Another Year, Another Set of Running Sneaks for Me!
Last April, I visited The Running Place in Newtown Square to shop for my spring running shoe upgrade. I was so impressed by the knowledgeable people that worked there that I had to go back this year for my new running sneakers.
The blog article I wrote last year focused on the various types of sneakers that I tried during my try on session at The Running Place. I left with the Brooks Glycerin (my tried and true, hard-to-break-up-with shoe for my distance runs); the Hoka Cliftons because I had to see what Hokas were all about; and Saucony Endorphin Pros because I had a few races on the calendar, and if a shoe could actually make me faster, I was sold!
A year later, I can look back and say that the Brooks Glycerins successfully carried me on my long runs (I was actually wearing them-a newer pair- when I went in for this latest try on session). I wore my Brooks to run Broad Street in October because it was wet and I was nervous to wear my speedy “race shoes”. The Saucony Endorphins were a lot of fun and I wore them for a few races, like the Philly Half Marathon in November. And I had my fastest time yet… by a few seconds! ha. However, I was less than happy with my Hokas. While I did only wear them on shorter runs, I felt it more in my feet and hips (my weak spot) every time I wore them so eventually, I just stopped altogether.
For my article this year, I want to focus on the various KINDS of running sneakers. Up until last year, I wasn't even aware that I needed more than one kind of running shoe but a year after using three very different shoes, I get it! I also want to help you guys know what and how to purchase running sneakers whether you walk, run or race.
Let’s start with the most common type of running shoe: THE DAILY TRAINER. The Daily Trainer is the shoe that you probably think of when you buy a running sneaker. That’s because it’s the safest shoe for anyone to wear with maximum shock absorption and support which equals less injury. These are the shoes you want to wear on your walks, your every day runs and your long runs. Most people wear these on race day too unless you are trying to medal, qualify or get a new PR. All of the trainers that The Running Place carries last for 350-400 running miles or 500 walking miles. (Don’t forget to include standing time when calculating those miles — if you are wearing your daily trainers beyond your run or walk, every 2-3 hours counts as a mile).
How do you know if your trainers have reached the end of their life? You can do the math based on your training, but that assumes that you are tracking it all and not just casually running or walking, which most people do. There are apps (like RunKeeper and ShoeCycle) that you can use to keep track of the miles on your various shoes. These apps are particularly helpful if you are rotating through different running sneakers throughout the week. But you can also look at the shoes or have anyone at The Running Place do an analysis. Take a look at my Instagram for a video on this. You can also use your body as an indicator. Everyone has certain weak spots that will begin to ache when a shoe has reached the end of its life. Those spots are the ankles, knees, hips and/or lower back.
Supply is a huge issue with all sneakers right now. Be aware of high prices online because inventory is so low. The Running Place had several options for my foot type and in my size. They are expecting to get a lot more inventory this summer. The latest version of Brooks Glycerins, for example, isn’t even available from Brooks until July. So this spring is a good opportunity for me to branch out and see if I like running in something else.
Before we dive into the shoes, it is crucial to know what kind of foot you have. (I wrote about this last year). That is why I always say to go into a running store to buy trainers and don’t just buy them online based on reviews or looks. You can really get injured if you are wearing the wrong type of shoe for your foot.
I have a neutral foot, which means that I do not require arch support from my running sneakers. Most people however, need a support sneaker because they have a flexible arch that collapses inward, causing pronation. The shoes in this category will support that arch. Wanna be even more confused? Some shoes in the “support” category can be worn by me with my neutral foot (based on the kind of support technology of the specific shoe), while others absolutely cannot. All the more reason to go into a store and get properly fitted by the experts.
Ready to get started with the star of the show… the running sneakers for Spring 2022.
DIADORA
Neutral Shoe: The first thing I put on was the Diadora Atomo. This shoe is the first from the brand that is actually manufactured in Italy, Diadora’s home country. The Equipe Atomo is a limited edition shoe and The Running Place was one of the first stores in the US to carry them. The Equipe Atomo is Diadora’s most technically advanced sneaker. It has the same level of shock absorption as my Brooks Glycerins, but they are lighter. And lighter equals speedier. This is a shoe that I would wear for a 5K, a 10K and my upcoming 10 miler because it will give me all the comfort and support I desire, but it won’t weigh me down.
And guess what, this Italian brand has its North American hub of operations right here in Philly, in the Bok Building! So it’s no coincidence that one of the shoes is in Flyers’ colors.
Spoiler Alert— Meet my new daily trainer, the Atomo. These running shoes have the coolness factor and I’ve never had pretty running shoes before. I took them out on a long run for the first time today and was very pleased. Diadora is a new brand for me. I am excited to use my Atomos this spring. I will certainly keep you all posted.
I am loving my new trainers.
Support Shoe: The Vigore is the support shoe version of Diadora’s Atomo. This shoe offers tons cushion and stability. It uses “Blueshield technology” to prevent pronation while providing maximum impact absorption. For someone like me who does not need that support, I could still wear this shoe without injury because of that the “Blueshield technology” (i.e. it does nothing for me since I don’t need it).
This shoe runs a full size short. I typically run in a size 10 or 10.5, but I am wearing a size 9.5 in these.
Look at the Flyers colors for some Philly love.
BROOKS
I am a Brooks girl all the way. Ever since I discovered the snug fit and plush feel of the Brooks Glycerins, I never looked back. That is until this year when production got backed up and my beloved Glycerins are no where to be found! So I had to look elsewhere and turned to the “little sister” of the Glycerin, The Ghost.
The Running Place carries tons of great running clothes, too, like this fun tank from Brooks. “Have a Run Day.”
Neutral Shoe: The Brooks Ghost is the number one most popular shoe in the neutral category. That is because of the closer fit and cushiony feel of this shoe. The shock absorption is not quite as much as the Glycerin, but it’s pretty close. This is an obvious substitution for my Glycerins.
Support Shoe: Brooks’ most popular support shoe is the Adrenaline 22. It gives people requiring arch support maximum shock absorption and support. If you have a neutral foot, you cannot wear this shoe because it will cause your neutral foot to push outward, creating IT band and knee issues.
NEW BALANCE
Neutral Shoe: The New Balance 1080 is the daily trainer with “Fresh Foam'“ midsole cushioning. Version 11 has a light weight, flexible back that hugs the heel, which I love. The latest version of this shoe returned to the standard heel. The top is made of super stretchy, breathable fabric with a lot of give, so it’s great for people with a wider foot who want more room. I prefer to have a sneaker that hugs my foot so this shoe is not my favorite, but I know plenty of people who love these.
While I don’t love the fit of the 1080, this is my color.
Support Shoe: The Vongo is the support version of this shoe with the same “Fresh Foam”. The sole of this shoe is structural and offers a great deal of stability for that arch.
ASICS
Neutral Shoe: The Gel Nimbus has the snug fit that I love. I ran in these before I discovered the lighter weight Brooks.
Support Shoe: The Gel Kayano is a very popular shoe. The gel cushioning throughout the sole helps to create a more comfortable and stable running shoe. This sneaker was recommended to me by a bunch of my readers last year. But because I have a neutral foot this shoe does not work for me. I still really love these sneakers because of the fit and the look— my size 10.5 running shoe doesn’t look quite as large in these!
RACE SHOES are also known as “Plated Shoes”. That plate is either made with carbon fiber, plastic or a combination of both. The plate acts like a spring board — The runner is using less energy and going further with each step because of the spring of the plate. This makes the runner faster. That is why these shoes are typically worn for a race. They can also be called “tempo shoes” because they are used for speed days. They are significantly lighter than the trainers and over the course of a distance run, those fewer ounces really add up to a faster time.
Look closely— I'm actually floating on top of the pavement here! That’s how springy these shoes are.
The latest shoe technology goes into this type of shoe, and the higher price tag reflects it. The newest versions of these shoes cost more than $200 and have a shorter lifespan than the daily trainers (they must be replaced around 250 miles of use).
There is less fitting required with this shoe because they are not meant to offer support — they are meant to give you speed. And your foot is lifting up off the ground so fast that it doesn’t have time to pronate! This shoe is not foot specific. There are men and women’s shoes as well but again, it’s less important with this shoe. The race shoes that I own are actually the men’s version because I liked the colors!
The Endorphin Speed is the shoe that I tried last April and had a lot of fun racing in this past year. It has a plastic plate which results in a little snap as your foot bounces off the ground. This shoe really does give you a forward push. I really liked this shoe and would definitely get it again. The plastic plate has a more cushioned feel out of all the plated shoes, which is probably why I liked running in these so much.
The carbon plate is springier. It is light weight and more rigid than the plastic plate. Carbon plated shoes have a firmer feel. They are considered the most efficient running sneakers on the market. I had to give the Hoka Carbon X a try because I was so impressed by my experience with my last plated shoe. Plus these colors had me sold. I plan to use these shoes for some shorter races like the Philly 10K. I will likely not run the Chicago Marathon in these because I will need cushion and support for the 26 miles.
So here is my running shoe plan for the spring:
I’ll wear the Diadora Atomos for my long training runs (and Broad Street next weekend).
I’ll wear my Endorphin Pros from last year for longer races (likely, the Chicago Marathon) which still have some life left because I didn’t wear them that much last year.
I’ll wear my Hoka Carbon X’s for tempo training days and shorter races that I want to have fun with!
If you are in the market for new running sneakers and want to have a little fun testing out a new shoe, The Running Place often has vendors come to their Monday night run club. Runners can test out a new type of shoe on the 3-5 mile run. I did this last summer with Mizunos and discovered that I really did not like running in the shoe that I used. It was a good way for me to try a new brand before making the investment. I’ll be sure to let you know when The Running Place has a brand attending their Monday night run club.
Remember that everyone’s foot and the way you run is different so don’t just take my word. Go visit The Running Place. And mention this article for a discount :).