How to Buy the Right Running Shoes
Buying shoes is a runner’s favorite thing to do. I actually had to unload 3 pairs of shoes I purchased right before my foot broke. I’d worn each of them just a couple of times and it’s heartbreaking to let them go, even though I knew I could no longer wear them.
I used the money from selling them ($40 each) to buy a new pair of shoes. Sure, the 3 to 1 ratio kind of stinks, but it was far better than letting them sit in my closet. These 3 had to go: My podiatrist (who is also a marathon runner and great guy) told me that through the healing process and beyond, I needed to change the shoes I wear. Due to the fact that the injury was predominantly on the ball of my foot, I had to start wearing a zero drop shoe. This would help me keep pressure off my tippy toes. I’ve done the zero drop before. Brooks has a line that was called Pure and (being a Brooks kind of girl) I actually PR’d my half marathon in my zero’s a couple of years ago.
My great and amazing friend Pete gave me a pair of Altra running flats that I could wear when the boot was coming off which was fantastic. I still use them most of the time when I’m in a sneaker kind of mood. Then I got another pair to run in, as well as my fave’s — Brooks Ravenna for my birthday from Dane. Offering some mild support for pronation and only an 8mm drop, these are a good option to switch up since they have more support.
Then Altra came in with a new line (Provision 2) offering a bit more cushion and support and when my first set needed to be traded in, I finally broke down and bought them with the money I had stashed from selling the other 3. Altra is an amazing company and the shoes are fantastic. I looooooove them. I can’t imagine not being a Brooks girl and I do like to switch between 2–3 pairs of shoes, so I don’t have to give them up. Shoes need a break too — Give the poor things a chance to bounce back and put my feet in something a bit different every couple of runs. Having said that, with 3 pairs of Altra’s under my belt, these are awesome. My mileage is up to 6.5 but those “longer runs” are slower. I keep reminding myself to be consistent and build the mileage and the speed will happen. It’s true. The tendon is still a bit stiff from time to time, so taking things slowly is a good plan of action. In new shoes, it’s a lot more fun!!
Originally published at https://www.momof18.com.
Jenn is Mom of 18, Transformational Coach for Christian women, host of At A Crossroads with The Naked Podcaster, Author, Runner, Minimalist, & Healthy Lifestyle Advocate
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