I was not much of a shoe person until I became a runner. Now about every two months a hole in the top of a racing flat, the lack tread on the sole, or my Strava account will alert me to the fact that I need a new pair of running shoes. I have worn Nike, Adidas, New Balance, Saucony, Vibram Five Finger, Merrell, Mizuno, and On. Currently, I run most of my miles in the Vibram Five Finger V-Run Road Running Shoes.
Mizuno Wave Universe 5
Weight- 2.3oz
I have used these shoes for both racing and training. They are comfortable, flexible, flashy, and fun. I‘ve run through four pairs, putting 150-200 miles on each. I recommend buying these a half size up.
Where to buy- I order them from Amazon for under $50.
To run in these lightweight racing flats CLICK HERE (for women’s sizes) CLICK HERE (for men’s sizes)!
Tips- Make sure your feet are used to a very lightweight racing flat before heading out on an 8 mile run in these. I have built up my mileage in minimalist shoes over five years. Running barefoot is also something I do on a regular basis.
Most people wear these for 10ks, 5ks, and track workouts.
Races I have run in the Mizuno Wave Universe 5
8 Mile Dallas Turkey Trot 2016 (PR 52:12)
DRC Half Marathon
Thrill of the Grill 5k
2017 Cowtown 10k
St. Paddy’s Day Dash Down Greenville 5k 2017 (PR 19:01)
UCAN Half Marathon 2017
Susan G Komen North Texas Race for the Cure 5k
New Balance 5000 v2 Racing Flats
Weight- 2.8 oz
I wore these shoes for racing, speed work, and long runs. For over a year, they were my go to half marathon shoe.
They have a slightly stiffer and thicker sole compared to the Mizuno Wave Universe 5, giving your feet some cushion versus no cushion at all. Wearing them for longer than a 10k is not recommended. The New Balance 5000v2s are true to size, and they are a great shoe to wear if you are looking to smash that 5k PR.
If you are not used to barefoot/minimalist running, ease into these. I have been wearing barefoot running shoes for over five years.
Races wearing the New Balance 5000v2
Rock and Roll Seattle Half Marathon 2016
Cowtown Half Marathon 2016 (PR 1:29:17)
Tyler Fresh 15k 2016
Moni 5k 2016
Adidas Supernova Boost Glide
Weight-12oz
This is by far my heaviest pair of running shoes. Honestly, it does not make sense that I like running in these. I wear these for easy long runs on the road. These shoes give my feet the much needed break from pounding on the concrete in 3oz racing flats. The outsole is made of Continental Rubber which has allowed me to put 500+ miles on these. These shoes are flexible, responsive, comfortable, and durable.
Tips- If you are a lightweight shoe junkie like me don’t let the weight scare you off; they don’t feel as heavy as the are.
I would not recommend wearing these on moderate to difficult trails.
To try out these long lasting trainers CLICK HERE (for women’s sizes) CLICK HERE (for men’s sizes!
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 32
Weight-8.0oz (women’s) 9.9oz (men’s)
The first time I put these on they felt like a perfect fit. They have the ideal arch support, and there is some cushion but not too much. When I used these for trainers, the tread was the first part to wear out. They were my favorite pair of running shoes for about 3 months, but I have another pair now that I wear when I am not running. For someone looking for a relatively lightweight, comfortable, shoe with good support, I would recommend trying out the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 32.
Where to buy- Select sizes and colors are on sale on Amazon. Some running stores carry these, but expect to pay full price.
To buy these super comfy Nike trainers CLICK HERE (women’s sizes) CLICK HERE (men’s sizes)
On Cloud Racers
Weight- 7.0 oz (women) 7.7 oz (men)
These racers are very responsive, lightweight shoes with moderate cushioning. They are comfortable and fast, and the clouds allow for a solid forward push off. The toe box seems a little small, so I recommend trying both your normal size and a half size up. These shoes are great for a minimalist runner who wants a break from the pounding of the concrete, and for runners who are looking for a light, fast shoe that still has good cushioning.
On’s updated Racer is called the On Cloud Rush. More cushion has been added to the heel, and there is a new inner lining that prevents blisters and takes away the need for socks. To find out more Click Here!
If you live in the DFW area, check out the On Cloud Rush at Run Texas in Frisco!
Vibram FiveFingers V-Run Road-Running Shoes
Weight- 3.5 oz (women) 4.8 oz (men)
I always go back to the Vibram FiveFingers. I have run four half marathons, several long training runs, and hundreds and hundreds of miles in various models. The Vibram FiveFinger V-Run Road-Running Shoes are my latest pair. For the barefoot road runner, these are a great choice. They are great on the track, road, and treadmill.
Races wearing the Vibram FiveFinger V-Run Road Running Shoes
Plano Pacer’s Millet Mile 2017
Too Hot to Handle 15k 2017
Tip- If you are switching to a barefoot shoe, only wear them for a couple miles at first. Add more miles gradually. It took six months for my feet and calves to adjust to long distance barefoot running.
Nike Free RN Flyknit 2017
Weight- 6.3 oz (women) 7.95 oz (men)
These shoes fit like a glove. They allow you to run the way you want to run, and they are flexible and lightweight. For runners with achilles tendinitis, I do not recommend the Flyknit since the upper tends to press right on the achilles tendon. Additionally, the rubber sole wears out fast considering the cost of this shoe.
The Nike Free RN Flyknit 2017 is a great shoe for many runners, and it is a great shoe for me but only for a short amount of time.
Races wearing the Nike Free RN Flyknit 2017
Run Like a Mother 5k
Altra Escalante
Coming Soon…
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