A few shoe bits…

I get frequent questions about running shoes, even from seasoned runners. Initially, this surprised me. However, given how frequently shoe technology changes and how much manufacturers tinker with their designs, it’s not uncommon for runners to change brands from time to time when their go-to model doesn’t work any longer. When that happens to me, I’ll be curious about what other shoe models are out there and how they compare to what I’ve been wearing. The shoe types that were similar to yours in the past may not be any more and when you’re brought out brands or models you’ve never considered, naturally you want to know more. Since I’m not a shoe engineering expert, I’ll rely on the product knowledge of the folks working at the store.

I’ve written on shoes in the past and much of that information still holds true. The main difference now from four years ago, besides the technology, is price–currently standard models are in the $140-180 range. But, as the most important piece of gear for running, it’s good to invest in something that will work well.

There are many different vendors, models, and shoe shapes. Many companies have, in varying degrees, stayed with the traditional higher drop, where the sole at the heel is taller than at the forefoot. Following the barefoot running trend from several years ago, some shoe companies have focused on creating zero drop soles and still others have gone to more extreme cushioning. The best way to know where you fit on this scale is to go and try several on.

My decisions are based on comfort and feel. If I go to a local running store and buy something in the aforementioned price range, I’m confident that the cushioning and stability is well-designed and that the shoe will last within the standard range of 400-500 miles.

How do you know whether you’re a 400, 450, or 500 mile person? I’ve not seen a formula and I’ve gone with the assumption it’s something learned. One subtle way to determine this it to recognize how you’re feeling during and after the run. Setting aside outlier factors like long runs or high-intensity speed workouts that will wear you down more than a standard run, if you’re feeling more muscle strain or fatigue than normal, it’s possible a new pair of shoes will help.

You can also test it in reverse. Once you’ve gotten a new pair, after a couple weeks take a run in the former pair. I did this the other day and when I started the run, I could tell the cushion and support were shot. Not only did I feel it during the run, I felt it the next day, too. Clearly I had switched in time, and I’d possibly stretched the old pair a little too long. Had it been the opposite feeling, I would have planned to alternate them with my new pair for a couple of weeks until I’d fully worn them out.

Often you can use a model of a shoe for a long period of time and just switch out for the latest model when you’re done. It’s likely you’ll need to change at some point. When that occurs, there are plenty of options to keep yourself logging miles.