Yet another new pair of sneakers

I decided to give Asics a run!

As I wrote in my last post on sneakers, I was still on the hunt for a second pair, looking for a pair that offered the cushioning and support my feet needed, especially as I train for longer runs.

I started my  running journey a few months ago, just barely making it through a mile. I completed my first race, a 4 miler on New Years, and now am working my way up to a 10k.

Crossing the finish line for my first race in my Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis Running shoes

The Saucony sneakers I own have the support I need and are super light weight. I am happy with the amount of cushioning but wondered if I would do better on longer runs with more.

After recommendations from friends, I decided to try Asics, as I heard their gel cushioning was great.

 I choose to order online through Famous Footwear because they had a wide selection and even though some pairs weren't discounted, you still got their rewards.

I ordered a few pairs, and decided to keep the Gel Cumulus 17, which I paid $90 for.

The quest for new running sneakers

My new Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis Running Shoe

I recently took up running and learned that I needed some new sneakers. Here are the new shoes and brand I choose, plus an update on my prior choices.

Back in March, I had finally found two pairs of sneakers after searching at many stores. My choices were decent at the time, but didn't fit my new interest in running.

The sneaker update

Nike Air Relentless 4

The Nike Air Relentless are lightweight, but still have cushioning with a roomier, less glove-like fit.

Unfortunately, I tend to be hard on my shoes and by September the shoes began to wear out, earlier than I hoped. I had been wearing them for Zumba, the elliptical, and sometimes every day wear when I knew I would be on my feet a lot.

Now if I wear them for longer periods, my arches hurt. They just lost support and cushioning

Mizuno Wave Prophecy 3

The Mizuno Wave Prophecy have tons of cushioning, especially in the heel, but throughout. They still feel like pillows when I put them on. Unfortunately they are beginning to wear down and do not work for running for me. They have a tighter toe box which as my feet swell and if I strike on the forefront, begins to press in, resulting in arch and ball of foot pain.

I like the cushioning and they have lasted a decent amount of time, but the toe-box shape is not right for my foot. 

The quest for new sneakers

I started my search this time where I succeeded last time, Rack Room Shoes. I went after a day of work and working out and decided to try on multiple pairs from multiple brands. 

My goal was to find the most comfortable shoes that would give me the support I need for running. I had read in the NY Times that going for shoes that seemed the most comfortable was proven in a study of military recruits to help prevent injuries. However, I knew that trying the tactic last time resulting in shoes that hurt.

The store's sales staff tried to be helpful, giving me time to try on shoes and helping me get a discount.

Unfortunately I found out after I left the store that I overpaid for them. Other discount retailers had the same shoes for less money and so they will be going back.

The good thing I learned was that Saucony's wider toe box and cushioning seemed to work for my feet.

So I decided to turn online. I went to Famous Footwear cause they had a good selection, good prices, and a good rewards program. Plus, I knew I could easily return them to the store.

This time I went with reviews from recent purchasers and running blogs. I chose to reorder the pair I purchased in Rack Room Shoes for less and another pair of Sauconys. These were the winner.

Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis Running Shoe

The Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis has the wider-toe box and cushioning I need, but are also super light weight. The first time I took them out for a run, they had the support I needed and my foot hurt less. I also like that the soles are flexible.

New Nike Flyknit Sneakers: More Sock than Shoe

Continuing with the recent sneaker theme on Through the Sole, Nike has just released information on a new line of knit sneakers, which are unlike any shoes currently on the market.

The new sneaker line, the Nike Flyknit, is designed to be feather light, formfitting, and almost seamless.

The shoe was designed with runners in mind. Nike sought to completely re-imagine the sneaker and, with feedback from runners, came to the idea that the new shoe should be more like a sock, according to Nike.

Linsanity: The Sneakers Knicks Basketball Star Jeremy Lin Wears

Knicks’s point guard Jeremy Lin has skyrocketed to international attention. Now people want to know more about the previously unknown Ivy League graduate. Of course, I wanted to know more about his shoes of choice.

According to a recently released Nike video, Lin’s favorite sneakers for hanging out are the Nike Airforce 1. You can purchase your own pair for $59.98 at Finish Line.  His favorite basketball sneakers are the now discontinued Nike Shox BB4. Lin is currently sponsored by Nike.

Shoes for a Cause: NFL Players to Wear Cleats to Commemorate September 11

Last year in honor of September 11, a day I will never forget, I wrote about wearing patriotic shoes in remembrance. Well, it seems some NFL players had a similar idea. They are going to wear patriotic cleats and gloves in remembrance.