One of the most common questions I get as a coach is: “what shoes should I wear??”
And the answer I always give (which is pretty much my answer 95% of the time, regardless of the topic) is: “well…it depends.”
The first place I’d check out is a running store; and remember that not all running stores (or those who work in the stores) are created equal. Try asking around to running friends before going to the store – which store(s) they’d recommend and if there are certain people to ask for once they arrive.
From there, the process of determining the type of shoe you need (stability vs. neutral) will typically be done on a treadmill – but this quick gait test is certainly not the be all end all. The bottom line is that you need to feel comfortable in the shoe.
The other piece of advice I give about shoes is this: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Meaning – if you’ve been running in the same pair of shoes and you’ve been able to log decent, healthy mileage…you probably shouldn’t go seeking a new pair of shoes just for fun. Trust me, I get it: it’s tough not to pick a pair based on how pretty it looks. But if it came down to pretty feet and me running a race; I’m going to pick running every time.
It’s also important to know that your gait likely will change throughout the years, so if something DOES break and injury happens, it might be a good time to head back to the running store and get that foot patterning checked out again.
Recently, I was asked to test a pair of Saucony Triumph shoes. I haven’t worn a Saucony running shoe in years, so I really wasn’t sure what to expect. But after testing out these Triumphs for the past few weeks, I’m definitley planning on adding this pair of shoes to the rotation.
I have a neutral gait and prior to pregnancy, Nike shoes worked for me. But pregnancy did lots of things to my body – including leaving me with a neuroma (nerve irritation between metatarsals) in my left foot. Nowadays, I need a shoe that’s still neutral…but has lots of support and cushion, as the goal with neuromas is to pad the area that surrounds the irritated nerve. The Saucony Triumph shoe fits that bill…and then some.
Coming in with an 8mm heel-toe drop (I typically look for shoes between 6-10), this shoe just looks plush. The upper is made of a super smooth/silky mesh that’s got a little bit of flexibility with a heel that’s ridiculously cushioned. And the biggest thing that interested me about this shoe is the sole. Unlike typical running shoes made with EVA foam, this shoe features a new technology called PWRRUN+ – promised to provide the user with a springy, energetic ride that stays consistent throughout the run and doesn’t differ with temperature changes (some shoes can feel stiffer when it’s cold out).
After putting the shoes on my feet, my first reaction was just how NICE they feel. I prefer a plushy ride – and the Saucony Triumph is just that. Once I started my run, I did notice an extra bit of bounce to my step…AND most importantly: I didn’t feel my neuroma once while running. For anyone who’s struggled with a neuroma – you know how ridiculously ANNOYING it is. So finally finding a shoe that works for me with this new obstacle is such a relief.
I might be only up to 30 minute runs right now, but as I continue to build up consistency, I am starting to feel really optimistic for 2020!
