What are racing "flats"?

Question

I know that for some XC races (this is my first xc season) I will have to wear "flats" (apparently) because of concrete, etc. But others just Spikes. But what are flats? Are they just like running shoes? I have some good Asics Running Shoes, would those work? What are flats? Any pictures?

Answer 1

Running Spikes- Shoes with spikes that are for teh track and some CC races. Gives more traction and very light weight

Running shoes- heavier but have more padding and more durable.  offers more traction than racing flats.

Racing Flats-light weight running shoes meant for concrete, asphalt, or anything in between. Have less padding so if you wear them to train you will get hurt. Only use for races and such.

i personally recommend the Asics (best running company) Hyperspeed II.

ryan hall  wore them to break the american half marathona nd marathon records and are expremely comfortable yet light weight.

hope this helps

Answer 2

flats are like spikes but without the holes for spikes and sometimes they are a little more comfortable, at least thats what i think. they are only ment for racing or for speed workouts. and you probably wont wanna wear your normal training shoes because they are a lot bigger and not as snug as the racing flats.

spikes:

http://newbalancechicago.com/images/prod...

flats:

http://www.holabirdsports.com/products/0...

you cant really tell apart flats and spikes unless you look on the bottom because other than that they're pretty much the same. i have a pair of the nike jenna star or something racing flats and spikes and they're exactly the same color and everything, one just has spikes.

Answer 3

no, they are different from regular running shoes. They are really light weigh and "hug" your feet. They make it easier to run on your toes. They are spikes w/o the spikes if you know what spikes are...

Heres what they look like:

http://www.runningunlimited.com/asp/prod...

for xc they look a little bit like trainers but you should really get flats. They will help you a lot. your feet feel sooo light in them, like you could fly...lol

Answer 4

"Flats" are running spikes, but the spikes may be taken out making them Flatt. They are very light shoes. I started running XC in 10th grade and usually the only runners that wore flatts were the top notch, always head of the group runners. If you don't have a pair i wouldn't worry about it too much unless you coach says it's mandatory. If you do have to get them any running store carries them many sporting good stores do as well.

Good Luck with XC season. you will probably enjoy it, i definitely did.

Answer 5

Hello,

Racing flats are just light weight running shoes.  They're meant for racing, as they don't have the cushion meant for a lot of miles.  They make a marginal difference and are not a 'must have'.  Waffle racers (with removable spikes) are nice for XC and can serve as both flats & spikes.  Hope that helps.  Good luck!

- Mike