Why Pace Matters When Picking a Running Shoe

Recently, there’s been a lot of discussion around which shoes work for different paces. Is pace important when picking a shoe?

Will certain shoes work for you if you’re running a 3:30, 4-hour, or 4:30 marathon?

I’m here to give you the information that can help you make an informed purchasing decision to run your next race better.

Key Factors in Choosing a Running Shoe

1. Mechanics: How do you run? Are you a heel striker or do you land more on the balls of your feet? This will influence the type of shoe that works best for you.

2. Body Weight: This is a sensitive topic, but important. Your weight affects how you compress the foam in the shoe.

3. Time on Feet: Are you running short distances or long, grueling marathons? The duration and intensity of your runs impact the kind of support you need from your shoes.

Now let’s go deeper.

Mechanics: Heel Strikers vs. Forefoot Strikers

The Vaporfly 3 has Zoom Air units in the forefoot, designed for runners who land on their toes. If you’re primarily a heel striker, like many endurance runners, you might not benefit as much from this design.

The New Balance SC Elite V4, on the other hand, has more foam in the heel, making it a better option for heel strikers!

Body Weight and Shoe Choice

Body weight influences how a shoe’s foam compresses and feels.

Elite marathoners, who are usually under 130 lbs, have shoes designed for their lighter frames.

As a ~150 lb runner, I find that some of these shoes don’t offer the support I need. For instance, the Nike Alphafly’s ZoomX foam can feel too soft, whereas the Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 offers a firmer, more supportive ride for me.

Time on Feet: Comfort Over the Long Haul

For marathon runners spending 3-5 hours on their feet, comfort becomes crucial.

Shoes that are comfortable for elite runners racing for 2 hours might not work for those running twice as long.

The Alphafly might not be the best choice for a 4-hour marathoner, whereas the Puma Deviate Nitro 2 or the New Balance SC Elite V4 might provide better comfort and support.

Equity vs. Equality in Running Shoes

Equality means giving everyone the same shoe, but equity means giving each runner the shoe that best suits their needs.

A shoe that works for Eliud Kipchoge running a 2-hour marathon might not be the best for someone running a 4-hour marathon.

The key is to find the shoe that offers the best chance for your personal best.

Conclusion

Pace is a significant factor in choosing a running shoe, but it’s not just about speed.

It’s about how long you’re running, your mechanics, and your body weight.

There’s no one-size-fits-all shoe, and the best choice will vary for each runner.

Whether you’re a heel striker or a forefoot striker, light or heavy, running short or long distances, there’s a shoe out there that’s right for you.

Just a short and direct article to solve (I hope) one of the biggest runner's problems.