The Next Big Thing

I'm beginning to recognize that I have a tendency to know I love something, but be super tempted to try the "next big thing".
I am a notoriously bad running shoe buyer. As much as I know what I love, I really hate the price tag. Asics Kayano, which are my all-time favorite running shoe, are $150 a pop.

Other things working against them, according to today's running rhetoric: they're not very "trendy". They don't promote midfoot strike! They don't simulate barefoot running! They're the opposite of minimalist and weigh 9oz!

When I went to get new shoes before leaving for California, I went in with a list of shoes to try, some that were a step more toward minimalist but still considered support shoes.

Except for the Trance, which is even bulkier than the Kayano.

The bottom line, I think, is that I like the feeling of having cushioned feet! Plus, I'm looking at 26.2 miles. I don't think switching to a less-cushioned shoe is really smart at this point.

So, "next big thing" set aside for now, I went for the "other big thing", this time by switching up brands.

Like I said, the Kayano was heavenly. But after 230 miles, I began to get twinges in my legs that I associate with worn-out shoes. I run primarily on concrete, and I know this wears shoes out really quickly, but I was really disappointed in just how quickly.

I bought some new inserts and these helped for awhile, but now that my shoes are well over the 300-mile mark, it was time for new shoes. Preferably, new shoes that last longer.

These purple Brooks Adrenaline saw me to my latest 5k PR, but were just too small in the toe.

I decided to look at Brooks. They're being touted as the ultimate in running shoes right now. They apparently last a really long time (if you're not wearing the PureCadence or PureFlows, which have a more minimalist sole). They're comparable in price and feel to Asics. Matt loves his. So I gave them a try.

Originally I tried an 8, because I wear an 8 in the Kayano. But I quickly realized there were too small. They were my "true" size. I like my running shoes extra roomy.

After California, I returned the first pair of Brooks Adrenalines for a half size up. (Fit2Run has a 30-day-return guarantee for club members...you can tear your shoes to shreds trying them out, and they'll take them back, no questions asked.)

The Brooks Adrenaline beside my beloved Asics Kayano. They're all-around a more narrow shoe.

Yesterday I did my first run in my new Brooks Adrenalines. (They didn't have purple in the 8.5, so I opted for lime green. I didn't want another pair of blue shoes.) I had to immediately change how these were laced; the tongue really bit into the top of my foot. But once I skipped the middle eyelet, as usual, they felt great.

Nice cushion and support in the arch.

 My feet felt cushioned but not weighed down. A run in new shoes really is the best thing ever.

I had some leg twinges, but I'm not sure if they were caused by traveling (8+ hours sitting) or what. Also, I felt extremely sick. Like, almost throwing up sick. I think the jet lag and lack of sleep were still getting to me, because I planned to do 5 miles and called it quits at 3.5.

Both shoes have great arch-support.

You know that lightheaded/overheated/cold sweat/nausea-coming-in-waves feeling? Yeah, not really a good thing to push through at a crowded gym.

I need to learn that sometimes what works for other runners just doesn't work for me. I like to feel comfortable, and I don't think my stride or gait is inefficient. So why change up what I know works?

Anyway, I'm excited to continue trying out the new shoes. I hope the Adrenaline can be my new go-to, match-made-in-heaven shoe!

What shoes do you swear by?
Are you a sucker for the "next big thing"?
Are you brand loyal when it comes to running clothes, shoes, and accessories?

ABK