Love the new Running Shoes

I love my new running shoes.  It's a transient feeling I know but for now I love putting them on and heading out for a run.

These new running shoes, the New Balance N2 1080 v5 model, were comfortable from the start.  I picked them up at the Running Room Outlet Store significantly reduced since they were last year's model.  They fit comfortably right out of the box.  Size 10 1/2 with a wide toe box and nice arch support.  It only took a few minutes of walking around the store in them to seal the sale.  

The other impressive feature were the 'Stretchy Laces'.  Yes, there was some give in the laces which made lacing and unlacing them a breeze.  They fit snugly but 'gave' a little bit under impact.  I was anxious to go running.

The out-sole of these New Balance running shoes is an interesting grid pattern.  I'm anticipating good traction in the snow and on the trails. If the weather forecast is accurate and we get the blast of snow that is predicted this week, they'll be snow tested soon. 

First impressions out on the road on my first run: It took a while to get used to the more cushioned mid-sole.  My other running shoes, Puma's, also a favourite, have as much support but much less cushioning. Once I settled in though, it was a smooth ride. A small point: On impact, it was definitely noisier than other shoes I've run in.  Of course this could be a function of my slogging pace...time will tell.   It's going to be interesting going back and forth between these New Balance and Puma running shoes.  For now though, I'm enjoying my time in these new running shoes.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

What kind of running shoes are you?

I'm a medium minimalist.  Running shoe that is.  What kind of running shoes are you?

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Evolution of running Shoes, 1920 - 1951

We've come a long way baby!  In the evolution of the modern running shoe that is.  Since humans started moving upright we ran barefoot.  And even in more modern times, 'shoes' were basically sandals...running shoes didn't exist.  Recreational running started the development of 'running shoes' as separate from regular shoes and technology has sped up advancements.  The 'wall of shoes' that we now face is impressive.

It's been fascinating to watch the development of running shoes over the past 30 years since I began running.  Over the next few weeks we'll take a journey back in time then into the future to look at the evolution of running shoes.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Saying Goodbye to my Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes

Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes

I shed a tear this past weekend.  For my Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes.  I've been running in them for nearly 8 months now and although I have alternated with Ugly Running Shoes over the nasty Toronto winter, I know the time is coming to say goodbye.  And I don't like that one bit!

These Puma Faas 1000's have been one of my favourite running shoes.  First and most important has been the fit.  They have a fairly wide toe-box that accomodates my wide feet allowing me to stay comfortable on long runs in all temperatures.  They also have fairly pronounced arch support which has been great for foot support.  

Then there's the cushoning:  The '1000' refers to a high level of support through the entire mid-sole that allows me to run comfortable with both heel strike and mid-foot styles. And like almost all of the other Pumas I've run in, the outsole is virtually industructable.

The only weakness has been that very same outsole:  It's built like a racing slick.  If you follow auto racing, think 'Intermediates':  very shallow grooves.  This has proven to be excellent in dry, warm conditions;  not so good for wet or icy/snowy running.  The Ugly Running Shoes stepped in nicely for the bad weather.

I'm not a professional running shoe reviewer but I know what I like. And these Puma's have been great.  Here's what I wrote previously about some of my other favourite running shoes:  A few of my favourite running shoes.  

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Ugly Shoes are great Winter Running Shoes

Remember Ugly Shoes?  I sure can't.  They most certainly are ugly but surprise, surprise...they are great in the snow! Who would have guessed.

Last summer I bought these Ugly Running Shoes at Marshalls. Now before I get any hate mail or comments, Marshalls is a wonderful store with some great deals on lots of fashionable items. Marshalls however is NOT the place to buy a pair of serious running shoes...even if the prices are ridiculously low.

I confess to a moment of weakness when I saw this pair and purchased immediately after I tried them on in the store.  They didn't look so bad in the store.  Must have been the lighting!  Once home however and paired with my running gear the truth revealed itself: These were ugly running shoes. But I didn't throw them out. Instead I shoved them to the back of a shelf in our store room and forgot about them.

Then a few weeks ago after a particularly slippy run in the snow with my regular Puma's, I went hunting for the Ugly Shoes. Hmmm...I wonder how they'd work in the snow?

I tried them out after last weekend's dump and was very pleasantly surprised with the performance in the sidewalk slop that passes for snow in the City.  Lots of traction...Wow!  I felt more confident running. Plus because they are really ugly I don't mind running in them in the sloppy and salty conditions.  And they don't even retain salt stains!

So despite being very unkind referring to these Ugly Shoes, they are great for running in the snow.  Who knew...!

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Running Commando in my new Puma Running Shoes

Nothing comes between me and my...Puma Faas 1000 running shoes!

Last week I wrote about how I tried to impress the new running shoes when I went out on my first run. After trying a couple pairs of running socks, Pumas of course, I decided to go commando:  No socks just bare feet in the shoes.  Wow, what a difference!  It's as if these Pumas were designed for naked feet.  I've run without socks before and have suffered blisters and stinky shoes.  No blisters yet and the jury is out on the stinky shoes but my recent runs (up to about an hour) have been really comfortable.

So, socks or no socks?  I'm going to stick with the no socks experience for now.  See, even Tia agrees with running commando:

Running Commando in my Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

New Running Shoes! Pumas Unleashed!

Have you ever done anything to impress someone?  Have you ever done anything to impress an object? That's a totally different thing and I did that in my first run in these new Puma Faas 1000's:  I ran to impress the running shoes!

A few months ago when I made the mistake of buying a pair of ugly running shoes from a discount store, I hated running in them and felt them made me run more slowly.  For my first run in these Pumas's I felt I had to impress the shoes...I didn't want them to think I was a slogger!

And these Puma's responded...I had a great run!  Maybe it was all in my mind but nothing beats a new pair running shoes especially a pair as good looking at these.  Once I've had a few runs in them I'll have an update on how they really perform.  So far so good though.

Puma Faas 1000 Running Shoes...Pumas Unleashed!

Yes, the Pumas have been unleashed in Central Etobicoke.  Watch out Raccoons!

For the video of the full reveal, check out this video:  Pumas Unleashed.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

These Ugly Running Shoes are...Indestuctible!

Indestructible Out Soles

These ugly running shoes are indestructible!  What gives?

Despite my best efforts, the out soles of these Ugly Runners haven't shown any wear.  I've recently run on some gnarly surfaces including rocks, concrete sidewalks and in heavy rain.  Nothing, not a scuff mark to make a difference.  I have noticed that they don't like the rain though...no traction at all.  Another strike.

I know, I know...I should bite the bullet, get rid of these ugly things and pick up a Snazzy pair.  But as you know I am a cheap bugger loathe to spend money on myself (I can hear Sally warming up right about now).

And of all the things to skimp on:  Running Shoes!  Back in the day when I was competing in Triathlons I thought nothing of spending over $1,000 on a special Giant Tri Bike (I told you it was back in the day...today that same bike would go for $3,000).  And it was nothing to buy special Aero bars, pumps and bottles without a second thought.

I guess since I've bought so many running shoes over the years that the thought of wasting money on this one ugly pair has caused this angst.

'Shoe gods where are you when I need you most?'

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

The Verdict is in on Ugly Running Shoes

Facebook has spoken and the the verdict is in:  Ugly Running Shoes are slow running shoes!

After last week's blog post, 'Do you run slower in Ugly Running Shoes', my Facebook Page lit up with helpful responses.  Looking good is important to feeling good...of all people I should have remembered that when I fell under the Discount Store merchandising spell and mistakenly purchased these runners.  I am lothe to discard them so soon so Jetola's advice to 'run faster so I can get out of them more quickly' hit the right note.  Thanks for your comments guys...I know I can always depend on you:

Thankfully I haven't put enough miles on these Running Shoes (Raced last in Negril at Reggae Marathon 2013).  I'll save them for my speed and track workouts...they look great and feel fabulous.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

Do you run slower in Ugly Running Shoes?

I know for a fact that I run faster in good looking running shoes.  My friend Larry would disagree of course when he caught up with me slogging it at the 4 mile mark of last December's Reggae Marathon.  I cost him a PB in his Half Marathon that day.  And I was running in a pair of fancy day-glo Orange Racing Flats!

I fun faster in my mind when I'm wearing good looking running shoes.  That's it!

The opposite is also true. I run more slowly in ugly running shoes both in reality and in my mind.  And to add to the insult, I feel old!  Take look at this monstrosity:

I needed a pair of new running shoes.  So instead of doing the smart thing and shopping at my favorite local running shoe store, I pickup up this pair from the discount rack at the Marshall's near my office.  It's the correct size and the fit is pretty good (wide toe box, fairly good arch support). And the price was only $40! In the interest of saving a few $'s, I made the impulse purchase.  Regret!

On my first run I glanced down to check them out and almost stopped running right there. These things were ugly!  They made my feet look clunky.  And I don't need any extra help in that area.

On my subsequent runs things haven't improved. In fact I've gone out earlier and earlier in order to complete my run under cover of darkness.  I'm so embarrassed.

And I'm running slower!  I know I am.  And it's these ugly running shoes.

I'm planning to really abuse them so I can be rid of them as quickly as possible.

Until next time...
ThatRunninGuy

A few of my favorite running shoes

These Puma Descendant running shoes aren't Puma's most famous model but they are getting me through this snowy and cold winter in Toronto.  They have a fairly neutral ride and promote the forefoot running style that I now favour.  What I really like though is the tread pattern that provides a lot of grip in the snow and on ice. That's been a savior this winter in Toronto!

These PureConnect Brooks running shoes are absolutely fabulous to run in. I picked up this bright orange pair late last fall and just love them.  Although I was slow in Reggae Marathon, they proved to be super comfortable.  They feel like 'Im not wearing any shoes at all'.  They have a particularly interesting outer tread that does take a few runs to get used to but then they are a smooth, neutral ride.  These have been languishing in the closet this winter and I can hardly wait to get back into them this spring.

These Asics took a lot of abuse last summer and fall.  Asics are known for a wide toe box and these shoes were definitely comfortable to run in.  A neutral ride that promoted forefoot running.  My only concern was that the outsole wore down fairly quickly.  I may have worn them too long though so that's not really a big complaint.

These Puma Faas 500's started my journey in forefoot/mid-foot running.  They look odd at first and are farily narrow but the running was simply superb.  Neutral ride with outsoles that seemed to wear forever.  Plus they seemed to get more comfortable as the miles piled up.  After Reggae Marathon in 2010 where I coordinated my tights and top to match the bright red colour of these Pumas, I ran directly into the ocean while wearing them.  Bad idea unfortunately...thankfully they were at the end of their life cycle.

What's next?  Brooks, Asics, Puma?  I dying to try a pair of the Puma Mobium running shoes.  They look to be super-responsive and the reviews have been great.  I've always had had success with both the Asics and Brooks models...wide toe-boxes that provide a comfortable ride especially in the summer.  Decisions, decisions...

Until next time...

ThatRunninGuy