Shoe choices…

Contrary to last week’s post, there are some parts of running where I eagerly embrace the newest developments in the industry. One of these is shoes. Over the years they have become lighter and better at protecting runners’ feet from impact. While it would be difficult to keep getting older shoes in new condition, given how superior the new ones are to what we once wore, even if you could buy old ones easily, it wouldn’t be a very logical thing to do. Shoes are the most important part of the runner’s gear and it’s possible that they make a significant difference in some people’s decision to run or not run.

My first years of running were back in high school and during that time, I wore whatever. Once I hit college, I convinced myself that Adidas was my brand and for about six years, I refused to wear any other. While they felt wonderful and I did purchase the best model for my footfall and needs, I could not be swayed to try a different vendor. When I visited my local running store, the owner would encourage me to try something else, and I always refused.

Until I bought a pair of Adidas that didn’t fit well in the store. Naturally I didn’t say anything; I took them home and then went through a couple months of running where the shoes never fit quite right.

When I went back for the replacement, I remarkably took the mature route of admitting they hadn’t worked so well and the store owner this time pleaded with me to give a different brand chance. I took the unusual step of putting on a pair of Brooks Adrenaline and they felt glorious. Did I immediately purchase them? Of course not. I sat on a bench in the store and hemmed and hawed over this decision. The Adidas were right there, and they were my brand. The store owner was probably exasperated by this act of willful stubbornness more than he let on, but I eventually relented and my running world has never been the same.

I went through six pairs of the Adrenaline before switching to a different model and I’ve worn a variety of brands since that time. Currently I’m on at least my twelfth straight pair of Sauconys because they have worked well. I assume at some point the model I use will change and I’ll need to find a different brand. I may end up trying on three, four, or even seven pairs in the process but it will be worth it.

I referenced the difficult choice we all have when choosing our next pair of shoes. If a shoe is working for you, as in you’re not experiencing any unusual or new aches or pains and they feel comfortable, then stick with it. You may want to try something on for fun, just to see the difference, but switching when something works well carries risk. If you are starting to feel something odd during or after running, or the shoes aren’t that comfortable, then it may be time for a change. It could be a simple brand change will work, or you may need a structural change. One good part of today’s running world is the different types of footwear. While the traditionally structured models will probably be the best option for most people, there are other possibilities (like the elevated Hokas or zero heel-to-toe drop Altras) that work better for some folks.

It’s essential to pick something that works. We may be tempted by varied reasons for our choice: vanity, wanting to wear a type of shoe the pros wear or that a celebrity wears (I’m not kidding–I’ve heard a lot of interesting reasons for shoe purchases), the political leanings of a company, etc. But, if your feet aren’t happy, your running world is difficult. I believe it’s much easier to keep running, especially if you’re trying to work your way into a new habit, if you have the best gear on your feet.

One benefit of some run clubs (including Runners Roost) is that shoe vendors are frequently there and they bring demo models to try out on the run. Most of the major brands visit a few times during the year. Typically they’ll bring a couple of different examples of their shoes and though they may not be the exact one within that brand that best fits your feet, it provides an opportunity to get a sense of how their shoes and technology feel and perform for free. Though I strongly encourage people to buy the shoes that feel the best from the first moment you lace them up, I’ve also been surprised at the times one of the demo shoes didn’t feel quite right but ended up feeling good by the end of the run. If you’re trying several pairs in a store and nothing feels perfect, it may be that the one that feels best among them will work for you.

Shoes are an art and a science. The new technology out there is outstanding (and getting better all the time) and the details from the company and the number of reviews provide a lot of information on what works. Yet, it’s good to try a few and see how they go. And, on one hand, you want to make sure you’re sticking with what works and not just changing for the sake of change. On the other hand, you don’t want to get into the stubbornness rut. Eventually, the shoes might hurt or they may not serve you as well as something different and you’re missing out on an opportunity that could make your running much more pleasant.

Running food review of the week: (note–gels, bars, chews, and other items affect everyone differently. Try them on a short run before using them for a key training run or race):  Powerade Lemon Lime. One difference between Gatorade and Powerade is that the latter tastes a bit lighter. The lemon-lime flavor is similar between these two with that exception. The only times I’ve used Powerade Lemon Lime has been in hot weather and it works well for that, and the flavor is good. I don’t routinely go to this flavor but after this most recent test, I’m thinking I should more often.