Anyone train/race in Asics Tarther shoes?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

13 years ago 03/27/2011 5:53pm EDT

I normal train in DS trainers and was looking to try a neutral lightweight trainer to replace them. I also have a 10 mile race in a couple weeks and was looking for a shoe for that. I got a really good deal on the tarthers so I thought I would give them a try. I took them out on a brisk 12 mile run today on concrete/asphalt to see how they might feel for a 10 miler. First 8 miles I had no problems but then after that my knees were screaming. I don't know if it had to do with the lack of a support or less cushion or if it is to much of a change from a DS Trainer type shoe. I thought they might be similar to the DS Racers which I've used in the past for marathons. Is the transition from support shoes like the DS Trainers/Racers to neutral shoes like the Tarther that big of a difference?

13 years ago 03/27/2011 7:12pm EDT

re: tiger rnr

Well, yeah, you're going from a posted shoe w/ significant heel height to a non-posted low-heeled Tarther. I'll bet even the last is slightly different. I had Tarthers - kind of hoping they were similar to old-school Asics Tigers - they weren't. The midsole hardened up quickly - unlike the Hyperspeeds, although they fit the same for me. Also, don't try going sockless - the Tarther upper is not seamless and it'll chew your feet up. I had success w/ the Mizuno Mushas. Good support w/out the post, decent cushion for several hundred miles, wide forefoot - but again, don't go sockless. I've done long runs in them on a regular basis w/ no problems.

13 years ago 03/27/2011 9:07pm EDT

re: cmeva

thanks. The heel to toe difference is around 10-11mm I think similar to the DS Racers. I've done long runs and a few marathoners on the racers before so I was thinking I could get by on the lack of a post for races up to half marathon.

13 years ago 03/28/2011 7:48pm EDT

re: tiger rnr

I've been training in the Tarther for a little while now. Have a little over 300 miles on my first pair with no ill effects so far. Previously I trained in the Banditos and when they were discontinued, tried the DS Racer which allegedly was the replacement for the Bandito. Did not like either the DS Racer or Trainer and tried the Tarther. So far so good. Have runs up to 17 miles and no problems. Race in Pirranhas. Guess I am stuck in ASICS land.

13 years ago 03/28/2011 8:23pm EDT

re: tiger rnr

I'm not surprised on the knees. I tried to go from a Bandito to the Tarthers, and experienced a similar problem. To my eyes, it's a construction issue. Each pair of Tarthers that I have seen has more material on the outside of the heel midsole than the inside; it's not a big difference, but it's measurable even out of the box. I'm VERY neutral, but even after a day or two Tarthers lean to the inside for me - the only shoe from any company I've ever worn to do so. Hyperspeeds don't lean in for me, DS 8's don't either.

I don't think it's a "type" of shoe problem (neutral v. support)... more just a "model" of shoe problem (tarther v. DS).

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Anyone train/race in Asics Tarther shoes?

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