Which racing flats offer the best cushioning for long races?
This page compares 4 racing flats with verified specifications and prices. Top options include ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo, Brooks Hyperion Max 4, PUMA Deviate Nitro 4. Prices range from £125 to £198. All data is sourced from manufacturer documentation and specialist retailers.
| Product ⇅ | Price ⇅ | Weight (oz) ⇅ | Stack Height (mm) ⇅ | Drop (mm) ⇅ | Sole Stiffness ⇅ | Spike Pattern ⇅ | Upper Material ⇅ |
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ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo
US
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£198.44 ≈ | 6 oz | 34.5-39.5 mm | 5 mm | — | — | Technical engineered woven material |
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The ASICS Metaspeed Edge Tokyo is a lightweight carbon-plated road racing shoe with FF LEAP and FF TURBO PLUS cushioning, a 5 mm drop, and a 34.5-39.5 mm stack. Its forward-angled carbon plate and MOTION WRAP 3.0 upper make it best suited to competitive cadence-style runners racing distances from 5K through the marathon. ★ Ideal forIt suits long-race cushioning needs through its high 34.5-39.5 mm stack and soft, bouncy FF LEAP foam, while the FF TURBO PLUS layer adds energy return and stability for marathon-distance racing.
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Brooks Hyperion Max 4
US
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£147.16 ≈ | 10.1 | 45 | 6 | Stiff | — | Triple jacquard mesh |
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The Brooks Hyperion Max 4 is a high-stack road racing and training shoe with DNA GOLD and DNA FLASH v2 cushioning, a nylon SpeedVault plate, and a RapidRoll Rocker. Its breathable, secure mesh upper and smooth transitions suit runners who want a firm, responsive shoe for fast workouts, long runs, and marathon-pace training. ★ Ideal forIts 45 mm total stack, layered DNA GOLD and DNA FLASH v2 cushioning, and nylon SpeedVault plate provide substantial impact protection and efficient propulsion for runners seeking a cushioned racing flat for long races.
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PUMA Deviate Nitro 4
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£125.05 ≈ | 8.8 | 38 heel / 30 forefoot | 8 | 22.7N | — | Engineered mesh |
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The PUMA Deviate Nitro 4 is a cushioned road-running trainer with nitrogen-infused NITROFOAM, a carbon-composite PWRPLATE, and grippy PUMAGRIP rubber. Its engineered-mesh upper is breathable and lightweight, making it suitable for daily miles, tempo workouts, and race-day efforts. ★ Ideal forIt suits long-race cushioning needs with a 38mm heel stack, responsive NITROFOAM, and a carbon-composite PWRPLATE that adds propulsion while retaining enough comfort for extended efforts.
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PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 3
US
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£183.95 ≈ | 6.0 | 40 heel, 32 forefoot | 8 | 23.1N | Fully decoupled outsole with central void and full rubber forefoot coverage | ULTRAWEAVE engineered mesh |
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The PUMA Fast-R Nitro Elite 3 is a lightweight carbon-plated racing shoe with NITROFOAM Elite cushioning, an extended PWRPLATE, and an aggressive, highly propulsive geometry. It suits experienced runners targeting fast half marathons and marathons, especially midfoot and forefoot strikers who can handle its high stiffness and limited stability. ★ Ideal forIts 40mm heel and 32mm forefoot stack, NITROFOAM Elite cushioning, and lightweight 6.0oz build provide substantial protection and energy return for long races while the carbon PWRPLATE helps maintain efficient forward momentum.
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