Asics Tarther

It would be considered 'minimal' in the U.S., but there are definitely lighter and lower heeled shoes available, such as the Hyperspeed 4 and the Piranha. Nobby H. would know for sure, but I believe the Tarther, in Japan, would be the equivalent of the 2000 series in the U.S. The Tarther is Japan's common, popular, 'heavy' daily trainer.

I have been using the Tarther for a couple of months now, and had used the Bandito and Ohana flats before that. All three were similar in heel height and general feel, though I would say the Tarther fits the best on my feet. The others tended to a closer, narrower fit. The Tarther also has much less strapping and stitching--less bling overall, which is great. The Tarther doesn't call attention to itself. Very utilitarian shoe.

fwiw, i was playing around with the shoe finder on the japanese site and even if i changed a few of my answers, they kept recommending the Tarther. They must be pushing it hard.

to say that it's the equivalent of the 2000 series here is ridiculous. You realize the tarther weighs about half as much as one of those piece of garbage shoes?

I've had my Tarthers for a couple of weeks now and like them better than the Hyperspeed. I've used them for some track workouts but haven't raced in them yet. The size 10s weight 6.0 oz. without the factory insole, but they feel more substantial. That may be because the midfoot volume (a Runner's Warehouse metric) is rated higher than comparable flats.

You're right. In Japan the Tarther is on the heavier, cushioned end of things. Even in the US the Piranha and Hyperspeed have less heel and cushioning. That's not to knock the Tarther which I agree is s very good shoe.

I have a wide forefoot and slightly wide midfoot.

do you think the good ol' tarther would fit me?

If you're used to the more minimalistic shoes, then definitely go with the Hyperspeeds. As far as I'm concerned, they're a near perfect shoe. I've got about 700mi on mine and they're just barely to the point where I think "hmm, maybe I'll get some new ones."

I have a wide forefoot and normally look for shoes that have a EE or wide size. I found that the Tarther, while not as wide as a EE shoe, was wide enough in the forefoot to work for me.

I checked these out yesterday when I picked up my new Hyperspeed 4s. Don't like 'em. Too narrow, too much heel lift and cushioning. Not a flat at all, but a trainer. Stick with the HS.

I love it wrote:

to say that it's the equivalent of the 2000 series here is ridiculous. You realize the tarther weighs about half as much as one of those piece of garbage shoes?

Sorry I wasn't more clear. That was a relative comparison. I mean that in terms of typical Japanese shoes, the Tarther has a thick heel and is kind of 'overbuilt'. In the U.S. market, the 2000 series is the thick-heeled and overbuilt shoe.

I realize the two are completely different shoes.

The 2000 series are not 'garbage' shoes. It may be fashionable lately to trash on heavy trainers, but they served me well for a very long time. I transitioned away from them, but they continue to work very well for a lot of people.

Thanks for the info, Nobby.

Switched from the Green Silence today to the Hyperspeed 4. In store they were $119.99 + tax (13%). No thanx. Ordered them off Running Warehouse for just over $60 shipped!!