Are Racing Flats The Right Choice For You?

By Jeff Gaudette
Published Dec. 2, 2011
Updated Jan. 23, 2012 at 2:54 PM UTC

Less can be more when it comes down to what's on your feet on race day.

We help you weigh the risks versus the rewards before making your decision.

Written by: Jeff Gaudette

When you’re vying for a top-10 finish at a major marathon or your most recent results determine if you can put food on the table, it’s easy to understand why wearing racing flats is a no-brainer. But can wearing racing flats help you, the average runner, even if you’re not running world-class times?

The short answer is yes, absolutely.

First, we’ll break down the scientific advantages and disadvantages of wearing racing flats, then provide specific instructions on when and what type of racing flat to wear–regardless of what pace you’re running or distance you’ll be racing.

FILED UNDER: Injury Prevention / Shoes and Gear TAGS: injury risks / Minimalist Running Shoes / Racing Flats / running efficiency

Jeff Gaudette

Jeff has been running for 13 years, at all levels of the sport. He was a two time Division-I All-American in Cross Country while at Brown University and competed professionally for 4 years after college for the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project. Jeff is certified by the USATF, the RRCA and has been featured in Running Times magazine, Endurance Magazine, as well as numerous local magazine fitness columns.