What I like in a running shoe

I am not a gear nut. In fact, I am writing this post down so I can be reminded what I like in a shoe. No point looking at all and sundry, worse, buying something and later being reminded that I hate these features.

For starters, I am a mid-foot runner. The mid-foot of the midsoles will therefore have to be as soft as possible. Needs to be durable too but I find it hard to have great expectations because midsole technology is always focused on the heel. Until my biomechanics change, heel cushioning is not important to me at all.

The heel counter is important though. I need some form of structure to hold my ankle together. Some of the shoes (especially in the barefoot range) do away with heel counter structure totally so those are not for me. I feel like I’m wobbly without any meaning heel counter support.

The overall weight needs to be light too. I aim for 10oz and below. This brings my choices into the “performance” category, which means a compromise on the cushioning. Until I put on weight, I think a lower level of cushioning is fine.

From a feel standpoint, I somehow need to feel the ground when I am running. This probably means the soles must not be too thick. I definitely do not want to feel as if I am wearing platform shoes. Many shoes have been rejected because I have had this feeling. The final bit that is important is that it must have overlays at the mid-foot region to tie down the upper to the sole. Not many shoes have this. Lastly, I am a neutral runner so I don’t need a stability post, but some stability for longer runs would not be a bad thing.

After putting everything in the wash, out pops the…Brooks racer ST4! What a beau, and durable too. I’ve had it for some 4 months now and absolutely love it. A few days back, out pop another from the wash. This one was the Lunarglide, something that I had rejected previously. It has some serious cushioning.

I am not a gear nut…maybe…