New runners, new runners, yay yay yay!

Got new runners today! I think it's time to retire my tatty 10-year-old (at least) Nikes. I bought them in Hong Kong in like 1998 or something, which makes them closer to being 12 years old. They're probably not even real Nikes - they were so cheap that I'm thinking they're probably knockoffs from China.

I know of specialist running shops that get you to run on a treadmill while they video your feet and see how they work, whether you pronate or supinate, and how much cushioning and support you need. I wasn't sure if places like Rebel Sport or Athlete's Foot do this, so I had them on my list to check out, together with Active Feet in Prahran. Then my workmate recommended I check out Shoe Logic at the Melbourne City Baths. So off I went after work.

Shoe Logic offers the above-mentioned service for free if you buy shoes from them, otherwise it costs $20. Which is fair enough for such a specialised service. There was only one guy working the shop, so I had to wait around for a bit while he served another customer, but that okay - I killed time reading Runner's World, which is a pretty awesome magazine full of training and nutrition tips, exercises and race advice.

So this is how it works. First, I had to run barefoot on a treadmill, while being video-ed. Then the video was analysed, and a few potentially suitable shoes were selected. My feet tend to roll in a little when I run, so I needed shoes that will support my arches and my inner foot.

Tried on the Brooks Ravenna first, which felt great (think anything would've felt great after those old runners!) but the foot was a bit too narrow. And my feet were still rolling in a little on the video - as in my running line was still not ideal. Then I tried on a couple of Asics Kayana Gels, which provided much better support, but they cut into my ankle when I did them up firmly, due to the what the guy said was the front profile of the shoe, which was cut higher than your regular running shoe.

Now for the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11. Had a run on the treadmill and it was the best of the lot. My feet were supported, and they were comfy. Also, I'm glad I ended up waiting around and reading Runner's World, because the mag did a review on running shoes and the store was offering 10% off shoes featured in the article that they carried. And mine were in there :)

So here they are, my new babies!

These are going to make me go faster.

Can't wait to go for a run in them!


Shoe Logic
Cnr Swanston and Franklin Streets (at Melbourne City Baths)
Melbourne
t: +61 3 9662 3555