I've been wearing Asics Gel Cumulus for 13 years now. I haven't had any problems and I know it may sound crazy to switch, but my speed has been improving and I would like to try something lighter. I am a light-weight runner (5'4"/115 lbs.) and need a neutral shoe that's good for knocking out some mileage. (Training for a marathon in October.) Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
If you go lighter you sacrifice cushioning and support of the shoe. Which in my opinion isn't always the best idea when you're going to be raising your mileage volume. Most of the elite runners use a regular weight training shoe then switch to a racing flat for faster days.
If you are still dead set on getting a lighter shoe. You could look into the Mizuno Sayonara, Mizuno Rider, Brooks Launch, Saucony Ride(not much lighter but still lighter), New Balance 980, Nike Flyknit Lunar, Nike, Zoom Elite, and Nike Flyknit trainer.
I second Launch
The Brooks Launch is an awesome shoe. I third that one. Mizuno Sayonara also is great, and you could also try the Saucony Kinvara or Mirage, New Balance 890, or Nike LunarGlide. All of these are going to get more like 300 miles rather than the 400-500 you'd get in the Cumulus. Might want to think about rotating between two pairs if you can afford it, wearing the lighter pair for workouts and shorter runs. Just a thought.
morealternatives wrote:
The Brooks Launch is an awesome shoe. I third that one. Mizuno Sayonara also is great, and you could also try the Saucony Kinvara or Mirage, New Balance 890, or Nike LunarGlide. All of these are going to get more like 300 miles rather than the 400-500 you'd get in the Cumulus. Might want to think about rotating between two pairs if you can afford it, wearing the lighter pair for workouts and shorter runs. Just a thought.
I think you should stay with what keeps you healthy. What is a lighter shoe going to do for you at 7-8 minute pace? Nada.
That being said, if you're absolutely set on it, I think you sacrifice too much cushioning to go for the Sayonara or Kinvara. The Mirage or Launch are good suggestions.
Thanks for the suggestions, everyone! I really appreciate it! I think I will check out Brooks Launch. They are quite a bit lighter, but seem appropriate for everyday training as well. Thank you again!
Boost supernova glide 6 Adidas. My other shoe is the launch but only wear them for morning runs.
Stick with the Cumulus ( or the Brooks Ghost....Nike Pegasus...or any similar neutral trainer) for your daily runs and consider a light weight performance trainer such as the Nike Zoom Elite, NB 890 for tempo runs and racing. If you are interested in a shoe with a lower heel to toe drop without going to extremes you might consider the Saucony Ride as a daily trainer. The Nike Luna-Racer +3 is another option for tempo runs and marathons....plenty of cushioning and a 7mm drop.