On our live chat here at the website, our customer service email, or on social media we’re frequently asked some variation of “what is your best shoe for a new runner?”
Below I’ll discuss how we answer this question.
On our live chat here at the website, our customer service email, or on social media we’re frequently asked some variation of “what is your best shoe for a new runner?”
Below I’ll discuss how we answer this question.
Sadly, there is no best shoe.
Only the most optimal for the individual person.
The most “optimal” will even change from run to run and day to day based on the specific workout, how the runner is feeling, etc.
Case Study:
We’ll call her Desi, a runner of six months.
She’s always been active in life, hiking, Zumba, yoga, but ever taking on running until half a year ago.
Her training was simple, start with a few short and easy runs every week of 1-3 miles each and ever so gradually increasing her weekly distance or at least that of the weekly long run.
She has long narrow feet with noticeable arches during standing, walking, or while performing the wet test with her footprint. She has worn light or minimal shoes for a few years and is comfortable in such footwear for many activities.
She began her run training in our very lightest shoe, the PHASE and performs longer runs in the slightly more cushioned FORM model.
So how do you select a pair of shoes?
We usually like to ask what shoe(s) the customer is currently comfortable in. That tells us the amount of cushioning the person’s feet and body are currently used to.
If you like doing activities barefoot or want a pair of shoes that are very light, flexible, and minimally cushioned the PHASE, CORE, or FORM are great options.
For something more akin to a traditionally cushioned shoe, the TEMPO is going to feel most like what you’re currently wearing.
And the FIT is not a terribly minimal shoe, but not quite as cushioned as a traditional trainer either.
But if you are looking for a shoe that feels a bit different, then go with a lighter or more cushioned shoe than what you’re currently wearing. After all, doing so may lower your risk of injury.
Subscribe to our newsletter & be entered into our monthly free shoe drawing!