New Running Shoes

Today I must get new running shoes and since it's 'Small Business Saturday' (or something like that) I'll be off to Fairhaven Runners to purchase said shoes.  I've realized over the past few weeks that my feet have been getting progressively more sore after my runs (and even during sometimes).  My calves too have been feeling the burn.  I stretch, I roll everything out on the foam roller, but they still get sore and feel really tight the next day.  Being the smart person that I am I checked my Garmin log the other day and figured out that I've put about 500 miles on my training shoes (the Brooks Defyance shoes on the far right above)...and the kicker, that's all since July!  Ooops, no wonder!

How many miles do you put on your shoes?  I don't usually keep track and I tend to rotate shoes from time to time so it makes it even harder to put a finger on the exact mileage (hence the 'about 500' above).  Above are the three shoes I've been rotating through lately.  In training I switch back and forth between the Brooks Defyance and the Newton Guidance Trainer and for racing I just sport the old school Asics Speedstars (I'm pretty sure this pair is at least 2 years old).  

As you can see I'm all over the map when it comes to brands.  I used to be an Asics girl until they screwed things up with their new designs last year - Landreth changes were a total FAIL.  Then I got on the minimalist band wagon (although not as extreme as the Five Fingers - which until they make those cute I don't see myself wearing) and bought the Newtons seen above.  I like those shoes but what's stopping me from buying another pair are the following two reasons 1) we don't have a store that sells them and Road Runner Sports in Seattle isn't a knowledge base that I really trust (the guy I talked to about the Newtons had NO CLUE!) and 2) they are so much more expensive!  So that's what has landed me with the Brooks Defyance.  I have to say I'm not super attached so we'll see what I come home with today.  Oh...and in case you were worried I'm NOT wearing the new shoes in the race tomorrow.

Hope you all are keeping your feet happy - I'm pretty sure they're the most important part of your body when it comes to running and multisport.