Fast Running Blog

Here is something I have been thinking about for the past few days:  Since starting to run back in Feb of 2007, I am currently on my 3rd and 4th pair of shoes.  Although I do not put in the crazy mileage that some of the bloggers on this site do, I am quite a bit bigger that probably almost all of you (I am currently 250 lbs).  The reason I bring that up is because I figure that my extra weight pounding on my shoes probably equalizes the fact that I run far less.  Now to my question finaly, I was wondering how many pairs of shoes people simultaneously use to train and also about how much distance/ months of use do you get out of your specific shoes?

I currently run in a pair of Brooks Beasts/Saucony Hurricanes.  My last to pair of shoes were Beasts/ Asics of some kind (maybe evolutions?)      Just wondering everyone!!!

Right now, I have 2 pairs of road shoes that I more or less alternate, though I sometimes have 3.  I also have 2 pairs of trail shoes, though they only get used once I can get up into the mountains.  In the summer it is not uncommon for me to alternate between 5 pairs of shoes, counting road and trail.  Plus another lightweight pair for racing.

I generally use shoes for about 500 miles, though I am careful after 400 to not use them too often or for real long runs.  With you being 250 lbs, shoes probably would not last as long for you (although the beasts are pretty bulky shoes that should hold up well).

I've been using a 3-pair trainer rotation for a while now.  It gives me about 5-6 months per pair, so I'm not having to break in multiple pairs at the same time (I aim for 500 miles/pair as a retirement date).  It also seems to extend the life some....I can get 500 miles out of them pretty reliably now.  Previous, I only rotated between 2 pairs and I seemed to be rougher on them and some only lasted 350+ or so.  I owned one pair of Brooks Beasts early on and retired them only because they were a bit much for my gait....even after 500+ miles their structure is intact, so those should be pretty durable for you.

I have a different take on shoes. I grew up with runners that could not possibly afford to change shoes every 500 miles. And we did not have good shoes to begin with. Yet our injury rates have been average, I would say even less than what I see in the US runners. Maybe not having good shoes to begin with was the secret. Our bodies adapted quicker, then it did not matter what kind of shoe we wore as long as it was not a cross-country ski boot or a dress shoe.

I wear my shoes to the hole in the soles even now that I get a sponsorship and can afford to change them more often. Why? It works. I do not get injured, and I do not run any faster in new shoes compared to the ones that have 2000 miles on them. But, a note of caution - I've run without breaks for over 23 years since the age of 11. Before that I was more active than the current average US kid. During most of my childhood I essentially wore something that only protected my soles from the thorns and the broken glass on the streets, but otherwise it was like running barefoot.

I wonder if one could develop a greater degree of resilience and a greater tolerance for shoe wear by gradually adding bare footed or thin soled running into the training regimen doing this as an adult.

Sasha- that is the philosophy of Anton Krupicka, who essentially runs in homemade shoes that are as light and cushion free as he can find.  Google him, if you want.

It worked for Zola Budd.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zola_Budd (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zola_Budd)

I think this is true. There is a strong suspicion by barefoot advocates that many running injuries are actually caused by increased shoe technology, where the shoe itself adds so much shock-absorbing function that the foot and calf muscles start to become weak. Of course, the shoe companies would have us believe otherwise. :-)

We used to play soccer for hours with no shoes. I remember that I always felt "off" once I would put some running shoes to run after that; as if they were needlessly correcting my running style. Those of us who did play barefoot agreed that shoes were more of a hinderance than anything else, as we felt we could quick sprint faster and kick harder/more accurately without them. This is also why many higher end soccer cleats try so hard to be minimal and mimick being a foot with some cleats on the bottom. 

Anyways, I rotate through 3 pairs of shoes (usually I do two, but I got a free pair a few months back). I then use older shoes for short runs and the new ones for more specific training. I usually don't feel much of a difference btw newer pairs and will use the older ones until they start to hurt me. Usually that comes when I cannot cover 3-4 miles comfortably in them and feel every step of it.

Thanks for the replies so far.  I have noticed that my feet get sore a little quicker in my shoes after they are 6 months old or so.  Like I said before, though, I put a lot more stress on my shoes than any of you do.  I think the Beasts definitely hold up the best/longest.  Do any of you guys run in multiple pairs of the same shoe?  I am thinking of only going to the beasts.  Any thoughts?

I once was rotating three pairs of Brooks Adrenalines at the same time. Seemed to work okay, but I think "diversity" of shoes can be a good thing too.

We used thoroughbred horses on our ranch in Wyoming. When we were through working cattle with them in the summer, we'd turn them loose in the hills and they'd run all over the rocks, unshod, until spring. We never had lame horses and yet, in the racing industry that's the #1 problem. Is it the same in humans? If the surfaces you run on are smooth and your shoes eliminate the need for strength in your feet and lower legs... it just seems a little counter productive. I'm also a heavier runner and I like the cushioning of a more stable shoe, but as I improve, I'm finding I like my heavier shoes less and less. I think all that correcting is making me weak and more susceptible to injury. I have a pair of Nike Frees on order and hope to incorporate some "foot training" into my schedule as the weather gets better. For those of you who have incorporated trail running into you training, my horses would say, "That's a go-ho-ho-hood (sound of a horse) thing."

Regarding the barefoot running thoughts and the "less is more" idea in regards to running shoes, I recently have been reading the book "Brain Training for Runners" my Matt Fitzgerald and thought I'd share some of his thoughts/opinion on the subject. 

He mentions recent research that suggest the human body is very much designed for distance running and is superior than most other animals in this ability. But if that's true then WHY do runners have so many darn injury problems? He (as well as others it sounds like) theorizes that "it's the shoes" and that many of the running shoes popular these days provide too much support/cushion which not only weakens some muscles but also can promote bad running form.

Specifically he points that when running barefoot (like our early running ancestors did), it's pretty much impossible to overstride and heal-strike since if you do this barefoot your heal will hurt like the dickens so you'll naturally pull the rest of the body forward and run with good form. He doesn't necessarily advocate running barefoot but does suggest adding a lightweight shoe (like the Nike Free) to the rotation initially, then if that all works out well then perhaps try running solely in a lightweight shoe or even barefoot if you can handle it.

Personally I haven't dared mess up my routine as I've been fairly injury free and don't want to mess anything up, but I have started using light-weight flats in races and in some training runs and have found that in someways I feel better after using the light shoes but also find new aches and pains in different muscles. Not sure if I used lightweight shoes all the time what might happen. For now I'm content to stick with what I'm doing but keep an open mind.

I have found that warm-weather workouts on the track (intervals or speed work) lends itself well to some barefoot strides on the field in the middle of the track. I usually throw in 8x100 yard strides with no shoes.

Also- when the weather starts to get warmer, you can hit the trails and mix thoese into your weekly workout. While I would suggest wearing shoes on the trails, you can (and should) wear a different pair of shoes for that type of running. I prefer a very lightweight trail racing show made by Teva. It will do wonders to strengthen your ankles and lower legs.

Right now I am rotating about 6 pairs of shoes. I have shoes for slows runs and shoes for fast runs. I think that the variety helps prevent injuries.

http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB114955290339472060-lMyQjAxMDE2NDA5NjUwNTYyWj.html

Interesting article Jonathan. My wallet especially liked this part:

"One series of studies from Canadian researchers concluded that heavily cushioned shoes were more likely to cause injury than simpler shoes. They also concluded that more expensive athletic shoes accounted for twice as many injuries as cheaper shoes."

Hey, even Rocky ran in a pair of chucks and he was a world champ!

Those "five fingers" shoe things look interesting. I wonder how comfortable it is to have fabric between your toes while running.

That article was definitely food for thought.  Those are some of the craziest "shoes" I have ever seen!!!

When I ran Boston in 2006, I ran into a guy who was running in Vibram foot gloves (he was sponsored by them!) and swore by running barefoot.

OK - I am going to ask for the collective opinions of the bloggers regarding lightweight trainers/racing shoes.  I had previously purchased a pair of Brooks Axiom 2's as lightweight trainers/racers, and they seemed to be ok - I liked that they were lighter than my Adrenalines, but still had forefoot cushioning.  However, when I ran my last 1/2 marathon, I ended up with blood blisters on the insides of both feet, right where I have calluses by my big toes, and also ended up with a blackened toenail.  Obviously the shoes are not what my feet need.  I took them back (I buy my shoes at road runner sports because they have a 60 day guarantee, no questions asked), and need to get a different pair.  I tried on a few pairs there - Asics DS Trainer 13's, Nike Zoom Elite +, Mizuno Wave Rider 3.  The Mizuno's I can't wear - the heel is much too wide.  The Nikes felt good (never thought I would say that again about a pair of Nikes), but it seemed the forefoot was pretty snug.  The Asics seemed to have the widest forefoot, but less cushioning.  Are there any other lightweight shoes others can recommend?  Saucony, New Balance, etc.?  This discussion has gotten me thinking as well, which is why I wanted to pose the question.  I have done a fair amount of research, but respect the opinions of the others on this blog.  If you have real life experience with any of these shoes or other lightweight trainers, please chime in.  Right now I am leaning towards the DS Trainers, but have also heard good things about the Saucony Grid Tangent 3.  Or what about the Brooks Racer ST3?

You could try also the Saucony Type A, if you're interested in Saucony. I know a few fellows who've quite enjoyed them.
Other than that, I've had 2 DS Trainers and I love them.

James- I own a pair of Nike Elite and like them, though they are not as lightweight as I would like.  I use to wear them for races, but now own a pair of Tangent 2 and use the Elite for everyday training.  As for the Tangent- Love, love, love them.  Very highly recommend the Tangents.  I have heard good things about the DS Trainers from other people, but I have no experience with them.  Let's see what other people say.

If you had blood blisters and black toenails, you might have just had the wrong size of the Axiom's.  Or they may just not be the right shape for your foot.

I kind of figured they were the wrong shape.  I am used to the adrenalines, which (to me) have a nice, wide toe box.  I need that.  Jon, can you tell me if the tangents have a nice wide toe box?  I have also read about the Grid Sinister by Saucony.  Ruth - does the Type A go by a different name?  I can't seem to find that one.

I have wide feet, as well, and the tangents work fine for me.  I would suggest trying on a pair before buying, though.

I don't know if they are still in production, but if you google Saucony Type A they'll come up. Their ProductWiki page is http://www.productwiki.com/saucony-grid-type-a/  (http://www.productwiki.com/saucony-grid-type-a/)