A changing of the shoes

Out with the old, in with the new. Shoes, that is.

I've bought three new pairs of running shoes so far this year. Two will end up getting me through the summer/fall, and Saucony can suck it (more on that later)!

I have retired the Hoka Clifton 7 I trained for and ran last year's marathon in (and went through the winter with), as well as a pair of Brooks Ghost 13s that I've also since retired from work (after being trainers last summer/fall). The black Brooks Ghost 12s were broke in last summer/fall and went through the winter/spring too. 

Pictured here are the new shoes. 

1. The top Brooks Ghost 14 (also pictured in the top photo) were bought earlier this year at the store. The only shoes I paid full price for. They are a size 9 (half size bigger than all the others) and I didn't think I would like them. Of course, they have turned out to be my favorite pair and I have been doing all my long runs in them. I will likely switch to buying all size 9 running shoes (at least Brooks shoes) from here on out!
2. The middle is a Brooks Ghost 13 - size 8 1/2 - which I bought online for just over 1/2 price ($75). I got them because they were on sale, but also because I didn't think I'd be able to run in the size 9. It's funny because now I notice how scrunched my toes are in an 8 1/2. I will still use these to train with this summer/fall and likely into the winter.
3. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 2... well... this was the most recent purchase. I got them for half price ($80), and was hoping these would be my racing shoes. I'd wanted to get a different brand/type of shoe because I like to alternate and switch things up. These were supposed to be faster shoes and they don't have quite as much drop as the Ghosts. I'd tried on a pair of Endorphin Pro, which are performance shoes, and the Speed 2 was supposed to be just like the Pro but with just a little more heel cushion (and a little cheaper). So, I ordered them online without trying them on. I could kick myself now. They are THE WORST RUNNING SHOES I HAVE EVER HAD! Actually, I can barely walk in them. They're not just cushioned, by mushy. It's like walking on springs. I can actually see my foot bounce in and then out with each step. They are way too soft and bouncy and not only hurt my legs to run in, but I'm afraid of turning an ankle because there is so little support. And the worst thing... Saucony doesn't allow you to return shoes once you've worn them! Geez, Brooks gives you 90 days - even if you've worn them outside! So I'm not happy with this waste of money. I suppose I may try to wear them to work or something. I'm glad they were half off, but I feel like an idiot for buying them. Never again!

Anyway, my plan is to use the Ghost 13 and 14 as trainers, which will likely get me through the winter, I will end up buying another pair of size 9 Ghosts to run this year's marathon in (in November). I like to have a pair with less than 50 miles on them for race day.

I know some people think that's a lot of money to spend on shoes, but this is really about the only thing I spend it on. Everybody has their thing. This is mine.

***

Proverbs 4:26

"Ponder the path of your feet;
then all your ways will be sure."