TOP 13 Best Racing Flats 2024 Reviewed for 5km to Marathon

Got some races coming up?

Looking for a pair of shoes that will help you along to your next PB while not smashing your legs too much in the process?

This list will introduce you to the best racing flats of 2024, right from the barest minimum 5km shoe, to the best options for marathon racing.

I’ve also gone into a bit more detail later on so if you’re new to the concept of racing flats, skip to that guide section first.

Unless stated otherwise, all of the shoes below are available in both men’s and women’s versions.

TOP 13 Best Racing Flats of 2024

What is a Racing Flat?

Racing flats are running shoes specifically designed just for racing.

Traditionally, they are as light as possible with minimal cushioning and a low or zero drop (difference in stack height, or thickness of the sole, between the heel and toe).

They aim to be as responsive as possible, but tend to be less durable due to their lightweight construction.

They are scientifically proven to make you run faster, with some caveats like longer recovery and a higher risk of injury that is.

These days, technology has come far enough that shoes can still be reasonably well cushioned and lightweight. But the amount of cushioning in a shoe can be a trade-off with responsiveness and speed.

Consequently, there are a wide range of racing shoes available now, some more cushioned and better suited to marathon distances, some with a higher drop, moderate cushioning and a little stability, and some that remain a true race flat – minimalist and unforgiving and that you probably wouldn’t want to wear for more than a 10km.

So, how do you know what kind of racing flat you need?

How to Choose Your Next Competition Shoe

There are a few things to consider:

What Kind of Runner are You?

How heavy are you? How strong is your core? How does your form hold up?

All these things translate into what kind of race flat will suit you.

Lighter runners are lighter on their feet and experience less shock with each foot strike. This means they can get away with less cushioning and not experience the same exhausting effects of impact that a heavier runner would experience.

But, if you have a strong core, are an experienced runner and have good form, then you can get away with less cushioning than a newer runner or a heavier runner with weaker form.

What part of your foot do you land on?

There are three broad categories of foot strike pattern. People who land on their heel (heel strikers), people who land on the outer edge of the middle of their foot (midfoot strikers) and people who land on the balls of their toes (toe strikers or forefoot strikers).

People who land on their heels typically need the most cushioning because they don’t have the arch of the foot and the ankle doing any (or much) shock absorption. They do best with slightly higher drop shoes (8mm or more).

Midfoot and forefoot strikers can get away with less cushioning and feel more comfortable running in lower drop shoes (8mm or less).

What Distance are You Mostly Racing?

Are you running marathons? Half marathons? 10km? 5km?

Here, it’s just basically common sense.

The longer the race, the more cushioning you need. And it’s not just a case of comfort.

If your legs are exposed to increased shock repetitively over the length of a longer race, they’ll get more tired than they would do otherwise and that could affect your form and speed.

Generally speaking, a minimalist racing flat is perfect for a 5 or 10km race. But for a half or full marathon you need more cushioning.

Are you just getting into running? If you’re new to racing, check out our guide to training for a 5km.

Do You Need Some Stability?

If you usually run in stability shoes when you’re training, then you should probably consider a racing flat with some stability features too, especially over longer distances.

A mild overpronator can get away with a neutral race flat over a 5km, but upwards of this and you’re asking for trouble.

If you’re an overpronator and think you might be in need of some more training shoes, we have a guide to the best running shoes for overpronation that will shorten your search.

How Often do You Race?

This is important from a recovery perspective.

If you’re running weekly 5km races at your local park, you’re probably better off wearing your regular training shoes than a race flat that will pound your legs and increase your recovery time.

Even if you’re doing a series of races over a season leading up to one final, important event, you might want to consider wearing more cushioned shoes for the less important races, saving your legs so you can get back into training sooner, and saving your race flats for the big event.

If you need extra help with recovery to stay injury-free through the season, I’d recommend looking into calf compression sleeves and foam rollers as super useful props.

Bringing it Together

Hopefully, that makes sense and you have a better idea of which type of racing shoes you need.

There’s a huge price range when it comes to racing flats, so you need to make sure you’re investing your dollars wisely.

The hugely pricey Nike Vaporflies are arguably worth their price, but probably only for sub 3 hour marathon runners. The advantage that slower or less efficient runners get from these shoes will not be enough to justify their high price.

If you’re looking at 3.5 hr + for your marathon time, you’d do better keeping yourself more comfortable in a lightweight but well cushioned running shoe, not necessarily a racing flat.

Some of the best long-distance running shoes are light enough to be comfortably worn in a 3.5 hr + marathon and would probably be a safer choice than something more minimalist.

FAQs

What are the Best Racing Flats?

There is no simple answer to this question! There are many great racing flats that are well suited to different runners. The Reebok Run Fast Pro is a great all-rounder though.

How Tight should Racing Flats be?

Imagine a sock-like fit. Racing flats should be a little tighter fitting than your regular running shoes but not so tight that they’re uncomfortable or limiting circulation!

Should You Train in Racing Flats?

No. They’re less durable so you’ll wear them out unnecessarily. And, they don’t provide your feet with enough cushioning for regular training.

But, in saying that, it can be beneficial to familiarize your feet with your racing flats before race day.

Do Racing Flats make You Faster?

Yes!

What’s the Difference Between a Racing Flat and a Minimalist Running Shoe?

This is an interesting one. If you’re a forefoot striker, then the difference between a low drop minimalist shoe and a racing flat might not be very much.

The main difference would be that a racing flat would hopefully be as responsive and fast as possible.

But, if you’re a heel striker, a minimalist shoe may not provide enough cushioning in the heel for you. If you’re interested in minimalist shoes, we have a list of all the best models right here.

How Many Miles do Racing Flats Last?

This varies a lot, but on average around 200 miles.

That brings us to the end of this quick guide to the best racing flats of 2024.

Hopefully, your understanding of the different types of shoes out there has increased and you feel ready to pick out your next pair of race shoes!

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