Local Running Shop Like Monty Python Cheese Shop

This reminds me of the time I was out in the suburbs and won a low key 5k and my first prize was a pair of shoes from the local "running" store. They didn't have a single thing that was intended for anyone under 175 pounds. Even the notion of a "lightweight training shoe" was lost on theme.

zappos.com

If you wear the Piranhas for almost all of your runs then why can't you wear them for a marathon?

Because I don't have quite as many miles on my legs right now as I'd need to be able to pull it off. That and too many pounds around my middle. I've tried this before with bad results.

There's got to be something out there that fits my description, but neither Google nor shoe store employees are any help.

The shoe I'm looking for used to be the Asics Tiger Paw, but they put too much in the heel and ruined them.

Out of the brands you listed I would suggest the Saucony A3 (http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageMRS-STYP3M1.html) or the Asics Hyperspeed (http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageMRS-ASHS3.html). While both are more substantial than the shoe you've been running in, they're both simple, neutral, lightweight flats without a whole lot of bells and whistles.

Another good option would be the Brooks T6 (http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageMRS-BRT6R.html).

Asics Hyperspeed 3 sounds like it would be good for what you want. If you're used to the Piranha you would probably find the Brooks T6 a little too much. Root around runningwarehouse.com's flats section.

Why don't you wear another pair of Piranhas? Or lunarracer

I think the OP said he wanted a heavy racer or a light trainer. The three you mentioned might work, but they are still very minimal racers.

I would suggest some of their marathoning counterparts: The Saucony Fastwitch, the Asics Bandito, or the Brooks ST Racer as options as well.

Then they each of a lightweight neutral trainer as well: The Saucony Get Go, Asics Speed Star (if it is still made), Brooks Launch and Ghost 2.

I didn't mention New Balance because I am less familiar with their flats. But they have options as well.

Adidas Mana. Sure, it's outside of your brand specification but it's what you're looking for possibly.

jsquire wrote:

...whatever shoe I ask for, they haven't got. The employees are clueless about flats. I appeal here for help.

I wear Asics Piranhas for pretty much all my running, but I feel I need a little more between me and the road for a spring marathon. So I'm looking for something a little beefier but with otherwise similar characteristics.

Brands: Asics, New Balance, or Saucony

Styles: Lightweight trainer or heavier racing flat

Characteristics: very little heel-toe drop and without a high arch built in

What's available that fits the description?

Its not the company you listed, but nike lunarracer is your best bet. Maybe typeA from saucony.

Add some sort of insole to your Piranhas. I just use a flat Spenco but there are others which have a bit of cushion under the heel and something of an arch support.

I've never put on a pair of Adidas or Nike that fit my feet right, and while I'm willing to try them on at a store I'm not plunking down money until I'm sure they're what I want.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Now I have a list of shoes to take to the crosstown competitor, where when I say "racing flats" they don't look at me like I said "Venezuelan beaver cheese".

jsquire wrote:

I've never put on a pair of Adidas or Nike that fit my feet right, and while I'm willing to try them on at a store I'm not plunking down money until I'm sure they're what I want.

Thanks for all the suggestions. Now I have a list of shoes to take to the crosstown competitor, where when I say "racing flats" they don't look at me like I said "Venezuelan beaver cheese".

this might be my most favorite thread title ever. and i have enjoyed the thread. thanks jsquire and good luck! now to look for that venezuelan beaver cheese....

Hyperspeed is a good shoe - notably more cushioned and more rigidly structured than Piranha, but still light and low-heeled. I don't find it too jarring to run in them once every week or two after a steady diet of Piranha & its ilk.