Why I Got New Running Shoes
August 24, 2012 1 Comment
I have been running primarily in Vibram FiveFingers for over two and a half years and have had great success. My marathon PR went from 5:35 to 3:27. I went from constantly sore knees to happy knees. I have been able to increase my mileage each year.
With all of that success, why in the world would I want to change shoes?
Because my body is changing. I have been a little bit ill for several months. That means on some of my runs, I have had less energy than I really needed to maintain good form. I started running in Fivefingers because it forced me to run with good form. If you do not run with good form, your body tells you. So, on the days when I could not maintain my form, my joints and muscles have paid the price. Right now, my Achilles tendons and plantar fascii are telling me to change my shoes.
Because my pace & mileage are changing. Along with the illness issues, my changing pace places different stresses on the body. Even though I have my down days, I am still gradually trending towards faster paces. When I am healthy lots of days in a row, my weekly mileage is gradually increasing as well.
Hence, I am gradually changing shoes. In the last few weeks I have added Skechers GoRuns to the mix. They are still very light, but have very soft cushioning. On days when my legs and feet are barking, it is a welcomed change. I also reach for the GoRuns when I know that I am feeling a little weak. The GoRuns are specifically designed to force a midfoot strike so they not only provide protection but also help me keep my form a bit better. They are the first pair of cushioned shoes that do not automatically cause my knees to ache.
The newest addition to my running shoes is the Minimus Zero Drop New Balance. They have only a tiny bit of cushioning and they have Vibram soles, so they feel a lot like my Vibram FiveFingers. The little cushioning that is there helps me take rocks and uneven surfaces with a little less pain than the Fivefingers. At the same time, they still allow for great road feel. This makes them ideal for speedwork and racing.
I’ll let you know how it goes with each one.
Enjoy the run!
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Have you thought about Newtons? I bought a pair the other day and absolutely love them. I have only ran 2 miles in them total since I am starting slow to ensure proper form is obtained in them. Good luck in the shoe endeavor!