You Don’t Need Speedy Shoes For Short Distance Races

Some runners who are serious competitors in 5-K and 10-K races wear heavier shoes for long runs and marathons and change to their “performance trainers” for shorter races. I only recommend this if you are an experienced runner without any major biomechanical problems. Unless you are a top-level competitor, you aren’t going to get an edge from wearing thinner, lighter shoes, especially if you are running on the road rather than on a track. If you wear shoes with insufficient support and cushioning for a 10-K race, your feet and knees will let you know, and you probably won’t make that mistake again.