Breaking Up with My Running Shoes

For a runner, there is nothing more essential or important than a good pair of running shoes. Beyond the necessity for maintaining good form and injury free, my running shoes are my ticket to nirvana. With my shoes I can travel to a stress free place, a world of puddle-jumping, philosophizing and bliss.

When all else falls apart, I still have my running shoes.

For my entire life, I've been a Mizuno girl. My first pair of Mizunos I got when I was in 9th grade track and went to the local running shop. Since then, I've been hooked on the stability and wide footbed they provide.

Over the past few years, I've had 4 pairs of Mizunos, usually the Wave Inspire model.

I ran my first 5K in these,

my first half marathon in these,

and my first marathon in these.

I've had a long-term relationship with my Mizunos. Unfortunately, now the time has come to move on to a shoe that appreciates me just a little bit more. I absolutely loved the Wave Inspire 6 model. When Mizuno redesigned the shoe for the 7 version, I got huge blisters, lost toenails, and bruising every time I ran. After my foot injury, I started to feel discouraged and dreaded my afternoon runs.

 

I can't take that kind of abuse from my running shoes. It's just not fair.

A few weeks ago I went to the running store again and tried on over 15 pairs of running shoes (thank you, Running Fit!) and did a head to head test with the Wave Inspire 7s and Brooks Ravenna 2.

Let me introduce you to my new lover:

Brooks Ravenna 2.

They're soft, they're comfy, they cushion and support without leaving any hot spots or bruises on my feet or ankles.

And I fully expect them to carry me right back to nirvana.


If you're looking for a more technical breakdown of the types of running shoes and how to get fitted, check out this fantastic post by Caitlin: If the Shoe Fits.

What kind of running shoes do you wear? Do you switch between models, or stick with brand loyalty?