Are you monogamous?

~ Chocolaterunsjudy

monogamous

To your running shoes, that is. Did you fall in love at first sight and just stay in that relationship, or do you like to play the field?

I may have been married for a long time, but when it comes to running shoes, I do like to play the field. I’m not sure that I’ve ever found “the one”. I’ve found ones that I use for a while, then go on to the next great shoe, and yet somehow, I find myself coming back.

My favorite shoe brands (so far):

  • Brooks
  • New Balance
  • Newton

That list could change, of course; there are brands I’d still like to try and haven’t. I really liked the Saucony Peregrines I tried on; but I didn’t like the price.

Part of it is that curse of mine: I love trying stuff. Almost any kind of stuff. And that includes running shoes.

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Will these be the “ones”?

Is it the shoes?
Part of it is that it seems there’s always some mystery ache — will a different shoe fix it?

I remember reading a post from Lauren Fleshman in Runner’s World, back when she had a regular column, talking about not changing things when you have a routine that works (not that she took her own advice).

Of course, these days it’s hard to be monogamous. Because shoe companies like to tinker and “improve” their shoes, too. Sometimes it’s really an improvement; sometimes it just pisses loyal wearers off.

Look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see, and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.
— Stephen Hawking

Look at the stars
It’s like my upcoming trail half: if you don’t try, how will you ever know? Some of us have been running forever; many of us only discovered running as adults. It was scary to start running, wasn’t it? I know it was for me!

But at some point in my life, I just became curious about what running would feel like. If I could actually run a mile. Of course, I don’t suggest you look up at the stars if you’re running trails!

Running has given me so much; I definitely can’t imagine my life without running now. It’s okay to be monogamous if the shoes are right for you — but if they aren’t, it might be time to step outside your comfort zone — literally and figuratively. 

Are you monogamous?

Are you still curious about things?

I’m linking up with with MCM Mama Runs, Marcia’s Healthy Slice, and My No Guilt Life for the Tuesdays on the Run linkup.

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This week I am also joining up with Running on Happy, Suzlyfe, Crazy Running Girl, and Coach Debbie Runs each week for the Coaches’ Corner linkup

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25 thoughts on “Are you monogamous?”

  1. Right now I’m totally dedicated to Brooks (in fact last night I was ordering some shoes and dealing with that “cheating feeling” when I considered another brand). But I’ve run in Saucony and Newton in the past. I think Newton is my 2nd fave.

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  2. I was very loyal to my long run shoe (Mizuno Wave Creation) and ran 7 marathons in it. Until they changed it and I was forced to find a new main squeeze (Asics). For short romps in the hay…ok not the hay…I’m a shoe ho. Newton, New Balance, Mizuno, Adidas, it’s quite a party.

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    1. I am probably fairly evenly split between Brooks & Newtons for my halfs. I ran one in Adidas & really didn’t like them. I have dabbled in Mizuno, too. 🙂

      Shoe ho . . . that definitely fits me in running shoes & RL shoes, too!

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  3. I have been in the search of a perfect shoe for a while…I have lately had a few pairs that I continue to get updated models, but I definitely would prefer to just keep one type of shoe and stick with it

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      1. I like a wide toe box and they’re hard to find. And even when you do find the perfect shoe, the next version is different (and often worse).

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  5. Saucony’s tend to work best for me. I have very low arches but do not overpronate so Brooks, Nike, Mizuno and especially Asics just have arches that are too high and roll my feet out.

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  6. I was a loyal customer with ASICS, and then they made me angry. I can’t rely on them anymore because they’ve done so much tinkering over the years. Right now I’m in NB 860s, and hope to ride these shoes out until after my May race. Then I’ll have time to see if I like the next in line.

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  8. I’m pretty loyal to my Mizunos. I loved the Altras but after multiple injuries I figured the zero drop was not for me. I don’t know if just any non zero drop show would work for me at this point but I don’t want to try anything else. Hey, if it’s not broke, right?

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  11. I’ve definitely played the field, but not every time I need a new pair. I wear a brand for years before I make a switch. First it was Mizuno (loved), now it’s Newton (love love LOVE), and for long runs I wear Saucony. I also wear Altras at times and I may or may not be considering a new brand as well. 🙂

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  12. I only wear Altras. Once I found those, my days of playing the field were over. Of course, right now I’m loving two different shoes, so I guess I’m not totally monogamous. ;o)

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  14. Cost certainly effects my running shoes. I have only been running for 2 years so I don’t have the time or experience with different shoes. I have had Nikes & Saucony but found Nikes better. I still have aches so I am going to continue my quest for the prefect shoes.

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  15. I run soley in Altras now… that wide toe box makes my feet feel very happy. Now, I have several different models that I wear depending on the workout/distance that I’m doing… so I guess I mix it up a bit.

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