Finding a New Running Shoe

Before any given run, I spend a little bit of mental energy thinking about a few things – what to eat or drink, what the weather is like, what to wear, where to run, what pace I should target…  This is why it takes me an hour to get out the door every morning.

But, if I’m lucky, I can go months without giving much thought to which shoes I’m going to wear.  At any given time, I usually have two or three pairs of a good everyday running shoe in rotation and maybe a lighter shoe for track days.  Perhaps that’s why it’s so unsettling for me when my favorite running shoe changes its design.  I suddenly have to put a lot of time and effort into something that’s normally a no-brainer.

I’ve been wearing the New Balance 890 as my primary running shoe since last summer.  It’s been a great neutral shoe.  I like the amount of cushioning and even though my feet are a little narrow, the fit is snug.

I ordered a replacement pair recently and could immediately tell they changed the design of the shoe.  The toe box was a little bit wider, which made the fit feel looser.  And, the cushioning also seemed a little different.  Weight: 7.3 oz.  Heel drop: 8mm.

It was time to look for a new shoe.  After some online research and shopping, and a trip to the local running store, I settled on a few options.

The Contenders

Mizuno Wave Rider 18 ($120). Before I discovered the NB890s, I ran in the Wave Rider 15s and 16s.  I loved those shoes and ran in them for years.  Then, the design changed in the winter/spring of 2014.  I can’t remember what I didn’t like about the 17s but I went looking for a new pair of running kicks.

I’ve run in the 18s a half dozen times now.  I want to like them and they are very comfortable.  But, they’re a little too heavy – even for an everyday shoe.  And, the sole is a bit thick.  I feel like I’m on the verge of tripping over the toe.  Weight: 7.8 oz.  Heel drop: 12mm?.

Brooks Pure Flow 4 ($110).  I discovered these shoes a few years ago.  I thought I was ready for a “racing flat” and after an afternoon of trying on shoes, chose these.  I liked them because they were snug and relatively light-weight.  For years, I ran in them for interval workouts and races up to 10K.  But, I moved away from them because the sole was a bit too stiff. And, I wasn’t doing a lot of speed work and short races.

I’ve worn this new pair twice now and still find the sole a bit too inflexible.  It’s also a bit more cushioning than I want – particularly in the inside of the foot.  Weight: 6.8 oz.  Heel drop: 4mm.

Saucony Kinvara 6  ($100).  Over the years, several salespeople have tried to sell me this shoe.  I’m not sure what my resistance has been.  I think it’s felt a little big.  But after trying on a few shoes at my local running store – including the Nike Lunar Glide – I decided to purchase them.

Why didn’t I listen?!  I think I might really like these shoes.  They feel very light-weight and responsive.  They’re a little roomy in the toe, but pretty snug along the rest of the foot.  Weight: 6.5 oz.  Heel drop: 4mm.

And the winner is…

For the time being, I’m going to run in all four shoes.  Not only to get my money’s worth but I know it can take a few miles before I can get a good feeling for a new shoe.  My initial impression is that I really like the Kinvaras and probably wear them for speed workouts and races.  I’m not as thrilled with the Wave Riders or the Pure Flows, so I will probably stick with the 890s until I can find something else.