If there’s one thing I can always talk about, it’s running shoes!
My number 1 is, and will always be the Brooks PureFlow 2. I don’t even want to think about how much money I’ve spent trying to find a replacement since they got discontinued. I’ve gone through 5 pairs of the PF2, and even though the “newest” ones have right around 700 miles on them now, I STILL grab for them as my first choice. Because of that though, I will (usually) put them back and go with something else.
My other favorites can (and often do!) change depending on the workout (speed, easy, hills, distance), or on how my feet feel on that particular day. As of right this very moment here’s my top 5:
I thought these were going to be the new “go-to” shoe, but they are just a tad too narrow. Not from side to side or front to back, but from top to bottom (does that even make sense?). Instep maybe? They were good for half marathon distance, but at around 17 miles I got blisters on the tops of my toes and I haven’t worn them since. I’m still putting them in my top 5 though :)
I lucked into these shoes! The owner at my LRS knew I was desperately searching for PF2s, so when he found a pair of the originals he put them aside for me. The day I got them (Tuesday) I ran my 2nd fastest 5k ever (27:01) and they felt perfect! Since then the right shoe has been bothering me a little like it’s a tad too narrow. I think I just need to adjust the laces to get them “just right.” I’m reserving a final opinion until after a few more wears, but they are definitely in the top 5!
Another great pair of shoes that are good for half marathon distance. I don’t think I’ve tried to wear these for any longer distances because they are just a little too loose. But again, I’m going to try re-lacing to see if I can get a better fit. These should actually be good for longer distances because they have a bit more cushioning in the forefoot area.
If you’re wanting to know how a certain shoe fits, or if you’re looking for a shoe recommendation I can probably help you out – Lol! But keep in mind that certain shoes are made for certain foot types. I have really high arches, run on my forefoot, and only mildly pronate. And I prefer light-weight, but not the “barefoot” feel with my shoes. For these reasons I wear “performance neutral” shoes. I probably wouldn’t be of much help to someone who heel strikes and is looking for an ultra-cushiony stability shoe. But I’d be happy to try!
How many pairs of running shoes do you have?
(Today’s post was inspired by my friend Judy, and is linked to the “Friday Five” by Cynthia from You Signed Up for What?, Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, and Mar from Mar on the Run.)
(m)EAT LESS, RUN MORE! 
You finally joined a link up! Go Laura!
I guess I”” not quite as picky about my shoes, but I still own a lot. Non-runners don’t get it. :)
They really don’t! ;)
I’ve gone through many, many, many shoes as well. I still don’t have a #1 go-to shoe. I don’t have as many as you sitting around, though. I donated the ones that didn’t work out. I also noticed when I tried on the NB Zante that the foot volume was a little too small (I have a thick foot…from top to bottom).
Ah good! I mean not that they didn’t work out, but that you knew what I meant! ;) That’s considered the instep isn’t it?
Yes, I think so.
I don’t have that many shoes lying around, but it’s close. It seems like we have similar shoe tastes. Currently in my rotation: PureFlow 2, Newton Distance U and Skechers GoRun 3.
The GoRun 3 is my absolute favorite though. I see you have it in your pictures. What do you think? I’m not a fan of the GoRun 4, so I’ve been buying up every pair in my size still out on the internet :)
I liked the GoRun 2 better than the 3. The 3 fit very loose and “squishy.” I never even bothered getting them in a different (better) size. How do you like the Distance U? That was my 1st pair of Newtons and I loved them! Once you hit certain mileage on Newtons though, they are done. I guess because of the lugs. And they’re way too expensive to have to replace every 2 months :(
I’m still getting used to the Distance U, but I like them so far. I got them from 6pm.com for $45. Can’t beat that! What distance do you find the Newtons done at?
Wait! $45?! I can’t even process that price for those shoes! I think mine were $150. Granted, that was 4 or so years ago. Newtons should give you a good 350 – 400 miles. Maybe more if you don’t run too hard on them. Check the lug wear around 300 miles to be safe…
Wow you have a lot of shoes. I can feel your pain since your faves aren’t available anymore. I have the same situation. I loved the adidas Boston 3s and Boston 4s. Not made anymore. I was able to find them for a while on line but not anymore. Now I’m kinda a shoe ho. Keep going through different shoes searching for THE ONE.
It seems there are quite a few of us in the same boat :( I have a pair of Adidas Boston 3s that I’ve only worn a couple times (less than 10 miles on them). I’m pretty sure they’re a size 7. I can take a pic and show you tomorrow if you’re interested?
Size 8….thanks anyway.
Ah well… sorry!
Wow you have alot of running shoes. I bought pure flows once and they did not fit me well. The toe box was very narrow and gave me blisters. Everyone is different and you just have to find what works for you. Looks like you found it.
The PureFlow 2s are the only ones that have a wider toe box – another reason I miss them soooo much!
wow. and i thought i had a lot of running shoes. that is impressive!!
What a fantastic article! I’m so glad you posted this, because I don’t own a single pair of running shoes right now and have been trying to decide what to get. Laura, I’m not quite a long distance runner like you are, but your review of your top five and the different advantages of each has definitely helped push me in the right direction! Thank you!
You’re welcome :)
Hi Laura,
I’m a runner too, and I love shoes like you.
I’m fan of Newton, Distance and Gravity, I have 7 pairs in total.
I just moved to Barcelona, and here I can’t find a Newton store at good price.
I would like to try another brand, I tried New balance 870 and Adidas Adizero Adios, but neither of these shoes fit as Newton.
I like Newton because
– Low drop
– Lightweight
– Forefoot strike
– Plenty of cushion
– Nice colours
Could you please give me any recommendation about brands and models that are in line with Newtons?
I tried Brooks Prue Connect 2 once , and I really liked, but I only did an internal short run in a store!!
do you think Brooks PureFlow matchs Newton?
Thanks
Best regards
Hi Carlos. The PureFlow 2 is (was) my all-time favorite shoe. I haven’t liked any of the updates since then, and haven’t found another “perfect” shoe yet. I do like the Newton Distance IV and the Fate, and run in both of them quite often. The PureConnects are good shoes, but not as wide in the forefoot as the PureFlow. I haven’t tried to go further than a half marathon in them yet.
I’d recommend New Balance Vazee Pace, and maybe try Saucony Kinvara 5. Hope that helps, and thanks for stopping by!!