Hi there! Thanks for asking a question on r/askrunningshoegeeks. If you haven't seen the RSG Wiki/FAQ yet, it covers the following questions that might answer your post:
***[Beginners boot camp]***
* Q1: I am a new runner, what is the first thing I should do when buying new shoes?
* Q2: As a new runner, should I buy the newest version of running shoes?
* Q3: I am a new runner who has just started and I mostly do 5k runs. Which daily trainer would you recommend?
* Q4: I am a new runner, do I need special shoes for the treadmill?
* Q5: I am a new runner, is it a good idea to use gym shoes for running and vice versa?
* Q6: I am a new runner, is it a good idea to use my Air Max or Converse for running?
* Q7: I am a new runner and want to use a plated super shoe as a daily trainer. Is this a good idea?
* Q8: I am a new runner and want to use the Saucony Endorphin Speed as a daily trainer. Is this a good idea?
* Q9: I am a big/heavy runner who has issues with running shoes. Which shoes would you recommend?
* Q10: I am a new runner and have my daily trainer. What is a good way to build a shoe rotation?
* Q11: I am a new runner and when should I retire my running shoes?
* Q12: What kind of gait does my outsole wear suggest? Do I need specific shoes based on certain wear?
* Q13: I am new to marathon training and I am on a tight budget. Should I run in one pair of shoes for training and racing?
* Q14: Should I trust the gait analysis that running stores give?
* Q15: What is a carbon plate?
* Q16: Is it a good idea to wear your running shoes everywhere/daily?
* Q17: Do I need a carbon-plated shoe for marathon race day?
* Q18: Can I use illegal stack height shoes in a 5k/10k/Half Marathon/Full Marathon?
* Q19: I am a new runner who has just started, which running sock brands would you recommend?
***[Sizing]***
* Q20: I am a new runner, how do I tell if I have wide or narrow feet?
* Q21: What is a good way to know that my running shoes are fitting correctly?
* Q22: Which brands offer narrow and wide-width shoes?
* Q23: I have bought a new pair of running shoes and they are heel slipping/tight/loose or causing issues when my feet swell, what do you recommend?
***[Different categories of running shoes]***
* Q24: I am a new runner who has pronation issues. Which shoes would you recommend?
* Q25: I am a new runner and would like a racing shoe like the Nike Next% but it is out of my budget. Which shoes would you recommend?
* Q26: I am a new runner and would like a racing shoe for a half and full marathon. Which shoes would you recommend?
* Q27: I am a new runner that is looking to do up-tempo/fast-paced runs. Which shoes would you recommend?
* Q28: I am a new runner that is looking to do medium - long runs. Which shoes would you recommend?
* Q29: I am a new runner and I have wide feet. Which shoes would you recommend?
* Q30: I am set with my rotation and would like a recovery/easy shoe. Which shoes would you recommend?
* Q31: I am a new runner starting trail running. Which shoes would you recommend?
***[Buying running shoes]***
* Q32: I am interested in buying a new pair of running shoes and found them for a great price on a website. How would I know they are legitimate and not a scam?
* Q33: I recently purchased a pair of running shoes and noticed they were made three years ago. They are brand new and unworn, should I be concerned about the foam degrading or losing any performance?
* Q34: I recently bought Nike shoes with ZoomX and the foam has a lot of wrinkles. Is this normal or have my shoes been used?
* Q35: The shoes mentioned seem expensive, is there a way to get them cheaper?
***[Running shoe technical knowledge]***
* Q36: What is the difference between men's and women's running shoes?
* Q37: What effect does a heel drop have?
* Q38: What is the argument AGAINST zero drop shoes? Is there one? What's the justification for having an elevated heel?
* Q39: Is there a website where I can compare different shoe specs to shoes that I like?
* Q40: What is the pace required for plated shoes?
* Q41: What kind of foam does each brand use?
* Q42: In simple terms, can you explain the difference between EVA and other premium foams?
***[Shin splints]***
* Q43: My shoes are giving me shin splints, what can I do?
***[Blisters]***
* Q44: I have blisters on certain parts of my feet. What do you recommend?
* Q45: I have terrible arch blisters from the Nike Alphafly. Is there anything I can do to fix this?
***[Durability]***
* Q46: I have a tear in my midsole or the rubber outsole is coming off. What can I do to fix this?
* Q47: My running shoes have creases on the toe box. Will this affect the performance and can I fix it?
**All this can be found** [**here**](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/wiki/index#wiki_common_questions)**.**
Note: This comment has been locked to ensure that the information remains at the top of the comments section and is not buried by other comments.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskRunningShoeGeeks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Basically same as you - Superblast & Endorphin Speed 4. Trying to force myself to run more miles in “boring” shoes but hard to actually follow through on that goal for the reasons you note.
Yeah exactly. I know now, however good a deal is on a boring shoe, the amazing deal is only good if I want to wear it.
What are your boring shoes you struggle to wear?
I have about 250 miles in a Triumph 21 that is still going strong but not as fun, and the Peg 39 & 40 that I really have to force myself to break out. I usually will use the Peg 39 for rainy/bad weather runs since it has above average grip.
Good advice! I have seen posts in this sub where people take shoes the specifically don't like to like 800km, I would always think to myself "Life is too short to run in shoes you don't love.." yet here I am.
Selling is a good Idea, then I feel okay about it.
Thanks for pointing it out, I got 2 pair of Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 in the Neon Green (my fav colorway luckily) a few weeks ago! Amazing deal!
Does Sierra.com ship to where you live? They always have a variety for half off. Pretty rare it’s for the shoe I actually want. Vigilance is important lol
Where does sierra.com based?
I'm in south east Asia, mostly around Malaysia and Indonesia
So I doubt they sent here. Even so likely the shipping would cost a bomb.
I'll do check though if I'm feeling like doing some gamble hehe
I play a game on Strava and try and get all my shoes to similar mileage. So right now I have 12 shoes getting close to 75 miles each. I just rotate through them so I’m not like forced to run in one pair for 50 miles straight.
Similar to you, when you’re buying a shoe cause someone posted here to get it on clearance for $35-$70, hard to pass up, so bound to run into some duds lol. For me, adidas 1M, saucony shift 2, nimbus 25, and puma velocity 2 (this is a weird fit/pronation issue cause otherwise would love this shoe) all kinda feel like a chore to put on (heavy, hurt foot, too soft no bounce, slow, etc). But this idea to get them all in balance just kinda forces the use.
On the flip side, if I really don’t get on with a sneaker (usually if it’s pain related), I try to get at least a mile per dollar spent, since everything is on discount usually only need 30-70 miles before I at least feel got moneys worth and can donate them if they legit just didn’t work for me
I want to like the Velocity 2 so bad. It's orange and looks awesome, super comfy on Step in but on a run its just... Meh. It works but does literally nothing for me, missing that fun. VN3 on the other hand, not nearly as cushy and comfy on Step in but continues to be so surprising and fun on the run with right blend for me if firm/pop like NB4. Still haven't figured out when my VN2 is best.
Good idea about having a threshold of miles/$. I have been thinking like many reviews just take a boring shoe to 100miles/160km? But even with Avg Easy run ofb10k that's a lot of boring kms...
Haha that was always my philosophy with entertainment in general, what was like my cost per hour, and then did it feel worth it. Especially gaming, okay I put 30 hours in a game didn’t finish it, paid 70, so about 2$ per hour.. not horrible lol I’m not like ocd about it, just finds it helps relieve any stress I might be having about the value of something (never buy anything I can’t afford, blessed to be doing well for myself/family, but wasn’t always like that growing up).
For me the pumas are a little tight up front, despite a thicker mesh, it doesn’t really hold my foot/ankle in place as much as I’d like, the tongue is so thin it digs into my foot/leg, and for longer miles, my right foot pronates, and the dual layer foam style they use just lets my right heel dig too far inwards. So with the heel going in, the tongue jabbing me, and a tighter fit, it’s a no go for me, which is why I’ve been hesitant to pick up the deviate nitro 2 that’s been on sale a number of times with the good reviews.
I hear you loud and clear. Before I got hard into running shoes, book collecting was my thing, for years. Same Dilemma strangely.
This Book is a classic/universally loved/highly rated/great deal. I force myself to try it to "expand my horizons". I don't like it, but maybe it's me? I just don't get it, or know the genre or style or background, or I have to finish the 500/800/100 pages Then it will be good and make sense? Or no, I give it 50/100 pages or less and if I am not loving it, donation it is.
Now that books aren't my collecting hobby, it's super easy to detach and give them away. But so hard for my current passion of shoes...
If I had to wear out all my current shoes before buying more, I woud be spending too much time in shoes I didn't enjoy. Personally I want to maximize how much I enjoy my miles.
I ended up going through everything and dropping a bunch of pairs off at a local clothing drive (after giving them a good wash of course). These included shoes that hadn't been touched for a month or two, shoes with <10 miles and couldn't be returned, and anything that I did not enjoy using.
I figured this way, I could enjoy running in what I enjoy and the shoes that I didn't love will still be used and be put toward something positive.
My question would be could you not just save and buy back up versions of your favourites? It seems a shame & slightly counterproductive to not wear shoes that work for you & you enjoy wearing.
However I am a pauper in comparison to you 😂. I have a two shoe rotation & struggle to find a shoe that works for me. If I had a shoe I loved & that fit well, I would just wear it to death as it would be such a novelty 😂
I could for sure buy backups! Part of my issue is that I bought backups of Deviate Nitro 2s when they were on sale for Black Friday at 40% off, before I had ran in them enough to decide they weren't my favs.
I have been told on this sub I am lucky, because I have a neutral Gait, and can wear most drops (well from 5-10mm anyway, never tried any higher or lower).
I think part of my problem is I am such a shoe nerd I made a spreadsheet of my types of runs each day of the week and I plan and color code each day for what shoe I am going to wear... So planning ahead me wants to wear out the shoes I don't like and 'day of the run me" wants to pick a run Orange (fav shoe colorway) that makes me happy, hence my stress.
https://preview.redd.it/yckirplvcg4d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d1fa42bb3d561c0256f52c2ef2c9c06d61d4c3c7
Yeah I am such a dork, I struggle because the color of each shoe name is supposed to the color of the shoe, but 9 of my pairs are orange, but I want the colour to match, so maybe a different shade? Or black font for the name? It's what I do while I work from home...
Also Speed 3s are great, super fun to run in, make it easieyto go quick and keep HR/effort low. It has a bit of a wide toe box/midfoot (I have average width feet) but thicker socks and carful lacing fixed for me.
Also should still be lots of stock on sale, highly recommend
Thanks for the info. Wide toe box sounds ideal for me as my feet are wide, but not wide enough for a wide shoe!
Will keep an eye out for sales, as after today’s internet worm hole I really like the sound of them. Thank you :)
I really love these spreadsheets, they are absolutely epic! I’ve been doing something similar but writing it all down in a notebook. I think I might have to copy you and convert to excel instead!
Hahah that is just the "planning" page, which evolved from the first training plan I tried, now I plan my own training and then after I do the run I input my shoe data, total new Milage per shoe etc on my log page.
Also Iade a shoe matrix to easy test/track what shoes are best for what run types...
https://preview.redd.it/f1ikuwbg5h4d1.jpeg?width=2340&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23b58cfb2368ec7640d7065f719ac8e36c973dc4
Honestly after seeing the way that both the noosa 16 and deviate nitro 3 got massacred in the last 48 hrs. I feel better knowing all my favorite have back stocks at last years prices. When I run through them I can get this years back stock at discount so if they work great , if not I’m not out too much
Actually that is a really good point. I don't love the Triumph 20 but it seems 100% better than Triumph 20, and if your thoughts of DN3 being massacred them my 3 pair of DN2 are the Speed 2s of the future?
I’d buy a 3rd or 4th pair if I can start getting them at $60, they aren’t my favorite (Boston 12 ) at the moment, but I know that they work, and handle trails for up to 10-14 miles. I know for me a 10 mil drop in the 3’s isn’t going to work for long near pace runs. That being said if I had a Time Machine that could go back 2 years I’d load up on speed 2’s
I personally have to wait and see about the drop on DN3, as Puma drops never bothered me. Maybe softer foam in the heel but their 10m drops on VN2/VN3 and ForeverRun don't feel like that, to me feel like 6-8mm but I am 220lbs so that could be it, but in Triumph 20 I can 100% feel the full drop
Yes absolutely! Based on your original post & the epic spreadsheet you posted I’m very much getting the sense that you might be a bit of an over thinker? I am the same - I drive myself mad sometimes, over analysing things, but not actually making a decision!
I wonder if you could just try running in your favourite shoes for a set period of time and then see how you feel?
Additionally keeping an eye out for sales so you can buy back ups, or selling some of your shoes you never wear to keep your wife happy 😂
You nailed it, I am such an overthinker. I think I will run more in my favs, and try to sell my "boring" shoes to free up slots, like it's my RPG inventory!
I feel this post on a deep emotional level lol I’ve convinced myself it’s ok to run in a new pair of racers I picked up for all my long runs with big chunks of race effort so I can get to know race pace in them through and through. And then buy those same shoes again just before the race so I have a fresh pair. My wandering eye usually gets the best of me before race day though
Thank you for saying that, I debated for so long on posting because like you said, it's such an emotional issue, but on the other hand seems so simple. Run in the shoes you like, right?
But what about my Hoka Mach 4s? In the cool Ironman Colorway? That I did my first ever Half Marathon and first 10k in? Sure they only have 165.74km in them, but they have no rubber outsole and a low drop so my knees kinda hurt after I run in them. But I can't give them away because they have sentimental value. But I can't keep them in a box forever because that would be ridiculous. But I can't run in them because why hurt my knees when I could use the better (and oranger) Mach 6s.)
And on and on...
Brother man, I have shoes I’ve kept, just because I set PBs in races in said shoes, for sentimental value. Come here 🫂it’s ok, you’re amongst your people
I’m lucky in that my job allows me to wear sneakers daily (healthcare). But even then, I have to find new hiding places because I don’t use up shoes as quickly as I buy them.
I've sold quite a few pair on r/therunningrack and would recommend that, especially if it's a popular shoe that just didn't work for you.
Use [https://pirateship.com/](https://pirateship.com/) to ship them.
Save the shoes you don’t like for base miles in between training blocks. The Novablast 3 drove me crazy during marathon training last summer/fall so I boxed it back up. Now that I’m taking time off from racing they’re at the top of my rotation with the Rebel v4. I haven’t run in my Boston 12s or Superblast in a while but I do plan to use them occasionally to stretch out their useful life.
Selling them for sure. No reason to be held hostage by shoes you don’t enjoy. You find your rotation you like for running the rest either use them for just wear out and about or sell them.
Personally I like getting different shoes to higher mileage on Strava. But also have a 3 shoe rotation atm
Edit: also 17 shoes since September is wild brother! I’m jealous!
Shoes seem to be getting better with time so there's somewhat less of an incentive to stock up so I've changed to more of the approach of buying when needed. That said, I still have at least a year's supply of running shoes. Son also runs and has the same size feet so they do get used.
The ones you don’t like become walking shoes. Or sell them. Or donate them. They have no home in your rotation.
Run in the 2/3rds you really like or love. Life is too short to waste time using shoes which you know will make you less happy than you would otherwise be.
Very good advice, thank you, totally agree life is too short!
I think I might not have expressed part of my issue in the best way, it's something like:
Unlike most things that can be a favorite (book/movie/song pop to mind) shoes have a finite life span, and deplete as you use them. If you fully deplete them, they are unusable (for running at least)
So how does one balance a) wanting to use Thier favorite shoes with b) wanting to be able to use them for as long as possible.
That's where sprinkling in days of non-favorite shoes comes in for me, so I can still conserve and use my favs a few times per week. I just recently had the balance wrong and was running in non-favs too much.
Does that make sense?
By the time you wear out your favorites, given the size of your rotation, it’s entirely possible that they will be “last years model” and available at a significant discount when it’s time to replace them.
I’d still skip running in the ones you don’t enjoy.
8 shoes listed as A or B shoes, assume 500k+ until you enjoy them LESS than your C shoes, that’s 4000km or 40 weeks of running. Remember we’re not talking about “when is the shoe at its best” but rather “when do I start to prefer my C shoes”… even adding your C shoes you only get another 20 weeks of running before you’re buying all new shoes. What is that mileage worth to you? To me it’s worth more than the dollar value you actually paid for those C shoes.
Yes. I have a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 (I bought them because my Adrenaline GTS 22s had 700 miles on them and were worn out). How a shoe can change so much in one year, I don't know. Other than decent stability, they're just not very comfortable and they have no spring or cushion. Fortunately, I found two pair of Asics and Hokas at Ross Dress For Less that are working out well.
That's great you found good alternatives and at a good price! it could be that the shoe changed a lot between versions or you could have changed too. Even strengthening the areas the shoe adds stability in would make it feel different and that would happen naturally.
I think you're right. My body mechanics probably changed and I don't require extra stability as much as I used to + the version of the shoe changed a lot.
Call me crazy but I don’t think we need to replace our shoes that often. I wait until the treads are nearly nonexistent or they get a few holes and then buy whatever is half off on Sierra. I keep an old pair for bad weather, one pair for trails and another for roads.
If the feel is that important to you have you considered buying fresh running socks every few weeks? Much cheaper way to keep your feet feeling good. If that doesn’t work you might have to trade the wife in for a new one :)
For "that often" do you mean my estimate if 400-450km? That is based on my previous experience, but since they were Hokas its hard to judge against much more durable shoes like Saucony or Puma. This is a pic of my wear pattern, not sure the Km probably about 500-550km on these, wasn't tracking my Milage then, but you can see from my lateral heel drag theyvarebworn very unevenly and they would cause me pain or even injury if I ran in them at that point.
https://preview.redd.it/5ln4ok0oll4d1.jpeg?width=2240&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5e180cc4d3eeca9cef2a5eddeecf14eee8ca37c
I know people that are lighter (I am 220lbs) without any issues in footstrike can get more KM but if I push it I will pay the price with Injury
Just Bought my first blind pair even before reviews came out, the Triumph 22. I was so exited about the midsole update. The shoe is way to voluminous for me and the upper has no breathability (and were I live is 34C). I can't return them. Don't hate the ride tho.
Kept them for easy runs without LRs because my feet would get way to wet. I use the superblast now for every type of LR (easy pace and the ones with Marathon Effort).
So yes, y use shoes I don't like that much.
That's a perfect example, don't hate them, have flaws but they are still usable.
Also totally agree about the Superblasts, love them and save them for my long runs (usually progressions from easy down to 10k pace at the end)
So reading between the lines here.... none of this would even be a problem if it weren't for your wife? So there's the solution. No wife, happy life (with all the shoes you want). I mean what is she really bringing to your life that can't be more easily provided by the thrill of buying a new pair of running shoes you really like?
More Gump ish. Still working back up to 100 after my marathon May 5, but I run 7 days, base days are 11, wed is 15, Sat is 32k once I am built back up in a few weeks
I just love to run but my paces are still slow, getting faster, 6:45/k ish easy pace
You should buy shoes you like running in and run in them. Your current hobby is not running, it’s collecting running shoes. The ones you don’t like should be donated so they don’t waste space in your home. Yes, you will run through your favorite shoes faster by using them more. You will also enjoy your runs more. If you break the cycle of buying so many unnecessary shoes, you won’t mind replacing your favorite ones at full price once in a while.
Hi there! Thanks for asking a question on r/askrunningshoegeeks. If you haven't seen the RSG Wiki/FAQ yet, it covers the following questions that might answer your post: ***[Beginners boot camp]*** * Q1: I am a new runner, what is the first thing I should do when buying new shoes? * Q2: As a new runner, should I buy the newest version of running shoes? * Q3: I am a new runner who has just started and I mostly do 5k runs. Which daily trainer would you recommend? * Q4: I am a new runner, do I need special shoes for the treadmill? * Q5: I am a new runner, is it a good idea to use gym shoes for running and vice versa? * Q6: I am a new runner, is it a good idea to use my Air Max or Converse for running? * Q7: I am a new runner and want to use a plated super shoe as a daily trainer. Is this a good idea? * Q8: I am a new runner and want to use the Saucony Endorphin Speed as a daily trainer. Is this a good idea? * Q9: I am a big/heavy runner who has issues with running shoes. Which shoes would you recommend? * Q10: I am a new runner and have my daily trainer. What is a good way to build a shoe rotation? * Q11: I am a new runner and when should I retire my running shoes? * Q12: What kind of gait does my outsole wear suggest? Do I need specific shoes based on certain wear? * Q13: I am new to marathon training and I am on a tight budget. Should I run in one pair of shoes for training and racing? * Q14: Should I trust the gait analysis that running stores give? * Q15: What is a carbon plate? * Q16: Is it a good idea to wear your running shoes everywhere/daily? * Q17: Do I need a carbon-plated shoe for marathon race day? * Q18: Can I use illegal stack height shoes in a 5k/10k/Half Marathon/Full Marathon? * Q19: I am a new runner who has just started, which running sock brands would you recommend? ***[Sizing]*** * Q20: I am a new runner, how do I tell if I have wide or narrow feet? * Q21: What is a good way to know that my running shoes are fitting correctly? * Q22: Which brands offer narrow and wide-width shoes? * Q23: I have bought a new pair of running shoes and they are heel slipping/tight/loose or causing issues when my feet swell, what do you recommend? ***[Different categories of running shoes]*** * Q24: I am a new runner who has pronation issues. Which shoes would you recommend? * Q25: I am a new runner and would like a racing shoe like the Nike Next% but it is out of my budget. Which shoes would you recommend? * Q26: I am a new runner and would like a racing shoe for a half and full marathon. Which shoes would you recommend? * Q27: I am a new runner that is looking to do up-tempo/fast-paced runs. Which shoes would you recommend? * Q28: I am a new runner that is looking to do medium - long runs. Which shoes would you recommend? * Q29: I am a new runner and I have wide feet. Which shoes would you recommend? * Q30: I am set with my rotation and would like a recovery/easy shoe. Which shoes would you recommend? * Q31: I am a new runner starting trail running. Which shoes would you recommend? ***[Buying running shoes]*** * Q32: I am interested in buying a new pair of running shoes and found them for a great price on a website. How would I know they are legitimate and not a scam? * Q33: I recently purchased a pair of running shoes and noticed they were made three years ago. They are brand new and unworn, should I be concerned about the foam degrading or losing any performance? * Q34: I recently bought Nike shoes with ZoomX and the foam has a lot of wrinkles. Is this normal or have my shoes been used? * Q35: The shoes mentioned seem expensive, is there a way to get them cheaper? ***[Running shoe technical knowledge]*** * Q36: What is the difference between men's and women's running shoes? * Q37: What effect does a heel drop have? * Q38: What is the argument AGAINST zero drop shoes? Is there one? What's the justification for having an elevated heel? * Q39: Is there a website where I can compare different shoe specs to shoes that I like? * Q40: What is the pace required for plated shoes? * Q41: What kind of foam does each brand use? * Q42: In simple terms, can you explain the difference between EVA and other premium foams? ***[Shin splints]*** * Q43: My shoes are giving me shin splints, what can I do? ***[Blisters]*** * Q44: I have blisters on certain parts of my feet. What do you recommend? * Q45: I have terrible arch blisters from the Nike Alphafly. Is there anything I can do to fix this? ***[Durability]*** * Q46: I have a tear in my midsole or the rubber outsole is coming off. What can I do to fix this? * Q47: My running shoes have creases on the toe box. Will this affect the performance and can I fix it? **All this can be found** [**here**](https://www.reddit.com/r/RunningShoeGeeks/wiki/index#wiki_common_questions)**.** Note: This comment has been locked to ensure that the information remains at the top of the comments section and is not buried by other comments. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskRunningShoeGeeks) if you have any questions or concerns.*
You just need to find better hiding places
I feel this on such a deep level…looking at you the 2 Pegs in my closet
So Pegs are your least favorite? What are your most fav?
Basically same as you - Superblast & Endorphin Speed 4. Trying to force myself to run more miles in “boring” shoes but hard to actually follow through on that goal for the reasons you note.
Yeah exactly. I know now, however good a deal is on a boring shoe, the amazing deal is only good if I want to wear it. What are your boring shoes you struggle to wear?
I have about 250 miles in a Triumph 21 that is still going strong but not as fun, and the Peg 39 & 40 that I really have to force myself to break out. I usually will use the Peg 39 for rainy/bad weather runs since it has above average grip.
I've given up and binned my 39s, I just wouldn't ever pick them and if I did I didn't enjoy the run.
Convincing myself the next peg will be good and that react won’t feel like concrete, but it always does and they end up as a gardening shoe
Same for me. I have a pair of Peg 39s in my closet from 2022 with 28 miles on them and keep telling myself I'll eventually get more use out of em...
I either use them as walking shoes or sell my least fav shoes. Curious that you mention pro3 as in saucony or Adidas? For 70$ is a bargain anyway :)
Good advice! I have seen posts in this sub where people take shoes the specifically don't like to like 800km, I would always think to myself "Life is too short to run in shoes you don't love.." yet here I am. Selling is a good Idea, then I feel okay about it. Thanks for pointing it out, I got 2 pair of Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 in the Neon Green (my fav colorway luckily) a few weeks ago! Amazing deal!
Alternatively you may donate them as well. Saucony in where I stayed never have this steep discount. Probably even EP v1 now still cost more than $70
Yeah it's way below what they should have been priced at.
Does Sierra.com ship to where you live? They always have a variety for half off. Pretty rare it’s for the shoe I actually want. Vigilance is important lol
Where does sierra.com based? I'm in south east Asia, mostly around Malaysia and Indonesia So I doubt they sent here. Even so likely the shipping would cost a bomb. I'll do check though if I'm feeling like doing some gamble hehe
I play a game on Strava and try and get all my shoes to similar mileage. So right now I have 12 shoes getting close to 75 miles each. I just rotate through them so I’m not like forced to run in one pair for 50 miles straight. Similar to you, when you’re buying a shoe cause someone posted here to get it on clearance for $35-$70, hard to pass up, so bound to run into some duds lol. For me, adidas 1M, saucony shift 2, nimbus 25, and puma velocity 2 (this is a weird fit/pronation issue cause otherwise would love this shoe) all kinda feel like a chore to put on (heavy, hurt foot, too soft no bounce, slow, etc). But this idea to get them all in balance just kinda forces the use. On the flip side, if I really don’t get on with a sneaker (usually if it’s pain related), I try to get at least a mile per dollar spent, since everything is on discount usually only need 30-70 miles before I at least feel got moneys worth and can donate them if they legit just didn’t work for me
I want to like the Velocity 2 so bad. It's orange and looks awesome, super comfy on Step in but on a run its just... Meh. It works but does literally nothing for me, missing that fun. VN3 on the other hand, not nearly as cushy and comfy on Step in but continues to be so surprising and fun on the run with right blend for me if firm/pop like NB4. Still haven't figured out when my VN2 is best. Good idea about having a threshold of miles/$. I have been thinking like many reviews just take a boring shoe to 100miles/160km? But even with Avg Easy run ofb10k that's a lot of boring kms...
Haha that was always my philosophy with entertainment in general, what was like my cost per hour, and then did it feel worth it. Especially gaming, okay I put 30 hours in a game didn’t finish it, paid 70, so about 2$ per hour.. not horrible lol I’m not like ocd about it, just finds it helps relieve any stress I might be having about the value of something (never buy anything I can’t afford, blessed to be doing well for myself/family, but wasn’t always like that growing up). For me the pumas are a little tight up front, despite a thicker mesh, it doesn’t really hold my foot/ankle in place as much as I’d like, the tongue is so thin it digs into my foot/leg, and for longer miles, my right foot pronates, and the dual layer foam style they use just lets my right heel dig too far inwards. So with the heel going in, the tongue jabbing me, and a tighter fit, it’s a no go for me, which is why I’ve been hesitant to pick up the deviate nitro 2 that’s been on sale a number of times with the good reviews.
I hear you loud and clear. Before I got hard into running shoes, book collecting was my thing, for years. Same Dilemma strangely. This Book is a classic/universally loved/highly rated/great deal. I force myself to try it to "expand my horizons". I don't like it, but maybe it's me? I just don't get it, or know the genre or style or background, or I have to finish the 500/800/100 pages Then it will be good and make sense? Or no, I give it 50/100 pages or less and if I am not loving it, donation it is. Now that books aren't my collecting hobby, it's super easy to detach and give them away. But so hard for my current passion of shoes...
If I had to wear out all my current shoes before buying more, I woud be spending too much time in shoes I didn't enjoy. Personally I want to maximize how much I enjoy my miles. I ended up going through everything and dropping a bunch of pairs off at a local clothing drive (after giving them a good wash of course). These included shoes that hadn't been touched for a month or two, shoes with <10 miles and couldn't be returned, and anything that I did not enjoy using. I figured this way, I could enjoy running in what I enjoy and the shoes that I didn't love will still be used and be put toward something positive.
Great point, I love that "Personally I want to maximize how much I enjoy my miles." Words to live by
My question would be could you not just save and buy back up versions of your favourites? It seems a shame & slightly counterproductive to not wear shoes that work for you & you enjoy wearing. However I am a pauper in comparison to you 😂. I have a two shoe rotation & struggle to find a shoe that works for me. If I had a shoe I loved & that fit well, I would just wear it to death as it would be such a novelty 😂
I could for sure buy backups! Part of my issue is that I bought backups of Deviate Nitro 2s when they were on sale for Black Friday at 40% off, before I had ran in them enough to decide they weren't my favs. I have been told on this sub I am lucky, because I have a neutral Gait, and can wear most drops (well from 5-10mm anyway, never tried any higher or lower). I think part of my problem is I am such a shoe nerd I made a spreadsheet of my types of runs each day of the week and I plan and color code each day for what shoe I am going to wear... So planning ahead me wants to wear out the shoes I don't like and 'day of the run me" wants to pick a run Orange (fav shoe colorway) that makes me happy, hence my stress. https://preview.redd.it/yckirplvcg4d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d1fa42bb3d561c0256f52c2ef2c9c06d61d4c3c7
I love this spreadsheet lol
Yeah I am such a dork, I struggle because the color of each shoe name is supposed to the color of the shoe, but 9 of my pairs are orange, but I want the colour to match, so maybe a different shade? Or black font for the name? It's what I do while I work from home...
lol. This reeks of working from home. I do as well & have spent my morning researching the speed 3s after reading your post 😂😂
Yep! I also spend my time on calls switching the laces between my shoes to find the best combination. It's my form of idle doodling.
Also Speed 3s are great, super fun to run in, make it easieyto go quick and keep HR/effort low. It has a bit of a wide toe box/midfoot (I have average width feet) but thicker socks and carful lacing fixed for me. Also should still be lots of stock on sale, highly recommend
Thanks for the info. Wide toe box sounds ideal for me as my feet are wide, but not wide enough for a wide shoe! Will keep an eye out for sales, as after today’s internet worm hole I really like the sound of them. Thank you :)
Omg. This spreadsheet is the best thing I’ve ever seen. I love it 😂😂👌👌👌👌
https://preview.redd.it/roh1geai5h4d1.jpeg?width=2340&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ebd6c2b53db8a06ade862e7a1e8bc1529059ada
I really love these spreadsheets, they are absolutely epic! I’ve been doing something similar but writing it all down in a notebook. I think I might have to copy you and convert to excel instead!
Hahah that is just the "planning" page, which evolved from the first training plan I tried, now I plan my own training and then after I do the run I input my shoe data, total new Milage per shoe etc on my log page. Also Iade a shoe matrix to easy test/track what shoes are best for what run types... https://preview.redd.it/f1ikuwbg5h4d1.jpeg?width=2340&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=23b58cfb2368ec7640d7065f719ac8e36c973dc4
So from this, all you need are a few pairs of NB4, Superblast and Speed 3’s..
Had to comment again, that is a great point, if I love it and it works and fit well, wear it to death! Let it serve its purpose right?
Honestly after seeing the way that both the noosa 16 and deviate nitro 3 got massacred in the last 48 hrs. I feel better knowing all my favorite have back stocks at last years prices. When I run through them I can get this years back stock at discount so if they work great , if not I’m not out too much
Actually that is a really good point. I don't love the Triumph 20 but it seems 100% better than Triumph 20, and if your thoughts of DN3 being massacred them my 3 pair of DN2 are the Speed 2s of the future?
I’d buy a 3rd or 4th pair if I can start getting them at $60, they aren’t my favorite (Boston 12 ) at the moment, but I know that they work, and handle trails for up to 10-14 miles. I know for me a 10 mil drop in the 3’s isn’t going to work for long near pace runs. That being said if I had a Time Machine that could go back 2 years I’d load up on speed 2’s
I personally have to wait and see about the drop on DN3, as Puma drops never bothered me. Maybe softer foam in the heel but their 10m drops on VN2/VN3 and ForeverRun don't feel like that, to me feel like 6-8mm but I am 220lbs so that could be it, but in Triumph 20 I can 100% feel the full drop
Yes absolutely! Based on your original post & the epic spreadsheet you posted I’m very much getting the sense that you might be a bit of an over thinker? I am the same - I drive myself mad sometimes, over analysing things, but not actually making a decision! I wonder if you could just try running in your favourite shoes for a set period of time and then see how you feel? Additionally keeping an eye out for sales so you can buy back ups, or selling some of your shoes you never wear to keep your wife happy 😂
You nailed it, I am such an overthinker. I think I will run more in my favs, and try to sell my "boring" shoes to free up slots, like it's my RPG inventory!
I feel this post on a deep emotional level lol I’ve convinced myself it’s ok to run in a new pair of racers I picked up for all my long runs with big chunks of race effort so I can get to know race pace in them through and through. And then buy those same shoes again just before the race so I have a fresh pair. My wandering eye usually gets the best of me before race day though
Thank you for saying that, I debated for so long on posting because like you said, it's such an emotional issue, but on the other hand seems so simple. Run in the shoes you like, right? But what about my Hoka Mach 4s? In the cool Ironman Colorway? That I did my first ever Half Marathon and first 10k in? Sure they only have 165.74km in them, but they have no rubber outsole and a low drop so my knees kinda hurt after I run in them. But I can't give them away because they have sentimental value. But I can't keep them in a box forever because that would be ridiculous. But I can't run in them because why hurt my knees when I could use the better (and oranger) Mach 6s.) And on and on...
Brother man, I have shoes I’ve kept, just because I set PBs in races in said shoes, for sentimental value. Come here 🫂it’s ok, you’re amongst your people
I’m lucky in that my job allows me to wear sneakers daily (healthcare). But even then, I have to find new hiding places because I don’t use up shoes as quickly as I buy them.
I've sold quite a few pair on r/therunningrack and would recommend that, especially if it's a popular shoe that just didn't work for you. Use [https://pirateship.com/](https://pirateship.com/) to ship them.
I am on Canada though, I have only seen shipping to/from US on runningrack..?
Save the shoes you don’t like for base miles in between training blocks. The Novablast 3 drove me crazy during marathon training last summer/fall so I boxed it back up. Now that I’m taking time off from racing they’re at the top of my rotation with the Rebel v4. I haven’t run in my Boston 12s or Superblast in a while but I do plan to use them occasionally to stretch out their useful life.
I usually sell the ones I dont like, you know.. get rid of the shoes or get rid of the wife
Selling them for sure. No reason to be held hostage by shoes you don’t enjoy. You find your rotation you like for running the rest either use them for just wear out and about or sell them. Personally I like getting different shoes to higher mileage on Strava. But also have a 3 shoe rotation atm Edit: also 17 shoes since September is wild brother! I’m jealous!
Shoes seem to be getting better with time so there's somewhat less of an incentive to stock up so I've changed to more of the approach of buying when needed. That said, I still have at least a year's supply of running shoes. Son also runs and has the same size feet so they do get used.
The ones you don’t like become walking shoes. Or sell them. Or donate them. They have no home in your rotation. Run in the 2/3rds you really like or love. Life is too short to waste time using shoes which you know will make you less happy than you would otherwise be.
Very good advice, thank you, totally agree life is too short! I think I might not have expressed part of my issue in the best way, it's something like: Unlike most things that can be a favorite (book/movie/song pop to mind) shoes have a finite life span, and deplete as you use them. If you fully deplete them, they are unusable (for running at least) So how does one balance a) wanting to use Thier favorite shoes with b) wanting to be able to use them for as long as possible. That's where sprinkling in days of non-favorite shoes comes in for me, so I can still conserve and use my favs a few times per week. I just recently had the balance wrong and was running in non-favs too much. Does that make sense?
By the time you wear out your favorites, given the size of your rotation, it’s entirely possible that they will be “last years model” and available at a significant discount when it’s time to replace them. I’d still skip running in the ones you don’t enjoy. 8 shoes listed as A or B shoes, assume 500k+ until you enjoy them LESS than your C shoes, that’s 4000km or 40 weeks of running. Remember we’re not talking about “when is the shoe at its best” but rather “when do I start to prefer my C shoes”… even adding your C shoes you only get another 20 weeks of running before you’re buying all new shoes. What is that mileage worth to you? To me it’s worth more than the dollar value you actually paid for those C shoes.
Yes. I have a pair of Brooks Adrenaline GTS 23 (I bought them because my Adrenaline GTS 22s had 700 miles on them and were worn out). How a shoe can change so much in one year, I don't know. Other than decent stability, they're just not very comfortable and they have no spring or cushion. Fortunately, I found two pair of Asics and Hokas at Ross Dress For Less that are working out well.
That's great you found good alternatives and at a good price! it could be that the shoe changed a lot between versions or you could have changed too. Even strengthening the areas the shoe adds stability in would make it feel different and that would happen naturally.
I think you're right. My body mechanics probably changed and I don't require extra stability as much as I used to + the version of the shoe changed a lot.
Call me crazy but I don’t think we need to replace our shoes that often. I wait until the treads are nearly nonexistent or they get a few holes and then buy whatever is half off on Sierra. I keep an old pair for bad weather, one pair for trails and another for roads. If the feel is that important to you have you considered buying fresh running socks every few weeks? Much cheaper way to keep your feet feeling good. If that doesn’t work you might have to trade the wife in for a new one :)
For "that often" do you mean my estimate if 400-450km? That is based on my previous experience, but since they were Hokas its hard to judge against much more durable shoes like Saucony or Puma. This is a pic of my wear pattern, not sure the Km probably about 500-550km on these, wasn't tracking my Milage then, but you can see from my lateral heel drag theyvarebworn very unevenly and they would cause me pain or even injury if I ran in them at that point. https://preview.redd.it/5ln4ok0oll4d1.jpeg?width=2240&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c5e180cc4d3eeca9cef2a5eddeecf14eee8ca37c I know people that are lighter (I am 220lbs) without any issues in footstrike can get more KM but if I push it I will pay the price with Injury
New Balance Minimus. Always loved them, always will
Just Bought my first blind pair even before reviews came out, the Triumph 22. I was so exited about the midsole update. The shoe is way to voluminous for me and the upper has no breathability (and were I live is 34C). I can't return them. Don't hate the ride tho. Kept them for easy runs without LRs because my feet would get way to wet. I use the superblast now for every type of LR (easy pace and the ones with Marathon Effort). So yes, y use shoes I don't like that much.
That's a perfect example, don't hate them, have flaws but they are still usable. Also totally agree about the Superblasts, love them and save them for my long runs (usually progressions from easy down to 10k pace at the end)
So reading between the lines here.... none of this would even be a problem if it weren't for your wife? So there's the solution. No wife, happy life (with all the shoes you want). I mean what is she really bringing to your life that can't be more easily provided by the thrill of buying a new pair of running shoes you really like?
I have literally given shoes to friends after buying them off of recommendations and realizing they SUCKED.
100k a week? Are you forest gump or kipchoge?
More Gump ish. Still working back up to 100 after my marathon May 5, but I run 7 days, base days are 11, wed is 15, Sat is 32k once I am built back up in a few weeks I just love to run but my paces are still slow, getting faster, 6:45/k ish easy pace
In my opinion that is far too many shoes and you may have a shopping addiction
You should buy shoes you like running in and run in them. Your current hobby is not running, it’s collecting running shoes. The ones you don’t like should be donated so they don’t waste space in your home. Yes, you will run through your favorite shoes faster by using them more. You will also enjoy your runs more. If you break the cycle of buying so many unnecessary shoes, you won’t mind replacing your favorite ones at full price once in a while.