I was not a runner 20 or 30 years ago. But sometimes it’s fun to dream.
I’m guessing runners back then had mostly… one pair of running shoes.
As a runner today I find myself with these…
It appears to be a running shoe family, from smallest to largest.
I purchased my first pair of “running” shoes in March 2010. Within 6 months I was already looking for what the next pair would be. The pair on the far right is the one in question right now, my extra-stability shoes. These are the Asics Gel 3020s which I purchased about 15-months ago.
They still have some miles left on them (Yes, I know they still look extremely clean, I am like that with my shoes.) but I think my knees would be aching afterward if I run another half-marathon in them. I noticed the outer soles are wearing more than the middle or inner area – which is a sign the shoes actually have more stability than I need. So I’d like to back down to just “stability shoes.”
What about all that barefoot and minimalist running you talk about? I still do. But I haven’t built the endurance or confidence yet to run a half-marathon in minimal shoes. I continue to use my stability shoes on my long runs as that’s when my form begins to weaken most. I also do overpronate, meaning my ankles tend to roll inward as my feet strike the ground. So I scoured the web and found my newest pair, which are now on their way to my doorstep.
I have not tried these shoes on yet, but they are an offshoot of my current Asiscs Gel 3020s. I have really enjoyed the Asics brand stability shoe so I’m confident these will work. They also came in at under $60 which was a good deal to me. I had about six colors to choose from and I went with the black version which appeared most stealth.
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How many pairs of running shoes do you own?
I just have one pair – but it’s getting time to replace them!
When I first decided I wanted to start running in college, I ran in my old cheerleading shoes (hey, I was a flip flop girl, and they were the only sneakers I had). When I bought my first pair of asics a few months later, I was amazed at what a difference it made. Who know? (I say that so sarcastically…)
I love my 2160s! Hope you do too! But I also currently have the Saucony Mirage (some stability but trying for a lower heel-toe drop) and I have some Merrell Pace gloves that I have only worn on trails.
A year and a half ago I was recommended a shoe that had too much stability – like you. Then I tried the Asics 2150s and loved them. When I went back to buy another pair, I couldn’t find them, but they were replaced by the 2160s. I put about 400 miles on my first pair and I’m up to 300 on my current pair. It’s a great shoe for me. I got both of my pairs cheap because they were releasing the next version (i.e. the 2160 is cheaper because the 2170 is now out).
I like all of your running shoes. I’ve never worn Asics but I probably have at least 20 pairs of running shoes but not all I would run a race in.