New Balance Men's MRC5000

UPDATE:these shoes lasted about 2 months, or ~100 miles of fast, long distance runs. That's to be expected from a racing flat, so don't be scared off by that short expiration date; these are QUITE POSSIBLY THE BEST SHOES I'VE EVER WORN, if I only had two months to live. Nothing I had to say below has changed; just wanted to update the time line of these shoes. They'd be good for up to 10 miles, but if you have form breakdowns or sensitive feet after 10k distance, keep the mileage low...I've been in the Mizuno Wave Universe 5 for a few months and the itch to buy new shoes wouldn't go away, so I caved and got these.These are meant to compete directly with the MWU5, and they do a great job, albeit they're a bit more substantial, whereas the MWU feel like a light pair of Toms that you can run in.THOUGHTS:Great shoes! The sole is a little more substantial than on other racing flats, and as such it feels great running in. But, after 10 miles I noticed some rubbing on the ball of my left foot, which is typically the case with my left foot (?).the sole and little rubber "cleats" provide good grip and make my transitions feel good but don't take them on anything looser than, say, a road, or packed dirt.The one piece upper feels great around the foot and keeps it in place while allowing it to feel the ground and the toes to spread out in the wider toe box (although it's more narrow than the MWU and what I would like).BUT, the sole is more "anatomically correct" relative to the wider more squared off sole of the MWU, which is definitely noticeable but doesn't impair my running at all.Compared to another NB shoe, like the Minimus Road, well there is no comparison. The minimus is a much wider shoe and is ideal for those seeking a more minimal feel - with the extra wide toe box and ultra flexible sole. the 5000 are racing flats, thus they're a bit more stiff on the bottom and don't allow much flex, but the 5mm drop is conducive to a mid foot strike (which I like), and that accompanying feeling of being closer to the ground, like in a sports car.I ended up running my fastest mile, 5k and 10k in these shoes, but I'll be the first to say it's not simply the shoes. I was having a great run, not thinking much, and was in a group, which is where I find I run the fastest.I love these shoes, though no shoe will ever be my favorite because, well, I like to spend money on NEW shoes, but I really do enjoy these shoes. I don't seem to have a preference between these and the MWU regarding what I wear on certain days - these are new, so I like to wear them. I do think I like them a bit more than the MWU because they aren't as constrictive and the sole is a bit more substantial, but as soon as I jump back into the MWU for a day I'll probably say the opposite.Either way, I'm no professional runner, but I do aspire for faster times and longer distances and like to research new gear and follow trends regarding technique, although I typically do what I want.IMO it's best to experience new things rather than stay stagnant; make your own conclusions. Enjoy the ride!

I have tried many different shoe options for workouts and races, I run 3 mile and 5k races. I've tried the Nike waffle racers, Flyknit racers, victory elite, brooks T7, Lunar racer 1, and lots of more conventional running shoes such as the New Balance 1400, Nike Pegasus 30, and (soon) the Puma Narita v2. The whole time, New Balance has been a favorite of mine followed closely by the Nike Flyknit racers. These in particular are my favorites. They are great for most terrains, but excel on road and relatively flat terrain. The little rubber treads on the bottom are great at gripping the road, even when it is wet, which is a major plus. I've had these for a little over a year now. No problems in particular to report that aren't in all racers. These shouldn't be used for long workouts or runs on rocky trails. They are minimalist and very thin, so if you step on rocks, you can feel them. Eventually, like all other racers, they will tear and the bottom will start to roll on itself, but they lasted longer than many other racers I've tried. It is unique in the sense that it excels on almost all courses I've run on, including long and short grass, dirt trail, small gravel, asphalt flats and hills, and courses with sharp turns. Their very light weight and overall comfort make it an almost perfect cross country racing shoe.As far as the fit, the toe box is pretty loose on me and the laces are really long. To compensate, I tucked the laces into the front loop before I raced. Also, when you get them, you might want to put a thin layer of glue or double sided tape to secure the insole. After a while, it started sliding out of the shoe as I ran (weird, right?), which got distracting but wasn't much of a problem at all. Wear tab socks or longer socks when you run in these. When you store them, be careful to avoid crushing them or altering their shape. I kept the stuffing they came with so that I could keep the shape nice. Other people I know that had this shoe said it got warped over time because they threw it in their bags, etc. Overall, a great, well-rounded shoe for racing with minimal problems. It's great for smashing PR's and always surprises me when I put them on. I never realize just how light they are until I lace up. If you're looking to set new personal bests, this is the shoe for you.References: personal experience, PR'd by 1:40 minutes in a 3 mile race the first time I used them, definitely using them as long as the shoe remains intact.