Half-Marathon Flats

None of those are really that minimal at all, they are just light and built on Nike's racing last. Don't confuse minimal with light and/or less cushioned, there's a big difference. If you want a touch more cushion, maybe a Kinvara3 would work, even though it's not a "true" racer. Are you racing the half? what is your goal time? This might help figure it out for you

I'm not sure about other brands, as i've always run in Asics, but I would recommend the DS Racer or the Hyperspeed. I've run halfs in both and they are light but cushioned just enough for the distance. I may be wrong, but I think they discontinued the Hyperspeed; you still may be able to find them in running warehouses, etc.

The Adidas Adios 2 seems to be a favorite among marathoners and half marathoners as well.

What makes minimal? I was always under the impression that minimal meant light weight with a low heel to toe drop. And I guess without much motion control?

LDOPA wrote:

What makes minimal? I was always under the impression that minimal meant light weight with a low heel to toe drop. And I guess without much motion control?

Well, it's a marketing gimmick, but "minimal" is generally advertised as a flexible shoe that mimics natural or barefoot running. So yes, low heel to toe drop is part of that. That being said, many racing flats are minimal (lightweight and low drop) but are not advertised as such because they are generally not flexible, containing a stiffer rubber forefoot plate to keep the runner upright. I'm not sure if the OP is looking for a minimal shoe, or a 'minimal' shoe. Since he's racing, I assume he's looking for the latter.

I've used Lunar Racers for up to a marathon and had absolutely no complaints.

419 wrote:

What's the best flat for the 13.1 race? It seems like Lunar Racers, Spiders, Streak LT would all be too minimal? Looking for something with a little cushion but under ~ 6-7oz

People are different and it depends on what you've been wearing, but all of those have been used for half marathons. Hyperspeed mentioned by someone else is also a very good shoe.

I've worn both the Streak XC (now LT) and Hyperspeed and they are both suitable for a half, as long as you aren't just jumping straight from a big trainer to a flat.

I haven't worn the Saucony Type A5, but lots of people swear by them.

Asicsguy wrote:

I'm not sure about other brands, as i've always run in Asics, but I would recommend the DS Racer or the Hyperspeed. I've run halfs in both and they are light but cushioned just enough for the distance. I may be wrong, but I think they discontinued the Hyperspeed; you still may be able to find them in running warehouses, etc.

I can't quite believe you have run in the Hyperspeed 5. It is nothing like the DS Racer or even the Hyperspeed 4 for that matter. I currently rotate between the DS Racer and my last pair of Hyperspeed 4's and I will agree, they are somewhat similar. However, when building the Hyperspeed 5 Asics forgot to include any cushioning. That is fine for alot of people, but if you liked the 4, it was quite a shock.

Can't figure out what Asics has done lately to the light weight training shoes. They had a perfectly good model in the Bandito and have comepletly moved away from it. The latest edition of the Piranha, in an apparent attempt at lightening the shoe, has the strips painted on the side instead of stitched.

Since I seem to need some level of cushioning, I am trying the Gel Lyte 33, but I get the feeling that one might be discontinued in the future.

Anyone know what Asics is planning for this type of shoe?

adiZero Hagio, 6mm drop, 6 oz, Boom

I'd go for Nike 3.0 or Puma Faas 300 - both hugely under-rated shoes.

Lyte33 2 just came out, it's here to stay for sure.

OK, so I'm gonna ask a stupid question here. I train mostly in Nike Free. 5.0 for longer runs and 3.0 and lately 4.0 for shorter stuff.

I have several "traditional" lightweight shoes I run in as well from time to time but always feel better in the Free. However... I've been told the outsole design is not fast - that it basically "grabs" the surface like a suction cup and that energy is lost that way. Hence, it's not a good racing shoe. I've tried to compare my speed on tempo runs but it's inconclusive.

So... thoughts? Racing in Nike Free, yes or no?

Sorry, I didnt clarify. I run in the Hyperspeed 4, not the 5.

Speaker wrote:

I'd go for Nike 3.0 or Puma Faas 300 - both hugely under-rated shoes.

This and New Balance 1600.

I like the Piranha for races up to the half. Not sure how good it'd feel for a marathon, but for shorter races it's great.

Nike Streak XC/LT are okay, but they feel like a little too much shoe to me.

adios or hagio for me