For those of you interested in using the Lunar Racer as an everyday trainer, I thought I'd put together a road tested 400mile review with pics, since I just picked up a new pair today. I realize the shoe has been modified for release in January 2010. However, I believe the durability will remain similar. So, hopefully this review proves helpful.
I've read several posts where users are getting a lot more mileage out of the shoe, but mine topped out after a hot summer of 40-60 mile weeks at 400miles. The familiar symptoms of worn down cushion and aches on the tops on my feet are always signs that I'm ready for new shoes. I'm 6'2, 165lbs, btw.
I've been using the shoe every day, sometimes twice a day, with long runs of 15-20 miles weekly on mostly pavement and some pea-gravel trails with lots of hills. The shoe offers just as much, if not more cushion than many standard trainers. In fact, I opted not to use the shoe for a recent 5k. I don't find it highly responsive or low and firm enough for fast cornering. I don't know why anyone would want to use it for track workouts. Sure, it's super light, but there’s just too much cushion for the track. With that being said, I think it makes an awesome daily trainer and a killer half or full marathon shoe for neutral runners. I ran one half marathon in them this summer, and I'm preparing for a full fall marathon in them. I’ve had no problems with tears in the upper mesh, although they do get a little crusty for lack of breathability. I do wear a very thin, slightly higher sock to avoid sores on the Achilles, but this problem has been addressed in the 2010 release.
I know there’s much controversy over the benefits of training in heavier shoes and saving the feather weights for race day, but hey, this is just my opinion. Once you’ve used them it’s hard to go back. It's an awesome minimal shoe with great cushion
Here’s some comparison pics of new vs used