So the good news is the A8s have a really nice sock-like fit, they’re completely flexible and have a nice bit of bounce in them. I’d rank them as my favorites so far out of the New Balance 1400s (to be fair I only had the old version of these, they are a very nice shoe just didn’t hug the foot all around like the A8s) and the Brooks hyperions. The hyperions are a great shoe too though, with a good amount of cushioning for how light they are. They feel slightly more ‘cushy’ than the a8s on impact and it feels like you have more material around your foot. I’ve loved the hyperions for tempos and half marathons.
As much as I like the A8s, the 5oz weight is noticeable and it’s more than I want for a mile. There’s a lot of material in the midfoot and heel area that will be doing nothing while I’m on my forefoot. I wish I could have gotten the Reebok Floatride Runfast pros, as they look truly minimal and fast. I can’t quite justify the $250.00 on my tight college student budget at this moment though. :( I also was intrigued by the Mizuno Wave Universe 5s as they weight under 3oz, but I couldn’t find any available in my size. Hoping Mizuno might update this shoe soon.
My last ditch attempt will be to borrow a teammate’s Carrera spikes and see how they feel on road. If those don’t handle well, the A8s it is for now.