Light trainer for marathon buildup

Nike Lunar-glide 3's. They are very light (around 10.5 ounces) and they provide a perfect amount of cushion even for my flat feet. I was stuck with Asics for about 3 years until I wore this shoe. It wouldn't hurt you to try it, but for me they are amazing and very durable. So far I have 600+ miles on them and they still feel brand new.

Thanks, I've been wanting to try those on. However, I noticed the drop was 12mm. Do they feel bulky in the heel?

Lunarglide 3

Weight: 10.6 oz (size 9)

Stack Height: Heel (30mm), Forefoot (18mm)

I am looking more for a 7-9 oz with 0-4mm drop. There seem to be a fair amount out there, but I'm looking for something that will hold up and not be too mushy.

Saucony Mirage

I agree. Saucony Mirage! Adizero Tempo is pretty good also and very comparable to the DS Trainer.

Have you tried the Brooks Pure line? I have been running in the Flow and it has taken some getting used to but I am liking them. 4mm drop and just under 10oz for size 11. They are somewhat soft and cushiony so that might be a turn off for some. Worth a try though.

I also train in the Elixir and the Precision.

Disco duck foot wrote:

Saucony Mirage

^This.

Very light. Some minor support in the arch and only a 4mm drop.

DS Trainer and Elixir have more traditional geometry, but if they have worked for you before, there is no reason not to go back to them either.

joho wrote:

They are somewhat soft and cushiony so that might be a turn off for some.

I was intrigued by that by the Pure line as well, but was worried about the sponginess. I got Green Silences a while ago for some races, and while I like them, they are just a bit spongy for a flat.

DS Trainer and Elixir have more traditional geometry, but if they have worked for you before, there is no reason not to go back to them either.

I haven't had any injuries with Elixir, but going back to them (especially after doing training in substantially lighter shoes) I can feel the high platform.

Ordered Mirages. I think they're just what I'm looking for. Thanks!

Elixir is 10mm, as well as DS Trainer. The Brooks Pure Flow is a nice shoe - takes a bit getting used to it. If you're looking for something with a post I recommend having a look at the Brooks Pure Cadence - in comparison to the Saucony Mirage it doesn't feel so stiff but has the same 4mm drop.

Nutella1 wrote:

Elixir is 10mm, as well as DS Trainer.

I stand corrected. Elixir is 12mm AFAIK. DST is 10mm though.

Where can you find the heel to toe drop for shoes? I've always kind of relied on word of mouth, or worse, this message board.

joho wrote:

Where can you find the heel to toe drop for shoes? I've always kind of relied on word of mouth, or worse, this message board.

Runningwarehouse.com They say they measure the shoes when they get them. I am not sure if you can trust them but it's better than nothing.

Sometimes I have my doubts, e.g. they list the Nike Free 3.0 and Free Run at both 7 or 8 mm but I think 3.0 is actually flatter.

Nutella1 wrote:

Sometimes I have my doubts, e.g. they list the Nike Free 3.0 and Free Run at both 7 or 8 mm but I think 3.0 is actually flatter.

I agree, they list NB101 as having a 10mm, and I think it's a little flatter.

It's generally pretty reliable, though. And their "Shoefitr" feature is really helpful for ordering online. Even if I don't order from there, I always consult it because of the aforementioned features, but also because the comments are usually from real runners. The comments aren't like "I got these for my husband to play league volleyball in and he loves them." They're generally from people that do a fair amount of running, and have done so for a while. Not knocking league volleyball or anything.

Dippy Donuts wrote:

And their "Shoefitr" feature is really helpful for ordering online.

I <3 runningwarehouse but shoefitr is garbage. In my experience, it was not accurate at all in predicting the right size. To their defense, it's not their own product but a 3rd party service.

For Shoefitr, I usually try to compare a few different shoes I currently own to see what recommendations they'd give, then try to make the best decision. It's served me pretty well.

Nothing compares to actually trying shoes on, but I don't get a true feel for them until a week or so after buying.

I've never had trouble with Shoefitr - it works for me every time. I love it. I don't always get the size it recommends - you should use their 3d shoe and think about going up or down half a size.

I use shoefitr to find narrow shoes - they have given me some good ideas which I would never have tried. I used to be at the mercy of what shoe stores make - now if a company makes a freakishly narrow shoe, I can find out about it.

Got my Mirages today and they feel great! A little narrow in the toe box, but overall, just what I'm looking for. Thanks for the advice.