Tired of minimalism

The new Mizuno Wave Precision (just updated) is an excellent true lightweight neutral trainer. I train in flats and alternate Hyperspeeds, Wave Revolvers, and DS Racers, but if I felt compelled to move to an actual trainer, it would be the Precision. Otherwise, adidas offers several options in the racer/lightweight trainer category. The Response Light in an excellent trainer/racer hybrid, as is the Supernova Light.

If you are looking for stability lightweight trainers:

Saucony Tangent 3 - Really nice ride, about 9.5oz

Asics DS Trainer- Low profile, feels like a flat, the heel-toe though is a bit high in my opinion.

Nike Elite- Not really a lightweight trainer (11oz)anymore, but has a nice feel to it.

Nike Span- Similar to the Elite, except with less stability.

New Balance 902- Have heard good things, haven't tried them.

Cushioned-

Mizuno Precision- Always a solid, light shoe.

Asics Landreth- A beefy shoe, but still light.

New Balance 825

Nike Skylon- Light and soft, run a bit small.

go with the ST's. Theyre absolutely great.

I'd never really consider them flats, but theyre great 8 oz trainers. I swear by them.

Dude, the T4s are a damn light flat. I've trained in them and they breakdown to easy. Try the Brooks Racer ST, they last longer. The Nike Marathoner is another good training flat. Also, an 8oz shoe is a flat. Most training shoes run around 12oz with lightweight trainers running around 10oz.

Alan

Wow. You called him dude. You must be really cool if you use terms like that.

Good thread. Anyone else out there with some recommendaitons for "in between" shoes (ie, not quite flats, not full on trainers, more in the "lightweight trainer" mode). I too am looking for something like that. I've tried transitioning to some real light flats for more of my training, but it never quite feels right when I am on the roads, and I need some arch support.

So what you folks recommend from Addidas?

Oh yeah, when I am on grass(not "high" but running on soccer fields :-) ), I can handle the real minimalist lightweight flats. What are some recommendations there? Remember, all I need is some arch support.

THANKS

Try the Katana series or the adiZero racer (which ever is the one right above the PR in weight).

Yes, see if adizero RC works or if you need to beef up a bit from there, try the adizero LT.

I also have realized recently that trying to run too much in the adizero PR was a big mistake unless running on flat, smooth surfaces.

you might want to check out the mizuno elixirs. the new one coming out will actually be lighter weight (9.5oz) than the precision (9.8oz) which kind of defeats the purpose of the precision. i cant remember when it comes out, probably sometime this fall.

If you go with the zoom marathoners and find them under $80 let me know. I've been looking all over for a cheaper pair.

I tried on some T5 's today & loved those. They had the cushioned and curved feeling to them I love.

If your last ten thousand miles or so have been exclusively in the t4, you might find most or all ~9-10 oz LWTs awkwardly bulky, heavy, high-heeled, and/or inflexible. At least that's my experience, and I never got to the point of *only* running in sub 7 oz flats, yet when I slip on something like the Hayward it seems a little boot-like.

The first generation ST was, for me, kind of inflexible and unnatural - maybe too much medial post for stability. Other folks liked 'em though and not sure what the current iteration is like.

At the risk of sounding like a shill since I keep mentioning them, I love Fila's flats, the Corsa Sette (you can still find some sizes on closeout) and now Corsa Otto. They're light, pretty low profile (18/9 mm), damn near as flexible as the Free, and shockingly cushy for the weight. To me they seem nearly as protective as much bulkier LWTs - definitely a huge step up in cushioning from Nike's Streak XC, which I can't run a lot of pavement miles in. But I've not worn the t3/4/5, not sure how that compares.

Fila has another shoe slotted in between this flat and their ~10 oz LWT (Redemption) called the Volante. Haven't tried it but a few here gave it a thumbs up.

You might also have a look at the Free 3. The 5 is/was a really good shoe IMO but a little high heeled. I'm sure someone must've run in both the Free 3 and the t4/5 and can say whether the Free is more protective or not.

question for ya wrote: Anyone else out there with some recommendaitons for "in between" shoes (ie, not quite flats, not full on trainers, more in the "lightweight trainer" mode). I too am looking for something like that. I've tried transitioning to some real light flats for more of my training, but it never quite feels right when I am on the roads, and I need some arch support.

The Filas have the most arch support I've ever experienced in running shoes. Corsa Sette/Otto has a lot, the Redemption actually had too much for me and I'm used to some hippie shoes with mucho arch, like Birkenstocks and Earth shoes. With the arch and the cushioning you might find the flats to be enough shoe, or else maybe the Volante.

Running on grass it sounds like maybe you want cross country flats. I liked the Waffle Racer, at least the 2004 version. If you felt pretty secure about the grass not having needles or glass or dog shit, how about barefoot?