Of EVAs, Mesh To Rubbers...

By Frank

About a month or more ago, Lynn pops a question on the number of running shoes I have. Well… In my whole running career since I started back in March 2007 till now, 8 pairs is the answer. They are adidas Supernova Cushion 6, adidas adizero Tempo, adidas adistar Cushion 6, adidas Response Control 7, Nike Air Zoom Vomero+ 3, Saucony Grid Fastwitch 3, Nike LunarTrainer+ and Nike LunaRacer+. Of all the pairs, I have retired the adidas Supernova Cushion 6 which had gone through an estimated 700KM plus distance and sold off the adidas adistar Cushion 6 due to incompatibility issues.

My fellowship of running shoes...

I only had 1 pair of running shoes when I first took running seriously and used it to train and race. And not knowing that my feet actually enlarge with all the pounding when running, I choose a pair that fits nicely, without any additional space for my toes to move around. Consequences was a very painful feet. It was then the arrival of my second pair a good 8 months later that spun off my collection of running shoes in the comfort and performance zone. My collection of shoe varies from different brands, models and functionality. But it can be best describe as trainers and racers. The trainers though heavier than the racers are used for my training runs since they offer longer life span and also better protection for the foundation of our body, our legs. I hardly use my racers as they tend to wear out fast due to the low profile design. Therefore, they are used instead for races especially in major events like the marathon.

All shoe models are made differently that offers different function. Therefore, the advantages of having multiple running shoes are that it allows our feet to adjust to different “unique feel”. Besides, it decreases break down time. The shoe especially the cushioning system will need an average 1 day or slightly more to allow it to “regenerate” itself. With an alternative pair, the shoe can go on its much needed “break” just like how we humans do. Therefore, if viewed from another perspective, it can be seen as a costs cutting measure.

I’m lucky that I did not have to buy all the shoes I owned today. Some were given to me by the sports company for their trial program while some others for review purposes. I really do appreciate these programs as it does help with the thickness of my wallet. People say running is the cheapest sports around and although I must admit it is cheaper compared to others like cycling, it is no longer cheap. With innovations in technology that includes shoes, apparels to gadgets like GPS sensors, runners tend to spend a whopping amount annually.

A pair of running shoes will cost in between RM250 to RM500 (some costs even more!) depending on brand, make and model and it probably last an average distance of 700KM. For a hardcore runner, that will be probably a pair every 3 months or so. And even if the tread doesn’t wear out, the cushioning system will. So it’s best for the runner to know when is the good time to replace them before causing any damage. Till my ninth pair...