Making my first attempt at the marathon distance next month— planning to run 8:00/mi. for as long as possible. Is it worth grabbing a pair of Vaporfly 3’s? I can handle the price if it’s worth it, just not sure if it helps at such a “slow” pace. Obviously I’d test them out a couple times before race day. I’ve been training in the Brooks Ghost Max. (Nike’s other super shoes are currently unavailable in my size.)
Would the Vaporflys benefit someone like me?
Running Shoes/Running Gear
Shoes
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It depends on your biomechanics.
If you heavily pronate or supinate, you'll likely run into trouble over the marathon distance. If not, you might be alright.
Lighter shoes will definitely improve your running economy over any distance though.
If you're still unsure, there are intermediaries between the Vaporfly and the Ghost Max.
Maybe try a "Super Trainer". These are shoes typically designed for workouts. They're still lightweight, and many have plates, but they're more comfortable and usually more stable than an out-and-out racer.
Try something like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 3, The Puma Deviate Nitro 2, The Asics Superblast or the New Balance SuperComp Trainer.
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The first reply was good.
I would add that even when I run slow, the Vapor Fly 2 still help. I run 6:xx for most of my harder efforts (fat and in my 50s) but I do also run a lot of "8 minute pace" runs after work as well. In either case, the VF do make the running feel easier and my average pace is faster. I have hundreds of miles on an old pair of VF and they are still faster and better than a new pair of regular trainers.
p.s. The Endorphins are great too but if you can afford it, just get the VF3s and enjoy. They are still cheaper than almost any part of a fisherman's, golfer's or cyclist's gear...
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It will almost certainly benefit you.
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Vaporflys are garbage don’t waste your money it’s a marketing lie
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HonestlyTho wrote:
Vaporflys are garbage don’t waste your money it’s a marketing lie
ssssuuuuuuuureeeee...
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40 yo M first marathon wrote:
Making my first attempt at the marathon distance next month— planning to run 8:00/mi. for as long as possible. Is it worth grabbing a pair of Vaporfly 3’s? I can handle the price if it’s worth it, just not sure if it helps at such a “slow” pace. Obviously I’d test them out a couple times before race day. I’ve been training in the Brooks Ghost Max. (Nike’s other super shoes are currently unavailable in my size.)
Yes. Shoe technology benefits everyone, provided it doesn't cause injury. Advice: do some long runs in your Vaporflys to get used to how your body handles them. Don't wear them for the first time on race day. Your body will thank you.
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Pretty sure they would help. I'm old and slow, and tried a pair of Vaporfly shoes. Took my half marathon best from 1:40:03 to 1:36:47. I'd increased mileage too, a bit, but the shoes felt good and were easy to run in.
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Supershoes help runners of all abilities although they seem to help faster runners more. The big difficulty is that there are responders and non responders to the shoes and no-one has been able to identify why at this stage. It could be that the high stack height with a soft midsole creates more opportunity to pronate which could reduce efficiency. However they do work for recreational runners when it comes to performance and the feedback from runners is their legs feel better at the end of long races. Here is a research study you might find useful:30
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Short answer, they will probably help you.
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