Right before Auckland went into level four lockdown, my physio recommended I get a new pair of running shoes. His (delightful) professional opinion was that my current ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 22 are the wrong size. Which hasn’t stopped me from putting 300 km on them without any major issues, and I still intend to retire them at the 500 km mark. But if I am advised to go shoe shopping by a professional then go shopping I shall. These are some of the footwears I’ve been contemplating lately:
$245 NZD
Heel drop: 7mm
Pros: The sustainability of these carbon-neutral shoes are by far the biggest appeal to these runners. Allbirds is also a certified B Corporation so you can run in the Dashers without the guilt of knowing your shoes are probably made by exploited labourers. Already an owner of two pairs of the Women’s Wool Loungers and one pair of the Women’s Wool Pipers, I’m also inclined to trust that these will be comfortable. The sole seems quite wide which is another plus for me.
Cons: It’s a “light stability” shoe and I am a mildly anxious human when it comes to ankle support. I also found that the wool loungers did stretch and lose a bit of shape over several months, so not sure how the Tree Dashers will hold up (they are a constructed from different material though). My early adopter friend who has a pair says they have been fine.
$340 NZD
Heel drop: 8mm
Pros: I’ve never tried a shoe with a carbon plate, but the thought of trying one out is becoming irresistible. The wider toe area also sounds great. This shoe has generally received glowing reviews online and seems to be helping runners worldwide reach new PBs.
Cons: As a rehabilitating runner, I don’t need to prioritise speed right now. So as appealing as the added zoom factor of improved propulsion is, the gain might not be worth the higher price-point. Some reviews have also commented on poor fit around the heel.
$289.95 NZD
Heel drop: 5mm
Pros: Great stability with their J-Frame™ technology makes this a sensible option as a daily trainer (as far as I know, I’m not a totally neutral runner). Grippy treads are a protective factor in wet weather. This seems like the kind of shoe that would get my mother’s vote.
Cons: Aesthetically, the ARAHI 5 looks chunky, despite the smooth ride the shoe is said to offer. And by nature of it being a stability shoe, it won’t have the bounce factor that I was hoping to get in my next shoe.
$240 NZD
Heel drop: 5 mm
Pros: Superlight midsole with Flytefoam technology, and speed-oriented. Apparently a standout in its versatility (good for both shorter and longer distances) and springy. I’m hoping for a shoe with a bit more bounciness than the GEL-NIMBUS-22, and this shoe looks really promising.
Cons: I’m not averse to colour (some of my favourite dresses are from Gorman), but the design currently available on the NZ ASICS site looks like someone has vomited rainbows onto the shoe. This is also not a great rainyday shoe with suboptimal traction noted by other reviewers online (but let’s be honest I never run when it’s raining, anyway). The biggest con is that they’ve sold out in my size 😦
Running the Cloud 