• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • about
  • Pug Partners
  • contact/pr
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Runs With Pugs

ok, the pugs don't run, but we do

  • race reports
  • Travel
  • Recipes
  • Link Ups
  • instagram Landing Page

The Latest

january runfessions: staying in focus

race report: resolution run 5k {1.14.23}

we are off to a strong start

You are here: Home / partnership / review / give a girl the right shoes….

give a girl the right shoes….

March 15, 2019      8 Comments

I think all runners can agree: finding the right shoes is a critical aspect of the sport.

We can also probably agree that it’s heartbreaking when shoe brands make changes to beloved models, creating shapes and feels our feet don’t recognize and our gaits reject the unfamiliar feel.

Since I’ve been running, I’ve gone through several brands and styles of running shoes. I started in Mizuno Wave Inspires, needing the stability and preferring the firmness they offered, and finally worked up the nerve to branch out.

In addition to the Inspires, I’ve worn Mizuno Catalysts, Saucony Guides, Adidas Structures, Brooks Adrenalines and Brooks Bedlams. All stability. All a little different.

I’ve learned that I prefer the lower drop of the Guides, as well as the bounce of the Adidas Boost and Saucony Everrun materials. I like wider toe boxes and light, flexible material. I wear a half size up in some models and a full size in others. It’s all very personal and unique to me.

I can tell you that I grab the Guide ISOs when I feel great and the Adrenaline GTS 18s when I know the going will be tough. The Bedlams, which I really wanted to love, only come out for runs under five miles. I’ve shied away from the last few iterations of the Inspire because as other models got lighter and less clunky, they didn’t seem to evolve as much. They’re not out of consideration yet.

My trusty Guides ran their last race at Best Damn Race Orlando a few weeks ago. That particular model is no longer in rotation, nor is the Adrenaline GTS 18. I read reviews of both updates, and decided I would see if I could try on both pairs at the upcoming Gate River Run Expo. I didn’t have a lot of time to make it our local running store and I didn’t want to order online without getting a feel for what I might be purchasing.

The Brooks rep didn’t have my size in the Adrenaline 19s, so I tried a half size smaller at his suggestion. I definitely need the 10.5, but other than the the shoe felt ok. Not quite as nice as the 18s, but not awful. The rep mentioned that this was a slightly softer shoe than its predecessor and that disappointed me. Cushion is not something I want more of.

He asked me if I had tried the Ravenna – a stability shoe with a more responsive ride. In all my years of running, the Ravenna seemed like the shoe I SHOULD like, but they never quite fit me correctly. But my socks were on and I was there and I tried.

And I loved them. LOVED. Them. Obviously, switching to a completely new shoe model is a little intimidating, but, as I said to the rep “What’s the worst that can happen?” especially since I wasn’t planning to wear them for the Gate. We agreed that, really, the worst that could happen was I ran in them, hated them and needed to take them back.

So I bought them. With a 20% discount.

On Tuesday, I took them out for a 6.5 mile run, and they were wonderful.

Straight out of the box, they fit beautifully. The size 10 gave me plenty of room in the toe box, even with the inevitable swelling after the miles.

And, oh, how light they felt! They are about .7oz lighter than my Adrenalines, and it makes quite a bit of difference. I loved the springiness, the pop, the bounce.

They checked all my boxes.

I want another pair, immediately, if not sooner.

I will say that the colors leave a little something to be desired – I am into brighter and more fun colorways – but I’m hopeful the midseason release of this model will yield some improvements there.

And just like that, I’ve got myself a brand new favorite pair. Remember, if your feet are happy, and your body feels good, you’re in the right shoes.

Do you stick to the shoes you know or do you mix it up?

What’s your perfect shoe?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Darlene says

    March 15, 2019 at 10:38 pm

    I thought it was Nike Vomeros but now I am excited to try the Ravennas next week.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 17, 2019 at 12:25 am

      The Nike Vomero is a great shoe. Of all the Nikes, it’s probably my favorite.

      Reply
  2. Deborah Brooks says

    March 16, 2019 at 1:22 am

    Right now I am loving the cushioning of the brooks glycerin! I used to wear stability shoes and now I am in neutrals. Funny how new shoes can make such a difference
    Deborah Brooks recently posted…How To Painlessly Add More Vegetables To Your DietMy Profile

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 18, 2019 at 11:17 pm

      I wish the Glycerins worked for me. They are such a gorgeous shoe.

      Reply
  3. Kimberly Hatting says

    March 16, 2019 at 9:11 pm

    I have been sticking with the Adrenalines for the past 3-ish years, but I did rotate in a pair of the Wave Inspires (spring/summer 2017) and those felt much like the earlier ones I’d loved (before they tweaked them in very recent years). I like my Ravennas, but they fit me a little “long,” so if I’d ever get another pair of them, I’d go down a 1/2 size (I got them online late 2016). We gotta keep our feet happy 😉

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 18, 2019 at 11:16 pm

      The Adrenalines always fit me “short” so the Ravennas are very true to size for me. Hopefully that stays the case!

      Absolutely need happy feet!

      Reply
  4. Stacie Seidman says

    March 18, 2019 at 3:41 pm

    I need to head to a good shoe store for some new running sneakers. I bought my last pair over a year ago (fret not, I haven’t done a ton of miles on them) and it’s time. I was LOVING the Mizuno Wave Sayonara for a long time, but the more recent models were too narrow in the toe box. So I had switched to Asics Gel DS trainers. They worked great for me, but I’d like to see what else is out there, and/or try on the latest model before committing. I’ll add these Brooks to the try on list though, as I have similar likes as you for my sneakers.

    Reply
    • runswithpugs says

      March 18, 2019 at 11:14 pm

      Asics are the one shoe that don’t usually work for me. They are just a little too narrow across the top for me, although the newer GT2000s have been somewhat better. It’s funny how different shoes work (or don’t work) for different people.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

well, hello there…

bio
Welcome to Runs With Pugs. My name is Jenn and this is the story of my love affair with running and finding myself through fitness. From C25K to marathon, from triathlon to SUP, from broken leg to the recovery journey... I'm sharing it all. I'm a wife and mother of one, living in NE Florida, in love with travel, adventure, and food. Oh. We have pugs and a hedgehog, too. Thank you for joining us! We're glad to have you along for the ride!
Follow on Bloglovin


Save 25% on your ROADiD order here

Pinterest

find what you’re looking for

recently

  • january runfessions: staying in focus
  • race report: resolution run 5k {1.14.23}
  • we are off to a strong start
  • 5 things that motivate me to run
  • how to set running goals worth sticking to

Facebook Likes

archives

Footer

disclaimer

I am not a doctor or medical professional, nor do I play one on the internet. This blog reflects my personal experiences on my own fitness and running journey, and the processes that work for me. Before you begin any exercise regiment, please consult your physician.
In flight? You know it! I’m adjusting my schedu In flight? You know it!

I’m adjusting my schedule a little bit. Right now, I just can’t get up as early as I would like, but that’s ok. Things can be shuffled and rearranged.

Additionally, I rescued a big dog this morning with another neighbor. I heard galloping behind me as I was heading home and was almost tackled by a huge doodle-type. Between us, we were able to call the microchip service and get his address and she went to notify the owner. He wasn’t a good walker and he even knocked me down (very slowly and dramatically) while I held him and waited. He is home safe and sound and I’m wondering how many people carry leashes with them on the run just in case this happens. This is my second rescue in a few weeks. It’s becoming a thing.

Any plans this weekend? Any dog rescues while running?
Couldn’t be easier to get out the door! Drop a Couldn’t be easier to get out the door!

Drop a 🫶🏻 if you have experienced this!

#Running #pugs #pugproblems #pugsofinstagram  #cutepugsonly #puglovers #RunChat #Training #FitMom #RunnerMom #FitnessBlogger #RunnersOfInstagram #RunningBlogger #SRTT #FitAfter40 #WomensRunningCommunity #RunningCommunity #GoalDigger #HoneyStingerHive #TeamRoadID #GoodrFlamboyance #ShareTheSpark #SkirtSports #MomentumJewelry #LeagueOfgarmin #BeatYesterday #RunHappy #RunJax
“Keep good company, read good books, love good t “Keep good company, read good books, love good things, and cultivate soul and body as faithfully as you can.”— Louisa May Alcott

Today’s cultivation brought to you by some windy miles. I started a little later than i wanted, but tomorrow’s another day.

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Hi. It’s me. It’s been a few days, but I’m g Hi. It’s me. It’s been a few days, but I’m glad to be back. Running is on the back burner for the moment, but I’m still getting some fresh air and walking miles, and that is keeping me grounded. 

 “Remember, rainbows have never been attracted to cloudless days. They only follow the storms.”― Richelle E. Goodrich

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Yesterday was a long and emotional day. I did walk Yesterday was a long and emotional day. I did walk but I didn’t post. I’m still just mentally drained, but I got up today and tried to make a strong start of it.

It was a challenge but I got it done.

Anyone else just forging ahead as needed? We’ve got this!

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
Sassy conversation heart ❤️ earrings that say Sassy conversation heart ❤️ earrings that say “TACOS”? Be still, my heart!

$12 each.

RED / WHITE / HOT PINK / BLUSH

TACOS / CAKE / BE WINE / XOXO / LOVE / KISS ME / BE MINE 

#ragecraft #craftersgonnacraft #polymerclay #clayearrings #conversationhearts #valentinesday #galentinesday #polymerclayearrings #small #womanownedbusiness
It makes me happy! How about you? #Running #in It makes me happy! How about you?

#Running 

 #injuryRecovery #RunChat #Training #FitMom #RunnerMom #FitnessBlogger #RunnersOfInstagram #RunningBlogger #SRTT #FitAfter40 #WomensRunningCommunity #RunningCommunity #GoalDigger #HoneyStingerHive #TeamRoadID #GoodrFlamboyance #ShareTheSpark #SkirtSports #MomentumJewelry #BalegaImpi #LeagueOfgarmin #BeatYesterday #RunHappy #BDRAmbassador #RunJax
Before the day gets away from me, can we give it u Before the day gets away from me, can we give it up for #MedalMonday? 

Here’s to the first medal of the year! And here’s to so many more!

Did you race this weekend?

#Running
Baby, it’s cold 🥶 outside! Peep that frost! Baby, it’s cold 🥶 outside!

Peep that frost!

Solid five miles this morning. I just started the strength training plan I won from @kimrunsthemitten so I was a little sore but I think the frosty air was good for my muscles. 

It’s promising to be a pretty day so fingers crossed for more outdoors time!

How are you honoring this day?

#Running #streakingwiththecoolkids
It’s a beautiful weekend for the #staugfilmfest! It’s a beautiful weekend for the #staugfilmfest! We saw @tiger24film, presented by @staugalligatorfarm at the Lewis Auditorium, and it was truly an incredible and thought provoking documentary on the tenuous balance between wild animals in their natural habitat, humans, and the consequences that occur when the two come together. 

There is still plenty of time to check out screenings at three locations this afternoon and evening! Visit https://www.staugfilmfest.com for ticket details!

#firstcoastfavorites #locallove #staugalligatorfarm #filmfestival #thingstodostaugustine #totallystaugustine #stamom #staugfilmfestival #lewisauditorium #ancientcity #oldcitystaugustine #flaglercollege #filmfest #independentfilm

Copyright © 2023 · Wordpress Theme by Hello Yay!