Looking for some help in figuring out a new running shoe (or two)
I've done a little research and searched the forum and have ended up just confused. Would really appreciate any help or advice.
By way of background, here is my (somewhat) quick story. When I got started on this adventure, I was a low cadence and overweight plodder. I went to a local running store and they put me in a stability shoe after watching me jog a bit. Since then (about 3 years ago) I've shed a few pounds (from 250 to about 198 now) and a 90ish cadence is now pretty much second nature. I was never a heel striker, but believe that I have moved my striking from mid-foot(ish) to fore-foot(ish). In the last year or so, I've gone from what I would guess is a 35ish VDOT to a 44 (rounding up). By no means fleet of foot quite yet, but thinking that a different shoe might be an appropriate (or at least fun) thing to experiment with.
I did have some very minor ITB and occasional knee issues in the first 2 years or so, but really nothing in the last 9 months or so of running. It may be all in my head, but the only times I notice any knee issues now (rare) seem to be when I am running at slower paces and either am particularly tired or forget about form. While almost definitely in my head, I can't escape the sensation/perception that my current stability shoes (Asics Gel Katano 16s) are heavy, clunky and overly-cushioned... the last point being less noticeable when I am running faster (better feel for the ground from running harder/compressing all that cushioning leads to better ability to maintain form?).
So, what I think I'd like to work my way into is a less structured, lighter weight, less cushioned shoe. Ideally, and this may be asking too much, it would also facillitate sockless running and be appropriate for both a Sprint and an Ironman.
Really appreciate any thoughts or advice any one could give.
Comments
Downside...they are $150+ per pair. Any really light weight shoe you try will likely have a lot less heel cushion and you will instantly feel faster (based on your comment that you are not a heel striker).
You could also check out reviews of several shoes in this month's Triathlete Mag...they give some good insights on the shoes I think.
Art,
I'd go to a good running shop in your town to get a second opinion on your gait. Find one that will do some real analysis. Not saying that shop three years ago did you wrong but too many running stores go to the "you need stability shoes after watching you jog for 30 seconds" too early and too often. I myself was the victim of that. I went to a store 10 years ago and they told me I needed stability shoes and I listened because I had no idea what was going on.
I never had issues per se but I was never quite comfortable in stability shoes. I just chalked it up to the fact I wasn't a natural runner and running was just kind of uncomfortable to me. Fast forward to 15 months ago when I was at a good tri shop and the owner noticed me walking around with stability shoes and he asked me why I was wearing them because my gait was very neutral. He noticed that just observing me walking. A week or two later I went to another running store to get a second opinion (or would it be a third opinion at that point) and had some analysis done and lo and behold -- neutral.
I purchased a couple of pairs of neutral shoes, to include the Brooks Launch. Best running shoe I have ever used. I'm much more comfortable in more lightweight neutral shoes.
Not saying my n=1 is at all relevant to you but it's worth it to have your gait checked just to be sure.
See you both in CDA.
@Tucker: I've heard the same thing... at minimum, I have two bikes so I should have at least two pairs of shoes...
Head to Road Runner Sports or Fleet Feet Sports. I went to Fleet Feet in Bonney Lake several years ago and got videotaped and got my feet analyzed. Ended up with the Asics 2100 series (its now at 2160). If you hurry (and the Asics would work for you) you can find the 2150's cheap ($69.00) at Sports Authority right now. I bought two pairs.
I'll also see you CDA. Also let me know if you'll be heading over before race day to ride the course. I'll be over a few times in May.
Good Luck!!!
At the moment, I'm not planning on riding the course beforehand (rode it last year!) as we've got three kids in little league baseball... and two of them on Summer league teams that practice in May (yup, 5 teams total)
But who knows? I may end-up changing my mind... so give me a shout when you are going...
The other thing with Newtons is that the company does have a 30 day (I think) send them back if you don't like them for any reason policy.
That said, adjustment to Newtons if you are not already a midfoot/forefoot runner takes a long time and now is not the best time of the year to do it I would think. I did it starting in October of 2009. Took me easily to the first of the year to be "right" with them, but by now I like them so well and I don't even need my orthotics that I've worn for 25 years or so. (I still wear them to walk around in!)