New Pair of Shoes...

Now that you have read a gazillion posts about my P90X workouts and also recently about the Warrior Dash, I wanted to post about a new pair of shoes I got last weekend.

Last weekend, wifey and I went to the John's Run Walk Shop annual gambler's sale.  I have never experienced this sale before, but Abby says it is quite amazing.  A lot of gear (mainly winter) and some shoes are 50% off retail on Saturday and Sunday of the sale.  On Saturday, we decided to check it out.

I have been a Nike shoe type of guy (for athletic shoes anyway) for quite some time.  I usually wear shoes for a few years before replacing them because I am super cheap-o!  However, my Nike's have been hurting my arch and heel for quite some time.  It was extra noticeable with the workouts lately.  Specifically the cardio workouts that involved a lot of jumping, lunging, etc.  For example, the plyometrics workout.  Ouch!!!  

Other than being uncomfortable and hurting for a bit after the workout, I also wanted to see if I could find something that would be better suited for training for the Warrior Dash that I just posted about.  Once we walked into John's we went straight to the sale racks/section.  I found a long sleeved shirt that I wanted, so I grabbed that and then moved over to the shoes.  Abby suggested (read: forced) me to get measured properly and ask the employee(s) for their advice.  I am usually a loner and don't ask for help.  I took her advice and am so glad that she told me to!  The worker measured me and turns out I am a 1/2 size larger than I would have bought.  He also showed me some shoes that would be better suited for what I was going to use them for.  Something that could be used off road, on road, and also used for other than just running in a straight path.  

What did I get?  Well, I tried on a few different shoes/styles.  I tried on Nike's again.  Abby was quick to point out that if I am having issues with current shoes, they would probably be the same with the same brand.  She is so smart y'all!  Then I tried a New Balance pair.  And last I tried something that I don't think I would have ever picked out for myself.  The workers said it really would be the best for what I do.  It was a pair of Merrell's.  Here they are:

Why would I never have picked those for myself?  They are those "barefoot" shoes!  I always wear socks with shoes!  Not anymore!  They are really, really comfortable!  The workers tested the "fit" of the shoe on me and said all looked and felt good.  They felt good to me, so I figured I would take a chance and give them a try.  

One worker warned that I need to slowly work them into my routine as they will be completely different than anything my foot has ever been used to.  So what do I do?  Yes, I got home, tried them on.  Did some running around the house, running up and down stairs, and also some jumping jacks.  I know, I am a dork.  Also, I decided to wear them casually all day Sunday.  They still felt great, so I am pretty happy.  It sounds like your foot has to get used to not only not having as much "cushion" but also the angle the foot is on the ground.  If you workout too hard at first, it can injure your Achilles tendon.  Nobody wants that, so I will work them into my routine.  It should be interesting to see how they feel on a run.  I think I will try that as soon as my P90X program is through.  

If you want to check out all that Merrell's has to offer, you can find them here: Merrell's Website.  Also the style that I got are called the "Barefoot Run Trail Glove".

Anyway, just wanted to share my new purchase.  Oh yeah, the best part was I got them 50% off retail!  You really can't beat that OR the service from John's!  Can't wait to give them a go on the trail run.  Until next time blogosphere...