Vot for the All Time Best Racing Flat - No one under 30 allowed to post

I will be waiting for the cops to pick me up.

Re: Marathon 80

It used to be at classicsportshoes.com, but they're out. But if you just tap adidas marathon 80 into google, I think you'll find someone with one. -- Spidey

Original Asics Gel Magic Racer...yellow, blue, with those nasty yellow laces!!!

Unfortunately, every update since is heavier, and clunkier...the newest model is their heaviest yet!

My dad bought a few pairs of the Marathon 80's from Eastbay a while back. Everytime I'm home I sneak out onto the trails with them. Pretty sweet shoes, I think they are just as good or better than my $80 Cubatos. Simple shoe yet it has enough cushion for cement/asphalt.

Nike Air Edge, Still have them and use them for that special race

Nike Duellist

Nike Air Zoom Mariah

1. Another vote for Nike American Eagle.

2. And a vote for Tiger Jayhawk.

3. (off-road only) Nike Oregon Waffle Racers (if that was correct name) came out about 1976-77. They were yellow and green, naturally, and were nothing more than a nylon upper, a super thin foam pad and the outsole.

4. Adidas Cubato is the best in the last two decades.

the usual suspects:

Nike American Eagles

Nike Spiridon Golds - both for the roads

and for long XC races -

Nike Elites

and an early version of the DS racer circa '95!

Gotta go w/ the orginal Elite - like a sock for my foot.

Then the Tiger Jayhawk - blk/gld/wh

adidas Atlanta - maroon (dye always ran - but what a flat)

adistar racer - circa 1982 - pale blue/yellow

Yep, I remember that Oregon Waffle Racer. I think everyone in my high school era (late 70's) ran X-C in those. Great shoe. Wish I had a pair (did they reissue them -- I haven't seen it?)

Agree also with Tiger Jayhawk (yellow shoe) -- I think it was available about the same time as the Ohbori, and the Ohbori was a more interesting shoe; I'm still sorry I threw mine out (20 years ago).

Nike dualist

June 6, 1978 wrote:

I will be waiting for the cops to pick me up.

What is a "vot"?

No question...my favorite, hands down:

Nike American Eagle.

Once the shoe had served its purpose as a running shoe, I wore the American Eagles as casual shoes until I literally had worn a hole through the sole.

Guys behind the berm...are you listening??

While technology has changed training shoes (minimalists will argue for the worst), flats are flats. What kind of tech can go into a 5 oz shoe?

just because something is light doesnt mean its not technologically advanced. that 5 oz shoe today is made out of polymers that didnt exist 20 15 10 or even 5 years ago. with new low density polymers with favorable properties for running flats being invented, the flats are continually getting better. you comment is like saying \"how much technology can go into a 5 micrometer computer chip?\", alot.

I vote for the nike zoom streak xc. and im under 30.

Nike Air Mariah.

poly.mervin,

Good point, I figured someone would set me straight on that. However, have you ever tried any of the flats mentioned on this thread as a comparison? I'm interested to know. I haven't purchased a 5 oz. racer in a long time, but I am due for one. I still have my pair of Brooks Hasty's (95) with only a few races in them. Can't wait to compare.

Better polymers or not, at 5 oz., there's not much that goes into a flat. In the end, I gather preferences go down to fit and feel. I can't imagine anything feeling as good as my Hasty's. I thought then that they were the perfect flat. After a long layoff, they are due for another race.

I missed out on the American Eagles. My buddy had a pair which he thought were the ultimate thing, but when I stepped into the store mine eyes were bedazzled by the Spiridon Gold.

Digression: Zoom Ultra Spikes!

Note to myself: never, ever throw out a pair of flats...must ignore wife...

I was a fan of the waffle racers from the early 90's....before they got rid of the waffle sole.

Nike Sock Racer

I loved the Nike waffle racer. I had the neon green with black trim. Wore them for some cross, indoor meets and every roadrace.