I am going to be doing my first marathon in June at San Diego. I wanted to get some feeback as far as what are good shoes for the marathon?
Background info: I ran xc and track in college. I was a conference level competitor. I am aiming to run around 2:45 because I want to say I have completed a marathon, before I think about racing one all out. I am 30 years old. I am a forefoot striker.
Please feel free to share your opinions.
Thanks.
I think your fast enough that a lighter shoe (like a marathon flat, assuming you do most of your training in regular trainers) might help a little. Only try this if you do enough work in the flats to be confident in them on race day (including some long runs).
That said, just running the 'thon in your normal shoes probably has the lowest risk.
June is a long way away. I expect you'll do at least two pace runs? Wear flats for the first one (stay close to home if possible) and if you can't handle it then wear your trainers for the second pace run and for the race.
I go with light weight trainers. I don't quite trust running 26 miles in racing flats so I just get the lightest trainers that fit me.
Asics DS Racer
Brooks Pureflow
NB 1400
Saucony Kinvara
I am a mid-forefoot striker, and I wore Nike Zoom Streak 4 for my last marathon. I got a blister, but otherwise, they were comfortable enough. However, I plan to switch to a new flat this cycle because the Zoom Streak 4 has some construction problems. The sides are flimsy and keep ripping. I plan to try Adizero Adios 2 or NB 1600.
I've worn Lunaracer in the past, but in my opinion, the forefoot is not thick enough for a forefoot runner. I felt like I was running on the bare concrete by the time I reached 15 miles.
Other relevant info: I'm a 105 lb woman and ran 2:48 in the Zoom Streaks. I seem to run hard on my feet, though, which is why I don't opt for the super pared down flats in marathons.
Like others have said, do a long run with some race pace thrown in to test the shoes. You don't want unexpected gear problems on race day.
Brooks T-7 come to mind. They are lightweight and have a wide enough toebox and forefoot cushioning to take the demands of a marathon while still retaining a fast overall racing flat feel. The offset lacing setup is also a bonus to minimize possible metatarsal pain issues over a long distance if you experience them.
Obviously we are all different, but it's a pretty neutral shoe that works well for me. I'm a lightweight, neutral forefoot striker. I've been training in them for a while, and have done 20+ milers in them without an issue. For reference, I have trained and raced in the Adizero Pro and (way back) the New Balance rc series (rc 210 --> rc 240). I believe the Brooks T-7 have the widest toebox, which leads me to feel they would be a great match for a marathon, in which most people's feet swell a little.