Cyclists with a "Running" Problem - Running Shoes

[EmJayZA]

The "Cyclists with a "Running" Problem" thread has so much valuable info in it, but it's hitting 500 pages now. Since we chat about running shoes so often, I thought it would be better to split these posts out into its own thread so others can find this info easily. 

 

I'll start. 

 

Found this interesting for the Asics fans:

 

https://www.runningshoesguru.com/content/best-asics-running-shoes/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=asics_running_shoes_the_2018_updated_guide&utm_term=2018-04-06

 

Some reviews on the shoes I have used:

 

New Balance Fresh Foam Lazr (Neutral Shoe)

Terrible long distance running shoe. Ate the back of my feet and made my feet numb. The store assistant admitted that they are having issues with these shoes. Didn't play around with new lacing techniques as I returned them (got a full refund towards another set of New Balance). A nice looking shoe, and would work well in the gym and for cross fit style training as it feels flatter. They did feel nimble and fast though. 

 

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 v6 (Neutral Shoe)

My very first pair of real running shoes. They didn't give me a single issue, not even a blister. Have 1000km on them and they still have some life left. No tears in the fabric and slight wear on the soles. I suspect I will get 1300km out of them. They do feel big and "boat" like as they have a wide toe box. They are also quite pricey though (around R2,500). 

 

New Balance Fresh Foam 880s (Neutral Shoe)

This shoe is very comfortable, feels faster and smaller than the 1080s. Also looks nicer than the 1080s. These shoes however make my feet numb 20 minutes into a run, no matter which lacing pattern I use, or how loose they are. The tongue of this shoe seems to have more padding in it, which I think is what is causing the issue. I do have high arches, but not overly high, so I would be cautious. 

Edited April 12, 2018 by EmJayZA

[EmJayZA]

When to replace your shoes:

 

[CobusV]

Up until the end of last year I used to run in the New Balance Zante (6mm shoe, same as my then trail shoe). Overall they worked quite well, exepct that the lack of cushioning was starting to get to me (my left knee was giving me endless pain). And that is basically where most of my problems started for this year. So first I went for a 8mm neutral cushioned from Reebok. I didn't allow myself enough time to transition into this shoe and picked up a calf injury. After my marathon in January I felt, hell why not try another shoe and went with the Adidas Ultraboost ST. Initially it felt okayish, albeit a bit heavy. This caught up with my big time in Two Oceans, where my left hamstring went into spasm at 28km already..

 

So the moral of my story. To switch shoes take time, especially if you go from a relatively more minimalistic shoe to something traditional. So what I'm doing now is to train in the heavy shoes, and mix it up the different drops (4mm to 10mm), to basically train/exercise all the leg muscles. Anything more than 32km, I will go for the lightest shoe in my collectionwhich in in my case is the Reebok. When your legs are tired, you feel it 4 times more with heavy shoes. Even my new trail shoes are lighter than the Adidas. I thought the extra stability of the Adidas will help my later on in Oceans - It helped boggerol.

 

My shoe rant/problems this year...

[Lexx]

Where can I by Nike Zoom Fly online. The problem is, I'm not going to Joburg or PTA in the next Month.

[CobusV]

Where can I by Nike Zoom Fly online. The problem is, I'm not going to Joburg or PTA in the next Month.

 

That is the biggest problem with nike - only a limited range available in store.

 

About a year ago I bought my Terra Kigers online at nike.co.za. They should have the Fly available, but you are going to wait a bit (I think it took about 2 weeks for my shoes to get to SA) and delivery costs are going to be steep (R250, unless you buy 2 pairs).

Edited April 12, 2018 by CobusV

[Lexx]

Thats what I thought aswell. Was looking at a lighter shoe for Comrades.

[Stretch]

I'm doing way more shorter sharper running here. I reckon my next pair of shoes is gonna be a lightweight short distance.. Like puma speed or something

[dave303e]

I'm doing way more shorter sharper running here. I reckon my next pair of shoes is gonna be a lightweight short distance.. Like puma speed or something

 

if only could find brooks TR7's

[Ferret69]

if only could find brooks TR7's

 

T7s were the best Marathon Racing shoe ever made - IMHO

 

Cant believe they made them end of range and replaced them with the Brooks Hyperion

 

Not in the same league in my opinion

[Barry Stuart]

Thats what I thought aswell. Was looking at a lighter shoe for Comrades.

 

There are sets in the Nike concept stores here in Joburg. One of us could pick up a pair for you and send it with one of the guys or gals on here doing Loskop (I think you're doing that race, aren't you?).

[Edgar]

Where can I by Nike Zoom Fly online. The problem is, I'm not going to Joburg or PTA in the next Month.

 

There are sets in the Nike concept stores here in Joburg. One of us could pick up a pair for you and send it with one of the guys or gals on here doing Loskop (I think you're doing that race, aren't you?).

 

Let me know and I can go for you and bring them to Loskop

[Lexx]

Let me know and I can go for you and bring them to Loskop

Thanks Edgar, Barry.

Im still ok for now, but def next month I may ask you to purchase a pair and just courier it down for me if it isn't a problem.

[Mats]

Seems like I will have to go for a run tomorrow morning.

[SwissVan]

Seems like I will have to go for a run tomorrow morning.

 

It would be a shame to run and dirty those sexy soles

[Barry Stuart]

Seems like I will have to go for a run tomorrow morning.

 

Which Sauconys are those?

[SeaBee]

Seems like I will have to go for a run tomorrow morning.

This is my go-to shoe as well! Love them. Haven't done longer than 30 in them, though... Love them! I have the "launch" version - very bright with an upper to match the soles, orange going into yellow. Had them for a long time before starting to run in them properly.

 

Barry, it's the Freedom ISO. 4mm drop, nice shoe box, not highly padded, so that's the only concern I have for going further than 30. But my "long run" shoes are now past their best-before date, so I'll give this a try before a next marathon.