The Shoe Matchmaker

Guys, the cat tumor is back and demands attention. 

Simultaneously writing and petting shall be my greatest challenge yet.

So about six weeks ago, I had a birthday—as many people do each year. And to my “surprise” (I say it like that because it is incredibly difficult to actually, fully, catch me unawares), I was thrown a really nice party complete with galactic bowling and some pretty great people. Here are some wicked awesome Polaroid pics of our debauchery (NOTE: I was told I was going to a fancy dinner, hence the totally bowling-appropriate outfit):

The grand reveal of sneaky snakes.

Mad skills, regardless of attire.

Who doesn't love cake?!?!

One of my gifts from this whole affair was an I-O-U custom shoe fitting for a new pair of running kicks! Since starting to run, I was noticing that my feet were really sore by the end of the 30 minute plans. I had bet that my shoes were the main culprit, and had been whining talking about getting new ones ever since.  Ergo, behold a new mathematical equation: whining about sore feet+birthday+attentive boyfriend who is tired of massaging your nasty self after workouts=new running shoes. Try it. It works. Like magic. 

A couple of weeks later, we went to a running-specific store. I was partnered up with a very nervous guy who was still in his orientation/training phase of employment…turns out shoe fitting would be a first for both of us…though his boss would be shadowing and throwing in commentary and suggestions as needed. Away we went on a crazy adventure to find the perfect pair of kicks for me.

I had brought in the shoes I was using to run, which the bossman looked at for wear patterns and design. He laughed, and told me, “Don’t run in these.” While they were perfect shoes for the CrossFit style workouts I do, apparently they were both too heavy and unsupportive for the wear and tear your body experiences when running. Noted.  Next, my feet were measured for length and joint placement, poked at a little, and I had to do a lot of walking to observe what my feet, ankles, knees, and hips did when moving freely. It was weird to feel so on display—I felt like I was being graded, and almost asked the guy-in-training to hold up a number rating as to my performance and speak like a Russian figure skating judge. I didn’t though, because he was all sweaty and having difficulty forming full sentences (I like to pretend that was because of my extreme good looks and winning personality, though it was probably because his boss was hovering just behind him the whole time silently giving HIM numerical ratings).

Now, most of you are probably used to walking into a shoe store, picking something you think looks pretty and/or badass, trying it on, and if it felt as good as it looked, you’d purchase. Well, running shoe stores handle that a little differently. Logically, they value fit over style, so even though you might see a pair on the wall that you totally love (and of course, I did), they may not be the best shoe for your body.

All this is to say that after my foot interview was over, my nervous shoe guru and his boss went into the store room to bring out a few selections that they felt would best partner with my lower body physiology. They brought out two different boxes, and I started feeling like a giddy child on Christmas morning, wondering if Santa got you the cool Super Soaker you asked for. I also had an extreme urge to yell “WHAT’S IN THE BOXXXXX?!!!!” But I acted like the mature adult that I’m not, and kept my cool.

Boxes were opened, laces were tied, and I found myself out in the parking lot test driving the first pick—the kickass Asics I was drooling/fantasizing of when checking out their wall of options. I did a quick loop around the lot to test for fit, and was immediately surprised by how light they were compared to my current pairs of gym shoes. Also, I could feel wind in between my toes as I ran! I didn’t even know that was an option with shoes! My shoe gurus watched me as I ran to see if I was pronating/supinating or sliding around in the shoe. All good there. I gave them my feedback about how they felt, and we went inside to try on pair #2—some awesome grey/yellow Nikes.

Those were a no-go. I could feel pressure on four different points of my feet, and when test driving in the parking lot, my feet felt clunky and heavy. The staff brought out one more pair of Asics with a ton of cushioning to give a try. I didn’t like the way those felt while running either. The cushioning was so absorptive that I felt like I was squishing something when my feet landed. Nixed.

Alas, a happy ending! The shoes that felt the best also happened to look the best, too! And here they are….

Awww yeah!

Super Fly.

Overall, I’d have to say the experience was awesome. The staff were very knowledgeable and really listened to my feedback and heard my needs. It was also nice not to be overwhelmed with choice. They narrowed my options down for me based on what they knew about my feet and their products. And they made a perfect match!

These shoes and I have been in a relationship now for three weeks, and it’s going swimmingly. I think they might be the one(s). They continue to be light, airy, and supportive, and my feet have not hurt once since (the knees, however, are a story for another day)! If you’re breaking into running, or already do run and have never had a custom fitting, I highly recommend it. It’s so important to learn about your specific foot physiology and the different brands available to you that best meet your individual needs. As I’m learning as I continue my running plan, the right shoe makes all the difference in your speed, endurance, and overall performance when logging the miles. Plus, who doesn’t love something that makes you feel like lacing up and working it out?

Happy Friday, peoples!