On this week's episode of the Marathon Handbook Podcast, our editors Alex, Katelyn and Michael first do a mini preview of the 2025 Tokyo Marathon, which released its elite fields this week, including one intriguing starter, Joshua Cheptegei.

Then they talk about three super weird footwear stories: the release of the first "super sandals" (or is it "super flip flops"?), yet another Crocs marathon world record, and Hoka's "speed loafer," which may be the most ridiculous shoe in history.

Then, they are joined by Marathon Handbook founder, Thomas Watson, to discuss his most recent column for the site, entitled "Super Shoes Don't Make You Faster, It Turns Out." He explains how he's never run a race in super shoes, and now faces a personal ethical dilemma: does he taint his pre-super shoe PRs this coming year? And is running in super shoes... wrong?

Read Thomas Watson's op-ed "Super Shoes Don’t Make You Any Faster, It Turns Out":
https://marathonhandbook.com/supershoes-dont-make-you-any-faster/

Our coverage of the 2025 Tokyo Marathon:
https://marathonhandbook.com/2025-tokyo-marathon-announces-star-studded-lineup-of-defending-champions/

Kenyan Runner Wins Marathon Wearing Carbon-Plated Sandals:
https://marathonhandbook.com/kenyan-runner-wins-marathon-wearing-carbon-plated-sandals/

Hoka's "Speed Loafer" Is... A Sight to Behold:
https://marathonhandbook.com/need-to-run-to-a-meeting-introducing-the-hoka-speed-loafer/

Come see our live podcast at the Boston Run Show! March 1-2. Get tickets here:

https://thebostonrunshow.seetickets.com/event/the-boston-run-show-the-boston-outdoor-expo/boston-hynes-convention-center/3110358

Our free marathon training plans:
https://marathonhandbook.com/trainingplans/marathon-training-plans/

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