Competition running shoes – in-depth guide to fast and light shoes

Want to shave time off your 10km PR? Try a pair of competition running shoes.

In this article, I will review the elements that characterize a competition shoe and what to look for when you are looking for a shoe that can match your running ambitions..

I will also give you some examples of the best competition running shoes on the market.

There are a number of different parameters that determine how well a shoe is suitable for competitive running. Competitive running shoes are more or less synonymous with light running shoes or lightweight running shoes, as they are also called interchangeably.

What is a good competition running shoe?

By definition, a good competition shoe is one that gets you safely and quickly to the finish line – and preferably faster than everyone else. A good pair of competition running shoes can be the easiest 30 seconds you save on your 10 km time. The faster and farther you run, the bigger the difference a pair of dedicated competition running shoes can make. Here are some of the elements that characterize a good shoe for competition running:

• Minimal shock absorption
• Low weight
• Minimal support
• Flexible
• Powerful launch

As you can see, it is a very minimal running shoe you need to have your hands on it. A deeper review of the elements of competition running shoes follows below.

Minimal shock absorption

To provide the most powerful take-off and ensure the least waste of energy, the shock absorption will be minimal. This ensures that the power transfer from the leg and foot to the asphalt is as optimal and efficient as possible.

Low weight

As a consequence of the minimalist approach to the shoes, the weight will be kept very low. There is a lot of energy to be saved by having 100g less on each foot. If you doubt me, I challenge you to choose a pair of running shoes and I bet you will notice a clear difference immediately. Does light running shoes and competition running shoes mean the same thing? The short answer is no.. Lightweight running shoes are not necessarily for competition. Conversely, you can be sure that competition shoes are lightweight.

Minimal support

Most competition running shoes are neutral to save weight. However, it is possible to find competition running shoes with pronation wedges and support. However, to keep the weight down, you will find that the majority are neutral running shoes. Determine your running style using my article on running style .

Flexible

The flexibility of the shoe goes hand in hand with the minimalist approach. A flexible shoe allows your foot to move more freely and can help promote a more powerful and natural run further up the foot. This flexibility can be tested by trying to bend the shoes. If you are not used to running in a pair of flexible shoes, it may take some getting used to.

Powerful launch

This is closely related to the minimal cushioning. With harder or less cushioning, you can transfer more energy into forward motion instead of losing it to a soft midsole in the running shoe.

Disadvantages of competition running shoes

When you go for such specialized running shoes as competition running shoes are, it is quite natural that you also give up some other features and benefits that can be found in more comfortable asphalt running shoes. When running shoes become as minimalist and lightweight as competition running shoes, almost by definition, are, you will compromise on the following things:

• Durability
• Comfort

Durability

Here it is especially the great focus on keeping the weight down that makes the difference. As the materials become thinner and lighter, they also become more exposed to, and less resistant to, wear and tear. This means that the durability of competition running shoes is often a few hundred kilometers less than the durability of regular running shoes.

Comfort

When you seek optimal performance through lower weight, a tighter fit and minimal shock absorption, you will also compromise on comfort. Tight-fitting and minimalist running shoes will not be as comfortable as your old trainers, but they will definitely help you run fast when it comes to (However, this does not mean that you will necessarily get blisters from competition running shoes.). I know what I’m choosing. Then you can always save the comfortable running shoes for those cozy walks with family or friends.

The best competition shoes on the market (lightweight running shoes)

Here are my personal picks for some of the best shoes that will help you beat your personal best. Quickly improve your marathon time by several minutes just by choosing the right shoes. If you want to improve your marathon time even more, you can use one of my many marathon training programs.Here are my picks for the best competition running shoes:

• Asics Racer

A classic. The Asics Racer has been on the market for many years, and has long been Asics’ most well-known competition shoe. The weight has been around 200-210 grams.

• Brooks PureCadence

This shoe was voted the world’s best running shoe by RunnersWorld in 2012. That’s something to talk about. The shoe is light, has an excellent push-off and gives you a nice low weight, which allows you to quickly improve your times.

• Nike Flyknit Lunar

A classic lightweight running shoe from Nike. Beautiful, stylish and very compact fit. The shoe feels very light to wear and is among my personal favorites for short distances.

Become a faster runner

I have created countless running programs over the years and have also created a lot for you. Whether you want to run a faster 5K or are running your first marathon, you can find a training program that suits your desires and ambitions. I guarantee it.

• 5km training programs
• 10 km training programs
• Half marathon training programs
• Marathon training programs

Who are light, lightweight, competition and fast running shoes suitable for?

I believe that lightweight competition running shoes are aimed at all serious and ambitious runners. You can shave a lot of seconds or minutes off your PR, at any distance, with a well-chosen pair of competition running shoes. Especially if you focus a lot on quality training, such as interval training and tempo runs, having a pair of dedicated running shoes can make a big difference to motivation, pace and results.

Everyone can use the “fast” running shoes. It gives you a smooth, fast and natural take-off. Personally, I love running in the very light running shoes. It gives a light feeling and you will quickly experience a physical as well as mental improvement. I always feel that I can push myself a little extra if the running shoes are in order and help me towards my goals. I am a big advocate of alternating between quality and recovery training and believe that light equipment makes a big difference. That’s why I always try to run as minimalist as possible.

Do you have a comment about competition running shoes? Tell me below, I love hearing other people’s opinions about running shoes.