Just Shoe Me

One of the cool things about running as much as I have been has been testing and trying out running shoes.  I have been trying to follow the debate between minimalist running and traditional running and it still seems like the argument that minimalist running is the way to go is still uncertain.  I have stuck with the trainers since I am unsure whether or not a minimalist shoe will actually benefit me.

Asics Gel-Kayano 17

I wanted to give kudos to the Salt Lake Running Company here in SLC.  Their customer service is top notch and speaks volumes for the company.  In mid-December, I went to SLRC to buy a pair of running shoes and bought the Asics Gel-Kayano 17.  I wish I took a picture of the shoes before I returned them because the heel completely blew out, probably due to my irregular shaped heel.  Below is a photo of my old Brooks shoes that I wore last year.  It was hard to show the wear and tear in the right shoe, but you can see it a little.  The Asics were far worse, after only two months of running in them.  I brought the shoe into the SLRC, expecting them to show me a pair that might fit my foot better and prevent the tearing of the material.  I also expected to purchase the more appropriate pair and just call the Asics a loss.  The salesman said that the store has a 30 day return policy and I told him that I was well past the 30 days.  He brought the shoe to the manager who was very understanding, and after 60 days of owning the shoes and putting approximately 75 miles on the shoe, the manager said that I could try a new pair from any company, at no cost.  I was torn between some Adidas and the Mizuno.  There was less slippage in the heel area of the Mizuno Wave Nirvana 7, so I went with those, which are pictured below (the pair to the far right).

I took the picture below just for fun.  These are all shoes I've had since Police Academy.  Having more knowledge now, I should have had a lot more pairs in between.  I left a space in the middle in memory of my Asics that I sent back.  I really wish I had taken a photo of them along with the damage after only two months of wear.

Blown out heel in Brooks shoes

From left to right: Nike AirEqualon, Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9, Asics (RIP), Mizuno 

 

Anyway, the half-marathon is right around the corner (40 days and counting down!)  Tomorrow will be a 10-mile run, my longest run EVER!  I'm pretty nervous about it and hope I can survive.

Thanks for reading!
Charli