Racing Flats - Do I really need them?

If you are serious about running and racing quickly up to ½ marathon, then look at buying a racing shoe.

Racing shoes are built for speed. They are super lightweight, and in order to be so, they've had a lot stripped out of them. They are not as durable and will not offer you the levels of cushioning that you training shoes will. That said, they are very light and will certainly help you reduce those PB's.

Here's what to look for:

• If you are lightweight or average weight and / or swift – go for broke. Pick a super-light racer and fly around your next race.
• If you are on the heavy side, or are racing ½ marathons or longer, look for a racer trainer. Remember, unless you're elite you won't be ‘racing' a marathon will you? The pace will probably be the same as on your shorter training runs so pick a lightweight trainer. Your legs will thank you in the later miles.

You might want to stick to the same brand in this area. Every company makes a lightweight trainer so if you are used to, and are happy with your Nike training shoe for example, you might to consider a Nike lightweight trainer.