If you are going to RUN ALL DAY, you need the right shoes.
Runners love their shoes. Fast ones. Slow ones. Cross trainers. Pretty ones. Dirty ones. Ones we can’t “just throw away.” You name it, we’ve got a pair. If you follow me on Twitter or Instagram you have seen an assortment of different shoes from different brands. The truth is, there is logic behind why I have each pair and USE all of them. That’s the key part. They DO get used no matter how much wifey likes to think that they just sit there taking up space.
Next week is going to be shoe review week. I’ve got a review lined up for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and they are three different brands to top it off. In order to clarify why this is happening, I’d like you take a venture with me into my shoe closet… c’mon, it’ll be fun.
Comfort shoes.
Adidas ClimaCool (pic), Reebok RealFlex (pic),
These are my swagger comfort shoes or otherwise known as cross training shoes. I’ll use these to walk around in, or do a light workout, but rarely log any miles in them. These are shoes that I enjoy wearing, but are reserved for casual wear. You know? The bright shoes that I like to wear that scream “hey, I’m a fitness dude, check me out. I look fresh.” Or something like that. Are the cool kids still saying fresh?
Short Distance or Speedwork (0-5 miles).
Saucony Virrata (review), Saucony Kinvara 4 (pic),
These are the shoes that I’ll use for my speed work or short distances ranging from 0-5 miles. A lot of these are more “natural” shoes, so I’m hesitant to take them much further due to still working on adjusting my foot plant/gait. I enjoy running in these to work on strengthening different muscles in my legs/feet that might rely on the cushioning in my other stability shoes. Running in these (I think) have helped me get faster and be able to channel those low 8 min miles in the middle of a race when needed.
Short to Middle Distance (0-10 miles).
Mizuno Wave Sayonara (review set for next week, pic), Pearl Izumi N2 (review next week, pic), Brooks Pure Cadence (review next week, pic)
This is step above the last pair. I’ll keep these on shorter distances, but push them a bit further in distance. These are the shoes that you’ll see me running most of my lunch runs in, hence the variety on instagram. These I would also consider my “fast” shoes, but I enjoy testing these out on longer runs and working in more tempo runs. When I’m rocking these shoes you may find me doing a comfortable mile to warm up, then push it for 4-5 miles, then have a cool down mile… which works out perfectly for my 7 mile lunch runs.
Middle Distance Shoes (7-14 miles)
Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 (review), Saucony ProGrid Guide 6 (review),
These bad boys enjoy some distance. As you can see, the higher the distances, the more stability comes into play. I’ve had ITB issues before, so I tend to be very cautious with stability as my distances climb. I’m working on trying to correct it, which is why over the past year I have started to introduce the shoes above. This batch has also saved me in having to buy my long distance shoes more often. If you think about it, I can log most of my weekly miles in these or the ones above and save my long-distance shoes for Saturday or Race day, basically extending their life much longer. BONUS.
Long Distances (15+)
Asics Kayano 17 (pic), Asics Kayano 18 (pic), Mizuno Wave Cabraken 3 (review)
Strictly reserved for the weekends. These are the shoes that I’m running in on my long training runs and race day. If it’s a marathon, I’m running in my Asics, no doubt about it. Every single marathon I have run, I’ve been wearing Asics Kayano… crazy, right? My first pair was in 2006, the Kayano 12… one day I’ll have to compile all the marathon photos and you can see the evolution of the Kayano (now at 19, set to be 20 this year, I think). The last pair listed above are my trail running shoes that have taken me across a couple 50ks and a couple 50 mile races. I think that qualifies them for the “long distance” category.
* * * * * *
And there you have it… a method to the madness. I’ll admit that I have more than I need, but I use them all and they LAST. If you break it down, my race day shoes that should last 300+ miles are being strictly used for the longer distances extending their life. It also allows me to keep those shoes at home and keep my shorter distances shoes at work. Saves me having to lug running shoes with me every day to work.
I also have to say that a good chunk of these shoes have been sent to me for review. I love trying out new shoes. There is nothing like slipping on a brand new pair, in a fresh new color and logging some miles. To date, I have paid for every single one of my Asics Kayano shoes. That’s 7 years of racing and proof that I do NOT run in a shoe solely because it is being sent to me. It’s about finding out what works and how it can be incorporated into your training routine.
And I’m not gonna lie, YES, I color coordinate and will run in a shoe that compliments what I’m wearing. There I said it. But if you mention it in public, I’ll deny, deny, deny and probably call you crazy then high five a dude and grunt.
>>>>Don’t forget to click here to subscribe to this blog!
Do you have a large running shoe collection?
Over or under 5 pairs?
Advertisement:
I have a mini collection going :)
As a shoe lover for most of my life, it’s funny how over the past 3-4 years my running shoes have taken over the collection. The hubs just commented about my assortment yesterday as it was falling out of my closet. I tried to explain it all to him (he’s not a runner) so maybe I’ll just show him this post. ;)
Ha ha ha ha..I love the colour coordination admission. You’re not the only dude I know that does that!!
Shockingly, for the amount that I actually run, I only have 4 pairs of shoes in rotation. 3 pairs of Wave Riders and one pair of Kinvaras. If I ran trails, I’m sure there would be a couple of other pairs. I like your thought process though and I think really makes sense. Guess I’ll have to start making more room in my closet. I have to say I am totally ITCHING to get my hands on a pair of the Wave Sayonaras. I cannot WAIT until they are released in Canada.
Under 5!
Now if we’re talking boots…now that’s another story ;)
I have a lot too mostly because when a new version of a shoe I like goes on clearance I tend to stock up :)
I have three pairs in rotation right now. All Wave Riders. I wore Kayanos for years, decided to try Mizuno about 6 months ago. In spite of my increased training, my plantar fasciitis is almost gone. But, I still have a closet full of retired, training, and casual shoes.
Wow, you have an impressive shoe stash! I have that kind of closet for dress shoes … but less than five pairs of running ones. *hangs head in shame*
Alright, you make me feel better about my ever-growing running shoes stash (currently running in 5)! Admittedly I’d have less if I weren’t sent a few to test out/review, but I’m like you – I love getting to try out a new pair! I’ve heard it’s important to give your shoes a “rest,” so that helps me justify having multiple pairs so I can wear different ones on different days… and different shoes are needed for different types of running!
Enviable shoe collection for sure. I have 4 pairs of shoes (with one more on order) that I wear consistently. Add a few more that didn’t make the cut and you have my fitness shoe collection. Want to know about my boot and sandal collection next :)
I only have one pair of shoes at a time. Running on a budget sucks sometimes. Hopefully I can get another pair or two in the rotation soon.
Under 5, only have 2 pair. One for easier workouts, one for my serious runs.
I loved reading about all your different pairs and uses for each!
My collection isn’t nearly as extensive as yours, but I have 3 pairs of running shoes I rotate for different purposes (outdoor mid-to-long distance, treadmill or short/speedwork, and a pair I keep at work for walking/short distance) and 2 pairs of cross trainers (one for indoors, one for outdoors). It truly does extend the life of the shoes doing it this way – I’m sure my husband will get it, eventually. ;)
over 5 pairs for sure!! and that’s just sneakers!! you have no idea how many pairs of boots, sandals, wedges, heels, etc. i have!!!
Great explanations – will help me rationalize my shoe buying. YEAH!
I have a mini collection going right now. Each shoe has its own purpose. I love that your color coordinate your shoes/clothes.
Makes sense! Now I just need to have my husband read this. I see a shoe shopping trip in the future, ha! But really, I like the idea of having “speed” shoes versus “distance” shoes. I had never really thought about the different uses and reasons, and now I understand a little better!
Rotating my runs between 3 pairs of shoes right now with a 4th on its way….hopefully very soon!
I don’t — I just started running about a year ago and haven’t ventured out past the first pair of shoes I was fitted for.
I had some serious knee issues after running in bad (for me) shoes, so I’m kind of scared to get away from my asics now.
I match my shoes to my clothes whenever possible! LOL! :-)
My collection is crazy big for someone who hasn’t been able to run for several months. I just posted a picture the other day, in fact! I’m hanging on to them all in the hopes that my running days will soon return. I don’t color coordinate though.
I am also on a budget with one pair of long distance and one pair for short distance…. Oh yeah and the pair that just sit there cause I can’t decide if I like them. Wish I had a pair to match every outfit! Thanks for sharing your collection and logic – entertaining, and it makes perfect sense to me :)
My husband hates when I count my shoes and then tell anyone the #.
I will say that I have well over 5 pair and I’m all about coordinating my shoes and outfits.
I don’t have very many shoes ….. REALLY, the truth!
haha your secret is safe with us! This was a great post. I love your breakdown of all the shoes.
I rotate my shoes – but I pretty much run only in minimal shoes regardless of distance. Currently I don’t think I have a running shoe that’s more than 6oz. Crazy time!
Spoken like a true runner! I currently have 5 pairs of gym/running shoes in rotation. Asics Kayano 18, Mizuno Wave Rider 16s, Newton Motions, Asics Rush 33, Brooks Adrenaline 11. All for different activities and types of workouts :)
Love this post! Definitely making me consider investing in a pair of more minimalist racing shoes!
Power to the man who color coordinates. I’m telling everyone… ;-)