Celebrating New Running Shoes!

Ahhhh the key to my heart: new running shoes! I know it’s been a week(ish) since I last posted, but it was a crazy busy week! On the plus side, that week brought me one of life’s greatest joys, as mentioned above, brand spankin’ new running shoes! New running shoes are just simply the best. I love the smell of new shoes. I love getting a “new look” to update my running style. I love feeling the extra bouncy cushion and support when putting my feet in my new shoes. Can you tell how much I just love getting new running shoes?!

Love my newest running shoes!

Almost all runners know the jubilation of new running kicks, and I am no different! I tend to wear a pair of shoes much longer than I should, which definitely falls under my “bad running habits” category. I don’t know why I do this. Sure, I do get attached to my current pair of running shoes. I mean these bad boys go through it all with me: the joy of a great run, the sucky awfulness of a not-so-fun-run, long runs and everything from crappy to mediocre to great races. My running shoes literally go the distance. They endure my sweaty feet (sexy!). They sometimes suffer from being splashed with my not always but quite often “post-race puke.” They usually end up with battle scars from the obvious overuse and of course grass and mud stains. What with living in West Virginia where so many gorgeous trails exist you didn’t think I’d just confine my shoes to paved streets did you?! A good, loved pair of shoes wouldn’t be complete without the addition of some good ole’ fashion dirt décor! (The only running shoes I exclude from this rule of mine are my beautiful Run Disney New Balance Cinderella shoes! They are just too gorgeous for mud!)

Even my attachment toward a pair of running shoes still doesn’t explain why I always seem to wait too long to purchase new shoes. For every new pair I get there is the short discomfort of “breaking them in,” so that could be a reason. I also always order my shoes online so maybe my laziness to actually take the five minutes to order them is another contributing factor. I mean go for a 60 minute run? No problem! Sit down for five minutes to order shoes? Oh no that apparently takes up far too much time! Once I finally breakdown and order my new shoes, I’m always excited! Having a super narrow foot, I never change brands or style. I am totally team New Balance specifically because they have the 2A narrow width option. Prior to wearing New Balance, I’d always have to tie my shoes absurdly tight and wear heal grips. That’s how narrow my silly feet are. It was a game changer when I went to a specialty running store and discovered New Balance and their narrow sizing options. If you are a runner or are wanting to try running and have never been to a specialty running store, take the time to find one and GO! General name brand sports stores may carry a selection of running shoes, but the staff typically does not specialize in running. Specific running stores can help you, like they helped me, find the right shoe for you and believe me it will make a HUGE difference in your running! The reason why I tend to purchase my shoes online now is that I currently live a little over an hour away from the closest specialty running store. Thankfully, I know what works for me shoe-wise and am able to order the right pair online. I do, however, make sure to support these local stores whenever I can. If you are a runner and live close to a specialty store I encourage you to support it!

My BEAUTIFUL Cinderella
Run Disney Shoes!

Before I purchase my new running kicks I do obsess over what color options I want. The one bad thing about the 2A width New Balance style I wear is that sometimes the super cool colors only come in sizes for all you “normal” foot width runners. Talk about a first world problem! But alas, life moves on and new shoes are better than old, worn out ones. Financially speaking, money really isn’t an option when it comes to running shoes. As a woman, I enjoy all shoes, but while I adore the lovely Carrie Bradshaw from Sex and the City, I feel sick if I spend more than a certain amount of money on regular dress/casual shoes. I will sadly never own a coveted pair of Jimmy Choos or Manolo Blahniks. For me it’s all about the cute, cheap knock-off versions. However, when it comes to my running shoes, I don’t think twice about spending well over a hundred dollars per pair. I consider running as an investment to my fitness so having the proper footwear no matter the cost is money well spent if you ask me! Aside from race fees running as a whole is a relatively inexpensive sport, so if my main investment is in a great fitting pair of shoes I don’t mind to drop the extra cash.

Mine and the husband's new running shoes!

What are your favorite running shoes? Are you loyal to a certain brand or do you like to change it up? Do you get excited for new running shoes? Are you like me and spend way more for running shoes than your “every day” shoes?

I have more exciting things planned for Random Ramblings of a Running Princess, including a “weekly post,” which hopefully I can launch this week. If not, assume I’m out running instead and here’s a virtual high five for patience!

(All thoughts in this post are my own. I received no compensation from New Balance for this post.)