Runners - do you use more than one pair of running shoes?

Garrett1234

Hi Gang:

I'm looking for some feedback from experienced runners. I've been training for a couple of months on a treadmill, running barefoot. It's gone well. I recently purchased a pair of minimalist shoes for outdoor running. I like them, but I can see wanting a pair of more traditional running shoes too. Maybe mix up the running styles from time to time. Thoughts?

brandyk77

I don't have any experience with "barefoot stuff" but I have a pair of light weight trainers and added in another with a wee bit more cushion for recovery days. Both are pretty close to racing flats as it is already.

CarsonRuns

I have 5 different shoes that I use, depending on the situation. Three of them, we can throw out the window for this discussion (racing flats, trail shoes, track spikes), but for normal, day to day running I have a pair of trainers and a pair of lightweight trainers. Depending upon the day's workout, I'll usually choose one of those.

scottb81

I always have one pair that I use until they are destroyed. Current pair is Brooks Pure Connect with 1350 miles.

ThickMcRunFast

I have a couple different pairs, a more traditional stability shoe (12mm drop) for long runs, a minimalist shoe (4 mm drop) for short runs (7-8 miles or under), and a pair of trail shoes. I'd run in my minimalist shoes all the time, but the lack of padding in the forefoot causes me a lot of pain in the toe pad on my long runs.

scribb

I would stick to one kind. It took me a month for my body to adjust to the 5 finger shoes, so I don;t want to have to do that again.

Marc713

Find a runner's specific shoe store in your area (if there is one) like Fleet Feet or Luke's Locker and go in and get fit for shoes specific to you and the type of running you wish to do.

I went in and ended up with some Brooks Ghost 4's (on sale) since the new 5's are out. I LOVE them! There are also some Newton's I really liked but they didn't have my size. They promote running and landing on the front balls of your feet instead of your heels. They didn't have my size in stock and I wanted a pair that day. My next pair will likely be Newton's.

Also, the two stores I mentioned will swap out shoes for 90 days or so if you don't like them...they have a great gaurantee.

gogojodee

I LOVE my Merrell Pace Gloves! I honestly did not need/do the recommended warming up and wearing them building up time. I wore them the next day after just wearing them around the house for a couple hrs for my std 1 hour run. It was amazing and so worth it. I wasn't very sore or anything, at all! I have run in over an hour outdoors, but on treadmill I can only run about 30 mins. Not sure why, but that is the case! Best of luck and you will learn to enjoy barefoot!