By now, you’ve started training for your spring marathon. Maybe you haven’t signed up for a race but have a few in mind. Check out this article on the 2023 Spring Marathons to find the right one for you. Shoes are a big part of marathon training and the only gear that you really need to run your miles. A solid pair of daily trainers are a great start. These are the shoes that you’ll likely run in for a majority of your weekly miles. Many runners also choose to have shoes for tempo or speed workouts and perhaps one for their long runs. A rotation of three shoes not only allows runners to maximize the intent of their run, but the slight variations in each shoe are good for overall ergonomics and body mechanics. That is, each shoe offers a slightly different experience, fit, and feel. But what about race day? Doesn’t every runner lace up a pair of “Super Shoes”? Do they need to?
Maybe. Those carbon-plated, max-cushioned, ultra-light race day shoes do seem to be on the feet of everyone running a marathon these days. There is plenty of data out there that these innovations of footwear wonder are up to 4% more efficient than your daily trainers. The first such study was conducted at a Boulder, Colorado lab and funded by…you guessed it…Nike. The Swoosh was the proprietor of the first “Super Shoe”, the Vaporly 4%. While carbon fiber existed in shoes prior to the unveiling of the race shoe that World Record Holder Eliud Kipchoge made famous, the company was the first to combine that plate with a highly-responsive foam. There have been several studies on carbon-plated shoes' effects on running economy, and there appears to be a clear benefit to using these specialized shoes on race day. Moreso, these studies do indicate that Nike’s carbon-plated shoes are still superior to the other brands. But are they for everyone?
The short answer is again “maybe”. While these shoes were designed with top-level runners in mind, most runners will still see some benefit in terms of running economy. However, perhaps the most significant benefit for all runners pertains to post-race recovery. The higher stack and high-density midsole foams that are found in all carbon-plated race shoes offer substantial benefits for runners at all paces. While you should be taking a substantial amount of time off following a marathon, having less residual muscle soreness could make that recovery time more pleasant. Just don’t mistake that as your legs are ready to run again. Many runners, specifically those with social media aspirations, tend to return to running much too soon (Just a little dig at the Instagram “celebrities”). Take time to allow your muscles to fully recover before dialing up the mileage again.
So, you decide to invest in a pair of carbon-plated race shoes; which ones are the best? Like any pair of running shoes, that largely depends on how they fit your feet. Since everyone’s feet are different, every shoe, plated or otherwise, will fit your feet differently. The best advice is to find a local running shoe store and several (or all) of those carbon-plated shoes. While I’m not a shoe reviewer, I have run my fair share of races in carbon fiber shoes. Most of those miles have come in Nike VaporFlys.While they might be a little tight in the toebox for me, they offer that perfect blend of a super-cushioned, snappy feeling that makes you feel like you’re flying down the road. Just like any other carbon-plated shoes, the VaporFlys are far lighter than your typical daily trainer, so it’s the perfect combination for a great race day experience.
That said, I’ve also tried out other carbon-plated shoes. Specifically, the Nike AlphaFlys and the original Saucony Endorphin Pros. The Nike AlphaFlys, with a little more cushion and the patented air pockets under the forefoot, offer a slightly different feel. Not really better or worse, just different. Unfortunately, after my first trial run, I noticed that my left big toe jammed against the toe cap. Despite this little issue, I was able to complete shorter, marathon-paced efforts in training. I should have known better, but I rolled the dice and laced up the Alphaflys for the Chicago Marathon. Big fail. The pain in my left big toe was excruciating by Mile 17 and that definitely threw off my gait cycle. I honestly thought about taking one of the safety pins off of my bib and sticking it under my big toenail to relieve the pressure. Roadside “surgery” isn’t the most sanitary practice, but I was desperate. My inner germaphobe prevailed and I finished the race without any self-imposed surgical procedures. Not nearly the day I was hoping it would be. Everyone else seems to love the Alphaflys. It’s not the shoe’s fault, they just didn’t work for me. Like I said earlier, try before you buy!
The original Saucony Endorphin Pros are the carbon fiber race day equivalent of the Endorphin Speed, which are undoubtedly my favorite training shoes. The Speeds are my go-to for, well, speed work, and long runs. They feature a plastic plate as opposed to the carbon fiber plate found in the Pros. The upper is superb on both the Pros and the Speed. Both are among the most comfortable shoes that I’ve ever owned. From a racing shoe standpoint though, neither have the “pop” of the Nikes. The feel of the midsole was also a bit stiffer than I would have liked for that marathon distance. Again, far different from my experience with either the Vaporflys or Alphaflys. Truth be told, if I had to pick a Saucony to run a marathon, I might go with the Speeds over the original Pros. But hold on!
After releasing a second version of both the Endorphin Pros, with both having only slight variations from the originals, Saucony has now introduced a third version of their premium race day shoes. While I have yet to try out the Endorphin Pro 3’s, all of the shoe reviewers have dubbed them as top competition for the Nikes. They’ll be my shoe of choice for my upcoming spring marathon. If you’re still not sure which marathon you’ll pick this spring, check out this list of the “10 Best Spring Marathons in 2023”. Then lace up your carbon fiber shoes and let it rip!
Comments