Friday Favorites: My Favorite Running Shoes
I’m celebrating Make-up Free Friday today, are you? Some of the lovely ladies at work celebrated with me too. Thanks guys 🙂
I’m drinking a Get-Better-Soon Smoothie (1/2 banana, 1 small orange, strawberries, peaches, and a little orange juice) Very high in vitamin c!
Let’s talk shoes!
No not those shoes- although I wouldn’t mind talking about those kind either.
I love all shoes equally!
I want to talk about running shoes.
When I first started running I just used the tennis shoes I already owned. I bought these solely because I liked that they were silver and pink and I thought they were cute. I thought I could run fine in them, but I didn’t really know any better at the time.
After a few months of consistent running I decided that if I wanted to be a “real” runner I might want to go get fitted for some real running shoes.
I had heard about a running store called Luke’s Locker. Luke’s Locker is a Texas based running store that can be found in and around the Houston, Ft. Worth, Dallas and Austin.
I went in had my feet measured and they put me on a treadmill to gauge what kind of runner I was.
Every runner is different so whenever friends or coworkers have asked me for suggestions for running shoes I always recommend to them that they get the way they run checked out by a running store.
Some runners are over-pronators. Some runners are under-pronators. Some runners are neutral runners.
(source)
They determined I was a neutral runner. I didn’t need any shoes with added stability or to correct pronation issues.
Fit Chick Britt Fitness Tip: If you’re getting into running and planning on running any races or training for any races I highly recommend checking out a local running store in your area to find out what kind of runner you are.
Luke’s Locker analyzed what kind of runner I was, measured my feet, and allowed me to try on several shoes that matched my profile. They were very helpful! If you live in Texas I would 100% recommend Luke’s Locker. They set me up in a great pair of shoes that lasted for a few months of 5k and 10k training. I loved them! After that, I used what I learned to try out similar shoes on my own (running stores can be a little pricey).
Fit Chick Britt Fitness Tip: Running shoes should be changed out every 300-500 miles or 3-4 months.
After that first pair of Running shoes next I tried these…
They were ok, but I didn’t notice the arch support. Eventually they gave me shin splints (arch supports don’t work well for neutral runners). So then I tried these…
They worked well until I decided to wash them after my triathlon when they got wet and muddy. It was not a good idea to wash and dry them; they got deformed and gave me blisters. So then I tried these…
And the blisters got worse. So I got these…
It was love at first run. Then they wore out. I tried a new brand (I’d always been a Nike wearer because I had the Nike Plus app but eventually switched to my Garmin).
These felt great the first time I tried them on. I actually bought them because I was in a bind and needed some proper shoes for a 20 mile marathon training run. They worked ok for a few weeks but I realized they gave me hip pain so I went back to these….
My FAVORITES! And I say “back” to these because these were the one Luke’s Locker had originally set me up in- Nike Air Pegasus. The Nike Air Pegasus is a series; I have tried 25 and 26 and I loved both. They have gotten me through so much training, and even running a marathon. These are my go-to shoes and I will most likely continue buying them because I know they work for me.
I can’t put into words how important it is for a runner to have a pair of shoes that works for them!!
Fit Chick Britt Fitness Tip: Make sure to buy your running shoes ½- 1 size bigger than usual. Your feet swell when you run. I wear an 8 in street shoes, so I choose a 9 in running shoes.
Do you have a pair of favorite running shoes? Have you tried an array of shoes like me to find one you prefer or have you stuck with the same pair?
Happy Running!
Fit Chick Britt 
I’m planning on making my first visit to Luke’s Locker in about a week or so! I know it’s worth it from what you’ve told me and from what I saw when they were helping Jake out!
yay! Let me know how you like it 🙂
I am a neutral runner also and loved my Asics Gel Cumulus and now am loving my Mizunos Wave Rider 14’s! I can’t decide if I like one better than the other! I cannot agree more that is an absolute running must to have the right shoes!!
Happy Running!
I might have to try Mizunos. I’ve always been a Nike girl b/c of the Nike + but I’m definitely up for trying something else that might work the same.
I really REALLY need to running shoes. How can you tell when your shoes “wear out”?
The general rule of thumb is 300-500 miles or 3-4 months (but of course that depends on if you track your mileage and how much you run). If you can pick up your shoe and try to bend it and its bends easy it might be time, you can also look at the bottom and see if the rubber is worn. For me, I start noticing my legs get tired, or my knees, and ankles start to hurt because I’m feeling less support.
I get my shoe’s at RunTex. They also measure your feet and have you run to better fit you.
My first pair were some type of Gel Asics. I liked them at first but after really long runs I would get blisters.
My newest pair are Mizuno’s. My running buddy wears them and raves about them. When Runtex suggested them to me I was excited to try them on. I tried on another pair of Asics that were super comfortable, but the Mizuno’s felt like an extension of my foot rather than a comforting shoe. They just felt natural. So far they have been a dream come true, but I haven’t tried any runs longer than 3 miles since I got them.
Do you know what kind your Mizunos are?
http://www.mizunousa.com/running/products/mizuno-womens-wave-inspire-7-running-shoes
You are so right, the best way to get the right shoe it to be fitted professionally. But even then, some of it is trial and error!
I’m a neutral runner like you. I swore by the Nike Pegasus for many years. Until…I found the Mizuno Waver Riders.
Love.
I won’t wear anything else on my feet! (except I’m sorta jonesin’ to try the Nike Free for track work, hmm)
Maybe I’ll try the mizuno wave rider since your the 2nd one to mention for neutral runners. I’ve been wanting to try the Free’s for shorter runs too!
So, I was sick yesterday too, and this morning on my way to work, I frantically put concealer on before I walked in. Then I kept rubbing my face all day because I was so tired, and by noon, it was Makeup Free Friday! 🙂 Made me think of you and wish I had better skin right now!
Aww get better soon! Glad you kind of celebrated Makeup Free Friday 🙂
Thanks for the reminder- it was about time to change my shoes. I went through several pair when I first started running until I found the right brand & pair. I really suggest people go to a real running store to get professional help in selecting their first pair since there are really things that matter & such an overwhelming selection. I always just go online & keep re-buying the same ones until they update the model & cross my fingers the new one is just like the last one. I wear Saucony ProGrid Ride 3’s these days & I love that they usually come in several colors to choose from.
I am a loyal Nike wearer, however I to am a neutral runner and I had a pair of Mizuno’s that I LOVED! Definitely try them out if your thinking about it!
I used to work at a running shoe store, and the Nike Pegasus was voted shoe of the year two years in a row. It never fit me quite right but supposedly a wonderful shoe:)