The White Whale of Running
Finding the Perfect Pair of Running Trainers
This pair slides ever so slightly on my heel but feels fine otherwise…that one has loads of room in the toe box but practically no arch support…the inside of this pair feels cozy but it’s tipping me forward…is there ever a pair of running trainers that actually ticks all the boxes of what we really want and need?! And, if we ever do find that elusive perfection, why must the shoe company change it every year? Oh, the frustrations of finding a brand and style of running shoe that works!
70% of Toenails is Passing, Right?
I can personally attest to this struggle. I have the missing toenails, blisters, and buckets of old trainers to prove it. Although, if you’re based in the United States and want to not only make a little cash selling those old shoes but also help the planet, consider the amazingly free option of sending them to https://gotsneakers.com/. Anyway, why is it so hard to find a good pair of running shoes?! I have come to the conclusion that, like with most things in life, this involves compromise. We all have different criteria. Most runners keep a “shoe rotation” going, meaning that they have everyday mileage shoes that they do easy and recovery runs in, perhaps a pair for long runs, and then a pair for snappier speed sessions. Maybe they’re more surface-oriented in the running shoe rotation, with more responsive shoes for softer ground, softer shoes for asphalt and concrete, and another for treadmill.
Bummer, Dude
Wait, is this news to you? You’re thinking, “I need to have 3+ running shoes just to get by? I thought running was a minimal equipment needed sport?!” In all honesty, your body will adapt with whatever shoes you’ve got if the progression in your running journey is gradual and intelligent. Will your running be optimal? Well, no, running records are being shattered almost daily due to breakthroughs with technology, a lot of which are running gear related. Hard graft is not to be underrated, but if you’re interested in competitive racing, athletes in fancy shoes zipping by you can be frustrating.
But this post isn’t about spending hundreds on the latest and greatest. At this point, simply finding a pair of trainers that keeps you healthy to get to the point where you are confident enough to sign up for a race is the focus. So ask yourself, what is my ultimate running purpose, and what terrain is immediately (or pretty darn close) available to me?
The (Running) Purpose Driven Life
If your running purpose is to get fitter, fantastic! Where do you envisage yourself doing the bulk of your training? On sidewalks and roads, trails and fields, or on the treadmill? If your running purpose is to go after some races, ask yourself the “where” question also. This will help guide you once you visit a run shop to have an idea of what you’re after rather than wondering aimlessly for hours until an employee takes pity on you. And please, please, please, physically go to a run shop rather than order online and cross your fingers that everything works out. Sidenote – if you do find a brand and style that you like, ordering online can be ok, but be forewarned, there will always be tiny (or sometimes not so tiny) differences in quality. It’s always advised to try shoes on before buying.
Jumping back to shopping for a pair, if your aim is to get fit and you have sidewalks and roads to run on, consider shoes that have a reasonable amount of cushion. Minimalist shoes work for a lot of people if you like to feel every sensation underfoot, but if you’re new to running, this can be jarring. If you’ll be running on trails, consider shoes that are specifically designed for this purpose. I’ve been running, well not so much running as sliding, on boulders before, and having to turn back because of improper footwear is a pain. I also run a lot on the treadmill, and this surface, though smooth, can be brutal, so I find a nice cushiony shoe to be ideal.
You’re a Wizard, Harry
Race-minded runners should also consider these items, but since speed will come into play, having a shoe for slower runs in addition to something with more pop is beneficial. However, don’t depend on a shoe to make you a running wizard. Form and training are far more important, and doing speed work in regular trainers can make you stronger so that when you do start to do some sharpening up sessions in lighter shoes, you’ll feel like you’re flying.
Brands, brands, brands. I use Nike Invincible 3’s because I had a stress reaction in my heel about a year ago, and the design of this shoe does not have a rigid heel counter. This shoe is not that responsive, though, since it’s very cushiony. This is a compromise I’ve made to stay healthy. I found out that the Nikes work for me because I tried them on. Ultimately, matching your running purpose, available training terrain, and anatomical needs is key. Actually feeling comfortable in the shoes themselves is most important. If you’re in pain but decide to gut it out until you’ve “broken-in” the shoes isn’t worth it. You could potentially change your running form in a detrimental way that leads to injury. So, try on several pairs of running shoes that align with your running purpose and training terrain availability until you find something that is comfortable.
And He Puzzled and Puzzled 'til His Puzzler was Sore
Selecting running trainers is daunting. I am someone who can be overwhelmed by too many choices because I loathe shopping. But this is important, and taking the extra time to go through the process in an intelligent, systematic way can save you time later by either not having to go through the process again when the shoes don’t work out or having to take time off because the shoes have led to injury.
We all want running to feel effortless, like the elite athletes we see gliding by on tv. However, keep in mind that those athletes have most likely gone through hours of form analysis and testing to find the shoes that work for them. Instead of getting frustrated, think of running shoe selection as a puzzle. I personally hate puzzles, but I’m working on delayed gratification, so this is healthy for me. Anyway, while finding the right shoes is an important piece of the puzzle, actually lacing up and training is key. Maximum Mileage Coaching is like finding the corner pieces of the puzzle, allowing everything else to fit together nicely. Reach out to us to get those corner pieces and ultimately your running puzzle solved!
