Confession: I have been running in the same shoes for a year now. Any running expert will tell you shoes need to be retired anywhere around 500miles of usage (I’m looking at you dad..shoes from the 1990’s!.) Oops..I think I exceeded that. I can’t help it..I’m as frugal as they come! I finally..FINALLY went last week to buy some new shoes, but it didn’t go so smoothly..
I had no specific shoe in mind, I just wanted a new pair. I have to admit I was partial to Brooks for a few reasons. Number one being I reverted back to my high school days of being a brand snob, and Brooks are just “cool.” They also make vegan shoes..double cool. Oh and my boyfriend runs in Brooks, and so does Scott Jurek..triple cool. I’m telling you now..what an awful way to base your shoe choice. You can possibly guess by now I ended up buying a pair of Brooks.
Brooks Ghost 5..what a GORGEOUS shoe.
Gorgeous as this shoe may be, after a 4mile test run something wasn’t right. Just my luck that with a prettier running shoe would come problems. Any shoe I’ve ever worn that was “pretty” (heels, fancy flats, studded flippy floppys) ended up causing PAIN! NO PRETTY SHOES! So despite Brooks awesome reputation, pretty shoes, and catchy slogan..I had to take these vegan shoes back.
I decided to buy another pair of my old shoes, but no one had them in store so I had to wait a WEEK and order them online. I ate a lot of cookies to pass the time and drown my sorrows.
I also had to put 11more miles on my old shoes, which really ended up hurting my knees. My left knee still hurts. Ugh..never waiting a year again! I did have a good run with my running partner despite the knee pain, and the views were awesome too..but nothing is worth hurting your body!
1896 Olympia Brewery. I need a beer to sooth my funky knees!
I am now coming to the falling action of this story. Yesterday I received my new shoes. There is something magical about seeing the UPS or FEDEX truck outside your door. Oh so magical.
Aesthetically these shoes are awful. Absolutely AWFUL. They look like they were colored by a 5yr old, funny that they have similar colors to the Brooks. Physically..these shoes were like running on CLOUDS! I AM SO HAPPY with these shoes! I took them out for a run IMMEDIATELY and could have cried I was so happy. It was such a good run I even found some chachachaangge.
That’s a whopping $0.11 cents, and I sure did STOP running to pick those coins up!! I can’t get to Disneyland without money people!
The moral of this long story is: STICK with what you know!! The tread difference on the bottom of these two shoes was embarrassingly pathetic. I was LONG overdue for a new pair, and I am stoked to have my beloved Asics. I am now partial to Asics because they WORK FOR ME, this is how you should choose a running shoe! Maybe one day I will run in some Brooks, but until this shoe is discontinued I will stick with what I know!
Q: What do you run in and whyyy!?
Blissfulbritt 
68 thoughts on “Stick With What You Know”
natalie @ will jog for food
I’ve had Mizuno Wave Niravanas for the past couple years and love them! It’s the only show I’ve had that didn’t make my legs sore 🙂
Alex @ therunwithin
Mizunos baby are what i go for, hands down. but I do know people love them brooks. however you were way overdue. I am frugal to the max but my one splurge is running shoes every 3-4 months. I need them!
The Savvy Sister
I had the same experience. I didn’t know what good shoes were until I was fitted properly. then my old one’s were out the door.
I love to run in a little skort I got from Athleta I feel so fuckin feminine, ya know?
Brittany
I love it! I see those skorts all over the place and they are so damn cute.
Kelsey Drake
I ran in Brooks for years and loved them! Last year I became a minimalist convert and now run in Merrell’s (which you don’t have to replace until tread is gone…I have been happily rocking the same pair since July). There is a Portland, OR company called Skora that makes BEAUTIFUL minimalist shoes, and I’m going to spring for a pair after the Eugene Marathon as a little treat to myself. Have you ever thought about running in a minimalist shoe?
Brittany
Funny you ask because when I FIRST started running a couple years ago, I solely ran in Vibram Five Fingers. I LOVE them, and I still rock them on occasion, but only for distances around 5miles and under. They work WONDERFULLY for trail running or running in grass, but for the road I def prefer a little bit of support. Seriously my knees suck and I have a heavy stride. If I could focus on changing my gait a bit I would run mileeess in my Vibrams!
I’ll have to check out Skora next time I am in Portland! Hopefully that’s soon because I am obsessed with that city!
betunada
i acquired some skoras and like the runner said: they’re minimalist, fine for no-hassle running, probably not good for “scrambles” (off-piste between back-country up-hill non-trail) but fine for everything else.
EverdayLivingPNW
Fancy shoes…nice and bright.
I run in Asics too when on cement. When I am trail running thought I go for vibrums.
foods for the soul
I used to run in Asics, but I switched to Saucony a few years ago after visiting this really cool running store called Road Runner Sports (I just checked, they have one in Seattle too!). Basically, you walk in, they ask you to step on this special mat to map out the contours of your feet, and they film you you running for a minute on a treadmill too. That helps them fit the PERFECT shoe to your feet! Plus you can run in your shoes and still return them without any penalty if you get a blister 10, 20, 75 miles later.
I’d definitely recommend checking out their store the next time you’re in the market for new running shoes!
Brittany
HA! Guess where I ordered my shoes from..ROAD RUNNER SPORTS!! However I didn’t use their fancy treadmill..I would totally be down to check that out next time I need some shoes! Sounds like a great company. Thanks for the suggestion!
foods for the soul
Wow that’s hilarious!! Guess I put in my two cents a little too late… But it’s a fun little field trip to go visit their store! (Plus, rumor has it that Seattle has some fantastic vegan food and Whole Foods cupcakes, right? ;])
HollieisFueledByLOLZ
I am somewhat the same way. Every time I have attempted to change shoes I’ve gotten injured. Is it from the shoes? No probably not. But has gotten to the point I run in Newtons. I run 1000 miles (yes really) in Newtons before switching shoes.
Alisha's Appetite
ahhh I am totally guilty of waiting too long to buy new shoes, too! I just got shin splints from waiting last time. Lesson learned! I always go for the pretty looking too shoes. Functionality, what?
Khushboo Thadani
Ah I could’ve written this post….where running shoes are concerned, I’m all about the “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” motto! And funny enough, that means buying the same pair of Asics running shoes every single year (I’m currently on pair number 3)! They might not be pretty but my feet thank me for sticking with ’em!
moderngirlnutrition
Those shoes are too cute!
Her Happy Balance
I love how you said you reverted to your high school days of brand snobbery, totally been there! Isn’t it funny that we used to buy stuff just because a certain company/person made it? I’m currently looking for new running shoes too. I tried on a pair of Asics and I loved them too. I’m one of those weirdos who has to try a bunch of different shoes before I settle on one though so I didn’t pick them up yet. We’ll see what I end up with. Happy Friday!
Britta
Woohoo! FINALLY some new shoes for you!! I am alllllll about sticking with what you know. Why change a good thing 😉 They aren’t so bad?! I actually really like them I think! Every time I look at my shoes I think about drinking a margarita because they are minty/limey green – not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing? Totally feel ya on the knee pain, hopefully it lets up now that you have the new beauties! HAPPY RUNNING!
spectacuLAUR
I love brooks but you’re definitely right with finding a shoe that fits YOU. I tried running in so many different brands and a lot of them didn’t work for me, ESPECIALLY Nikes. I lost 3 toe nails. I refuse to buy any EVER again. I feel ya on the knee pains 😉 I’m sure you’ll be okay though lol
Choc Chip Uru
I am so lazy in buying sneakers (but not high heels) 😛
Your new shoes look sooo pretty!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
dorseyml
I run in Newtons! Because they are light weight. They have a 2mm- 3mm heel to toe drop. They mimic my barefoot running stride.
Rebecca@Running.Food.Baby.
I run in New Balance 860’s as they have lots of stability but are still kind of lightweight. Tried on about 10 pairs of shoes to find the one I liked…
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
You found lucky pennies! Definitely a sign that it’s meant to be. And does the fact that I really don’t think they look all that bad mean that I have bad taste? Nevermind that 😛
Back when I did more running, I was fitted with a pair of Brooks that I did NOT end up enjoying at all. They jacked up my knees big time, so that was the end of that. Now I do my walking in Nike Frees (which I love), but if I ever do decide to give running another chance, I’d like to try out some Asics.
Brittany
OK so the shoes aren’t THAT bad visually, but the Brooks were way prettier haha. So no..you do not have bad taste. I have seen far worse so I can’t complain. In all honesty the aesthetics don’t matter!
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen
I like the new kicks! And are you dunking oreos in coffee? Sounds like an interesting combo!
Brittany
YES that is indeed coffee that my Oreo is about to be dunked into. You must try it, in fact I will dunk just about any cookie in my (black) coffee!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
I love Asics as well! And you are so right – if the shoes are pretty, don’t plan to last too long wearing them. It’s true.
Rebecca @ Blueberry Smiles
the shoes are so cute! love the colors
TorontoRunner
New shoooooooooooes – always so damn exciting!
I actually REALLY love the colour of your new ones!
I’m a big asics fan. I’m now mainly wearing nike’s – the colour most DEFINITELY attracted me to them..but, it turns out,they are suuuper comfy as well, thank goodness!
gillian
I’m a Brooks Addiction fan. It was my “old faithful” in high school. I’ve strayed to other brands here and there, but my Brooks have never caused an injury.
cdanie11e
What is the non-vegan part on regular running shoes? And are ALL brooks models Vegan? That’d be sweet! – since my last four pairs have been Brooks Adrenaline which I absolutely love, love LOVE for my bad knees! So, much stability!
I hadn’t heard of the “Ghost” model, but judging by the name I’m thinking maybe there’s less stability since it sounds like a lighter/neutral shoe? I may eventually switch to something else that is similar but a tad cheaper, but for now, believe me, I’m taking your advice and sticking with what I know! The Adrenaline model has not failed me yet! 😉
Brittany
Check this little blurb out from their website..
http://talk.brooksrunning.com/2008/10/14/vegan-shoes-oryes-our-running-shoes-are-vegan-too/
SO YES your shoes are vegan! Leather is a huge part of a lot of shoes! I’ve also read that some of the glues manufactures use are made from gelatin, which is from animal bones, hooves, and skin (gross.)
The Ghost is a neutral shoe, but so are my Asics. My foot felt like it was falling into the sides too much!! Stick with those Adrenalin’s, I’m jealous your shoe is vegan, I should see if Asics are too haha. I hope that doesn’t make me a bad vegan! =o
kaityscooking
i am the worst with buying new shoes too! i just hate breaking shoes in so that’s why i think i stick to oldies lol i have adias climacool, i dont no why but they have been my favorites for awhile now ! hahahha i thought i was the only one who would stop to pick up change thats so funny!
pickyrunner
I used to wear asics (actually, if those are the GT 2100 series, that’s what I used to wear) until this past year, and I switched to mizuno wave inspires. They’re pretty AND they feel amazing on my feet. But everybody is different. I get fitted at a running store every couple years for a new pair. It’s worth the hefty price tag because then you can just buy old models of the same ones online later.
Jade
I want to switch from my asics to something “cooler” but am worried they just won’t be right. And if the only reason is the way they look…I don’t know if that’s good enough!
Brittany
I will never worry about “cool” shoes again. It’s all about function babY! Stick with the Asics if they work!! They are a great running shoe!
mel
I have such a difficult time trying to buy new shiny shoes!! I always default back to buying the same ones I already have 😦 They are not new and shiny but they work 🙂
jessielovestorun
It’s like were twins.. I always were asics, then tried brooks and had the WORST experience, and automatically had to go back & switch back to asics within a week.
cleaneatingveggiegirl
I am loving the new shoes. They are super pretty :).
Also, how cool is it that Oreos are vegan? I never knew that until recently!
Brittany
Right!?!!? I discovered this a LONGGG time ago!! They are my go to for a naughty treat!! My boyfriend just destroys them haha.
P
I don’t know how many miles I’ve put into my current running shoes…but I will keep track once it is time for a new pair!
Tessa@AmazingAsset
Asics are my JAM, so I am happy with the shoes you got! Although I am with ya on those colors… But like you said, they are comfortable and right for you and that is the most important thing for sure! I tried Mizunos once because many people swear by them, shown on the comments here too, but nope, they just did not work for me! And too bad too because they were PRETTY. We are twins on this one here 🙂
Brittany
Whoop whoop!! Asics twins. I love em.. never will I stray again.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Those views are amazing. What a great way to run. Having nice shoes and no knee pain ain’t too shabby either. I am not a runner. However, my father is and he goes through three to four pairs of running sneakers a year. Thankfully, my sister-in-law works for Nike. As a result, we get all Nike gear (including sneakers) at very discounted prices. My dad has definitely been a lucky recipient of this discount, and I always know what to get him for Christmas and birthdays every year.
Melissa @ Mouthwatering Morsel
I think the “awful” shoes colored by the “5 yr old” looks lovely. glad you got new shoes!! 🙂 🙂
Sarah
I have to be honest, I’ve never had luck with Brook’s. They look awesome, and have a killer rep but something just doesn’t sit with them and my feet/stride! Asics however, huge 2100 series fan. Dang girl a year in the same pair, I feel for your knees! So happy to see that you finally got newbies to break in and that your feeling happy with 🙂 “Stick with what you know” is a great motto because true true our gut is typically correct. These day’s I’ve been running in the aforementioned Asics or Nike free runs (mega fan.)
kellsm
I have some Brook’s shoes with serious support for my flat feet and awful legs. I get shin splints so easily, I tried the barefoot/minimalist type shoes out but couldn’t run in them without shin pain 😦
Lou
I don’t even know what brand my running shoes are…. whoops. They are purple though!
Christina Does It All
Getting new shoes is always such a magical/terrifying experience. I kept my last pair until the holes were so big that my toes were practically falling out. Finally went shopping and just happened to find the same brand and a similar pair for thirty dollars. Thank goodness!
Love your new running shoes! Heck, I even like the way they look.
Christina Does It All
new running shoes* that is
Rach @ This Italian Family
At least they aren’t ugly shoes! They are cute in their own way. And if it’s like running on clouds then I vote it is amazing! 🙂
petit4chocolatier
Brittany, I love this post! So true, I had a pair for years and finally had to depart from running with them for new running shoes. I did keep them to wear outside while doing lawn work. Yours look really good. But you are right, it isn’t the look, it is the feel. Running on clouds is so much better 🙂
lindsaybscheele
I switch between brooks and new balance. My brooks look so much cooler then my new balances, but I love running in both!
Megan
New shoes are the best!! I bought Mizunos for the name last year and they were okay but not perfect for me. I am currently rocking Nikes and now own 2 pairs of the same shoe… I bought the 2nd because the first pair wasn’t and bright and clean as before, smart I know. I’ve never tried on Brooks before, I have heard good things though!
nicolemariestory
Girlfriend, I am an aesthetic SNOB, and I shall 100% affirm that your second set of shoes, the acquaintances, those which you know an love, are SO MUCH prettier than your first pair. The first pair is for lesbians who want to get muddy. You are a pretty girl who wants to RUN (and lesbians can be pretty, too… but NOT in that first pair!!!). And run you shall! I love that you bought new shoes, and please do remember to buy a new pair, in the next 500 miles or so… which makes me wonder… how in the hell does Gwendolyn do it, with her same jane paws? At least 10 miles daily x 365 = you can do the mathematics. Amazing! 😀
Life's a Bowl
I loveee Brooks too! But for some reason I’ve always thought of them as the old lady sneaker- probs because they were my first “stability” shoe- I trained in them for my first marathon. Sure, I’ve had a few other brands in between but none of them fit me as well as my old lady sneakers. Too bad they don’t come in any super fun colors [read: pink] 😛
myhighonlife
According to the shoe store where I go I have ‘clown feet’ which sadly means that all the pretty Mizunos are out of the question for me. Instead I’m in a mens, double wide, ugly as sin Brooks Adrenaline. But it is like running on a cloud–so I will sacrifice pretty shoes for running for injury-free running!
I wear outrageously colored and obnoxious shoes when I lift so that makes up for it 🙂
PS. The Brooks Ghost (3) was HORRIBLE for me. I ran through it stupidly and will never try the Ghost again.
di @ life of di.
Since I just became a runner within the last year, I had no idea how much truth there was to the notion of changing shoes every 500 miles or so. I figured it was just a gimmick to sell more shoes…until I bought new shoes. WOW! Couldn’t believe the difference. I can’t believe how long I ran in the same shoes. 🙂
seekingfitness
I run in Brooks! The Adrenaline. I have had the same experience trying to switch brands or even models. It just doesn’t work for me! Even new shoes of the same model make my legs ache until they are broken in. And I have also bought shoes at least partially based on their looks before…
travels with mary
I am so guilty of buying “brand” when I need to buy “comfy!” But I think your shoes are super cute!! I finally settled on some of the New Balance Minimus shoes– they didn’t have the shade of yellow-green I like so I had to go with hot pink, but they’re growing on me. (I love neon anything, I’m a marketer’s dream come true.)
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog– you mentioned running, shoes, and Disney all in one post so you’ve got a new follower in me! 😉
betunada
brit, yer kinda like me: i get lotsa miles and lotsa time from a pair of shoes. seriously, if every runner was like me, half the companies would be out of bizzyness. i’ve known “serious” runners who NEED a new pair every 300 miles. i do at least double, nay, triple that.
what kind? the infrequent occasions i venture to the sportingoodstore, if there’s a table with HALF PRICE, THAT is what i buy! provided it’s my size and it looks (and test drives) halfweigh decent.
i’ve had my “racing flats” (don’t even know what kind … asics?) for many, many years.
you did ask!
Luv What You Do
Brooks all the way!
I started running in them like 8 years ago and have always had good luck and limited injuries. I know own 3 pairs depending on when and where I am going (trail shoes for the snow and the Pure Cadence for speed workouts indoors). I love the bright colors but more than that I love the feel of them!
Pollen & Wax
I’m more of a hiker (well, walker) these days, but I bust out my Vibram Five Fingers! They’re amazing, and I’m convinced they fixed my back pain. Also…that mac n’ cheese…*drool*
Life After Swimming
Oh man I truthfully think those shoes are gorgeous! Pretty view! Hope the new shoes treat you well 🙂
The Healthy Flavor
I got brooks and love them, no problems! I love the colors blue and purple on your shoes! I don’t think the 2nd pair look that bad at all, lol! Glad you are enjoying your running regardless whether they are ugly or not 🙂
j
What do you do with your old ones?
Brittany
I still have them, I’ve been wearing them when I go hiking. However I do think it’s time to get rid of them. I will probably donate them, but part of me wants to just toss them because I don’t want anyone else to hurt their feet/knees/body from old worn shoes.
I’d love to find a place that takes old shoes for people who don’t have any shoes though.
j
Send me an email ill tell you about an org. Gpsrunner10@gmail.com, in the past have you just tossed them?
Brittany
No, I have donated my old shoes in the past.