I have a lot of running shoes

I do have a lot of running shoes for a pure amateur runpaddler.

Back a few years ago I was buying Ferrogamos like no tomorrow. They were my shoes. Ferrogamo = Me. I know every style, every leather skin, and all their prices.

(paddling don't require shoes so lucky escape...)

Since I have started running again, with a bit more distance and seriousness this time around, I have become obsessed with running shoes. I started with a pair of Asics Kayano, but ended up with shin splints (I am not entirely sure if they were the cause, or because of poor running technique, over training, or wrong shoes, but I have read online reviews of them causing SS…).
…and then I moved onto the Saucony Mirage, which I loved. I was introduced to them through my fascination with barefoot running. As the latter require gradual transition, a pair of minimalist sneakers will need to fill in the intermediate stage, and also so that the shoe seller can sell another pair of shoes. Anyways, so I fell in love with them, and have ran so many kilometres in them (almost 500K), and it is now semi-retired. I use them at the gym sometimes when the workout contain running elements. I also like my Reebok Nano 2.0, but while they are great for doing weights and rope climbs, they are no good on the run.

My undying fascination with barefoot running led me to purchase the Vibram Classics and Bikila, Both have been worn down now, but still ok for short walks and gym use. They also smell quite foul from use and my smelly feet…I also find they are not quite suitable for amateur like me to run further than 12k in them. Not only my calves get a beating, my toes will get blisters. I do, however, run the fastest times in them. As my interest in distance grown, Vibrams unfortunately will have to take a backseat for now. I know people have ran long distance in them, but no, probably not for my low-arch feet. Not now anyway.

Anyhoo, so I googled for minimalist distance shoes, and decided to experiment with Saucony Kinvara 4. They are quite minimalist and are very, very light. The perfect race shoes. Unfortunately they are not of the best quality and are probably best to be used, as race shoes only. I have completed one 10k, C2Surf (14k), half marathon (21.1k) and a marathon (42.2k) in them. I also trained a bit in them and I will probably do HK in them. But yeah, I think they will be retired soon due to poor quality.

And then came my injury. I am still unsure what the reason was behind my injury. Apart from overtraining related tendonitis, my doctor has not been able to figure out what the injury is. It is getting better. Much googling later it might me because of my slightly overpronated, low arch feet. This means that Vibrams and Saucony Kinvaras might not be the ideal shoe choice for training unless I have a very strong arch.

Most recently, a friend of mine with similar feet recommended Brooks Trance and GTS Adrenaline (next grade down). While the latter goes on special regularly, the Trance, for some reason, never goes on special. And no, they don't ship to Australia. So you are pretty much stuck with the $249.95AUD price tag for all eternity. Lucky for me, I happened to find a pair at a clearout for $80. Bargain. I find them really heavy at first, and very immobile. But I soon got used to them, and they do feel fabulous. My times are slower in them as I have a bit of trouble moving my feet in them, but they are all right. I don’t feel pain after training. So far so good. They do feel incredibly heavy when I run in them in the rain.

As for the GTS I have only ran 4k in them. So far so good. I find them less cushiony but gives my arch some support, which I like. I need to do at least 10K to really see if it makes a difference.

Anyway so just over a month to go and I am getting my gear ready for the big day. As I was wondering around the mall today I bought a pink gym bag and a pair of Nike Frees 5.0. They look smoking hot, and are super light and comfy. Immediately I can see why they are so popular. They look good and can be trainers. Double the action. Anyway I got then and I plan to trek in them both for shopping and sporting purpose.

So that’s the story behind all these shoes.

Guess which shoes are which?