In Running Myths Pt 1 I discussed the costs involved in running, and what my essentials are.  For my next installment of Running Myths I wanted to discuss something very near and dear to any runner’s heart: shoes.

Shoes are a very personal and unique thing for most people, and it can be a challenge to find that “perfect pair.”  Every person I asked in my circle of friends had a different answer to my question “What is the best running shoe?”  The answer is, there is no perfect shoe, but there may be a shoe that is perfect for you.

Last Sunday I visited my local Running Room to get myself some new shoes with the gift cards I got for Christmas.  My ankles have been bothering me of late, and everyone I talked to told me I needed to go to the Running Room and get fitted.

When I got there, a very nice lady told me to take off my shoes and socks, and roll up my pants.  She had me do some squats, walk the length of the store, and then jog the length of the store, in my bare feet.  After she had seen what she needed to see, we turned to the wall of shoes.

“What size are you?”

“11″

“oh. Hmmm.  I don’t think we have any…”

“it’s ok, I’m fully prepared to wear men’s shoes”

This has become a familiar refrain for me over the years, something I’ve gotten used to.  I have accepted the fact that 99% of the time, the cute pink or purple women’s shoes don’t come in my size.  (Shoe manufacturers: why? girls with big feet need cute running shoes too!)  So I try on 5 or 6 pairs of very manly men’s shoes, running laps around the store to get a feel for the support and motion control, the 2 biggies for my particular feet.  After about 1/2 an hour of trying shoes, I was getting closer and closer to my ultimate shoe:

The Beast by Brooks

This shoe is awesome.  It keeps my feet in line with excellent support and cushioning, and actually looks pretty spiffy.  My ankles are feeling better, and I can feel the muscles in my legs working the way they’re supposed to, rather than working to correct my ankle problems.  A+!  They were a little high on the price scale at $150ishCAD, but shoes are something I am always to pay for.  I have never owned a pair of Brooks shoes before, but count me as a loyal Brooks customer from now on!

Is this the perfect shoe? Maybe.  Is it the perfect shoe for me? Right now it is.

The very kind lady at the Running Room also showed me a new way to tie my shoes. I know this isn’t a new thing by any means, but I had never heard about it before!  Lace Locking is pretty much the best thing ever.  It keeps my foot in place, and makes my shoe feel more secure without giving me that weird pain across the top of my foot that I get when I pull the laces too tight regularly.  The diagaram on the website shows you 3 different ways to lock your laces, with very clear pictures for demonstration.  If you’ve never tried it before, I highly recommend it!

What is your favourite brand/type of running shoe?  Do you have any tricks or “hacks” that you use to enhance your shoes?  Let me know!