For the average weekend warrior, or for those just entering the sport, throwing on a pair of sneakers and lumbering through a local 5k on a Saturday morning with the primary motivation of the free juice and bagels at the finish is enough. However, for those who experience the "itch," the continuous desire to get out and run, the sport becomes a healthy obsession. Runners begin to scrutinize each detail in an effort to streamline their performances, so finding legitimate ways to go faster becomes a priority. For some, the answer comes in the form of racing flats.

Yet before whipping out the credit card in hopes of shaving off a few precious seconds, consider a few ideas. First, how experienced are you? If you are just beginning, you will see no real difference, as your strength and endurance simply do not yet exist, not to mention the fact that you may very well injure yourself with a smaller, less supportive shoe. Second, think about your goals. Do you run to finish, or do you compete to cut time? Third, what distance do you want to run? Shorter events tend to favor the racing flats, whereas normally only elite runners can manage these shoes over a marathon distance.

If racing flats fit what you want, there are distinct advantages. Initially, you will feel psychologically quicker. Warming up in trainers and then putting on what will feel like feathers will do wonders for your confidence. Aside from the mental boost, racing flats will actually make you faster. Approximately one second is gained per mile for each ounce you subtract from the shoe. Since the average racing flat is roughly five ounces lighter than the standard sneaker, you should save about five seconds per mile. Multiply that over your desired distance and you will see a considerable improvement.

Take the time to decide if they are right for you, but remember that racing flats do not take the place of trainers. Flats should only be used on race day or for short jogs to break them in. Best of luck.