When I walked into FitFirst six years ago, I was wearing a stability shoe in a brand I had been wearing for years. Little did I know that I would leave that day wearing a neutral shoe in a brand I had never even considered before. Although I did eventually switch back to my first choice brand (I’ve stuck to neutral - magically in my old age I don’t overpronate anymore), they’ve changed that shoe so drastically this year that it just isn’t an option for me anymore so it was back to the drawing board.
Even when I was loyal to one specific shoe, I always kept at least two pairs on hand so that I could rotate them. Although this is an investment up front, rotating does extend the lifespan of the shoes well beyond what would be normal if pounding the pavement daily with just one pair. What I was missing was variety! Beyond it just being fun to have different shoes, there are actual benefits to it like improving muscle imbalances and preventing injury. So what comprises my fleet?
HOKA ONE ONE - Clifton
Nothing beats a lightweight, cushy shoe for those long runs. The soft cushion has been a total shin saver for me - shin splints are a very normal part of my running life, but I haven’t had so much as a hint of them since bringing the Clifton’s into my life. Unlike most people, I’m completely oblivious to how stiff the shoe is or the rocker motion, but it can take some getting used to if you’re not already wearing a stiff rocker shoe.
BROOKS - Glycerin
Their top end cushion shoe, the Glycerin is a great recovery/easy run shoe with just enough responsiveness to get me through some post-run strides without feeling like I’m sinking. I also love the upper of the Glycerin - the material is flexible and soft making it feel super cozy.
MIZUNO - Wave Sky Waveknit
My second pair of recovery/easy day + strides shoes. Another high cushion shoe with just enough responsiveness. Mizuno had never been on my radar before because they tended to run pretty narrow, but they’ve widened the forefoot just enough that they are an absolute fit win for me now.
HOKA ONE ONE - Carbon X
Admittedly I haven’t dropped the hammer on purchasing this shoe just yet, but I’ve tried it on a few times and it feels good. I would use it as a racing shoe and for the occasional speed workout. Worth keeping in mind with all carbon shoes is that their lifespan is shorter than a regular running shoe.
BROOKS - Ghost GTX
I’ve never been a fan of running in Gore-Tex shoes, but I picked these guys up to wear for walking to Safeway, etc. My feet deserve to stay dry in these rainy Vancouver months and rubber boots just don’t do it for me for my delicate feet.
SAUCONY - Peregrine GTX
The Peregrines are the nicest trail shoe I’ve worn. Again I don’t use these for running, but they are my daily dog hiking shoe so see a lot of use. They are reasonably firm to counteract the softness of trails, but still cushioned enough to be comfortable if you hit concrete. And I can tell you from direct experience that the grip of the sole is top notch - on a spot I slipped and fell a couple of weeks ago in my old trail shoes, I couldn’t even force my Peregrines to slide.
HOKA ONE ONE - Bondi
The Bondi is a stiffer shoe than the Clifton, but the reason I don’t run in it is that it has a notably wider last. While the midfoot feels great, the forefoot is a little sloppy and the heel slips even with the heel lock lacing. I was due for a new work shoe, though, and given how many hours a day we can end up being on our feet in the store, the cushion of the Bondi is saving my old lady body.
The one shoe missing from my running rotation arsenal that I wish I wasn’t is the New Balance 1080. I love this shoe! But it’s just slightly too narrow in the midfoot and doesn’t have enough give in the upper to make it work for me.