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Jon C.
Jon C. Sendmail

Lightweight Trainers for Half Marathons?

posted almost 2 years ago | Report

After finishing my first half marathon a couple of weeks ago and feeling really good throughout it, I have set a goal to go faster for my next one in a few months. To help achieve this, I was thinking about purchasing a pair of marathon racing shoes or lightweight trainers to run my next half in. I read a few articles online and found that some people think that racing shoes are overrated and meant for only the elites and prefer running in their trainers instead. Thus I thought that a pair of lightweight trainers would be a better option, especially since this would be my second half.

Which pair of shoes do you think is better for racing in? And, what are the best lightweight trainers on the market?

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  • Nick C.
    Nick C. Sendmail

    I love running in lighter shoes, it can make a real difference in how light your legs feel and will use less energy in the end. But they also provide less cushioning, and you could end up hurting yourself which could slow you down more than an extra bit of weight. Since you sound curious, I'd recommend giving it a try. At worst they don't work for long distances and you can still use them for shorter runs and at best you'll love them and they'll help you go faster for your halfs.

    As far as what are the best, there is no such thing. There are a lot out there, and it's best to try out whatever you can find and see what feels good.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Nicholas
    Nicholas Sendmail

    Read the book 'Born To Run' by Chris McDougal. You'll want to run barefoot everyday, no matter the distance.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Peter L.PRO
    Peter L. Sendmail

    I made the switch to lightweight shoes and haven't looked back. It's hard to say which would be the best for you, but if you want to make a gradual transition, a lightweight trainer in the 10oz weight range might be a good choice. If that works, then you can jump down to a flat if you want to shave off even more weight.

    Personally, I run in the Brooks Launch, Brooks Green Silence, and Vibram Fivefingers, though what works for me may not work for you. Every brand will have a shoe comparable to these (well, except for the Vibrams).

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Eddie D.
    Eddie D. Sendmail

    The shoes I wear are Mizuno Wave Elixers, they are in the 9.5 to 10 oz range (depending on size. They also have little pads in the forefoot that add some traction. I just ran a Marathon in them and my feet felt great!

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Thesean D.
    Thesean D. Sendmail

    Trainers are fine... but they are not going to make YOU faster. You need to run a larger aerobic base and do quality work to optimize times. Most importantly though, the goal of running should be fitness and enjoyment, not arbitrary time goals.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Jamison
    Jamison Sendmail

    I've come to the conclusion that the Asics Gel Speedstar 4 are the ideal shoe for me. Light, neutral, and just enough "sponginess" in the sole to take the edge off. I use them on runs up to 14 miles, and they have worked out great.

    I also have the Brooks Green Silence, and while they are even lighter, I'd hesitate on using them over 10k if you are a bigger guy. I'm 5'11" 175, and classify myself as such.

    posted almost 2 years ago

  • Heather G.
    Heather G. Sendmail

    I'm in agreement ...I switched to Nike Free's (5.0's) and I'll NEVER go back! I'm currently training for another marathon in them, I've well exceeded the 13.1 mile mark on my long runs, and have had no issues.

    posted almost 2 years ago

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