Training in racing flats?

They are kinda spongy, but they suit me as an important part of my nutritious breakfast, er, shoe rotation. I worried that the soft cushioning might spell poor durability and slow race times, and in fact neither has proved to be true. Mine have been exceptionally durable for a flat, and I've run my best races in them.

I'd have thought your arches might hurt because of the sheer size of the arch support, not the sponginess. It's one big-ass hump of an arch support! I got used to it pretty fast, I think, because I'm accustomed to wearing street shoes with big-ass arch supports: Birkenstocks, Earth Shoes.

Fila's Flow Redemption lightweight trainer has an even bigger arch. Though it's otherwise pretty neutral, the outside of my feet would get a bit sore during my first few runs, because the arch was so big. I've gotten over that but they're just so goddamn cushioned, I don't like feeling so completely isolated from the pavement.

You'll be happy to know that Fila is going to keep the Corse Sette model for at least another year.

Anyone try the Saucony Kilkenny XC Flat for everyday training? Is it comparable to the Nike Waffle Racer (not the Racer 3s or the current 4s, but like the 2s that were out around 2002 and 2003.) I don't like the fit of the 3s or 4s, and the Forvers were too narrow on the bottom.

Thanks.

I'm sorry for being so late in replying to your question. I was so intriqued by the spongy feeling of the Corsa Sette that I never considered any faults. I have very high arches so the Corsa Sette is perfect for my foot structure. I never realized how good a shoe could feel on my feet, and I've been racing since 1972. Its been wonderful to experience such a feeling even this late in the game. Good Luck and I hope all runners find equipment that helps them.

Shoesshoes: Thank you for the great news!! I've already stashed two pairs of the Corsa Sette in the closet. Yes, my very own Christmas presents!

former waffles wearer wrote:

Anyone try the Saucony Kilkenny XC Flat for everyday training? Is it comparable to the Nike Waffle Racer (not the Racer 3s or the current 4s, but like the 2s that were out around 2002 and 2003.) I don't like the fit of the 3s or 4s, and the Forvers were too narrow on the bottom.

Thanks.

It's lighter than any of the Waffle Racers, and probably closer to the Streak xc, a little more arch. What it is, is a light rubber-spiked old-fashioned tennis shoe. I like it for occasional training and speedwork.

former waffles wearer wrote:

Anyone try the Saucony Kilkenny XC Flat for everyday training? Is it comparable to the Nike Waffle Racer (not the Racer 3s or the current 4s, but like the 2s that were out around 2002 and 2003.) I don't like the fit of the 3s or 4s, and the Forvers were too narrow on the bottom.

Thanks.

If they weren't a little snug on my toes (size 13), they'd be perfect. I'm afraid to order 14s, but if I saw them in a store I'd be sure to give them a shot. Right now the Puma Cortlandt is what I use for 90% of my training/racing.

Has anyone with a slight leg length discrepency ever tried training in flats? I feel like orthotics and built up trainers might be causing more problems to this imbalance. Anyone have an experience to share?

Yes. I have a leg length issue that feels much better in flats. Not really sure why but it makes a huge difference

What are your peoples thought on the DS trainer?

Might as well wear bricks. They are stiff and heavy!

i wore some around....they were definatly not heavy but they were stiff

Agreed! Then when the original Nike Air Edge (red,white,blue) arrived on the scene it was the best of all worlds. Racing/training, simply the best shoes ever.

Bought 10 pairs of 12.5's before Nike ceased production!

70's Survivor wrote:

I remember the old original NIKE and Onitsuka Tiger racing flats: blue with white stripes, that we did almost all our racing AND training in, unless we were racing in spikes.

I miss those old models. The newer shoes are like running in ski boots.

Other than hamstring pulls, spraining an ankle on a run in the woods or crashing into something we almost never got hurt.

Odd, that.

Absolutely agree, especially with the Onitsuka Tiger models of the day, except they lacked any heel reinforcement at all, which caused me some pronation. Otherwise excellent.

I find racers work best on the easy recovery days, with liteweight trainers for the more demanding stuff...my take.

msl98155 wrote:

Agreed! Then when the original Nike Air Edge (red,white,blue) arrived on the scene it was the best of all worlds. Racing/training, simply the best shoes ever.

Bought 10 pairs of 12.5's before Nike ceased production!

I had a pair of those that lasted me through 4 years of college track workouts. I can't imagine how many miles I put on them.

The developed heel thing is definately a problem. The Evolution Running technique (running on your forefoot aleast 180 strikes per minute etc.) supports this and there is a significant drop in injury risk factor with this technique. The problem with training in racing flats is the heavy shoe law. Run in heavy shoes, race in lighter shoes and your confidence will be boosted along with you legs jumping for joy. Now a new company from Boulder, CO has found a great solution with this problem with their Newton Running shoes (newtonrunning.com). You should definately check it out. They are slightly heavier than racing flats for the heavy shoe effect but all the technology is in the forefoot, not the heel so it is just like running in racing flats.

Good Luck.

Miler,

Please go peddle your gimmicks somewhere else.

Thank you.

I found that the "heavy shoe law" never worked for me. When I trained in heavier shoes than what I raced in my legs always felt somewhat out of control, I don't know a better way to describe the sensation, when I raced. When I went to training in the same shoes I raced in that problem went away.

And to whoever asked about using the Kilkenny for everyday training, I've done it with no problem.

I found that the "heavy shoe law" never worked for me. When I trained in heavier shoes than what I raced in my legs always felt somewhat out of control, I don't know a better way to describe the sensation, when I raced. When I went to training in the same shoes I raced in that problem went away.

And to whoever asked about using the Kilkenny for everyday training, I've done it with no problem.