Are Running Shoes the New Designer Purses?

Are Running Shoes the New Designer Purses?
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There’s a new celebrity at race expos these days: the limited edition signature running shoe.

This year’s New York City Marathon will be remembered for its unprecedented and controversial cancelation. But at its expo – which did open on the Thursday and Friday before the race’s scheduled running date — Asics premiered not one but two race signature shoes, the limited edition GEL-Kayano® 19 NYC (“embellished with ING New York City Marathon® elements”) and the Limited Edition GT-2000™.

At the Nike Women’s Marathon in October, Nike premiered the NWM LunarGlide+ 4 NWM 2012 limited edition shoe. (I confess to immediately snagging a pair, thus far walked-in daily and with love.)

Pretty, and potentially profitable — Read more

Saucony, I am Cheating on You With Newton

Saucony, I am Cheating on You With Newton
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So today almost ended up being a two-a-days day, but because I am a smart, level-headed individual, I talked myself out of it.

Well, Newton guy did, anyway. A wise one, he was: convinced me that running three miles in the evening after I’ve run three at noon and am tapering for a Saturday race is not a good idea. Especially in brand new shoes that – unlike all shoes I’ve ever worn – emphasize a forefoot strike. (I am not at all sure if I said this right. As I said: Newton guy was very wise on the whole running thing.)

So who’s Newton guy? Doh, he works at Newton Running — a company that makes, as far as I understand, shoes that enhance proper running form. As in, forefoot strike (good) — heel strike (bad). For a much more credible primer on natural running, you may want to check out Natural Running: The Simple Path to Stronger, Healthier Running: a book by Danny Abshire, the founder of Newton Running. I know what’s next on my reading list!

Newton Running held a running clinic at my local Road Runner Sports store this evening, and guess who was the first person to show up. Actually, guess who was the only person to show up! Talk about VIP treatment!

I’ve been eyeing them Newtons for quite a while now, but mostly for the wrong reason: these things come in awesomely bright colors! Seriously, look at them. So fab.

I even tried a pair at the SJRnR expo, but they felt too tight and weird. Also, crowded, seeing how there were at least 17 other people trying shoes within a three-foot radius.

The crowds were no issue at all this time and Newton Guy and I went for a leisurely run outside: he wore one pink shoe, one green, I wore these, wishing they were pink or bright green. But color envy aside, I was surprised at how comfortable they felt! Read more