running shoes for IM marathon
I prefer flexible shoes which are a step above racing flats but not minimalist, which I have been using for all my HIM races to date. Its been a long time since I have run a marathon so I have a bit of a conundrum.
I have narrowed it down to two choices- one is firmer and 'snappier' and has elastic laces easy on/off. , Second is a bit cushier and has tie up laces. Both are very light and feel good for long runs but the cushier one is definitely a bit slower with less return of energy.
I think if I was doing a standalone marathon, I might go with the snappier shoe. I am however favoring the cushier ones for the IM marathon due to the tie up laces (more secure and easily adjustable) and I can't help but think cushy will feel better at the end. Plus I'm not going to set any speed records.
Comments?
Comments
I agree with more cushion and light weight combo for the IM run as you express. For me, Hoka gets that done better than any other shoe. I use the Hoka One Ones. Two pairs and I alternate each day for training. They really don't look as cool as a lot of other shoes out there but they are amazingly light for the amount of cushion and absorption they provide. For a big guy like myself running on Dallas TX concrete every day, they get the job done.
SS
currently 63Kg. the snappier shoe ('On Cloud') is supposed to be about 1 oz lighter than the cushier shoe (Skechers Gorun Ride 5) but both are less than 9oz. I use NB 1400 for HIM but I tried a long slow run in them and the bottoms of my feet felt beat up after 90 minutes so its a no-go. I will try the Cloud for this weekend's run off bike and long run and see how it goes.
I have the Clifton's which are a lighter "racing" shoe and don't really like them. I train in the Bondi and really like it. While it is heavier than other Hoka's, I find them to be no liability on race day. Train as you race, race as you train... Heard that somewhere around here.
I've tried hokas and while they are comfy, they are too stiff for my feet. My feet don't get to do what they want to do which leads to knee and hip trouble. I also like a bit more of a low to the ground feel.
Finding shoes for my goldilocks feet that have a bit of cushioning and are flexible enough has been a bit of a chore. Currently NB1400, On Clouds , and skechers Gorun and Ride seem to fit the bill. When I first got the Clouds I felt right away they were THE shoes, but I have since been doing easy runs in the skechers and they also feel great (but a bit slower and less responsive), which has led to my current (overthinking) predicament. I will probably take both pairs to tremblant and decide at the last minute based on which way the wind is blowing lol.
Satish, been watching your training and there's no way Goldilocks can run half that fast. Get the right shoes on those feet and they will take you far and fast.....
Oh yea, per Scott, I looked and I am in the Cliftons......
Cliftons for me too...
I rotate through loads of different shoes with varying heel toe drop to always keep from getting an overuse injury. Currently using Saucony Kinvara, Newton Gravity, Sketchers Go Run 4, Brooks Pure Flow & Pure Connect and Puma. I used Kinvara in Texas and switched to lace locks right before the race and lost 4 toenails - ouch. Was going to try the Ons so maybe you convinced me bud. I brought the Kinvara and Pure Flow and chose Kinvara as they were lighter. As a PT what would you advise your patients to do?
- go with what you have the most experience and comfort in.
I love them, but obviously they don't work for everyone.
Unfortunately, you have to experiment with running shoes (which means buying them!) before you find what works for YOU. You can ask all the questions in the world, but you've got to run miles and miles to figure that out. Wish it was easier!
Satish,I'm with you on the Hoka's...also don't like too soft or flat ride...I like a traditional shoes with slightly higher drop...I vacillate between Nike Zoom Elites and Zoom Vomero....very similar shoe with the Vomero being slightly more cushioned...Zoom Elites are great for anything from 5k to Marathon...