Nike Lunaracer +

As the 2012 race season descends upon runners from the first time 5k’r to the experienced marathoners, racers will be looking for the fastest way possible to get to the finish line. Whatever your training entails, everyone can benefit from training faster and lighter than ever before. Enter the Nike Lunaracer +. In the last few years on the market the Nike Lunaracer has been on the feet of Olympic qualifiers like Kara Goucher and multiple marathon winners here in Utah.

The Lunaracer is built upon Nikes lunar platform with lunar foam- the material used in many Nike shoes to provide lightweight cushion for runners that demand a responsive ride. Unlike the Lunarglide and other Nike platforms that provide more support for runners as a daily trainer, the Lunaracer is designed to be a true racing flat for racing and fast tempo days. Weighing in at a mere 6.6 ounces for a men’s size 9, the shoe is nearly half the weight of many daily training shoes.

As a racing flat and shoe meant for speed, the Lunaracer really sets itself apart as one of the best designed shoes on the market. The light weight Nike Flywire that wraps the midfoot gives a secure glove like fit for the shoe. Nike does make this shoe to fit snug so you may want to consider going half a size bigger. The Lunaracer+ also includes a foot pod option for Nike Plus to track distance and run statistics with the Nike software that comes separately.

Putting the Lunaracer to the test for a few hundred miles and a full marathon, I have found my favorite shoe. I have set half marathon personal bests and noticed that the shoe has helped me maintain good form more so than any other shoe I have trained in. Many people experience blisters during a marathon, which I did while wearing the Lunaracer, but it’s very possible I did not break the shoes in enough prior to the race. Currently I use the LunarRacer on many of my runs because of the light weight minimal feel that allows me to focus of my form and achieving a good mid foot strike.

I would recommend the Lunaracer for anyone looking to gain an edge in racing this spring or summer!