What shoes did people race marathons in pre-super shoes?

I train for and run marathons in Saucony Kinvaras. I have no interest in the bouncy shoes and would consider any faster time doping.

thanks for sharing

anyways curious as to what the popular shoes were prior to these ones

Nike streaks or adidas Adios 2/3 we’re very popular just before the super shoe era

Boston 6

ASICS Gel Burrito. Wait a sec, maybe it was the Gel Bandito?

Vibram toe shoes

The Nike Air Mariah was my go to in my marathon days.

ADIOS AMIGOS. My feet hated me those last few miles

Loved the Nike lunar racers

You'd spend your entire build up debating whether to wear a lightweight trainer (NB 890/Pegasus/Boston), a well-cushioned flat (NB 1400/Zoom Steak/Adios), or a compromise tempo shoe. Usually you'd decide the night before the race, then wonder in the early miles if you'd made the right choice.

Vaporfly’s*

None of the above. Before Vaporflies came on the scene, it was the Adidas Boost era. They weren't that light, or cushioned, and they weren't true flats, but they were clearly superior to EVA. All the top pros at some marathons were wearing some version of Boost midsole.

Yeah well I consider Kinvaras to be doping compared to 90s New Balance dad shoes. Congratulations, cheater.

I've run for more years than some on this board have been alive. The Brooks Ghost 6 were the last shoe I truly loved. I died a little when my last pair fell apart.

Hobby joggers like me were - if not out there in their regular trainer (I just used my Pegasus) picked a lighter shoe like the saucony kinvara, brooks launch, adidas boston. Maybe the new balance 1500 as well.

Elites had flats like the streak or adios. but those were too little shoe for most people.

Why are your kinvaras not considered doping when compared to American Eagles? Onitsuka Tigers? Barefeet?

Why do you get to draw the line at “the bouncy shoes”? Any change in technology would be an assist. Please don’t act high and mighty- you’re only fooling yourself.

Till about 20 miles, then the bottom of my feet would start feeling like they were burning.

I can only speak from the early 80’s on. Nike has always worked well with my feet. I’m sure there are some I have forgotten, so fill in as you’d like.

Mariah
Nike spiridon

air edge

American eagle

terra tc

spiridon gold

Air mariah

streak

marathon racer

streak 3

streak 6

flyknit racer

streak fly knit

4%

flyknit 4%

vaporfly

alpha fly

vaporfly 2

alphafly 2