1500 Mile Checkup
I am needing to get another pair of running shoes. My current pair has served me well for a little over 1,500 miles (~2400 km). This is longer than recommended (most running folks suggest to get a new pair every 500 miles (~800 km). I try to wait one full year between pairs, and my current pair is a year old now and they really are pretty worn out.
But there are two different conundrums..... one.... I purposefully wait to try to have my shoes last as long as possible because they are SO VERY DAMN EXPENSIVE. Last year, my pair of running shoes cost around $120 !!!!! They *are* thought of as good quality shoes for runners, and as such, I thought it was important enough for me to try to avoid injury, to get what is considered a good brand for running.... so I bit the bullet and paid that outrageous sum. But, I sure as hell do not want to do it very often. My work shoes (one black and one brown pair) each cost about $55 dollars and I usually wear them for 5-6 years before getting new ones. And, truth be told... most of my “knock around shoes” for when I am not working or running are usually of the “el cheapo” $20-$25 dollar range.
The second conundrum is that (as you may have figured out) I do not really like change very much. And, so, when I started running and bought my first pair of "real running shoes" (aka... damn expensive shoes)... I have wanted to keep getting the same style as the initial pair worked well. Well, of course, that was a few years ago.... and stupid shoe companies like to make new models and styles.... and my current shoes have been a discontinued model now last year and this year. I have been searching for the shoe this year.... and the ONLY pair I can find so far in this discontinued model for my clod-hopper sized feet (size 12) is in a horrendous shade of PURPLE. So, now I have to weigh the risks and benefits..... do I go with an ugly as sin pair of discontinued shoes that I know will fit and wear well, but I will have to be having garish purple feet for the next year.... or do I stress and fret about trying out the current, newer model (actually two model categories up as the one that replaced my style has also been discontinued this season for a newer version).... and worrying that it will not fit my feet as well and may make running harder... and I will be stuck with them for a whole year?
So, I am not sure what I will do.
PipeTobacco
6 Comments:
If you go to a knowledgeable enough place, they should be able to find you a very similar pair. I have been helped in the past by clerks who seemed to know their subject, Yes, they will be darn expensive.
Is the purple a reflectorized color, meant to enhance your visibility and safety when running at night? If so, it may be worth embracing the ugliness for the greater good.
I bought my first and second pair at a really well thought of athletic store (one recommended by coaches of the Cross Country teams of the U and of the local high schools). That is where I got the original style.... when I was especially concerned to get advice to avoid injury. When the model I have was discontinued (the shoe company made a new model that seemed quite different to me) I found a site on-line and was able to get a pair of the previous model for this past year. Now, my model of shoe is TWO models old and even on-line there are scant pairs (especially in my large size). The shoe store here in town will suggest I get the two model newer version.... and it MIGHT be ok, but it is quite different than the model I have.
All of the shoes of this old model do have reflectorized parts of whatever color they are made from. The purple (more of a purple and pink) are, however, rather nauseating. I am presuming that is why they are left over. :)
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My wife and I just ordered a pair each directly from the New Balance website. They have numerous colors and styles.
the Ol'Buzzard
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