running shoes

Does your closet look like mine? I keep my running shoes and clothes together for easy access. My socks, gloves, arm sleeves, hats, etc. are kept elsewhere. In the three milk crates I have cool weather long sleeve shirts and pants in one, shorts and running skirts in another, and tank tops and short sleeved running shirts in the last crate. I currently have 5 pairs of shoes in rotation and another 2 (new) pairs still in their boxes. It feels a little out of control when all my shoes are more or less the same shoe. I don't have Vibrams, racing flats, one of the new "flex" shoes to mimic natural running, etc. What about you? Are you running in a regular running shoe or one of these other alternatives? And does your closet look like mine? Or is it more clean and organized??

So, I've Got a Question

I am a creature of habit. Especially about certain things in my life.

I do believe that my running shoes fit into that "certain things" category. I like what I like. I'm used to what I'm used to.

When I got to being serious about the running, I went to my local Fleet Feet store and got myself fitted for the right shoe for me. And I kept going back for this wonderful shoe because it worked for me. It worked well.

Fast forward a couple of years when the beloved shoe company (who shall remain nameless*) changed the design of my beloved shoe and the upgrade of said shoe is not the same at all and my beloved shoe is no more.

Here's my dilema and my question: I returned to Fleet Feet with my issues and we got me set up with a new brand of shoe. I'm having a hard time getting used to my new shoes, but this morning's run went MUCH better than a few weeks ago. I was told that getting used to one kind of shoe is not the best idea. Of course, I found this out about a month ago. Have any of you had the same issue? Does everyone vary the brand/model of shoe?

It just so happens that I found a pair of the 'old' style of shoe that I loved on the internet (Bless you, Amazon) and I bought it. I've been alternating between the two pairs of shoes. But oh my stars, I love the 'old' school shoes...my feet love them even more.

I'm frustrated...and just want to love the shoes equally. Am I hoping for a miracle?

*Starts with an "A"

Buying the Right Shoes

After my triathlon this last weekend (which overall went well--it was super hilly!), I realized I really need a new pair of shoes. I have never thought much about the shoes I run in, I usually just buy the ones that look the cutest! But I have really realized the importance of the right shoe. During the run on my triathlon both feet were numb almost the whole time. Usually, my left foot goes a little numb when I run on a normal basis and I just ignore it always thinking it was just me being out of shape or something. During my run in the race, when both feet were numb and I really wanted to just quit, it hit me; it's not me, it's my shoes! So I did some research and found this great site which helped me figure out the kind of runner I am. And that then helped me figure out the kind of shoes I needed to buy. I did my first run in them tonight and what a difference, my foot did not go numb! 

I've heard of specialty stores that watch you run and then customize your shoe for you. Anyone heard of this and/or tried it out?