Its about that time again…………..the need for new running shoes!!!!!

I’m searching for new running shoes and I know the perfect place where you can find them. When I was a little girl, and my mom bought me a new pair of shoes, I couldn’t wait to get home, put them on and run into the kitchen where Dad would be sitting and stop suddenly(to check out how good the new tread did) and show him. I would repeat the running into the kitchen process, many times over. haha I would be elated for a new pair of tennis shoes. Dad would grin and tell me to “take care of them”. Which I always did! I’ve been excited about doing a running shoe post for a while now and since I’m in the market for a pair, it was just fitting, and for the ones who know me, if there’s one thing that I get excited about, its workout gear.

Its usually a stressful , long researched, item for myself, because I’m picky and they need to fit just right! I mildly pronate, so I typically look for a neutral shoe, and I like mine to have a bit of cushion as well. I’ve had some great ones in the past and its almost heart breaking when they do wear out, because I have to go through the process all over again of finding new ones. I’m not a die hard runner. On average I run about 10 miles a week, so its an added bonus when the shoe is supportive enough for me to do other types of workouts in. I call this a 2 in 1 shoe, because who are we kidding, tennis shoes are darn expensive and I cant buy 3 pair every 6 months! 6-9 months on average is what I usually get out of a pair, since I’m in either in the gym or working out at home 6 days a week.

Saucony-Brooks-Nike-Mizuno

I do try and buy 2 pair at the same time, so I can alternate them and they last longer. They dont necessarily have to be the same ones(my 4 favorite brands are Brooks, Nike, Saucony & Mizuno). So I typically buy within those brands. I’m a sucker for bright colors, the brighter, the better for me! You almost can never go wrong with a pair of Mizuno’s, they are such a solid brand! I had taken about a 15 year break of owning a pair of Nike’s, that is, til I bought the Zoom Pegasus 33. They’ve literally lasted me over a year of running, sprint intervals, weight training and h.i.i.t workouts. I might be re-sold on Nike’s again. Below is the Pegasus 34 which look way cool!

I’ve definitely had some favorites in the past. My Saucony Ride 8 was a definite favorite, the Mizuno Wave Elixir 8 was phenomenal and I was so heart broke that they discontinued it! WHY MIZUNO……WHY???? The original Saucony Iso Series was like a marshmallow hugging my foot with each step…….ahhh happy sigh. Not seen here(because I donated them and hopefully they’re helping someone right now) was probably one of my all time favorites, a minimalist running shoe, the Brooks Pure Cadence. It was a game changer, I had never owned a minimalist shoe, but I love love loved it. I might just check Ebay to see if I can find my size in a new pair! A pair I bought last year were the Mizuno Wave Rider 20’s and they have been such a phenomenal shoe. Mizuno makes great running shoes, period! I’m anxiously awaiting the Rider 21 to come out.

The Search for the perfect running shoes and where to find them

I was so excited when a Fleet Feet sports store went in here in Columbia, so I rushed over to check them out. They have so many styles and brands to try on, some amazing sports bras, and some way cool sports rollers that I didn’t even know, existed, as well as many other products for your exercise need, as well as very competitive prices. I was ecstatic to find out that they also carry my favorite workout socks, Balega brand. I have about 5-6 pair. If you’e never owned a pair, you must take the leap. They are so much better than Lululemon or Athleta socks! They have a specialized little tab over the heel so they dont slip below your shoe, so you dont have to worry about any chaffing. Balega socks also have special material to keep your feet dry! You’ll never own another pair once you have these. Plus they come in a variety of cool colors. You HAVE to check them out!!!

You can visit their website www.fleetfeetsports.com. They offer free shipping on all orders $99 and beyond, plus free returns. If you dont see a certain color or style in their store, they can certainly order them for you. On a side note-they have the most amazing recipe up right now for no-bake graham cracker pie rolls that are perfect for quick energy before, during or after your run!