I read somewhere that you should replace your running shoes every 500 miles, or every 6 months.
Well, I have had my running shoes for six years.
I'm laughing as I type this. Six years is a mighty long time. To have anything. Let alone a pair of running shoes.
While the idea of bringing home a shiny new pair of shoes is exciting, I have to admit I've grown attached to my treads. I've bought the exact same model since I started running in college. Saucony Grid 3000's. And always in pink.
This particular pair? They've been to the Middle East and back with me. They've taken a jaunt 'round Londontown. We've cruised through races from L.A. to D.C. together. They were there for me when I went through excruciating months of physical therapy. They've gotten me through a lot.
Nevertheless, I suppose it's time to cut the strings, so to speak.
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| The Evidence: Six-year-old shoe. Exhibit A: A hole so gaping, I can fit my entire index finger through it. |
Time to tap into my single-girl salary for a new pair.
But where does a girl begin? A lot has changed in six years. Shoes today have spacesuit technology in their soles (hello, Nike Lunar), and some have almost no soles at all (what's up with that, btw?). Some even have microprocessors built into the heel to track your every training move. This alone makes my head spin, as I can barely remember to charge my iPod before a run. And of course there are the other considerations: low arches, high arches, wide foot, narrow foot, and of course the most important part: they have to look good. And I mean really good. As in, zing-over-puddles-on-a-rainy-day good. That's right, I said zing.
So, this is the week I'll trek on over to the RoadRunner Sports megastore in Southern California to check out the vast selection. But first, I'm curious to hear from you. What's your favourite pair? Are you brand loyal? Or do you just have to have the latest trend? What's more important: cushion, performance, or fit?
Help me choose my next pair. Tweet me. Blog me. I don't care. Just help me. Because, as you can see, it's high time to hang up these laces.
Jennifer, the hardest part about running for me is getting the shoes right. I can't say I've ever found the perfect pair. The one pair of Sauconys I wore didn't provide me enough grip on the road. I've tried Asics but they've gotten too darn narrow. I'm wearing my first pair of Brooks now and they are sweet, extremely lightweight. I don't know the model but they are screaming lime green with purple laces and trim. Of all the shoes I have, believe it or not Under Armours fit best, but they are a little heavy for serious running. Good on the treadmill though. Why is finding the right shoes such a hassle?!? Men seems to be able to wear anything?
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