6 replies to this topic

[Road Runner]

In my earlier running days, I tried various brands, but have been an exclusive Nike user for as long as I can remember. I now have 6 different pairs of Nike shoes, the most recent purchase being Air Zoom Elites (AZEs). Just out of interest, I weighed them all this morning, and the AZEs came in the lightest - just under 400 grams (I wear size 14 US). The weird thing is, the shoes I currently wear for my long runs are the heaviest, coming in at a shade over 500 grams. These weights are of course, per shoe. Anyway, my question is, should I use the AZEs for a planned marathon in early August? I have a neutral gait, and currently weigh about 76 kgs. I'm hoping (that should read "dreaming") to get down to about 70

Edited by Road Runner, 25 April 2007 - 12:34 PM.

[Horrie]

Have you tried these shoes on any long runs? What is the longest you have run in them?

I would suggest you would be able to answer your own question if you used them on some of your longer runs to see if they offered you the support you would need.

[Emrun]

Nike also make a Marathon shoe, the Nike Air Zoom Marathoner which weighs in at 230gm, so obviously a minimal shoe with little support. But if you are neutral you could probably get away with it, though you are heavier than the average elite marathoner who would be likely to wear this shoe.

As for the Zoom Elite, I do all my racing in this shoe as a tendency to get Plantar Fasciitis means I steer clear of true racing flats.

Personally I love the Zooms for racing and have completed 2 half marathons in them as well with no problems. Can't say how they would go in the full 42.2 because I haven't done a marathon, but if I did I would happily wear this shoe.

My stats are a bit different though, I am a 58 Kg female. So really the best you can do is try some long runs in them and see how you feel.

[Schtumpy]

Mrs Schtumpy is a lovely little neutral runner who has damaged shins, knees and hips in her 2 years of running - till she started wearing the Zoom Elite.
She's a similar size to Em but the shoes should still suit decent distance at your weight.
She now does all her running in them and swears by them.


By the way, good luck with those last 6kg's.

Edited by Schtumpy, 25 April 2007 - 04:21 PM.

[Eagle]

I have just started running marathons in Nike Marathoner - in fact 2 marathons in 2 weeks and they were just great. They caused no problems, felt light and were flexible. They were just soooo comfortable to run in. Nike Zooms are just a bit heavier and a bit stiffer but still comfortable and great to run in.

[Stu Mac]

The Zoom Elite is a good shoe but only you will be able to make that decision! Firstly you will need to trial them over a 30k + run, you wont need to do every long run in them, but you will need to ensure they work for you, race day is not the day to find out!

[Cl@rkey]

The Zoom Elite was in the mix for both my marathons last year, but decided against it in favour of greater cushioning for my 3hr+ journey.

In my next marathon I'll go for a lighter option due to ambitions of faster running...and the Zoom Elite would again be considered seriously, but may seek another yet lighter option.

As Stu suggested, until you run long in them, you will not know if they will be right for you.