7 replies to this topic

[wombatoutofhell]

Hi all-I was walking past the local Sportsco when I saw a cutaway of the new Spira shoes. The have actual metal springs in the sole-1 big one in the heel and 2 smaller ones in the forefoot. Intrigued, I had a look at their website. I read pretty much everything, including testimonials. Interesting. Anyone tried these or have any thoughts? I think I'll try on a pair next time I'm past Sportsco, who seem to be the only sellers in Victoria. They do warn not to wear them through the metal detector at the airport for obvious reasons!

[azza]

Just took a look at the site, did you realise they are banned by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) and USA Track and Field (USATF)? I wonder what would happen in Australia if you win a race wearing them?

They do look interesting, I'd give them a go if mrs. azza hadn't already banned me from new running shoes until after the marathon.

[HillsAths1]

Sorry if anyone from Spira reads this but the truth hurts. I have a pair and they are the most expensive pair of gardening shoes I have ever bought. When you pick them up you realise how heavy they are. When you try them on they seem to feel much lighter.
I found that when I wore them it changed my natural(or unnatural) running style. This had a number of different effects, I started to run a bit clunky(sorry could'nt find a better word) and despite the wonderful sprins started to get very sore shins, did not find any noticible increse in spead, increase in distance(due to less fatigue) or any other good results.
Summary, they may work for some people, however I will invest my money next time in tried and tested technology, that has served me well in the past, however.......I have noticed that a certain brand of shoe that has got some very good testimonials from people I know, so I may try them out soon, KT may need to talk to you at next West Met.

[wombatoutofhell]

Thanks hills-I actually went to try on a pair last night-when the sales assistant heard the running i wanted to do on them she instantly tried to steer me to Asics kayano's or brooks adrenalines or trances. Not a great push for them from the only distibutor in Vic! Like you I think I'll go tried and true.

[Fats]

They offered US$1m to anyone who won the Boston Marathon wearing them - story here.

They sound very gimmicky. What made you buy them hills?

[HillsAths1]

1. Needed new pair of shoes
2. Sounded like an interesting idea
3. Price was not too bad
4. I liked the thought of being able to run faster
5. My wife said I could have them.

[Ewen]

azza, on Jul 1 2007, 07:28 PM, said:

Just took a look at the site, did you realise they are banned by the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF) and USA Track and Field (USATF)? I wonder what would happen in Australia if you win a race wearing them?

Last I saw they were not banned by the IAAF. They're under consideration. The IAAF rules on footwear say that shoes can provide protection and grip but not an unfair mechanical advantage. It's difficult to prove if a shoe is providing a mechanical advantage. I think the USATF rules do specifically outlaw "springs" in shoes.

The Spira shoe uses a "wave spring". They don't claim a mechanical advantage, just that the shoes return 98% of energy and that the midsoles don't break down. They were the shoe worn in the "World's Fastest 10k" (a downhill course), for 26:01 men's and sub-30 women's times.

One of the big advantages (possibly) would be the recovery from hard sessions the shoes might offer. Especially as they don't lose their cushioning throughout the life of the shoe.

One runner is testing the Stinger Competition racing flat with a view to using the shoes in the London Marathon - see here.

[Ewen]

Spira shoes helped 48-year-old Rick run his fastest 20 mile race for 5 years (2:05:37), which was within 10 seconds of his PB. He rates them "the best running shoe ever".