Nu shooz
After two years of pounding the concrete (in my off and on struggle with running), my New Balance 718s have come to the end of their usefulness. Actually, they should have been replaced long ago, but it was only recently I realized they were looking very worn and tired. Both shoes developed a large hole on the inside lining at the heel where the cushioning was starting to break loose and fall away, exposing the underside of the plastic shell. The outside was dirty and weak, and my feet had worn down the inside sole so the ink of "New Balance" and the size 13 marker were rubbed away.
My plan was to buy new running shoes when I was back in Iowa City. As strange as it sounds, and contrary to what you'd think, the quality and selection in shoe and athletic/outdoor stores is much better back home than in Southern California. But I didn't get around to it, so tonight I drove to the Westminster Mall after work, my pair of beat-up 718s riding shotgun in case the Finish Line staffed an expert on running shoes.
Think buying running shoes is simple? Find a pair you like, try them on, and walk out with the box? It's not that easy, something I realized from researching my options online. Choosing the best kicks is an art and science unto itself; it requires knowledge of your foot type and its corresponding pronation. Here's a quick lesson in podiatry: Pronation is the rolling motion of your foot from heel to toe when you step. If your feet have a low arch you overpronate (the impact of your step is concentrated on the inside of your foot); if you have a high arch you underpronate (the weight of your foot strike is absorbed more by the outside of your foot); if you have normal arch you have neutral pronation (the impact of each footfall is evenly distributed across the bottom of your foot). The quirks of your foot dictates the type of shoe you should buy. Interestingly, though, it's impossible to know for sure which is the right fit for you because there's no labeling or differentiation available from the shoe manufacturers. I suppose they expect people to shop with their local podiatrist.
So, not only do you have to keep your pronation in mind, you have to make sure the shoes pass a few simple tests before reaching for your credit card (which make up for the lack of proper labeling). There should be enough space between your toes and the front of the shoe for you to fit your thumb. The heel should be snug, but not tight enough that it restricts movement. What about mid-sole? It shouldn't be tight either. Wiggle your toes to make sure they can move freely; they should not be confined (even though they're trapped inside — help!). The general idea is that a new pair of running shoes should fit perfectly when you try them on the first time. Don't rely on any break-in time to cure any discomfort issues.
Another thing I researched was the environmental and human impact of new running shoes. I wanted to know which companies were the most "green" and progressive in their labor practices. I found a good link outlining the pros and cons of the major manufacturers and decided to by a pair of Adidas or Asics. Nike has come a long way since their sweatshop days, and they are based in Oregon — my possible future home state (that's for another post) — but I didn't feel comfortable supporting them.
Armed to the teeth with knowledge about pronation and arches, and a list of eco and union friendly companies, I walked into the Finish Line confident I'd find the best running shoes for me. Of course, as mentioned above, their selection sucked (though it wasn't as bad as the Foot Locker downstairs), so I was stuck having to pick from the few choices they had.
I hate shopping for clothes, so I dislike shopping for new shoes just as much. When I shop I get what I want and leave. I don't dawdle. Not tonight. I took my time, standing in front of the display of performance shoes (they aren't even called running shoes), held each attractive pair in my hand, and let the sales staff pass me twice. I tried on two pairs — Nike's (they were on sale) and Asics — taking my time to feel out each and let the sale's person stand by and watch, trying to sell me the iPod chip for the Nike's and a pair of therapeutic insoles. I put each shoe back in its box, contemplated, and finally gave my verdict: "I'll take the Asics'."
Yay for new running shoes.
My plan was to buy new running shoes when I was back in Iowa City. As strange as it sounds, and contrary to what you'd think, the quality and selection in shoe and athletic/outdoor stores is much better back home than in Southern California. But I didn't get around to it, so tonight I drove to the Westminster Mall after work, my pair of beat-up 718s riding shotgun in case the Finish Line staffed an expert on running shoes.
Think buying running shoes is simple? Find a pair you like, try them on, and walk out with the box? It's not that easy, something I realized from researching my options online. Choosing the best kicks is an art and science unto itself; it requires knowledge of your foot type and its corresponding pronation. Here's a quick lesson in podiatry: Pronation is the rolling motion of your foot from heel to toe when you step. If your feet have a low arch you overpronate (the impact of your step is concentrated on the inside of your foot); if you have a high arch you underpronate (the weight of your foot strike is absorbed more by the outside of your foot); if you have normal arch you have neutral pronation (the impact of each footfall is evenly distributed across the bottom of your foot). The quirks of your foot dictates the type of shoe you should buy. Interestingly, though, it's impossible to know for sure which is the right fit for you because there's no labeling or differentiation available from the shoe manufacturers. I suppose they expect people to shop with their local podiatrist.
So, not only do you have to keep your pronation in mind, you have to make sure the shoes pass a few simple tests before reaching for your credit card (which make up for the lack of proper labeling). There should be enough space between your toes and the front of the shoe for you to fit your thumb. The heel should be snug, but not tight enough that it restricts movement. What about mid-sole? It shouldn't be tight either. Wiggle your toes to make sure they can move freely; they should not be confined (even though they're trapped inside — help!). The general idea is that a new pair of running shoes should fit perfectly when you try them on the first time. Don't rely on any break-in time to cure any discomfort issues.
Another thing I researched was the environmental and human impact of new running shoes. I wanted to know which companies were the most "green" and progressive in their labor practices. I found a good link outlining the pros and cons of the major manufacturers and decided to by a pair of Adidas or Asics. Nike has come a long way since their sweatshop days, and they are based in Oregon — my possible future home state (that's for another post) — but I didn't feel comfortable supporting them.
Armed to the teeth with knowledge about pronation and arches, and a list of eco and union friendly companies, I walked into the Finish Line confident I'd find the best running shoes for me. Of course, as mentioned above, their selection sucked (though it wasn't as bad as the Foot Locker downstairs), so I was stuck having to pick from the few choices they had.
I hate shopping for clothes, so I dislike shopping for new shoes just as much. When I shop I get what I want and leave. I don't dawdle. Not tonight. I took my time, standing in front of the display of performance shoes (they aren't even called running shoes), held each attractive pair in my hand, and let the sales staff pass me twice. I tried on two pairs — Nike's (they were on sale) and Asics — taking my time to feel out each and let the sale's person stand by and watch, trying to sell me the iPod chip for the Nike's and a pair of therapeutic insoles. I put each shoe back in its box, contemplated, and finally gave my verdict: "I'll take the Asics'."
Yay for new running shoes.
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