Running shoe selection.

Jonas McCluskey

Whew, and I thought I had my hands full on the tri bike selection process.  How do I decide 1st what type of shoe to train in, but then which brand?  Is this process really trial and error?  That sounds expensive.  I had a pair of Asics 2180's and loved them, felt like a part of my foot and good support.  4 months ago I bought a pair of Saucony Pro Grid Guide 5's, they are o.k., comfortable, but they feel like they are just on my feet rather than a part of my feet as I run.  So, I'm thinking of going back to Asics, but then I get sucked into the Newton website, and then their are Tri specific shoes like the Asics Noosa?  Fortunately I have no injuries or pains to deal with, weight approx. 145 lbs. 

Training for Tri's and only running in Tri's should I be training is a specific type of shoe?

And should I train in the same shoe type I will race in?

Thanks for any advice you all can give,

Jonas McCluskey

 

gcharbeneau

Jonas, my opinion is that this is very person specific. Yes there are many different brands and within each company sport specific shoes. A lot of it is marketing messaging to get you to buy. Have you ever been fit by someone who specializes running shoes? For example, Fleet Feet has the fitlosophy program (the name is something like that) and they will put you in a shoe specific for your running style I.e. pronate etc. I suggest you reflect why you have been injury free and stick to what makes you most comfortable and confident. What is prompting you to change shoe? Marketing messaging bombardment? You can buy speed up to a point and the rest is up to you. I always tell folks entering the realm of IM this message, however at the end of the day you MUST be comfortable as well since 140.6 and 70.3 miles is a long race. Obviously, comfortable is relative and defined by the individual (I.e. you have to learn to be comfortable with being uncomfortable!!!). Personally I use the Saucony Hurricane Grid 13 to train and race in IM distances. If I do an Olympic distance I train in the SHG13 but plan to race in the Zoot tri shoe. The Zoot tri shoe does not have quite as much support with a lower sole profile and I don't want to cause an injury with the longer distances. I have run on the Zoots several times and know that I won't have any issues with the shorter distance. For example, I tried the pearle izumi tri shoe once and after the first time I ran on then my calves and acillies were super sore due to a lower sole profile. So be careful having different training shoes from racing shoes (if you go that route). If you have a different race shoe, be sure your feet/ankles/legs are well adapted to them so you don't get injured or cause unnecessary fatigue on race day due to the different shoe causing different strains on muscle groups and tendons that are different from training days. Long winded answer for ............... this is very person specific and like you described the love of Asics over the Saucony..........that almost answers the question in my mind. Good luck! Cheers, Greg

tim cronk

Yep its personal and its trial and error.

You described your Asics as part of your foot. It just doesnt get any better than that.

I still like to try different shoes. Expensive yes. Not as expensive as a running injury if your using the wrong shoes.

I switched from Saucony to Newton and love the Newtons. Use caution and heed the break in , and climatize your self slowly. Newtons are expensive and wear out quickly.

Training shoes and Racing shoes? Not necessary but nice. I train in the Gravity and race in the Distance (the Distance really wear out fast not recommended for training) and occasionally do short runs in other shoes I have tried or am trying like the Kinvera and a pair of Zoots TT I picked up that I'm trying out now.

Lots of discussion lately about the Hoka One Bondi? Sounds like an interesting shoe I'd like to try as well.

Daniela

I wear Zoot's Tempos for racing. They have a training version of the shoe, too, that has the same insole but lasts a little longer and is a little cheaper. I use the trainer for all of my winter running, then alternate between the two as it gets closer to race season. I wore my Zoot Tempo's at IMWI 2011 without any issues. I loved that the water drained right out of them, so didn't become heavy as more water ended up in them. My SO who is on the larger side will only where his Zoot's up to a 10k.

Jess Withrow

Tim hit the nail on the head - expensive to try various shoes, yes, but considerably less expensive than treating an injury! I learned this lesson the hard way last season - I ditched my Newtons after swapping out an old pair for new pair gave me plantar fasciitis (common issue with Newtons, I've learned). I started running in NB Minimus, which the "fit expert" at my local running store told me were a good fit for me... turns out high arches + minimalist shoe = recipe for disaster, and I broke one of the two sesamoid bones in the ball of my foot. After that, I went through EVERY. SINGLE. SHOE. out there. I'm now running in Hoka One One Bondi B's, and there is no doubt in my mind that they have saved my running. Forget the $600 orthotics... the Hoka's and a pair of inexpensive arch supports from Dick's are the reason I can run right now. I'm certainly not advocating them for everyone, but for the injury prone, they are a life saver.

FWIW, if I didn't "have" to run in a fully cushioned shoe, I'd likely be looking to try a pair of Zoots for the exact reason Daniela pointed out - the water runs out of them! Love that! There's nothing worse than a pair of squishy, heavy shoes!

Here's the Hoka thread if you're interested: http://members.endurancenation.us/Forums/tabid/57/aft/10810/Default.aspx

[Deleted User]

I would recommend checking out Pete Larsons blog http://www.runblogger.com/ He is a college professor and teaches Human Anatomy & Physiology, Developmental Biology, Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy, and the Biology of Sports and Exercise. He also wrote the book Tread Lightly. He is the master on footwear. He reviews shoes as well.

Daniela

If you're interested in Zoots, PM Matt Ancona. He can tell you anything you want to know, and possibly hook you up with a discount code as he's sponsored by Zoot.

DanJacquemin

Find the right/correct shoe can be a challenge. Lots of great suggestions above. Regardless of the brand I would recommend buying your shoes from Road Runner Sports (https://www.roadrunnersports.com/) while you sort out what brand if best for you. They have a fantastic return policy:

With our unrivaled Perfect Fit™ Guarantee you can run in your new shoes RISK-FREE for up to 60 days (from your purchase date). If they're not a perfect fit simply exchange them and we'll be happy to help you select another pair. No questions asked.

I've not seen a better, easier place to return shoes so you don't drop the national debt while finding the perfect shoe.

That being said, Mizuno FtW!

Woody Freese

IMHO - Running shoes are as individual as cycling shoes and tri shorts... There are brands that some athletes swear by - and brands that athletes swear at!

Not sure where you live, but find the nearest running shoe specific shop. Pick some time, in the middle of the day, in the middle of the week (vs. the weekend, when it tends to be busier)- and pick the brains of a few top employees. A"big box" store employe generally doesn't care if s/he is selling you a shotgun or ice fishing gear vs. running shoes. A running shoe store often has professionally trained staff who are experts in watching you run and answering any/all questions on running related topics. Try on several shoes. Walk in them. Run in them. Discuss the differences in models. And think of this an an investment of injury prevention.

I understand, appreciate and respect the concept of shopping on-line and the potential value in saving a few bucks - that said, I think we have an obligation, whenever possible, to support local retail businesses in our communities vs. sending our business out-of-state. Shop local and support local. In many cases, you can find (for example) the Asics Nimbus in local stores for $139.99 in a local shop. You may find it on-line for $119.99. By the time you pay for shipping and wait 5 business days for arrival, isn't it worth it to buy local? if you have a warranty issue, you can drive across town to discuss (vs. shipping across country and waiting for an appeal). More often than not, if you find shoes on-line for significantly less, ask the local retailer if s/he will meet you half way on the price difference, explaining that you would like to support his business vs. sending your business out-of-state. More often tan not, the local folks will work with you to keep your business.

Just my .02 cents...

kimmydct

Personally, I wear what they tell me to wear at Fleet Feet. They look at my foot, arch, gait, walk, run, and tell me what will work best. I try a few, and if I like it, that's what I run in. Adidas has worked for me although my most recent pair are Saucony. I dont try anything new unless it is approved by them. Something might feel comfortable at first, but might not be ideal for me. Once I know what works, I keep buying those, or most likely what happens (cuz I love sneakers!) is I go back to the store and see whats new and try on a bunch of new stuff for fun, but end up in Adidas again. (Except this last time)