Sneaky

They say running is a cheap sport, but all runners know that isn’t true. (Who is “they,” by the way?) We’re always buying gadgets, running belts, clothes, gels, new tunes, and all the other random items that make running easier or more enjoyable.

I was reading a post by Melissa, that inspired this post, about her quest to find the right pair of running shoes. That reminded me of the pain in the ass it was to find the right pair of shoes for me. I was buying sneakers left and right to the point where Michelle told me that if I wanted to buy another pair of shoes, I had to call and ask her permission.

Since I shared all my race medals with you the other week, I thought I would share my journey to the right pair of running shoes.

Nike Shox with Nike ID

I used to use only my Nike ID to track my miles before I saw my Garmin across a crowded room and decided to ask it for its number. The Nike Shox were my main running shoe before I started running races. These shoes a great – just not for running. I got so many blisters that I thought were from the mileage and not the shoe, that I would be limping afterwards.

Oh, I had these custom desgined on the Nike Website too. They have my initials on the back because I’m a nerd like that. I only use these for non-running workouts now.

Nike Shox with Nike ID

I really wanted a pair of black sneakers, was still using my Nike ID, so I picked these up. Because if the white Nike Shox don’t work for distance, the black ones certainly will. < —– clueless

I wore these during my first half marathon (the link is the race review). Mistake. I couldn’t get these shoes off fast enough at the end. I literally could not walk another step in them because my whole foot ached so badly. I love the look of these shoes, so that was a bummer. These have also been demoted to non-running workouts. So, in essence, I went black but still went back. (Terrible joke. It’s Monday, gimme a break.)

Sketchers D’Lites

Sketchers were my first sneaker purchase out of the Nike family. I saw pink and got all googly over them. Worst.running.shoes.ever. They have no support and rub in weird places. They put all kinds of hurt on my feet after a run. Never, ever buy a pair of Sketchers for running. The picture below is right before Warrior Dash. I donated them at the on-site donation pile before I left the race.

 

Adidas

Sketchers didn’t work, so I tried Adidas. I bought these online, so I didn’t know how they fit. Mistake. Everytime I ran in these, I felt like they were trying to take off my baby toe. Not comfortable. Also, they make my feet look like a size 14, instead of the size 10 they are. I tried wearing these a few times for a cardio class, but they are so big they made me trip a few times. I’m talking full on face-plant trip. These sit in my closet for no reason waiting for the day I shall give them love again.

Keep waiting.

Asics Gel Cumulus 12

This is the first brand of running shoes I bought that everyone else seems to love. I bought these because they felt the best at the running store and they were recommended by the salesman who determined this was the type of shoe I needed. They are also a half size bigger than my normal shoe size, but still felt like they fit well.

I did a couple long runs in these and they were great. I ran one half marathon in these and that was it. These shoes can make it till about mile 7 or 8 and then my feet start to ache and my left knee hurts. I still wear these for other workouts, but it’s a shame they didn’t work out because they were $100 and they’re butt ugly.

Saucony Prestige TR

These were on sale at TJ Maxx and I had heard good things about Saucony. I went with the theory that I’ve already tried the expensive $100 shoes, so I might as well try the cheap $40 shoes. Plus, I figured trail shoes would be more sturdy.

These worked well in a few long runs and they also worked really well in my second half marathon (the link is the race review). I ran a few more long runs in these and they started hurting my feet. WTH? I really thought I had hit the jackpot at first with such cheap, cute, and comfortable shoes. Now, they are demoted to regular workout shoes, but I wear these the most because I like their look the best.

Saucony Prestige

Again, these were on sale at TJ Maxx and since I liked my first pair, I bought another. I wore these for a few cardio classes and could tell I wouldn’t like them for running, so I haven’t even tried running in them. They don’t have much support on the sides, which was my indicator. I really need to stop buying things because they are pink.

Mizuno Wave Creation 11

These Mizunos were my second choice to the Asics Gel Cumulus 12. They didn’t feel as good in the store, so I left these behind. Big mistake. But it worked out, because Michelle had just bought the same pair and they didn’t work for her at all. So, I bought these off of her. (Friend score!)

They are a full size bigger than what I normally wear, but that turned out to be perfect for me since my feel swell while running. Toward the end of a run, the shoe isn’t tight as hell and suffocating my feet, which I think may have been the problem with the Sauconys. Mizunos were a little weird for me to get used to because all the cushion is in the heel, but after 2 or 3 short runs I was sold.

I.love.these.shoes. What I hate is that they are $130. Why must my feet have champagne taste and caviar dreams? I need another pair soon because they have about 350 miles on them. Oh, and I might go black…

Adidas

These aren’t for working out. These are for looking pimpy.

I got these on sale at Nordstrom Rack and this was the day Michelle told me I needed her permission to buy more. 🙂

Group shot!

Totally normal to make all your shoes pose together in a photo.

I think the main thing I learned through this is that I need a shoe a size larger than what I normally wear. It allows for swelling and I can still walk in them after a long run or race without wanting to throw them into the flames of hell.

What’s your favorite pair of running shoes? (Mizuno for sure, but I’m tempted to try New Balance. I just hate wasting money and have a million sneakers already.)  What’s your least favorite? (Sketchers, I’m lookin’ at you.)