XC flats for marathon

Definitely don't wear spikes. Although you want to run around your typical marathon time on the roads, this will be difficult on a grass course so you have to keep in mind that you might be out there longer. Anything longer than one hour in spikes would probably kill your feet. I would go with my typical racing flats or trainers. It sounds like fun though.

do not wear spikes for a marathon - you will suffer horribly. you will not be any faster and would likely be much slower. wear an xc shoe like the adidas neptune or nike (spikeless) waffle racer.

Okay wow would have never known. Thanks for the info. What is it about the spikes that would make it painful again never worn them.

Hitting rocks and roots for a start.

So which is it-- are you wanting to wear XC flats or XC spikes? XC flats should work well if you're used to them (can handle 26.2 miles in XC flats, offroads), unless you want something with a bit more cushion (like INOV8s).

I was thinking of getting XC flats with spikes for the race. But after hearing the original two replies I am thinking the better of it.

The course is mostly grass fields and some dirt trails. No rocks or boulders.

However after the original comments I was wondering what it is about the spikes that makes it hard to run long in them (I have never worn them for any distance).

I'd go with wearing something that you're used to. If you're used to wearing road flats for a road marathon, wear them for the grass/dirt marathon.

Spikes are for maximum traction. The price of that traction is hitting things that do not give and snagging them. You do not need that traction.

But if you really want to know why you shouldn't wear them, go for a long run in them on the course. You'll know then. You should never run a marathon in shoes you've never worn before anyway

Yeah I would for sure run in them first but now I am thinking of not even buying them. Thanks for all the good advice.

By the way what is the longest people would race in spikes, 10k?

Would you recommend it wrote:

Would you recommend wearing XC flats with spikes for this?

Yes. Please report back. Thanks.

Great idea wrote:

Would you recommend it wrote:

Would you recommend wearing XC flats with spikes for this?

Yes. Please report back. Thanks.

Really you seem to be in the minority. Why are you for them?

OK. Enough. This needs to be explained: there are 2 kinds of shoes: spikes and flats. There are no "spikes with flats." If the shoes have spikes, then they are spikes; if they do not, then they are flats. The question that you are asking is, "should I wear cross country spikes for a marathon?" The answer, unless you have done a lot of running in spikes and are very used to them, is probably no. If you are not used to the lower heel, your calves will feel very not good in the latter stages of the race. That said, you should be aware that, because you are on softer surfaces, you won't need quite as much cushioning as you would for a road marathon, so you might be able to wear lighter flats than you would otherwise.

Thank you.

Would you recommend it wrote:

I was thinking of getting XC flats with spikes for the race. But after hearing the original two replies I am thinking the better of it.

The course is mostly grass fields and some dirt trails. No rocks or boulders.

However after the original comments I was wondering what it is about the spikes that makes it hard to run long in them (I have never worn them for any distance).

So, you're wanting XC spikes (metal)? XC flats ("spikeless") have rubber studs-- you can't put metal spikes in them. I'd say XC flats or a mountain/trail shoe like the INOV8s is the way to go (give you the traction you need), but do a good bit of running (offroad long runs) in them. Spikes would force you to get up on your toes, which (unless you're naturally a "toe runner") is going to beat up your legs/calves over 26.2 miles.

Thanks also.

I'd actually go with a road racing flat

find one without any openings or ventilation stuff on the bottom

the t5 or nike streak xc would be good

Oops, missed your post.:)

I used to train and race in XC flats (Saucony Kilkenny's and Puma Cortlandts, both nice) and ran 4 road marathons in them. They are definitely way less shoe than traditional road flats and required a significant transition period. If they are too little shoe and traction is an issue (ruling out road flats), I'd recommend looking at some of the lighter INOV8 models. They feel like road flats with a stickier sole (and much lighter than "trail shoes" by ~Adidas, Brooks, Nike, etc.). New Balance also supposedly has a nice and light shoe, 790's.