marathon shoes

I'm somewhat similar: 42, 5'11", 150, aiming for low 2:30s.

Old days PR of 2:24, but haven't trained vigorously for a number of years. First marathon in 5 years, first with any training behind for 8 years.

I got a pair of the Sketchers Go Meb Speed 3, and a pair of the Adidas Adios Boost 2. So far I'm strongly leaning toward the Adidas. I used to race marathons in significantly less shoe than that, but I'm going to be a bit more conservative at this point.

I really wish the Hoka Carbon Rockets were going to be released before my marathon, as I really like the R-Mat midsole material, and have really liked some previous racing flats (Adidas Pro-Plate) that included a carbon fiber forefoot plate. No such luck though--a couple of months too late.

Bump

I know some local 2:40 former guys that ran them in 10oz shoes, not flats. For the marathon above 2:30, I don't think you need flats. Specific recommendations? None right now, just something neutral and around 10-12 oz.

I was looking at the hokas too - new models look very promising - do a lot of my long runs in the Clifton 2 was considering wearing them for the race

I'm leaning that way too - don't need flats to run 6:10-20s

I'm leaning that way too - don't need flats to run 6:10-20s

Adidas Boston Boost all the way ..could also try Adios Boost (a little lighter, but I prefer a bit more shoe).

34, 2:41

think that's a good choice.

Also really depends on the course and your efficiency. If quads are trashed from downhill, you'll want the extra couple ounces from a lightweight trainer.

meant to include, I'm similar height/weight...6'2", 155-160

former canuck runner wrote:

think that's a good choice.

Also really depends on the course and your efficiency. If quads are trashed from downhill, you'll want the extra couple ounces from a lightweight trainer.

sorry. unclear writing. I meant "from a lightweight trainer like the clifton 2."

BTW, Boston boost has more drop than the Clifton, something to consider.

I love cliftons light and cushioned let me do lots of miles in my old age- but they can be clunky when you want to really turn it over not that I'm going to be doing that in my race, but they don't feel like race shoes will try the Boston boost. I have a pair of the adizero takumi sens which I love for faster stuff but not sure I'll be able to pull them off for the marathon

You might like the Adios Boost then if looking for a shoe that feels faster. I have both, just use Boston for marathon because my mechanics aren't great. Adios boost Only maybe an ounce lighter than the the Boston, but adios definitely feels faster. Adios good for hm, 15k maybe even 10k. Boston for me is just a marathon shoe. A lightweight trainer kind of feel

if you're coming from the Clifton, I'd suggest the Nike LunarTempo. Soft, cushion, more shoe than the LunarRacer

The Skechers gorun 4 is a perfect marathon shoe with a low drop reasonable cushioning for distance , but very light weight .

It's similar to the adios with a better toe box

New balance 1400s or 1600s

edward teach wrote:

New balance 1400s or 1600s

These are both good. I wore the 1400s for a marathon and it was ok, but now I want a bit more shoe. The longest I wore the 1600s was for a half marathon... I know they advertise the 1600s as a marathon shoe, but I think you need to be pretty light and have excellent mechanics to pull that off

slo-twitch wrote:

Adidas Boston Boost all the way ..could also try Adios Boost (a little lighter, but I prefer a bit more shoe).

34, 2:41

26, 2:44, 180

I'm a slightly bigger dude, but I can still get away with something like the Adios Boost or my favorite, the NB 1400s for a full. Boston Boost is the safest bet out there though. Still very light, but more than enough cushion to be lumped into that everyday category. Similarly, I loved the NB 890s when they were around. Similar to Boston boosts in that lightweight everyday shoe market.

42 5'9" 140lb

2:40

LunarTempo provides the cushion but is very lightweight.

If you like the Clifton, the Clayton will be lighter and quicker (more responsive), available around April 1.

The Tracer is pretty sweet and will be more like a true flat (but less "Hoka-like")

The carbon shoe was the most uncomfortable shoe I've ever put on my foot.

The New Balance Vazee Pace (6mm drop) is a nice responsive performance trainer. Firmer more than cushiony.

The Brooks Launch (10mm drop) is awesome. Will feel more like a quick trainer than a racer. Great cushion and pop at toe-off.

One other note, racing flats vs lightweight trainers isn't only about speed. It should be about what enables you to run most efficiently. There isn't some magic cutoff at 2:30 or 2:40 that runners should switch from flats to trainers. My advice is always to wear your marathon shoes during long runs and longer tempos so you know how your legs will feel at 90 min and 2 hrs. If you are afraid to wear them for a 20 mile training run you probably shouldn't wear them for a race.