Equipment 411: Part Three - Your Kicks...

After the heart rate monitor's significance, it was a real challenge to come up with what other piece of gear - out of all the gear we have - that really makes a difference. I settled on sneakers for two main reasons:

• Running is the most physically-abusive of all three sports: Sure, cycling is tough on the bottom sometimes and chlorine isn't so great for your stylish hairdo, but no sane person could say that one hour running = one hour swimming = one hour cycling in terms of how much abuse your body is taking. Period.
  
• We wear sneakers even when we aren't running (X-training, weights, etc.): Again, I rarely ever see someone with their bike helment on in the gym or wearing their goggles on the bike (Although some rainy days I wonder...but I digress). Shoes transcend the single-sport focus.

And on top of both of these important points, we also don't want to look like a dork walking around in the wrong shoes! So what's a triathlete to do??? Here are some selection pointers:

1. Determine Your Training Needs: If you are training for a long-distance event (marathon or Ironman), you need a pretty durable shoe. You are looking for something that has a tough outer upper layer, some reflective stuff for those early/late runs and has the durable support you will need for all that running. As a bigger dude, I prefer Saucony as they last me the longest. If you are training for local 10k or a sprint tri, you can get away with a lighter shoe. Who needs to be lugging those extra four ounces around, right? :) Seriously though, you can find a much lighter shoe if you are willing to compromise on durability. I love Asics and would wear them all the time if I could afford switching them out every 4 weeks. If you are just chilling in the gym, almost any shoe will do. I am not a fan of Nike shoes, but I do think they win the style war. IF I ever bought a shoe to solely wear to the gym, this would be it.
   


2. Know Thine Feet: Next time you take those stinky socks off, that a gander at those ten little monsters down there. Do you have wide feet (need an accomodating toe box)? Do you have a high arch (you'll need quality support and maybe some motion control shoes)? Do you have unusually long toes (might need to bump up a 1/2 size)? Do you have a bumpy heel (might need a cushy heel cup)? If you can stand the input, have your shoe gal/guy take a look the next time you are in the store...some objective input may help them guide you to a better shoe! Here's an Active.com article with more...
   
   
3. Do The Research: Every year, there are at least three shoe reviews in magazines. The usually come out at the same time, so I like to check them all out. And when I have a second, I'll jump over to the local store to check them out in person. There is always new technology coming out (or at least a lot of hype), and it pays to be in the know as it could really help you out.
   
   
4. Go For A Spin (In The Gym): Whichever brand or type of shoe you settle on, your first priority must be to get to the gym and do a 30-45' run on a treadmill. Most places have a liberal return policy (for store credit) and you can learn a lot more in 30' (with some faster efforts) than you can prancing around the store in front of those tiny little foot mirrors (you prancers know who you are!). If you must run outside, stay on the street and wipe the shoes down after returning!
   
   
5. Buy Two Pairs: Finally, when you do settle on a style/brand/etc., buy two pairs! The dang shoe industry changes them up so often that it's hard to find the same shoe when you go back! (that's a rant for another day) Don't miss out on this opportunity...besides, once you have the shoes at your house, it's much easier to switch them out when you need to, as opposed to having to get to the store to buy another pair!

Next post....bike shorts! Stay tuned...