New Shoes for Kari

For the first time ever in my running career, I went to get my running gait checked and get fitted for running shoes. I went to RunAway Shoes in Green Bay with my mom before leaving for Arizona. I worked with an awesome sales person who really knew his stuff, which reminded me a lot of going for a bra fitting at Victoria's Secret. Since I am a retired bra specialist, this one-on-one service meant a lot to me.

I ended up getting two different pairs of shoes -- one for distance running and one for Crossfit. Before this purchase, I was wearing Nike Free Run +3. I really liked them, but I had run them past their prime and was beginning to get shin splints. I found out at my consultation that since I over pronate, I need a stability shoe. I didn't like hearing that, as I really love my minimalist shoes. The solution? Brooks Cadence - they are nice and light but give me tight support around my arch and ankle. It is a completely different feeling than any other running shoe I have had before. I have not run in them yet but I am planning on doing a treadmill run tomorrow morning. I would love to take them out on the pavement but since there is still ice on the ground I don't want to risk it. 

The second pair I got for teaching aerobics and doing Crossfit. It is a minimalist shoe created by New Balance. THEY ARE AWESOME. I don't know if you can be in love with a shoe but I am. I have no shame. New Balance Minimus 10V2 - they are low to the ground and give a nice amount of cushion with still having the feeling of being barefoot. I can not wait to wear these to my first Crossfit session. 

If you are in the market for new shoes, I would highly recommend going to a running store and getting fit according to your running style and gait. It was definitely worth the time and the money. I am so pleased with both of my purchases. 

(Note: I am not a high heel or designer shoe person, so most of my shoe money goes to high quality running shoes or Birkenstocks.)