If anyone is really training in racing flats full time what mfg are you wearing?

Make sure to do hip strengthening exercises as well.

Not sure it counts, but have trained full-time in the Brooks Racer ST since 2011. (I\'d already been racing in them for several years.) Just switched cold turkey. Really steep downhills and extra-rocky surfaces were a tad challenging for the first couple of weeks, then everything was fine.

I run exclusively in NB1400v1 flats, but I'm gonna have to try the v2 after this pair because I can't find them anywhere anymore. I really like them, but I peak at only 70mpw so not super high mileage. I rotate two pairs. Trying to squeeze the last few miles out of an old pair on easy runs right now because I like them so much.

Does anyone else that trains in racing flats notice a severe lack of durability? Like really flimsy uppers that go to hell WAY before the tread or foam is done.

Trog - the Nike Streak LTs (XCs) have been very durable for me. I think only one pair tore at the upper before the sole wore out. I generally get at least 500 miles per pair. Very good overall shoe that works for any distance on roads and light trails. Plus they cost only about $65.

i too train only in flats. i alternate between streak xc, lt and so on, saucony kilkenny and a few others over the years.

The posterior tib is a problem as noted, but if you do some preemptive and maintenance massage of that area, calf and soleus ( just using the kneecap of the opposite leg) it's pretty well taken care of.

If you don't have injury issues I would stick with what works, but since the OP claims to have IT issues, flats could be an option.

Like another poster here I transitioned over a 4 month or so period and did barefoot running as well. Kept mileage low and did a slow build. I will note I haven't been injury free, but I've been able to run far more since converting.

fan of US distance running wrote:

Now a Coach wrote:

Why would you want to?

Because running in high heeled pillows do nothing to prevent injuries, only promote them.

Nowadays there are well cushioned trainer with just as low drop as racing flats.

Mizuno Wave Universe 5. Great shoe. Before that I was in the Inov-8 Road X-Treme 138 which I put over 1000 miles on before the Mizunos. Only one pair of each shoe too that I used for every run. Easy, Intervals, races, long runs etc etc.

Mizuno... wrote:

Mizuno Wave Universe 5. Great shoe. Before that I was in the Inov-8 Road X-Treme 138 which I put over 1000 miles on before the Mizunos. Only one pair of each shoe too that I used for every run. Easy, Intervals, races, long runs etc etc.

I ran in those Mizuno's and they were pretty good albeit half a size too big.

Lately it's been Saucony Shay flats and Asics Blazingfast