current running shoe rotation
I’m a relative newbie to compartmentalizing running shoes that I like and dislike, and compared to other runners haven’t cycled through as many pairs of different kicks. I have, however, found a few faithful models of shoe that seem to follow similar trends. Footwear is probably the most prohibitive part of a runner’s wardrobe, more important than any one piece of fuel, one sports bra, or one running belt. In general, I tell people when asked “what are some good running shoes?” that a great fit for your own foot shape and stride pattern is more important than seeking a specific brand. Of course, you might narrow your preferences to a model or two. That’s natural!
For background, I wear a women’s size 9.
I am a neutral runner with a slight tendency to overpronate in my right foot – when I had my gait analyzed, I was assured I probably wouldn’t have to correct this through my footwear but rather through strengthening for my finicky hip and conscious stride work. Thus, I do not require stability shoes.
I prefer a lightweight shoe weighing no more than 9 oz. I used to wear the Saucony Guide ISO which hit the scale at 9.3, and those were okay so long as I limited them solely to easy days. I thrive in the 6-8 ounce range in order to keep my cadence high and turnover efficient.
A wider toe box gives my feet enough room to breathe. I don’t necessarily purchase the explicitly “wide” manifestation of a shoe, but I have owned pairs that naturally come with more room up front and those always work pretty nicely for me.
Many a runner will argue about what types of runs certain pairs of shoes fit. I think this is a highly individual choice and what’s important is finding pairs that are comfortable for whatever distance for which you aim, last long (300-500 miles is a good guideline), and fit your aesthetic. Yes, appearance is important – it kind of does make running more enjoyable!
All that said, these are the shoes I presently run in. What are your go-to pairs?
Everyday training: Adidas Adizero Boston
Weight: 8 oz
Drop: 10 mm
I fell in love with this shoe after I sought a replacement for my faithful New Balance Zante, which got altered beyond recognition in their newer model. The Bostons were once the “speed shoe” marketed to help runners qualify for the Boston Marathon. Whether you do or not is up to your training, but I can say the Bostons feel wonderful over the marathon distance and for runs of all speeds. I like them for easy days and longer runs. They are a bit on the narrower side, so if you have genuinely wide feet, these may not work as well for you.
Speedwork: New Balance Zante
Weight: 7.3 oz
Drop: 6mm
The Zantes feel quite similar to the Bostons except lighter, but I always felt like they molded to my feet beautifully. That is, until the Pursuits were launched. I did not bond with the Pursuits like I did the old V-series. If you can find an older model of Zante, they are reliable pairs to own: responsive, attractive, fast, and durable. Mine logged over 450 miles and toed the line to my first marathon before I retired them to be my Pittor-riding shoes.
Test driving: New Balance Fresh Foam Tempo
Weight: 6.8 oz
Drop: 6mm
No, I do not mean that as in “used for test-driving cars.” I’ve worn the Tempos for two runs, a speedy one outside and a hilly jaunt on the treadmill. Though I recognize that they are brand new, and new shoes have a certain boing to them, I’m encouraged by my light and airy stride both during quicker and slower paces. The Tempos also have a naturally wider toe box.
Pairs that did NOT work for me: Asics Gel Quantum, Asics Gel Kayano, Brooks Adrenaline Series
Asics as a brand are known to be very heavy, near always above 9 oz. I raced in the Quantums for awhile and then bought the Zantes – afterwards, I never looked back. The Brooks Adrenaline have a VERY high drop and are far too stabilizing for my feet. I could actually hear myself clomping around like a Clydesdale in them! All of these shoes may be a fit for someone else, but certainly were not for me.
