Shoe Help

MamaLeague

I'm shoe shopping, and need some opinions.

I'm currently wearing Saucony ProGrid Guide 3 shoes, and they are waaay worn out!

I'm looking into replacing them, but I'm not sure if I should get the exact same shoe, or if I should just get the ProGrid Guide 4.

What are the typical variations from shoe to shoe? I have no time to get somewhere to test out the shoe first, so do I go with what I know works? Or, do I buy the snazzy orange new ones?

jdjefferson

I wear this exact shoe (although in a men's size). I started with the Guide (1) and have worked my way through 2, 3, and now 4. I hated the Guide 3 and stopped wearing it after about one month. The Guide 4 is closer to the originals, IMO.
The difference, I found, was in the amount of padding behind the heel (3 had more), which I did not like. And the tread pattern was slightly different, which gave the shoe a different feel when my foot struck the ground. Maybe I was delusional? I tested more than one Guide 3 and the results were similar. If you can comparison test the shoes I would.
So to sum up, shoes do change from model year. If you like the Guide3, buy them again (while they're still available)

bahacca

Never take shoe advice from others. Our feet are WAY too different as are our strides, etc. SInce you have a well worn pair of shoes, turn them over and look at the soles. Where are they worn most? This will tell you a great deal about what type of shoe you need. Here's a good article that explains: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-327-7727-0,00.html

jdjefferson

Never take shoe advice from others. Our feet are WAY too different as are our strides, etc. SInce you have a well worn pair of shoes, turn them over and look at the soles. Where are they worn most? This will tell you a great deal about what type of shoe you need. Here's a good article that explains: http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-327-7727-0,00.html

She asked if there are variations between model years of shoes. I suggest that there is.
BT, your advice was spot on! (I hope you weren't trying to be critical of my reply--I'm just trying to help)

MamaLeague

Thanks for the advice! I'll look into the article when I have a moment.

I was fitted last year for the Guide 3 at a running shop here in town. They put me in that due to how I pronate (I walk on the outsides of my feet...hyper or hypo?). I just noticed that when I began my running program again recently (after much time off) that my legs hurt, like when I was transitioning to wearing proper shoes.

I just wish the Guide 3 came in the fun colors I agree, if it ain't broke...don't fix it, I guess!