So I'm 2 weeks out from a marathon, and took today's long run as the chance to break in a pair of Lunaracers I'd been saving for the occasion, based on lots of very good online reviews. I'm not 100% sold, though.
While I like the lightweight feel and the cushion/drop feel good for me, I was a bit concerned by the relative lack of forefoot/midfoot cushioning compared to the heel - any better suggestions for a midfoot-striking neutral shoe wearer running around 3 hours for the marathon?
Haha go for that vaporfly 4%
Boston boost
If you want more forefoot cushioning you should try Nike Zoom Elite 9. Boston Boost has most of it´s cushion in the heel.
I ran my last marathon in the Streak 6. Felt good during the race and didn't leave my legs feeling too beat up afterwards.
Alternatively you could try the Elite 9. It has more cushion than the streaks but is still a fast shoe.
I'd recommend the Nike Zoom Fly or Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4%. I have a pair of Nike Zoom Elite 9 which I used to use for race pace long runs, tempo runs, and track interval speed work. They have been replaced by my Zoom Fly's because I can run faster in the Zoom Fly's at the same effort. The Vaporfly 4% is hard to get (out of stock everywhere) but I think I can run even faster in them than the Zoom Fly. I will be racing Chicago Marathon in the Zoom Vaporfly 4%.
To be honest, I am not sure about the Lunaracers as I don't have a pair of them so can't comment on them.
Thanks for the input guys - I'm getting more used to the Lunaracers and might stick with them, but will check out Zoom Elites too.
If I could get my hands on a pair of Zoom Fly or Vaporfly here then I'd definitely do so - interested to see if they live up to the hype.
Nike Zoom Flys are readily available everywhere, all 3 colors. But if I were you, I'd use Air Jordan's.
That reminds me of a friend who tried to run cross country in his beat up basketball shoes and quit after a few weeks because he was always dead last in races.
I've had great results with the Lunaracers. The forefoot padding is softer than it feels when just standing around, if that makes sense. If they are working so far, I'd stick with those. Anyhow, have a great race.
I really like racing distance in the kinvaras
Nike Streak 6
Zoom Fly - shoe doesn't know how to go slow.
Check out the Nike Zoom Speed Rival 6. A bit more substantial than the Streak, but fantastic cushioning and a touch of support where you need it.
Zoom Fly is available everywhere including box shoes stores. It's the Vapor Fly that is hard to get.
I'd second the Bostons. I race in the Adios, and the Bostons are very similar but with maybe a touch more of a cushioned feel and a slightly wider toe box. Still a streamlined shoe, just not a true racer (meant to be a lightweight trainer/tempo shoe). But it would be perfect for someone looking for some cushioning and running in the 3 hour range. 10 mm drop, I believe.
Man I've run 2:51 and 2:55 in Boston Boost 6's....But I also love Nike!!!! Hearing alot of good things about the Zoom Fly. FYI....Use code "BayouD" on runningwarehouse.com and get them for $127....
Hoka Tracer 2
First suggestion is Bostons.
Second is Hoka Clifton.
Personally I love the Lunaracer (sad to see it end) and think it has plenty of cushion for the marathon.
