Are you like me and always want to try new running shoes? I have been running long enough to know that some shoes will not work for me so I don't even bother trying them but some brands always intrigue me and I just want to try them out. I have a bit of a running shoe problem really.
Anyway, I thought I would talk briefly about 3 shoes I am currently really loving. I like to rotate my shoes around instead of always running in the same pair so I am always running in 2-3 pairs. This also gives me an excuse to have several extras!!
Recently I was a product tester for Hoka One One (No, I did not get paid but I did get to keep the shoes!) The shoe I tested has become my absolute favorite shoe right now. They are not actually out for purchase so I am not allowed to show close up shots of them yet.
The 3 shoes I am loving for running right now are:
1. Hoka One One Evo Tracer (not out yet)
2. Brooks Levitate
3. Hoka One One Clifton 4
Hoka Evo Tracer: This is a new shoe from Hoka that has not been released yet but I was given permission to speak about them to you. As I said earlier I cannot put close up pictures yet but I did get one of me in them. These are a lower profile than Hoka's usual and have less cushion as well. They are meant mostly for speed work and tempo runs but I have done all of my runs in them for the past 180 miles and I LOVE them!!! They feel just right for me. The forefoot has a lot of give so it doesn't rub anywhere which is nice for me because most running shoes rub my 5th metatarsal head a little. I also like the bright yellow color even though I would be happy if they made them in a pink because I am a pink girl!! Anyway, watch for these shoes if you need a little bit of cushion, a near zero drop and a roomy toe box. Pardon the dog rear end in the picture!
Hoka Clifton 4: The Hoka Clifton 4 has gotten some bad reviews from what I hear but I really like them. I wore the original Clifton which I adored, the Clifton 2 which I still run in from time to time, the Clifton 3 which I do not run in because I did not like it. The Clifton 3 strangely felt like it had way too much cushion even for a Hoka. I just couldn't do it. I do use them for walking though. The Clifton 4 does not have as much cushion as the previous models and has less of a heel so if you were used to that then that might be why you wouldn't like it but me personally, I really like it and have run several races in it.
Brooks Levitate: I have not had much time in the Brooks Levitate but so far I am really liking it. This is what Brooks has to say about this shoe:
DNA AMP was created, in partnership with chemistry giant BASF, to be the perfect blend of our legendary cushion and incredible energy return. Using a polyurethane foam, wrapped in a TPU skin, it captures the energy created by each foot strike and gives it no place to go but up - straight back to you.
Now, I don't know about all of that, but I do know that it is very comfy and felt great on the few runs I have done in it. I did a 12.5 mile run last weekend in it and it felt great. So, we will see how this one goes but so far I am giving it a big thumbs up for a new addition to my collection.
I hope you are having a great Valentine's Day! Just thought I would share a little running shoe love!!
What is your favorite running shoe? Why?
Happy Running, Happy Reading, Happy Valentine's!!