If you are a competitive runner looking to improve your race times, take a look at your shoes and see if they are helping or holding you back.  Racing flats and racer trainers are made specifically to improve your speed and performance and should be considered for any serious runner.  What exactly are racing shoes, and how will they help you compete at the next level?

Race car drivers know that extra weight slows them down, so they work hard to make sure their vehicle is as light as possible and replace certain parts with high performance, lightweight parts.  Running shoes are no different.

The lighter your shoe, the faster you should be able to run.  You may be wondering how a racing shoe that is only a few ounces lighter will really optimize your racing performance, and that is a good question.  However, if you consider the force and effort you put into picking up your feet over three miles, or even ten or twenty six miles, you can imagine how a lighter shoe can be more efficient and require less energy exertion over the long haul.

In a sense a racing shoe is a stripped down version of a “typical” running shoe.  Like a minimalist shoe, racing shoes have a lower heal drop which causes you to run more efficiently and naturally on your forefoot.  On the flip side, racing shoes still have more cushion and support than a minimalist shoe which will still allow you to run relaxed.  Racer trainers are a hybrid between racing flats and traditional running shoes and can be worn when training shorter distances as well as during the race, whereas racing flats aren’t as durable and shouldn’t be used for training.

We also suggest a good pair of thinner, wicking socks to go along with your racing shoes for optimal performance.

If you are considering racing shoes, feel free to stop by Complete Runner to learn more about racing flats and racer trainers, and see our wide selection from Nike, K-Swiss, Puma, New Balance, Mizuno, Brooks, and Saucony.