When I crashed my bike a few weeks back, I managed to tear a hole in my running shoes. Somehow, the crash ripped a small hole in the mesh on the inside of my right shoe, but it didn’t hinder my ability to run in them. Well, if you saw my pace, you would think differently, but it really had nothing to do with the shoe. I swear.
Then, last Friday I felt that familiar knee pain that usually occurs when a shoe has seen its last mile. It’s been nearly 6 months since I bought my last pair, therefore, the timing seemed about right and honestly, I was pleased with the coincidence.
As much as I loved my Brooks Infiniti, I believe my weird toe pain may have been caused by a narrow toe box. Therefore, Lee at The Running Center fitted me for a new shoe: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9. I loved the width of the shoe and when I tested them on the treadmill, the shoes seemed fine despite having less cushion than the Infiniti.
Saturday morning, I couldn’t wait to test out my new shoes. I went for a short 3 mile run, but as I drew closer to 3 mile mark, I felt a sharp pain in my heel. I immediately stopped running and walked home. Obviously the wrong shoes for me, I boxed up the bad boys and took them back to store.
Once I returned to The Running Center, I explained to staff that I loved the width of the Brooks Adrenaline, but I needed something with more cushion. Then, entered a new option: Saucony Pro Grid Omni 8. This shoe has lovely cushion for the pushin’, but I especially loved the stretchy mesh side panel. However, my big toe hit the front of the shoe, which meant I had to go up a half size. With the next size up, I felt the shoe slipping on my heel, so my new BFF at The Running Center taught me this nifty lacing trick, which incidentally also happens to be the way my running partner, Tiffany, laces her shoes.
So, in my short running career (almost three years now), I have grown a half size bigger and I’ve tested and tried 7 different styles of shoes: Asics 2130, Asics Nimbus, Asics Kensei, Asics Kanyano, Brooks Infiniti, Brooks Adrenaline and Saucony Omni. My DH believes I’m evolving as a runner and my needs are changing. Um…yeah…sure, we’ll go with that.
This morning, I ran with my new shoes. No weird toe pain. No knee pain. I only felt my happy heel hitting a nice, comfy cushion. Too bad my BFF Sharon Mann tortured me the day before with a kickboxing and several reps of squats. My feet and knees felt great but my quads were killing me!
3 Miles
Time 31:17
I’ve ran through two pair of Brooks Adrenaline and was just looking to replace them. Glad to have seen this review.I’m thinking I need to visit Runner’s Market soon. 🙂
I love the Running Center! I particularly enjoy the fact that you can return a pair of shoes you have already worn within 30 days. It really gives you an opportunity to test them out on the road without all the pressure. Before Lori introduced me to the Running Center, I thought my husband was going to strangle me for buying more than four pairs in a matter of a few weeks trying to get “just the right one.” Denise, I hope these shoes are the perfect fit. We are going to look so cute with our matching laces–Ha!
Wow, great timing for this post! I almost went and bought new running shoes this afternoon but put it off until tomorrow! I have a strange heel pain too! A new pain so I am hoping it is just my poor beloved shoes. I haven’t worn a Saucony shoe in years! I may have to give it another go!
Amanda
2 things– is your bff @ the running center, Lee Stevens or the other guy on the link? Just curious b/c Lee is T’s big rival. He shows up at almost every race that T runs in and Lee always beats him. I think it’s T’s goal in life to someday beat him.
Also, did you ask them if you can leave some forms there for Julia’s Run?
Yes, Lee is my BFF. You should see what an idiot I act like when I go into that store. Everyone is so quiet and shy and then here I come! TA DA! I act like such a bubble-head when I go in there and I don’t shut up the entire time. I do eventually take a breather and let someone else speak. That’s when I learned that Lee came in second overall for the Faces of Courage Tri. So, T has a nemesis? LOL I didn’t think there was anyone faster than T! 😉
I am ashamed to admit that I forgot to bring the Julia flyers with me, but I’ll stop in again soon. I’m sure my BFF can’t wait to see me again. 😛
So with that new lacing pattern you don’t tie your shoes? Or it does the fancy loop and then you tie ’em? Just curious/a little confused.
I always love getting re-fitted for new shoes-glad you found a pair that are working out well!
Silly girl! Yes, I tie my shoes. To prevent a slipping heel, you lace them up like usual and then when you reach top eyelet, you thread the lace into the next eyelet on the same side and make a loop. Then, you cross your laces and pull them through the loops. This makes the shoe tighter on the heel, but doesn’t mess with the rest of the laces. Get it? No? O.k., Here’s the video link again for a visual:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267–12334-0,00.html
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