Looking for a good flat to train in, vaporflys aren't doing the fast stuff for me well.
Looking for a good flat to train in, vaporflys aren't doing the fast stuff for me well.
Can't go wrong with the good ol $5 Asic Hyperspeeds
I have considered Saucony Fastwitch but have not purchased or tried them yet, curious to see what replies you get because I am in the same boat. Seems most racing shoes are now going with the huge stack and away from the traditional “flats”. LT streak was my tempo & track work lifeline for a long time & my final pair is on the ropes.
Nike does have the zoom rival waffle and zoom rival XC but they are geared more towards track work and would not be conducive to much outside of a track aside from intervals on a dirt/grass loop with the rival XC. I probably wouldn’t do a road tempo in them unless you really want to go minimal. Depends on what type of speed work you’re doing. Zoom Rival XC can be purchased without spikes, there are rubber “nubs” underneath in place of metal XC spikes.
I would recommend the streakfly although it is a bit cushy like the vaporfly. The Adidas Takumi Sen and New balance fuellcell pacer might do it for you
Altra Escalante Racer
If you're looking for a truly minimalist racing flat the NB Hanzo is probably what you want. That's what I'd recommend to someone doing a 10 000 who doesn't want to wear spikes. It might be a bit rough doing all your mileage in that shoe, though. I used to like the NB 1500 when it was their premium racing shoe but then it got ruined.
Personally I now do all my training in the adidas adios. They've added more cushion in recent versions but the shoe still feels responsive and "agile."
I use both the Fastwich and the A9s and like both, although I do miss the Streaks. As you say, it's tough to find "traditional" lighter weight trainers or racers. I'm hoping the fad of the supersized shoes will pass.
Takumi Sen 8s
man, i hear you. another vote for A9 and fastwitch. if there's anything else readily available, i don't know about it. if these go, i'm going to start making my own shoes.
Is there any standout difference between the A9 and fastwitch? Both have a pretty similar description on Saucony’s website & I can’t find any head to head reviews. And they are both retailing at the same $100 price point
The FWs are slightly heavier & have a small bit more stack height, but neither is significant.
Emily Sisson just set the American Record in the more minimalist New Balance SuperComp Pacer.
Active 88 boulder
You can still find the Hanzo? Where?
Takumi Sen 8 is a highly cushioned carbon plated shoe.
Unfortunately Altra has finally killed off the Escalante Racer. Saw their new catalog at my local running store and it’s finally gone. 🙁 If you can find them nab a pair!
Regular Escalante 3 might work but it’s weight is squarely in the “daily trainer” category.
Altra Rivera might work, not too heavy, but it’s also gaining 2mm of stack height for next year, from 26mm to 28mm.
SC Pacer or Takumi Sen are good suggestions. Kinvara too, though Saucony is starting to get cute with it too…wait till you see the Kinvara Pro. 😳
old school flats are about dead, son will be the best you can do is late ‘00’s/early-mid’10’s “performance trainers”. Even those though are starting to morph into kinda super shoes.
You definitely cannot find a Hanzo unless you dig in the clearance rack and get lucky or find something online.
The New Balance Supercomp Pacer has a very similar feel though—would definitely recommend.
The Streakfly is interesting to me though not sure if that interest is enough to justify $150.
Hard to go wrong with the Adios line- seems like a 50/50 split on if people like em or not, but they truly are a racing flat and always have been. Even the Boston is a decent option, though a little more cushioned and suited for tempo work.
Is this true? Can’t seem to find the pacer in the white colour she wore, to confirm (appreciating she may have a unique / elite colourway).
Phil Knike wrote:
I have considered Saucony Fastwitch but have not purchased or tried them yet, curious to see what replies you get because I am in the same boat. Seems most racing shoes are now going with the huge stack and away from the traditional “flats”. LT streak was my tempo & track work lifeline for a long time & my final pair is on the ropes.
Nike does have the zoom rival waffle and zoom rival XC but they are geared more towards track work and would not be conducive to much outside of a track aside from intervals on a dirt/grass loop with the rival XC. I probably wouldn’t do a road tempo in them unless you really want to go minimal. Depends on what type of speed work you’re doing. Zoom Rival XC can be purchased without spikes, there are rubber “nubs” underneath in place of metal XC spikes.
The fastwich is an excellent shoe.