Get The Right Running Shoe Fit

You don’t need me to tell you that the single greatest source of frustration for runners is the constant change and turnover of running shoes. Just when you find a shoe which works perfectly for you, you go to your favorite running store and find out it’s been discontinued and replaced with a new and improved model.

Sometimes the new model is an improvement and sometimes it isn’t. Even worse, sometimes the new model doesn’t fit the same as its predecessor and you end up starting your search all over again for the perfect shoe. Or trying to find as many pairs of the old style to buy as you can before it disappears forever.

So what can you do to sustain a longer relationship with a particular model?

After you have found that perfect shoe, found out from your running store manager how long the shoe has been out on the market and how much longer it will be available. If it’s a brand-new shoe, it will probably be available for at least a year. If the shoe’s been out for nine months or more, it’s bound to be replaced pretty soon. If that’s the case and you steadfastly refuse to change, buy several pairs to ensure a ready supply.

Sometimes the updated model works just fine. Brands like Nike and Adidas usually redesign the upper every six months and use the exact same midsole and outsole design. Unless the new upper pattern is radically different (which happens), you should be satisfied with the update. Brands like Asics, Brooks and New Balance usually maintain the same upper and midsole/outsole for at least a year and even then, only make minor tweaks. Unfortunately, sometimes the tweaks change the fit.

Your complaints about constant line turnover are finally being addressed by some of the manufacturers. Nike has been particularly guilty of too-rapid line turnover. Nike, and some of the other companies, have pledged to make less changes and when changes are made, less dramatic changes in existing models which is good news.

But inevitably each and every running shoe will be phased out and replaced. Even the venerable Nike Air Pegasus – the best selling running shoe of all time – was finally being replaced by the Air Arma (for men) and Air Imara (for women) which were virtually the same as the Pegasus.

What should you do? As I already mentioned, you could lay in a supply of your favorite model before it disappears. Or you can gradually introduce a new model to your shoe rotation before the old one is discontinued. That way you give your body a chance to adapt to the new model by allowing your feet to mold to the shoe and to get used to the differences before switching entirely.

Another hint: try another brand. Often, the other brands have a model which is comparable (maybe even better) to your favorite soon-to-be discontinued shoe.

When your favorite shoe is replaced and you need another pair, bring your worn-out pair to the store with you. You may have more confidence in your new purchase if you know that it’s only a color change and that the midsole and outsole is the same.

I completely understand how important your running shoes are to you. The shoe companies aren’t going to stop changing them, but if you pay attention to the lifecycle of the shoe and other comparable models from other brands you can get this though this trying period. The only thing you can count on is change.