I’ve raced 3 seasons now in the Brooks Racer ST 5. What makes it unique compared to other running flats is that it is a stability shoe. That is, like cushioning or motion control running shoes, the Racer ST series is built specifically for those that usually run in stability shoes. That means there is a beefier midfoot support structure by way of a wedge of denser material, which helps prevent over-pronation. Most running flats are, well, unclassified with regards to cushioning, motion control, or stability: they are flat and purposely lacking as much material as possible! For those triathletes and runners who are looking for a lightweight, true running flat that just happens to have stability, read on about the Brooks Racer ST 5.

My first pair was in yellow. I liked that because I live in Florida, the sunshine state. Next year’s model was bright orange. It was the perfect shoe for University of Florida fans!

That’s the pair I raced in all of last year. For 2013, it’s nice to see a more traditional color scheme, which is the first picture above. Priced at just $89.95 at TriVillage.com, the Brooks Racer ST 5 is a downright affordable option to the other high end racing flats out there. And yes, I put it in that group – this is a high end shoe, no doubt. Any shoe that can stay under 9 oz. and set up as a racing flat, yet offer stability which so many of us runners need, makes it a top of the line shoe.

It’s not a true triathlon shoe, by the way. I run in them without socks, including a half Ironman one year. My feet got pretty beat up, but I made the run in what was for me a record time. Still, they are not a true sock-less shoe. You can easily break in the Racer ST and run in them for sprint and Olympic distance triathlons, but make sure you get in some runs before race day so that your feet can acclimate.

So if you run in stability shoes and are looking for racing flats for 2013, definitely check out the Brooks Racer ST 5.