who knew it would be so hard to find running shoes?
i remember it being as simple as picking out a pair of nike cross-trainers that looked decent, trying them on, and purchasing. the end. and those shoes were worn until a toe or heel literally touched ground.
now that my shoes need to serve a specific purpose, long distance running, there's a lot more to consider. proper fit, support, and cushioning, while look and cost become secondary.
after reading a lot of running blogs and related fitness websites, i came to the conclusion that i needed a shoe with enough cushioning for a 26 mile run, obviously, and it probably wasn't going to be a nike. after all, many runners were sporting asics and brooks.
after several unsuccessful trips to big-box sporting-goods stores, i decided it was time to visit a specialty running store. it was running shoe heaven! walls of shoes and different brands to choose from.
now that my shoes need to serve a specific purpose, long distance running, there's a lot more to consider. proper fit, support, and cushioning, while look and cost become secondary.
after reading a lot of running blogs and related fitness websites, i came to the conclusion that i needed a shoe with enough cushioning for a 26 mile run, obviously, and it probably wasn't going to be a nike. after all, many runners were sporting asics and brooks.
after several unsuccessful trips to big-box sporting-goods stores, i decided it was time to visit a specialty running store. it was running shoe heaven! walls of shoes and different brands to choose from.
after having my feet, walk, and current shoes analyzed (by several salespeople at this point), i was clearly a neutral/normal pronator.
images: random google search
still, i wasn't convinced that minimalist nike shoes would be enough support and cushion for longer distances. so i asked for more cushion and support, and here were the shoes that came home (and went back). but first, here's my current shoe:
nike air pegasus 28
size: 6
love these shoes! they are so comfortable and fit like a glove. had them for two years, ran two 8-mile races and a few 5k races with no issues.
#1) Mizuno Wave Rider 17, $114
size: 6.5
issue: i wanted to love this shoe, but it was a little too firm for my liking, hot spot (rubbing) across the top of my toes
#2) Asics GT2000, $109
size: 6.5
issue: great cushioning and snug fit, too much arch support for my neutral foot
#3) New Balance 890v4, $100
size: 7.5
third time's a charm! slightly roomy in the toe box, but fine with thicker socks. closest fit to the nike. i completed a couple runs in these shoes and have no issues yet.
#3a) Nike Air Pegasus 30, $100
size: 7, narrow
these would have been #3, but the normal-width size 7 was too roomy in the toe box...so i went with the new balance 890v4. i later found these shoes online in narrow-width, so i purchased them. the narrow width fits perfectly. i completed two runs in these shoes with no issues.
what i learned?
- buy your first pair from a running shoe store. they will analyze your feet and help you find the right shoe. bring your current shoes and socks with you.
- try on as many pairs as you can.
- don't be swayed by reviews; everyone's feet are different.
- when you find a brand/style that works for you, stick with it. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." i was stubborn thinking that i needed more support when the nikes were just fine for me.
- don't assume your feet/shoes are the same size as before. shoe sizing is not always consistent; i went from a nike size 6 to a new balance size 7.5. even within a brand, i am now a size 7 in the nike air pegasus.
in case you like any of the above:
what is your current running shoe?
are you loyal to a particular brand?
