First I just have to say, I’m so grateful for the positive response to writing this post. I try to keep this blog focused on fashion for the most part and not my other loves and hobbies. However, the occasional workout or Disney post can be fun too. I realize now that, even though I’m going to get a little technical about shoes here, shoes are still fash-on. Though I may get technical please realize I’m not an expert on running or shoes and this is mostly based on my opinions as well as things I’ve read on the internet. So without further ado, here’s all about my favorite running shoes.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you I may make a commission if you click through and purchase.
My Favorite Running Shoes
Currently I only run in Nikes. Ever since I said I was going to join track in high school (and then chickened out) I’ve bought and worn Nikes to run in. I can’t tell you why I chose Nikes as my first shoe, but it clearly made a lasting impression on me. Out of the 4 pairs of running shoes I have, 3 of them are Nike Reacts. I run in the Nike Legend Reacts, Epic Reacts, Infinity Reacts, and Zoom Fly 3. My Legend and Infinity Reacts are used for my recovery runs which make up the bulk of my mileage. I wear my Zoom Flys for speed workouts. The drop on them helps me keep my forward momentum. Finally my Epic Reacts I use during my tempo runs and also on race day. Mentally it helps me know what pace to keep.
This isn’t to say you have to wear different shoes for different runs, but it helps me stay on track (pun intended). The benefit of having multiple shoes is that you divide the mileage between them and can wear them all longer. Hopefully I won’t need another new pair of shoes for 6+ months.
There’s also something to be said about having shoes to change into after a run. My friend Paul Marmaro who I met during this years Walt Disney World Marathon changed his shoes right after the race. It got me thinking I need another pair of shoes to change into instead of just going barefoot once I get to the car. When it comes to running, Paul is a master, so it definitely gets me thinking. (No I’m serious, Paul’s a total killer in the running world. I’m still amazed I was fated to meet him at the marathon because his records are ridiculous).
The Best Running Shoe for You
I just have to say, not every running shoe is for everyone. It’s been recommended to me time and time again to go to my local running store and have them help me find a pair to work with my feet. But I’m pretty stubborn and don’t want people to tell me what shoe I should wear. However I do know there is a benefit to it. I’ve been wearing the Nike Reacts now for over 2 years and haven’t had any issues. Based on that alone, I trust they work for me enough to buy them again and again.
If you don’t want to go in to find out what running shoe works best for you, you can do a quick wet test for what type of arches you have and Google search the best running shoes for your foot type. I have pretty flat feet and the Reacts are a good shoe for flat feet (according to the Internet). Bottom line is, if they don’t feel comfortable to begin with, odds are they never will. Always pay attention to your body and what it’s telling you about any shoe you wear. I hate to admit it but, your body is usually right.
How to Tell You Need New Shoes
I’m the type of person to run just about everything I own into the ground. I still have an iPhone 6 that drives me crazy, my laptop is from 2013 and sooooo slow, and my running shoes are no different. Unless I notice some serious wear on them or start feeling new aches and pains during training, I keep on wearing the same shoes. My last pair of shoes I ran over 700 miles in before noticing a tinge of pain in my shin which ultimately lead me to purchasing 3 new pairs of shoes.
Therefore it’s hard to say how many miles you can get in on a shoe before they hurt you more than help you. Ultimately you need to pay attention to your body and the shoe. If your shoes look squished and dead, get rid of them. If you haven’t changed up your milage or terrain and you’re starting to feel new aches and pains with old shoes, you should start the hunt for new ones.
Learn more about the Nike Shoes I run in by clicking on the links: Reacts // Epic React // Infinity React // Zoom Fly 3
