Racing Flats - Gear - Runner's World

propaganda

09/12/2007 at 14:01

I have been wondering whether a pair of Racing Flats is a good idea to try and help improve my 5k & 10k times? Any comments on the pros & cons. Will they help?

Welsh Alex

09/12/2007 at 23:14

Yup, they are. They will hammer you if you run heel-strike though.

Grendel3

10/12/2007 at 12:41

Depends on your build - they do tend to suit the lighter faster runner than the slower or heaveier plodder.

propaganda

10/12/2007 at 12:46

mmm...I am a lightish, if mediocre runner. I don't heel strike though. I really want to improve my PBs next season , so it seems the Racing Flats might be a worthwhile option.

Grendel3

10/12/2007 at 13:53

Go for the flats then - I did and not sure if it made a difference to me physically - but mentally it did - part of the mental preperation was to put the vest and flats on -

G diddy

10/12/2007 at 18:08

Racing flats can help because they're lighter but also because they are so much more flexible. They have a bit of cushionong but it doesn't last very long. Also watch your achilies tendons because these get stretched a bit more in a low profile shoe (thinner midsole).

However for 5K and 10K racing - keen to improve - i'd say go for it. Perhaps try some speedwork in them first.

propaganda

10/12/2007 at 20:48

I do suffer from niggling achilles tendons - some soft heel lifts perhaps?

Peter Gringleheim

13/12/2007 at 10:28

Depends how fast you are, unless you are running sub 7 minute miles it won't make much difference.

FarSide

13/12/2007 at 16:07

I'm a forefoot striker and can't run in any shoes with cushioned heels 'cos they prevent the achilles doing what it's designed to do. I do most of my running off road & wear Walsh unless it's dry when I wear very minimalist Nike acgs (windsurfer shoes)

propaganda

14/12/2007 at 18:55

Any recommendations as to good Racing Flats?

Welsh Alex

14/12/2007 at 21:38

I have some 3 year old nike zoom, lots of people have got the Nike Mayfly[url] and there is an adidas zero which I have seen about.[/p

Captain Hook

20/12/2007 at 13:11

I can't recommend the mayfly enough - just putting them on makes me feel faster!

They only last about 100k but £25 still pretty good value for ten 10k races

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