The switch from Nike running shoes to Saucony
The elegant swoop, the "Just Do It" motto and Michael Jordan as a poster boy - the marketing of Nike can suck you in. And, for sum, it's worth it.
In fact, a friend of mine swears by her pair.
But in June, I threw out my old Nike running shoes that had too many miles on them and took a much needed step up in the world of running tennis shoes.
Meet my feet's new best friend: Saucony's Kinvara 5 ultra lightweight running shoe. Or, as I like to refer to them as, Heaven.
It's like running on air.
I bought them for a steal of about $80, if memory serves me correctly, at Berkeley Running Company. Retail value is $100.
If you're not familiar with Berkeley Running Company, 2852 University Ave., Madison, and are a runner in Wisconsin, you should acquaint yourself.
The staff is great. They fit you with the proper shoe, pull possibilities from the full-price wall and sale tables.
After the young gentleman who watched me walk around the store to get a gauge on my form and foot placement, he sat me down and pulled about 15 pairs of shoes.
Putting one shoe on the left foot, another on the right, we compared and twindled down the options to the Saucony and a pair of Brooks.
I walked around the store for about 10 minutes making the decision. I was torn between each brands colorful design and weight. Ultimately, the Saucony shoe won because of its weight and the fact that the back of the shoe hit the back of my ankle just right.
My Nike shoes always gave me blisters and made my feet hurt like hell after about five to seven miles. It could be because I didn't replace them when I should have. However, based off the conversation with my salesman, runners and online forums, Nike running shoes are not meant for people who run daily and run long distances.
It's hard for me to imagine a pair of shoes that make me want to run more, but these do it. Plus, they're just so pretty to look at. Am I right?
Five best things about Saucony's Kinvara 5:
1. The weight. These shoes weigh 6.7 ounces. I'm unsure how much my former shoes weighed, but these feel at least half the weight.
2. The ankle fit. The plushness of the ankle and collar make these shoes well cushioned.
3. The sole. The ankle and collar aren't the only thing with more padding. The sole has just the right amount of cushion and makes it feel as if you're running on air.
4. Flexibility. These shoes are very flexible and are as in sync with your foot as your socks. This shoes mirrors what your foot does.
5. The color. The bright blue and green were initially a turn off. I never pictured myself jump on board the bright colored running shoe trend, but after walking around the store in these comfy shoes, I was in love.
A bonus: The bright colors are another way to stand out if you're out at night running.
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