me running…
So running shoes, the never ending topic. A river of options… there is something for
everyone out there you just need what is it that you want, your goals,
preferences,etc.
When it was time for my first ever pair few years back I had an experienced runner to
guide me. He recommended a specialist store and they got me sorted. And that was
it. That simple.
at least when it comes to racing shoes.
I have tried many brands. Started with three pairs from NB after that tried Asics, Mizuno, Inov8, Saucony. And can say that last two brands are good for trail runs but when I’m talking about New Balance’s all the way. I really like that most of NB shoes are light with kind of tight fit on the foot, especially the front part. So, at the moment can say that I did the full circle starting with NB 890, Minimus and 1400 running through couple shoe brands and back to NB 1490 now. Decided to buy again NB when I have run the midnight track marathon with my worn 1400. These are in very bad state but still was able to pull quite a good result. Was delighted. If could do so good in worn shoes that means brand is good for me. Bought 1490 and that proved to be a good move. Got 3:17 and 3:14 in the b2b marathons followed by 12 hours next weekend which I won… I think it is good recommendation? Don’t you think?
And what is yours favourite running shoes brand?
When comes to running shoes brand I’m very much in love with New Balance. Have tried many different shoe brands – Asics, Iv8, Mizuno, Saucony but still for me NB are the best. Keeping my foot where it suppose to stay, very light shoes as well. Only other brand regularly used by me is Hoka One shoes. Reason is very simple. Great shoes for ultra runs and recovery…
So, what you can get when you will combine love with practicality… You will get NB Fresh Foam Bracadale – 980. Have run just a short run in these yet but looks like it could be a contender for a Hoka substitution. Very light, cushioning big. Haven’t felt any pounding on my legs when run. But that just first impressions. Will see later…
For now as it stands:
NB running shoes + Hoka cushioning = NB Fresh Foam Bracadale
So, no other choice as to try another brand. Got to three pairs this time: Brooks, Mizuno and Asics. Straight away when tried Brooks model I knew that these are not for me. Too heavy and couldn’t keep front of the feet in the place, even with laces very tight. After that I have tried Mizuno Wave Hitogami model. Quite comfortable on that test run in front of the shop. Ok with weight – 12 grams heavier then NB but can live with that. Same heel drop – 10 mm. Last model was Asics. Drop 9 mm, quite light as well. Test run was ok. Need to say that tip of the shoe was quite wide which should actually suits me great cause of size of my toes, but strangely something wasn’t ok. So, went for Mizuno model Wave Hitogami and in theory these are ok… I will check them on the training run tomorrow…
Tomorrow evening, new pain. Probably arch will be in bits cause of the new shoes but… needs to break them in. Need to be ready for next month marathon in Donegal.
It’s not that I just want to get free shoes just had an idea. I’m running about 160-180 km on the streets or gym. Running just in NB shoes, even walks in other pair of NB’s. So just walking advert 😉 Anyway, thought that I can ask them about that but haven’t got any idea where to send email to UK department. But when went on the US version of the website I have found ‘Sports Reasearch Lab’, so basically you can test shoes for them. Only issue is that program is working just in US. So have lied that I’m from Wyoming, but have put in the rest of address accordinally to place where I live. Account was set, administrator probably haven’t got anything against me 😉 I have followed by email saying that I would like to participate in testing program but I’m from Ireland. Hope that will work. Waiting now for reply.
As I was blogging before https://maditrunner.com/running-shoes/ it seems that my favourite brand of running shoes is New Balance. So decided to check my NB’s before Cork Marathon and … maybe even before Sunday Samsung Night Run. Went to Amphibian King to see some new models. I have brought my old NB (white one) to show how I wear off shoes and straight away after showing these to advisor he told me that I need new ones and I need them now. OK, wasn’t expecting that. Just wanted to buy new ones but still use the old model for training. According to advisor he wouldn’t even wear old ones on the treadmill.
Some might say that he just wanted to sell shoes but I think he was actually quite helpful when choosing new shoes. I just told him that I planning to run Cork Marathon and have been drawn for Paris one (he run it 6 times) and I like minimalist shoes he knew that I’m looking now for something with better cushioning. Bang on… have tried 7 pairs of shoes (Mizuno, Saucony, Inov, New Balance) and guess what… NB all the way! Best cushioning and best fit. Really, it is different experience comparing to NB Minimus. I think these should be good for longer runs. Bring it on Cork…
To be fair there was another pair of shoes which could work for me. Nice fit, little bit less cushioning but still would recommend – Saucony Fastwitch 6.
I was really surprised when I have asked about running shoes they took my shoes and then took measurements of my foot length and width. That has happened to me for the first time. Of course Five Fingers were not advised and not really in demand (so not in the store) but back to the whole experience. I was asked if I’m sure that I want the minimalist shoes cause they are totally different to regular running shoes. After saying yes I was presented with choice of 15 pairs of shoes (from minimalist model to regular larger sole) and was asked to try each pair and do a small run on they in-store track (yes, they do have that in store). Have tried all of them, not all of them lasted to track running stage, weren’t comfortable straight away. So, I have spent 2 hours trying running shoes, people who knows me will be surprised by that fact (when buying something to wear I’m just going in choosing in 5 minutes, buying and leaving the store). Anyway, I chose these NB Minimus. Decided to give minimalistic model a chance. I don’t regret my choice at all but must say that won’t probably run in these in my first marathon.
I think that for the longer distances you need something with better cushioning and more foot stabilizer. That is why probably I will need to visit Amphibian King’s again before June the 2nd. Thinking about new shoes with supportive cushioning (some models http://amphibianking.ie/22-supportive-cushioning) but problem with these is, they are heavy. Comparing weight of my NB is about 6 oz where as the cushion ones are twice heavy. Maybe not much but when running it makes a huge difference, especially when on the long run.
Maybe some of you can suggest a good shoe model for marathon…
As on the attached pictures you can see two pairs of ‘New Balance’. And must tell you for person who usually cut the heels from every pair of shoes (faster or slower but always – even hiking Salomon’s lasted just over 6 months). The white ones (sorry, don’t remember the model name) I have bought last September to replace Everlast’s (which last just 3 months) and running on average 125 – 140 km a week these NB still are in operation. Heels not cut as much after 8 months (of course I was using two pairs of shoes for last 6 months) but you can see that these are wearing off on the membrane material. They don’t have any gel or any other gimmicks in them but cushioning is really great in them. Despite membrane wearing off I would highly recommend these at least for runners who starting. Price was about 50€, so not so expensive.
Little bit different price range is for the green ones. NB Minimus were 90€ (I think I got 5€ discount ;-)). This model of shoes is minimalistic. I didn’t know if such a model will work for me cause it is different type of shoes, different way of running. I have decided for that model cause these came with Vibram sole which should make shoe more resistant to ‘cut’. And it works. Lasts since November last year and are still good to run. If you will decide for that model remember that it is minimalist shoe so there is no cushion so you will feel the ground under your feet. It is said that running in minimalist shoes should bring you back to natural way of running like running bare foot. Don’t know about that… but they are great.