Contrary to popular belief, the world revolves around runners. Doesn’t it? How else could you explain our adamant belief we need yet another pair of running shoes, much to the detriment of our family’s bank account and closet space, and to the planet. (Be sure to recycle or donate your discarded shoes!) And just as earth rotates around us, we too have a rotation of our own: a running shoe rotation.
“Shoe spin me right ’round, baby”
The truth is, a running shoe rotation can make or break our training — or so we like to tell ourselves. But, you can’t deny that using more than one shoe presents about a 39% lower risk of developing a running‑related injury, according to a study of 264 runners (Malisoux et al 2015). The study supports the idea that using different shoes “…changes loading, stress, and strain, through the tendons, ligaments, and muscles in the body.” How’s that for science?!
A running shoe rotation consists of a daily trainer for everyday miles, a tempo shoe for speed work, a recovery day/max cushion shoe for easier days, and a sleek “super shoe” for race efforts. Math was never my forte, but with more than a baker’s dozen pairs, I’m aware I have at least three times as many shoes in each category than I need. What I have isn’t so much a rotation as an orbit.
I would have even more shoes if it wasn’t for the size of my feet. Many running companies don’t produce shoes in size 15. And most companies’ carbon-plated racers only go up to size 14. Let’s just say, I’m thankful for big feet because my orbit would likely spiral into a black hole.
Choices, choices, choices
Like many runners, I strongly believe you can never have too many shoes. Sure, we don’t need a double-digit number of pairs taking up space in a closet or in the foyer, preventing the front door from opening all the way. It’s just more fun with choices.
“How many more miles do I have to put on these shoes before it’s acceptable to buy a new pair?”
Although, most days, the hardest decision I have is which shoes I’ll lace up. You know, the whole paradox of choice: do I go with the flashy pair of Saucony Endorphin Speed? Maybe I’ll keep it simple and don the red New Balance 880 with the right balance between softness and firmness. But, then again, I do love the extra cushion of my olive-green, ASICS Gel-Nimbus. Am I the only one who wonders why there aren’t more dark green colorways for running shoes? I’ve long contended that it’s the most underrated color.
Regardless of the shoe I select, with each mile, I know I’m 5,280 steps closer to a new pair. The truth is, while I enjoy every mile I rack up (ok, not every mile), I can’t escape that nagging thought bouncing up and down in my head with each stride: how many more miles do I have to put on these shoes before it’s acceptable to buy a new pair? You could certainly argue the real reason some of us run as much as we do is to justify purchasing a new pair. Fortunately, unlike a car, we just have to accumulate only about 300-400 miles on a shoe to buy a new model. You’ll be shocked to learn that I don’t reach that threshold with every shoe.
But, similar to a new car depreciating in value once it’s driven off the lot, a pair of new running shoes loses some of its allure once it’s taken on the maiden voyage. Maybe that explains why we’re always on the hunt for our next shoe. Every new shoe gets us runners excited about the vast, unknown possibilities presented by a great pair. Runners, by nature, aspire to never stop improving. Training in the shoes that make us more likely to lace up consistently, means we’re one step closer to achieving that PR, or simply more apt to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
Looks do matter!
I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge that I am extremely picky when it comes to running shoes. It’s safe to say I’ve returned dozens of shoes in the past few years. Before judging me, please consider a few points. First off, don’t be so judgmental! Secondly, much like online dating profile pics, photos of shoes online can be deceiving. I may have thought I wanted the dark purple and navy-blue pair, but when the gloomy-looking shoes showed up at my doorstep, I quickly sent them packing.
“Much like online dating profile pics, online photos of running shoes can be deceiving.”
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and when I’m beholding a pair of shoes I’m holding in my hand, I know instantly whether there’s an attraction. There are just certain colors and designs I will not associate myself with. All-white shoes are all the rage these days, and while they can look pretty at first glance in perfect indoor lighting, once you spend some time with them outside, they get ugly fast — from dirt, grass, and pavement stains.
And you can forget about the first three colors of the rainbow. Red, orange, and yellow (ROY) are delightful when paired with black (ASICS NOVABLAST 3 tastefully utilizes the ROY, of ROY G BIV fame, with black), but on their own, they become a fashion statement I don’t want to make. Which brings me to my go-to color combo: black and white. Yes, it’s stale, predictable, and overused, but it’s the most classic-looking pairing for a reason. You certainly can’t make any assumptions about my personality, character, or values in a black and white shoe. Except, maybe, that I’m boring, overly safe, and don’t know how to express myself.
Return to sender
Call me a softie, but I simply cannot tolerate firm shoes. So, when my first run with a new pair feels like I have bricks strapped to the bottom of my feet, I pull myself up by the shoestrings and get to work on sending them back within the return window. Thank you to Running Warehouse for their flexible return policy!
All these returns could be avoided if local running stores carried shoes in size 15. Eh, who am I kidding? I hardly ever leave my place as it is. What makes me think I would go to a running store when I can purchase a pair with a few clicks and easily return them at no cost. Related: please support your local running store.
One thing is for sure: as I head out for a run on my journey to the center of the earth, or, for a seven-mile jog through the neighborhood, I have full confidence knowing my feet are equipped with the best possible (and nicest-looking) shoes for my mechanics. The rest of what I’m wearing, however, can be an entirely different story. Don’t even get me started on running apparel. Actually, how much time you got?
Longtime brother, first-time commenter. I’d like to submit photo evidence of the mountain of running shoe boxes (many seemingly never even opened) that sit hundreds of miles away back at our parents’ house (waiting to be returned, presumably?), but I can’t figure out how to attach a picture to this comment. Great article!