If I had even a modicum of intelligence, I would’ve made this site focused on running shoe reviews. Despite the crowded market, in theory, over time I would produce stellar written reviews, gain a dedicated following, and receive a never-ending supply of free shoes to test out. It would sure help my bank account.
But I’ve never prided myself on having great business sense. I put more stock into being sensitive, having the awareness of others’ needs and emotions. It is with that spirit that I run this blog: I’m invested in satisfying the diverse needs of runners of all experiences and backgrounds. While running shoe reviews will always be high in demand, my supply will be low. Perhaps I should’ve taken an economics course in college.
“If I had even a modicum of intelligence, I would’ve made this site focused on running shoe reviews.”
YouTube and chill
If I have ten minutes to spare, I’m watching a YouTube running shoe review. I’ve been known to consume a plethora of both written and video running shoe reviews from Kofuzi, Believe in the Run, Road Trail Run, and Doctors of Running, to name a few. YouTube has become my favorite streaming platform and running shoe videos are my favorite “shows.” I’m intrigued by all shoe reviews — it doesn’t matter if I go into the video knowing I have absolutely no interest in purchasing the shoe. I even check out trail shoe reviews despite no desire to own a pair of shoes with lugs. The pavement is where you’ll usually find my size 15 feet.
To each their own shoe
There’s just something so exciting about a review of a new running shoe that gets me daydreaming about the possibilities presented by the pair. And I love tracking the evolution of running shoes, including the latest foams and midsole compositions, incorporation of plates, upper structure, outsole rubbers, you name it. Except for pull tabs, I have no use for those silly loops. It’s impressive how far the industry has come in just the past few years alone.
While there are shoes that receive a majority of favorable or unfavorable opinions, different shoes work for different people. It’s about finding what works for your gait, your body mechanics, and your wallet. And it’s all relative. I’ve found that my preferences for shoes change depending on where I am in my running journey. That includes the heel-to-toe drop, stack height, weight, softness, ground feel, and yes, price.
Is the shoe worth the squeeze?
As the cost of running shoes continues to skyrocket, it’s hard not to consider the extent to which the price affects the decision to buy a pair. Obviously, it’s highly dependent on the individual, but, the more miles I rack up, the more I’m willing to splurge on a carbon plated racer or tempo shoe to add to my overstuffed shoe rack.
However, when it comes to daily trainers, I don’t need the fanciest pair to do everyday miles. The increasingly common $160 price point is the highest I’ll go; my apologies to the ASICS SUPERBLAST, New Balance SC Trainer, On Cloudmonster, and Tracksmith Eliot Runner, to name a few. Honestly, I don’t even have the option to buy those shoes (and many more). They’re not produced in my size 15. Maybe those companies should be the ones apologizing to me! While it can be frustrating to have limited shoe choices, I’m aware it helps me save money on my running shoe addiction.
The reviews are in
So, despite my love of and fascination with shoe reviews, I don’t feel compelled to do many. I started this blog with the goal of going deeper into running, exploring what makes us runners tick…and ticked off. I’ll never pretend to be an “expert” on running shoes, or anything, for that matter. And who am I to review a shoe? I’m just an average runner who is way too picky about what I put on my feet. I return shoes if I don’t like how the colorway looks on the run!
“Who am I to review a shoe? I return a pair if I don’t like how the colorway looks while I’m running!”
Two thumbs up
Shoe reviewers often get flak for “toeing the shoe company line” and not being critical enough of certain shoes for fear of souring a relationship with a brand. Well, you can start sending your hate mail (I’m not that sensitive), because I’m letting you know my reviews will be all praise on the pairs I can’t run without. Because why waste my readers’ time writing about a shoe that won’t motivate them to get off the couch or out of bed? Hmm, maybe I do have some business sense after all.
Did you hear that, running shoe companies? You can start sending those complimentary pairs over for my review whenever you’d like. When that day comes, just as in the spirit of everything else on this site, you can bet the reviews will be like no other.
