The hectic running season has finally calmed down. The full marathon season begins around November, and by the time the popular major race, the Tokyo Marathon, ends in March, you've probably already felt like a true runner. From now until spring and into summer, ultramarathons and triathlons will begin all over Japan
For runners, the scenery of budding cherry blossoms and new greenery is a beautiful sight, making this a fun season for jogging. Triathletes and ultra runners are now in their peak seasons, preparing for the big day. For both types of runners, the longer days mean more time to practice while it's still light, which is a great thing
For such runners, choosing the right shoes is crucial. In this article, we'll be looking for a model that beginners can wear for a full marathon, and that can also be used for ultra and triathlons. You may be wondering, "Are there really shoes that are that convenient?" But please bear with us as we continue to explore the topic
"Do I need any special shoes for an ultramarathon?"
"What kind of shoes are they all wearing?"
Over the next few issues, our editorial team will conduct market research and seek answers to these simple questions from our own unique perspective. By the way, since I am a woman, I will be writing about women's shoe selection, but of course there are similar products for men, so please use them as reference
I'm a triathlete who likes to take things slowly and at his own pace. My
personal best for a full marathon is sub-4, but in recent years I've been running at the sub-4.5 level, which I think is more in the range of a typical amateur runner. Despite having been in hibernation for a while this season, I'm back in the swing of long races with the spring ultra! I've had to choose shoes that suit my current level.
table of contents
table of contents
- Main guidelines for choosing shoes this time
- 5 must-have endurance shoes
- Summary and Preview: Market Research and Comparison Review
Main guidelines for choosing shoes this time
- Suitable for: Beginners to experienced long-distance runners
- Scene: Mainly for completing long distances on paved roads
- Countermeasure: Thick sole protection (endurance) type to minimize damage
As one of the guidelines for choosing shoes, shops and manufacturers are proposing ways to match them to the expected finish time of a full marathon, such as sub-3 or sub-4
As the pace gets faster, the shape of shoes becomes more minimal, with thinner soles and a tendency for them to become lighter
Those aiming for an ultra will take it a step further, and at the 100km finish line, they will start to hear talk of the unknown world of sub-9 and sub-10 times
To achieve a sub-9 time, you need to run more than twice the distance of a full marathon while maintaining a speed of under 5 minutes 25 seconds per kilometer (under 4 minutes). In reality, the average pace for a 100km ultra marathon is about 6 to 8 minutes per kilometer, which takes about 10 to 14 hours to reach the finish line
Even the fastest athletes have to keep exposing their feet to impact for nine hours
For strong runners aiming for a high level, their well-trained muscles will protect them from long-term damage, so it may be possible to improve their times by wearing minimalist shoes that strip out unnecessary cushioning and other features. However I think the key is to reduce the accumulated damage caused by long distances and long periods of time, and to be able to finish the second half of the race without dropping their time as much as possible.
In other words, the focus of this article is not on speed. We'll be looking at shoes with excellent cushioning and support to protect the feet of everyone from beginners who take their time to ultra runners and triathletes who do endurance sports
*There are many other factors that go into choosing shoes, such as physique, running style, level, and the type of surface you will be running on, but here we will look at it in terms of a timeline that is generally easy to understand
Editor's Picks: 5 Pairs of Shoes
- Minimize damage from long distances and long hours!
Zoot Ali'i 16
Comfort ★★★ Cushioning ★★☆ Support ★★☆ Grip ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
Zoot is a long-established brand of triathlon wear and shoes founded in 1983 in Kona, Hawaii, the home of Ironman. Their shoes are designed for triathlons and other endurance sports, and this model in particular is popular worldwide and often sells out quickly. They offer a standard width that's comfortable for Japanese athletes, cushioning, and support for stable running even when your feet are tired after a bike ride. The ALI'1 series features wire laces and a round dial called the Boa Dial, allowing for precise adjustments. This not only allows for quick transitions, but also makes them convenient for ultramarathons, allowing for quick adjustments even if your feet start to swell after long runs
On Cloudcruiser Women's
Comfort ★★☆ Cushioning ★★☆ Support ★★☆ Grip ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
Founded in Switzerland in 2010, this is still a new running shoe brand, but since its debut in Japan at the Tokyo Marathon EXPO in 2013, it has gradually become a rising star. When I first saw the 3D outsole at their booth, I was amazed at how innovative the shoe was. The origins of the shoe's development were unusual: a former professional triathlete suffering from chronic inflammation in his Achilles tendon began by attaching cut-up garden hoses to the soles. After extensive research into this unique outsole with engineers from ETH Zurich, they finally arrived at the CloudTec system, which cushions landing impact. The Cloudcruiser is ideal for long-distance, high-intensity running. For lighter, faster running, this season's Cloudflow model might be a better choice
HOKA ONE ONE CLIFTON 3 Women's
Comfort ★★★ Cushioning ★★★ Support ★★☆ Grip ★☆☆ Weight ★★★
Founded in France in 2009, these shoes were originally designed for trail and ultra races. In Japan, they were worn by a foreign athlete who won the 2010 Hasetsune Cup (trail race), and their thick soles, nearly twice as thick as conventional shoes, attracted attention. Previously, trail shoes had concerns about the weight due to their thick soles, but they have now evolved into ultra-lightweight, maximum cushioning. This road model, in particular, offers a luxurious feel with its lightweight yet plush cushioning, making them a hot topic among ultra runners and triathletes. You'll fall in love with the marshmallow-like comfort the moment you put them on
BROOKS TRANSCEND 4 WOMEN'S
Comfort ★★★ Cushioning ★★☆ Support ★★☆ Grip ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
Founded in the United States in 1984, BROOKS is a specialty running retailer and boasts the No. 1 market share in the United States in 2011. Since the Transcend was released in 2014 to mark Brooks' 100th anniversary, this latest, fourth-generation model is a flagship model that brings together the manufacturer's latest technologies. BROOKS' unique, world-first cushioning system, BROOKS DNA, is revolutionary in that it automatically adapts cushioning to each runner's body shape and running style. The addition of Super DNA improves cushioning by 25%. You'll experience how the shoe adapts to your body's changes with every run. This new Transcend is recommended for runners seeking both cushioning and acceleration
ASICS Lady Gel-KAYANO 23
Comfort ★★★ Cushioning ★★☆ Support ★★★ Grip ★★☆ Weight ★★☆
This well-known Japanese manufacturer's Gel-Kayano has been a long-selling shoe since its introduction in 1993, constantly evolving and gaining more and more supporters every year. The midsole combines the highly resilient and evolved SpEVA with the lightweight FlyteFoam, creating a smooth, flowing running experience. Aside from foot length, a wide range of sizes are available, with the same model available in slim, regular, and wide sizes to suit foot circumference and other factors. Another appealing feature is the ability to choose shoes that fit perfectly to your foot shape, thanks to the meticulous finish that only a Japanese manufacturer can offer
Summary and preview
This time, I've picked out shoes with a focus on cushioning and support to protect against damage caused by long distances and long hours. There are many different ways to choose shoes, and I know an amazing woman who runs triathlons (long distance) in thin waraji sandals (running sandals) that she made herself. This is an extreme example, but for some people, cushioning can actually make them more tired. The most important thing above all else is to assess your own abilities and find shoes that suit you well. In my next post, I will narrow down my focus to three more shoes, incorporating market research and the opinions of shoe advisors, and conduct actual running tests to share my impressions
Michiko Sone
An amphibious writer who enjoys triathlons, living by the motto "take it easy and go at your own pace." In 2015, he launched a planning and editing production company and is currently working freelance. He strives to provide articles that are easy to understand and convey the heartfelt message in kind words. He has the energy to hop on his bike and rush off to cover any location within a 100km radius, and if requested, he will ride through the mountains, dive into the ocean, or fly around the world. He is proud of his keen nose for finding interesting things and events
Planning and editing production:Office Astro Writing
Blog:Rinko's Diary
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