{"id":734,"date":"2015-03-08T15:26:50","date_gmt":"2015-03-08T21:26:50","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/yogapantsdiary.com\/?p=734"},"modified":"2015-03-08T15:26:50","modified_gmt":"2015-03-08T21:26:50","slug":"peace-love-and-shoes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/yogapantsdiary.com\/?p=734","title":{"rendered":"Peace Love and Shoes"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"IMG_1526\"<\/a><\/p>\n

My mother and I were talking about how for some people, just getting the right equipment is the first step to exercising.\u00a0 Most people think they need DVDs, a treadmill, weights or other equipment to get started.\u00a0 My advice: start with shoes.\u00a0 When you have a great pair of shoes that you love, exercising is right outside your door.\u00a0 You don’t need a gym membership or fancy new workout equipment to start a new fitness routine.\u00a0 Just strap on some shoes and head outside!<\/p>\n

So here’s my advice when looking for a pair of exercise shoes and where to start.\u00a0 I’m also going to review the four pairs of shoes that I’ve gone through in the last year and a half.\u00a0 Knowing where to start is half the battle!<\/p>\n

Tip #1: Don’t go to a ‘big box’ sports store. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Stores like Sports Authority and Dick’s Sporting Goods are great for a lot of things and I often shop there for workout clothes and equipment.\u00a0 However, they are severely lacking in brands of shoes and knowledge about their inventory.\u00a0 I HIGHLY recommend going to a specialized running store.\u00a0 Even if you are planning on using your shoes for all types of exercise, these people know their stuff.\u00a0 I have bought every pair of my shoes at The Boulder Running Company<\/a> here in Colorado.\u00a0 Look for a specialized fitness or running store to purchase your shoes. If you’re thinking of purchasing shoes at Target or Walmart, STOP RIGHT NOW.\u00a0 Shoes at these stores are made for walking, not fitness.\u00a0 They will only last a few months and you’ll find they are not supporting your feet like they should.\u00a0 Trust me. Also, stores like Foot Locker and Champs only carry the cheaper, low end models of the popular brands.\u00a0 Go to a specialty store to see everything each brand has.<\/p>\n

Tip #2: Find out how you run <\/strong><\/p>\n

Even if you are not planning on spending most of your fitness hours running, you’ll want the correct support for whatever sort of exercise you do.\u00a0 At The Boulder Running Company <\/a>they have a Runner’s Lab. <\/span>Inside the Runner’s Lab, there is a treadmill with several cameras at different angles.\u00a0 They are able to measure the type of ankle support you need, how your knees align and the impact point of your running.\u00a0 With this cool technology, they can fit you in the perfect shoe to avoid injury.\u00a0 Other stores might just have a treadmill and an ipad to film you on.\u00a0 This is way better than just guessing!\u00a0 If you walk in a store to buy shoes, check for a treadmill.\u00a0 If they don’t have one, go somewhere else.\u00a0 You’ll want to try running and exercising in your shoes.<\/p>\n

Tip #3: You don’t have to know anything <\/strong><\/p>\n

The categories of shoes can be a little overwhelming.\u00a0 Just within running shoes there is: cross trainers, barefoot running, full support, gel cushion, free run….etc.\u00a0 You do not have to understand the technology behind your shoes.\u00a0 Also, you can run in shoes that aren’t for running.\u00a0 Shocking, but it’s true! \ud83d\ude42\u00a0 It’s all about finding the right pair of shoes for you.\u00a0 If you are at the right store, you’ll be able to tell the employee what you like and don’t like about each shoe and they will narrow it down for you.<\/p>\n

Tip #4: Try on lots of pairs<\/strong><\/p>\n

When I am trying to decide on a pair of shoes I walk in them, run, do burpees, push ups, jumping jacks, plank and high knees.\u00a0 Do any kind of exercise you think you might do while trying on your shoes.\u00a0 Often times I forget to do a plank or push up and then I find out my shoes slip.\u00a0 Your feet should not feel any pain while you are running.\u00a0 If something is pinching, your toes to numb or even the heel rubbing means those aren’t the right shoes.\u00a0 Even when you think you have found the right pair, try on another just to make sure. Don’t forget to inquire about their return policy.\u00a0 Most stores will take back shoes as long as you don’t wear them outside.<\/p>\n

Tip #5: Buy more than one<\/strong><\/p>\n

Different shoes do different things.\u00a0 After you find and love your first pair, you’ll be itching to get another.\u00a0 I recommend buying a pair every 6 months or so, so that you always have a newer and older pair.\u00a0 I have three pairs that I keep in rotation depending on the workout I’m planning on doing.\u00a0 The more you workout, the more shoes you need and the more often you’ll need to buy them.<\/p>\n

If you are still feeling overwhelmed, here’s a handy Shoe Adviser<\/a> by Runner’s World.\u00a0 If you can’t find a specialty store with knowledgeable staff, maybe give that at try.\u00a0 Here’s my reviews on the shoes I’ve purchased over the last year and a half.\u00a0 The were all bought at The Boulder Running Company.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"IMG_1529\"<\/a>\u00a0 New Balance 860 V3<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Price: $120<\/p>\n

Stars: 3 of 5<\/p>\n

Current Mileage: 25-50 miles<\/p>\n

Overall: Too chunky<\/p>\n

This was the very first pair of running shoes I’d ever bought.\u00a0 When I bought them, I was planning on running the streets and not cross training.\u00a0 I didn’t really know what I wanted out of my shoes yet.\u00a0 These shoes have great ankle support and running in them was easy.\u00a0 However, when I started to branch out in my fitness, these shoes were no longer adequate.\u00a0 They allow for very little lateral movement. I would not purchase these shoes again.\u00a0 Even though the have plenty of miles left in them, I haven’t touched them in 9 months. I keep them for an emergency pair.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"IMG_1530\"<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Nike Free 3.0
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Price: $40 (clearance)<\/p>\n

Stars: 4 of 5<\/p>\n

Current Mileage: 25-50 miles<\/p>\n

Overall: Like<\/p>\n

This is the second pair of shoes I bought when BRC opened a new store and had a clearance weekend.\u00a0 I bought them because they are pink and are much more flexible than my first pair.\u00a0 Also, the whole shoe is one piece which feels a lot less bulky.\u00a0 The do not have a ton of ankle support, but my ankles are pretty straight and strong.\u00a0 If you need strong ankle support, this is not the shoe for you. This is an overall good shoe.\u00a0 It’s very comfortable and light weight.\u00a0 It’s also great for cross training as it allows for all directional movement. I usually wear these for boxing. One thing I don’t like: the sole.\u00a0 The sole of this shoe is multi-directional so that it feels like you’re barefoot.\u00a0 This feature makes it difficult to balance on a pod or Bosu ball.\u00a0 They are great for quick runs but not super long distances. Other than that, I love these shoes.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"IMG_1528\"<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong> Nike Flyknit Lunar 2
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Price: $150<\/p>\n

Stars: 5 of 5<\/p>\n

Current Mileage: 100+ miles<\/p>\n

Overall: LOVE<\/p>\n

This was the first pair of shoes I ever loved!\u00a0 I’ll be sad when they don’t have any miles left in them.\u00a0 Here’s why I love this shoe: I totally forget about them.\u00a0 I never think about this shoe when I’m wearing it.\u00a0 It’s has the perfect breath-ability, my preferred sole, medium ankle support and is super light weight.\u00a0 I will be purchasing the latest model when I start marathon training.\u00a0 It was also just highly rated by Runner’s World in their most recent issue.\u00a0 They also have great durability.\u00a0 I have worn these almost everyday for 6 months before I thought about getting another pair. Even with 100+ miles in them, I still think these shoes have quite a bit of life left in them.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"IMG_1527\"<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0 Brooks Ghost 6
\n<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Price: $60 (Clearance)<\/p>\n

Stars: 4 of 5<\/p>\n

Current Mileage: 20 miles<\/p>\n

Overall: Like<\/p>\n

I purchased these shoes two months ago.\u00a0 I knew my fave shoes were getting worn and I wanted to start breaking in a new pair for marathon training season.\u00a0 Although I like these better than the New Balance brand above, they still feel pretty chunky. However, their movement is a lot better.\u00a0 The sole is VERY grippy which I sometimes love and sometimes hate.\u00a0 I’m concerned about their durability over time since a few of the nubbs on the sole have already worn off.\u00a0 Although I don’t forget about them like I do my Flyknits, they are comfortable to run in.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

My mother and I were talking about how for some people, just getting the right equipment is the first step to exercising.\u00a0 Most people think they need DVDs, a treadmill, weights or other equipment to get started.\u00a0 My advice: start with shoes.\u00a0 When you have a great pair of shoes that you love, exercising is … <\/p>\n

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