR
396 posts since
May 25, 2002
1. Jun 22, 2006 9:44 AM in response to: Arrojo070
I can't provide any tables or scientific studies as to how much of a difference they make, but I absolutely think they make some and wouldn't even consider racing in trainers. I even do a lot of my faster workouts in flats just to promote leg turnover.
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Click to view Southern Man's profile Legend
Southern Man
757 posts since
Apr 19, 2006
2. Jun 22, 2006 10:03 AM in response to: Arrojo070
quote:<HR>Originally posted by Arrojo:
I've never used 'em, but a lot of my friends race in them. Do they really make a difference in a 5K or a 10K as opposed to racing in my regular trusty training shoes?<HR>



Yes, they make a difference, some of it psychological and some of it physical. I race my longer races in lightweight trainers, not a true flat. I am currently using Nike Zoom Elites for my racing shoes.

Southern Man

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My advice is worth what you paid for it
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Click to view S Agsten's profile Pro
S Agsten
134 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
3. Jun 22, 2006 1:12 PM in response to: Arrojo070
About two months ago I purchased racing flats for the first time. They make me run on my forefoot more so I feel there an increase in speed overall, at least for me. I would strongly recommend that you do your interval training in them at least once a week because I found that my calf muscles were quite sore in the beginning because of the change in running form. I adapted after about two to three weeks and have no problem with feeling too sore after my races as a result. I've only used them up to the 10k distance so far. I have the Diadora Mythos Racer.
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Click to view Nofret's profile Expert
Nofret
42 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
4. Jun 22, 2006 1:38 PM in response to: Arrojo070
theoretically, the weight difference could take twenty to thirty seconds off[/URL" target="_blank"> of a 40-minute 10K time.
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Click to view exciton's profile Legend
exciton
317 posts since
Nov 2, 2004
5. Jun 22, 2006 1:39 PM in response to: Arrojo070
I like to race in flats. I haven't conducted any scientific study of my finishing times, but the flats are palpably lighter. You get a lot more intimate with the road and I feel this has good implications for my form and finishing times. I personally don't have any problems afterward.
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Click to view PacerChris's profile Legend
PacerChris
763 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
6. Jun 22, 2006 2:50 PM in response to: Arrojo070
Another vote for lightweight shoes (flats or just light shoes). I think the difference is probably more psychological for me - if I want to shave a few ounces off I'd be better losing a few pounds, but it does give your feet a lightness that helps during races. Flats also tend to be cooler so during summer races I like that feeling as well.

Start with shorter races in them - I wouldn't suggest a marathon in a flat, but there are some lightweight trainers that a few ounces beefier than flats and provide ample cushioning for linger distances.

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Pacer Dude[/URL" target="_blank">
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Click to view chrisguz's profile Amateur
chrisguz
35 posts since
Dec 12, 2002
7. Jun 23, 2006 3:29 PM in response to: Arrojo070
How many miles can you put on racing flats? do the typical rules apply, or much less? I see quite a few people use them for marathons. I would imagine that you would want to do some training in them to get used to them......
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Click to view PacerChris's profile Legend
PacerChris
763 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
8. Jun 23, 2006 3:37 PM in response to: Arrojo070
quote:<HR>Originally posted by chrisguz:
How many miles can you put on racing flats? do the typical rules apply, or much less? I see quite a few people use them for marathons. I would imagine that you would want to do some training in them to get used to them......<HR>


Break them in just a little (to make sure you don't blister) and then save them for races and specific speed workouts. They don't last nearly as long as regular shoes.
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Click to view bummsexy06's profile Rookie
bummsexy06
5 posts since
Apr 1, 2006
9. Jun 23, 2006 8:39 PM in response to: Arrojo070
Racing flat most certainly do make up a vast difference from normal training shoes. Most trainers for men will weight 10 oz. (light weight trainers) to 15 oz. (like the Brooks Beast, for example). Racing flat can range anywhere from 9 to 6 oz. per shoe. Because they don't have the support as normal trainers do, they will not last as long. If you're fortunate enough, the shoe may last 150 to 300 miles tops, depending on body type and mechanics of each individual.
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Click to view milkbaby004's profile Legend
milkbaby004
464 posts since
Jul 28, 2003
10. Jun 23, 2006 9:57 PM in response to: Arrojo070
In addition to the weight difference, flats tend to have less of a height drop from heel to toe than regular trainers. When you first start using them, this can hurt your calf muscles and/or achilles tendons. Get used to them in some quicker workouts before you try racing in them.
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Click to view SportiGrl's profile Legend
SportiGrl
476 posts since
Jul 22, 2004
11. Jun 24, 2006 7:28 PM in response to: Arrojo070
I bought my first pair almost 2 months ago and use them for racing and doing my track workouts ... they are definitely lighter and feel good to race in ... I didn't notice any pains with them ...

I was buying my first training shoes from a real 'running store' and decided to go ahead and get the flats as well since I was planning to do quite a few races this year ... I figured I'd have to buy more trainers if I raced in my trainers so why not just get a pair for racing and extend the life of my current trainers a little longer ... my flats are Suacony Grid Tangents ...
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Click to view aurang's profile Legend
aurang
1,362 posts since
Jun 26, 2003
12. Jun 25, 2006 10:06 PM in response to: Arrojo070
quote:<HR>Originally posted by PacerChris:
Break them in just a little (to make sure you don't blister) and then save them for races and specific speed workouts. They don't last nearly as long as regular shoes.<HR>
I'm actually going to disagree and say that they'll last longer. You certainly aren't wearing a pair of flats for the comfort, cushioning or support, so you can wear it until you can, well, no longer wear it.

I got about 1100 miles out of my Saucony Grid Fastwitch (not the new one) before the upper burst and it wasn't really a shoe anymore.
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Click to view RTCRUNR's profile Legend
RTCRUNR
396 posts since
May 25, 2002
13. Jun 26, 2006 9:17 AM in response to: Arrojo070
I also probably get more miles on a pair of flats than I do a pair of trainers. I've owned a lot of different models, and for the most part, they've all been pretty durable.
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Click to view Arrojo070's profile Legend
Arrojo070
307 posts since
Apr 4, 2001
14. Jun 26, 2006 9:34 AM in response to: Arrojo070
Thanks folks. I guess I'm a little concerned, having battled a lot of different injuries over the years, running in a shoe for a 10K without a lot of support.
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