Stability Racer Recommendations

[James Bell]

Hi. I'm looking for some stability racers to use for half/full marathons. I've had success with Brooks T5s for 5k/10k, but I'm finding that my legs need a little more stability for runs longer than an hour. I've found that performance trainers in the light support area (Nike Zoom Elites are what I'm currently wearing) do well for daily use. My biggest gripe with the Zoom Elites is that they feel a bit heavy during races when I want to push a little harder. They also seemed to start feeling flat much quicker than I expected.

Anyway, from web researching, I've kind of gravitated towards the Saucony Fastwitch and the Asics Bandito, mostly because they seem to have the lightest weight while still maintaining some light support. Plus, a lot of people seem to like the performance of both shoes. But, I've read some reviews about durability issues with the Fastwitch, and I can't find as much info about the Bandito (plus they're on the higher end of the price range...not that it matters if you're getting better durability or protection for the price, though). I also considered the Brooks ST racers since I love the T5s for shorter races and speedwork, but they seem to be higher in weight than the other stability racers.

Does anyone have any suggestions about support racers? Also, am I reading way too much into the 7.3 to 8.6 oz weight range of the support racers or should I just read "lighter than an 11 oz trainer"?

Thanks!

James

[Joe Rubio]

James,

Generally speaking as you make shoes lighter, durability suffers. Multiply that as your weight climbs. The Fastwitch and Bandito are both very good shoes, but neither will last very long. The T6 is another good choice if you wanted a more substantial shoe. If more support was the goal, consider the adizero Mana as well.

Let me know if you have additional questions.

Joe

[James Bell]

Well, I bought the Fastwitch several weeks ago, and I absolutely love them. I've been using them for tempo runs, hill workouts, and even some long runs lately. Done up to 16 miles in them so far without stability issues other than the tired feet that you'd expect after 16 miles. I weigh around 170 if anyone needs a frame of reference for how much pounding they can handle. Also, my food scale has the shoe at 9 oz for a size 12 to give you an idea of how they scale with size (the size 9 is in the low 7s). They really make you feel like you're flying, and they really help you with getting off of your heels and landing more in the midfoot area. I really noticed this when I put some Mizuno Inspires on for a run the next day. I've already set a 6 minute 15K PR (1:11) in the Fastwitch, and I'm feeling pretty good about finally breaking 1:45 in an upcoming half in them. You do get pretty quick wear on the bottoms of the shoe, but it seems like the most noticeable wear was in the very beginning and much less after that. My only negative about the shoe is the tendancy of the sock liner to ooch up the heel while I run. The sock liner isn't semi-rigid like the ones I'm used in Mizuno, Nike, and Brooks shoes, so it just slides right up there. Doesn't bother me at all while I run, but it's just an odd behavior that might bother some people. Anyway, I'd highly recommend them to anyone who needs a little stability but doesn't want to have to race in trainers.