Nike Marathoner, Nike Mayfly, Asics Hyperspeed 2 for a marathon?

I'm 6ft4 180lb 69 half / 2:29 mar, forefoot striker. I race in Asics Tigerpaws which suit me well.

Caveman, I made a mistake wearing the Mayfly's in the Bangkok Marathon last year. Feet were killing me by 20km. I was just doing that marathon as a training run, and to experiment with the Mayfly's, but it was an experiment with a painful result!!!

I'd go with the Nike Marathoner, but the forefoot is not really flexible. Another good one is the Adidas CS.

Jason

Thanks Mayeroff. Do you think there is an energy loss with the midsole of the Mayfly?

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I've run many miles in all of the shoes you have listed. I found the Mayfly too soft to really feel fast. However, if you are used to more streamlined shoes like that, the Marathoner might actually feel a bit bulky. The Hyperspeed is actually a nice choice, as it sort of falls in between the two in weight and is a little more responsive. My choice for my last three marathons has been the Streak XC and I'd recommend those since we seem to run in shoes that are similar. Having said all of that, I'd run in the shoes that you have used for your longer marathon paced efforts.

So why do all of the pro Nike runners wear the marathoner? I've never seen a pro wear the mayfly so there must be a good reason for that.

Caveman wrote:

Thanks Mayeroff. Do you think there is an energy loss with the midsole of the Mayfly?

I just don't think that there is enough support at all in the Mayfly's.

Haile G. wore the Adidas CS in his 2:05 last year in Berlin. I don't know what he wore this year.

Jason

The adidas adiZero CS is a great flat at 8.1 oz and $90.00. If you really want to go minimalisitc you could try the adiZero PR at 3.9 oz and $100.00.

The new adiZero line is all about lightest in class whether it's trail, racing or light training.

I guess my choices are between the Hyperspeed 2 and the Marathoner. I'm leaning toward the marathoner.

The new Nike Jazari Plus are a pretty good alternative to the marathoner. It's a bit narrower with a bit more cushioning but in the right places so it doesn't feel heavy. I have a pair but haven't actually run in them yet. I'm coming off a fracture so I'm a couple of weeks away from trying them out.

Has anybody here worn both the nike zoom streak zc and the nike zoom marathoner that can tell me the difference between the two?

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no. go w/ the katana racer, stiffer and better construction.

gonna run a marathon soon wrote:

Has anybody here worn both the nike zoom streak zc and the nike zoom marathoner that can tell me the difference between the two?

The Zoom Streak XC is a few ounces lighter, and obviously less substantial than the Marathoner.

Hey man I don't know anything about the hyperspeed 2 but I ran two marathons and a few halves in the original hyperspeed and will be doing my third in them at new york. Anyways, they are without question my favorite shoes I have ever run in. By the way I'm 6'2" 151 and have prs much like yours. 1:11 half 2:28 full.

I ran a marathon in the Jasari+ a couple weeks ago, 2:33:20 They worked out great, though i am only 5'8" 140. Not sure how they would work for a larger runner. Great cushy ride, and i will definately race in them again.

I'm just wondering if anyone can answer my question about energy loss as a result of racing a marathon in the Mayfly. I'd like to run my best and would't want my shoes to be a cause for a slower time. Your feedback would be greatly appreciated.

You are unique, just like everyone else.

Point being, only YOU will be able to determine what works for you. If you like the Mayflys, try some shorter races, progressing up to the marathon distance. Might go thru several pairs along the way though. If you don't like them in a half or a 30K race, you'll have your answer. If you do like them, try a marathon and see what happens.