Fit Five Friday: Things I look for in my running shoes

Happy Friday!

We’ve got FIVE incredible co-hosts My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and me for another Fit Five Friday link-up!  

It’s no secret that I run in Brooks shoes.  They’re my favorite.  I’ve been running in them for many years.  I’ve also run in Asics, Nike, and Mizuno.  Right now my favorite Brooks shoes are the Launch and the Ghost.

When I started running I didn’t get fitted for shoes.  I bought a pair of shoes (and now cannot remember the brand, but it wasn’t any of the ones I mentioned above).  When I began training for the marathon, I went to Fleet Feet and was fitted for a pair of Asics.  It was either the Kayano or Cumulus.  When I was close to the end of my training, I bought another pair of Asics.  I was told to not run the marathon in the new shoes.  Did I listen?  No.  I was hurting a lot and almost quit.  But now I wonder if it was because of the shoes or because my body was hurting due to never have run more than 20 miles.  Who knows?

Because I run in the same shoes, I don’t look for things I am supposed to look for in running shoes (i.e. heel-to-toe drop, wide toe box, etc).  

However, I do look for specific things that work only for me.

• Color.  I like my shoes to be colorful.  

• Price.  Running shoes are expensive.  I’ve scored some great deals on Running Warehouse, Zappos, and Brooks Running.  There was a time when I loved the PureFlow and bought a few of them.  Each pair was $50 and in purple.  

Recently, I found a few pairs (Launch and Ghost) for $50 at Ross.

• Weight.  Though heavier shoes offer more cushion and durability, I prefer my shoes to not be heavy.  The Launch 10 weights 7.4 ounces and the Ghost 16 weighs 8.5 ounces.  They’re perfect for me.

• Comfort.  Comfortable shoes reduce fatigue, prevent injuries, and improve performance.  A pair of comfortable shoes also make my runs more enjoyable.  The first time I ran in the Launch 2, my feet hurt so I sent them back.  I cannot remember why I bought them again, but I am glad I did, because now I love them a lot.  Pretty colors too!

• Brand/Recommendations.  My favorite elite runner runs in Brooks.  If they are good enough for her, then they are also good enough for me.  I know Kara Goucher also runs in Brooks shoes.

The topic for next week – Five breathing techniques to improve your run.  Feel free to write about this or any fitness topic you’d like.  We hope you’ll link up with us!