Anyone using the Hoka Tracer in IM?

Dave Tallo

My body is starting to betray me and I don't think I'll be able to get away with racing on the paper-thin midfoot of Asics DS Racers anymore.    I still want lightweight, but my feet tell me they need cushioning.  

I think that's where the Hoka Tracers fits.    

Anyone have experience in these?  

(I'm currently training in the Bondi.)

(And if anyone is looking for new Asics DS Racers in sz 10, I have a stockpile to sell.)  

 

Al Truscott

I ran in the Tracers this past winter (no races). There were not like other Hoka One One models, in that they do NOT have that thick cushiony sole. Narrower in the toes than other Hokas. And they didn't feel that much different than my racing shoes, which are 1-2 oz (about 45 gms) lighter, the Saucony Type A8. Biggest reason they will not replace those racing shoes: Tracers are like the Newton racing models, which do not have any protection in the heel area of the sole, and therefore wear out VERY quickly there with my running style. The A8s, though thin-soled, have a lot of protection in the outer heel area, and thus are still going strong after more than 100 km of racing. I have done an IM in them.

For the past 15 years, I've done all my stand-alone and IM marathons in 4-6 oz racing flats, as well as every shorter running/tri race, and have not had any trouble with my feet or legs as a result. I have done bad things to my legs when using heavier shoes, not the shoes' fault, but my own stupidity. You might re-think your plan to add unnecessary weight to each of those 30-35,000 steps you take in an IM marathon. It probably adds minutes to your time.

Sheila Leard

@Dave Tallo

I bought the Hoka Tracers and now these are used for wearing to the gym.

I recently switched from the Hoka Cliftons to the Hoka Cavu. It's their new FLY series. I like them! They are firmer and lighter than Cliftons. I was a Clifton fan since they came out. But I felt like the softness was reducing power on the toe off. Since I've gotten slower with age my shoe requirements have changed to wanting a more responsive shoe but with cushioning. Also, I feel like a lighter weight runner doesn't need a heavy, super cushioned shoe.

One point on the Cavu's - they run long. I sized down a half size. I talked with the Hoka rep and he concurred. I think that's a design flaw.

John Katsoudas

I'm another Cavu fan.  I've run in Asics Kayano's for years (decades) but switched to the NB 1080 for training about a year ago.  I was in the local running shop a while back and asked them for a recommendation for something lighter than the 1080 but with some cushioning (I have some lingering tendonitis in my foot and don't want to go with a racing flat).  They recommended the Cavu.  It was my first foray into Hoka's, and I fell in love with that shoe instantly.  I've been doing all my training and racing in that shoe for the last 6 months now.  I've heard of Hoka's propensity to completely change their shoes from year to year, so I just ordered three more pairs of Cavu's in anticipation of Hoka totally screwing it up for me soon.

Dave Tallo

Thanks Al and Sheila.   This steers me away from the Tracers, and it's the second endorsement for the Cavu, so I'll think a little more deeply on that model.  

Al, I hear you on the lightness.   I think it was that advice 7 or 8 years ago that got me hooked on flats in the first place! 

John Katsoudas

Now I have a pair of Cavu's for every possible training outfit.