Running is supposed to be simple - just open the door, step outside, and go - but there's a certain amount of gear and equipment required to make it possible and ensure that tomorrow's run will happen as planned. Comfortable shoes are one of the cornerstones of injury-free running success, but once they accumulate 500 miles or are otherwise uncomfortable, it's time for a fresh pair. With the near simultaneous retirement of many pair of running shoes, it's time to introduce the new lineup for 2012:
Hoka One One Stinson B:After a sweet ride through a couple of ultras last year, its again Time to Fly in a new pair of these lightweight trail/road hybrid shoes. The precursor to the One One Mafates that are planned for use this summer...
La Sportiva Wildcat:
With good traction on the trail, breathability, and drainage, these will get going in the spring. I loved the first pair. Just keep 'em out of the barbed wire and off wet schist and they'll deliver through the season.
Asics DS Trainer:
An upgrade to the current road shoes, these red lace-ups simply look fast. I only hope I have the lungs and legs to give them the sweet ride they deserve at Boston.
Salomon XAPro3DUltra 2 GTX
This is what I started in. Tried and true. Supportive, but a touch heavy. The 9th pair I've owned. Great for winter running and summer mountain traverses. Don't be fooled by the Gore-Tex: they keep water in as well as they keep water out and water in the shoe makes for unhappy feet.
Salomon XAPro3DUltra 2
Orange?! Finally something that's not plain-old boring black! Back for pair number 5. Until I'm more comfortable in the XR Crossmax, this will be the fall back shoe.
Customized screw-shoes: I've been reading about homemade screw-shoes for years and I've gotten by without needing them up until now. With the winter's mild temperatures, the freeze and thaw cycles have been making for icy conditions on the trails. I finally decided to make up a pair using #8 x 1/2" sheet metal screws in the heel and #8 x 3/8" sheet metal screws in the forefoot. I'm still not totally at ease in these shoes, as I'm always expecting to feel the tip of a screw through the footbed, but they provide more confidence for this year's conditions and so far they've been keeping me more upright.
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