We asked our Ironman Podiatrist, Will Duncan, what running shoes he chooses and why. We thought it might be interesting to know the things to consider in finding the right shoe. This was his response:
The Running Shoes I Use Day To Day
By Will Duncan
There’s a vast range of running shoes on the market that cater to a wide range of people. This is great, as people that find it difficult to find a comfortable shoe now have more options. However, it can be a daunting experience when you don’t know what you like in running footwear. There are shoes that are lightweight, shoes that are heavy, shoes that have lots of spring and shoes that don’t, shoes with knit uppers, shoes with mesh uppers… the list goes on.
In this blog I’ll run through the shoes I own and run in. I have different shoes for different purposes. However, this is just my personal opinion and preferences in shoes. What I may like in a shoe, others may not like.
If you are finding it difficult to find a running shoe or have had trouble in the past, you can always book an appointment with one of the Podiatrists at Posture Podiatry. Our Podiatrists will assess your gait and foot type to come up with specific shoe options that will be most suitable for you.
The only thing that is the always the same about all of these shoes is that my orthotics go in each and every one. I would not be able to run the distances I do, or have done without them. They have helped me prevent shin splints, Achilles tendonitis and foot cramps. My feet pronate, or roll in, a significant amount. As such, I need my orthotics to help with rebalancing the load which further helps to reduce overloading through the muscles supporting my feet and legs when I run.
Without further ado, here are the shoes I always use:
New Balance 1080 v11 Running Shoes
The New Balance 1080 v11 is my go to running shoe for long runs. Those runs where you just roll the legs over and don’t push too fast or too hard. This is also the shoe I ran my IronMan in last year. I love this shoe because it’s ultra comfortable, doesn’t feel like you have to work hard and is cushioned but also has some spring to it. For a long run, it doesn’t feel like you have to work hard in these shoes.
The New Balance 1080 v11 is a great all round shoe. The midsole is packed with Fresh Foam X, which is a lightweight foam that provides the cushioning on heel strike but will bounce back – providing that spring or bouncy feeling. It is also a durable midsole and with +100kms run in these shoes, they haven’t felt different from when I first stepped out of the shop in them. The heel counter is supportive and wraps around your heel without causing any rubbing or irritation. My heel does not move in the shoe and it doesn’t feel like there’s anything behind your heel. The slight forefoot rocker allows for a propulsion with minimal energy exerted. This is great for those long runs as even when you’re starting to tire, the shoes will still help you propel into the next stride. The upper on the shoe is very breathable, keeping those feet nice and dry the whole time you’re running. Even in extreme heat, you don’t feel your feet sweating.
I absolutely love this shoe and will definitely be upgrading when my v11s finally need updating.
If you’d like more personalised information about running shoes, training advice or anything else related to running, book an appointment with Will, Tess or Tom or contact us at Posture Podiatry.
Mizuno Wave Rider 24 Running Shoes
The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 is the shoe I run in when I’m not doing long runs or easy runs. I use this shoe for tempo work, fartlek training and intervals. As much as I love the New Balance 1080s, I find them too bulky for faster efforts and I want to preserve the life of them.
The Mizuno Wave Rider 24 is more responsive, but less cushioned than the 1080s. The wave plate disperses shock upon foot strike, providing both cushioning and stability. The midsole is a combination of U4ic, Mizuno’s midsole compound, and Enerzy. The U4ic provides the cushioning and is also very lightweight, whilst the Enerzy provides the high energy return. This combination works to provide a cushioned ride whilst feeling super responsive. For faster paces, this shoe works better for me as it is lighter and more responsive, but still has that cushioned feeling.
The upper on the Wave Rider 24 is also super breathable and at these fast paces your feet will sweat, but they won’t be noticeable until you take your shoes and socks off.
I have long been a fan of Mizuno and each time I try a new shoe, they never fail to deliver.
If you’d like more personalised information about running shoes, training advice or anything else related to running, book an appointment with Will, Tess or Tom or contact us at Posture Podiatry.
Saucony Peregrine 11 Trail Running Shoes
Over the past year I have been getting into trail running. I enjoy feeling like I’m away from the hustle and bustle and I enjoy the different terrain that trail running offers and the views are an added bonus. Although uphill running can be brutal, I love the reward of being able to run back down. Adelaide is a great place to live to trail run. There are many fantastic trails that aren’t far from the city, especially if you live in the East. Just traveling an hour or less, you have access to some amazing trails such as: Kuitpo forest, Cleland and Mt Lofty trails, Onkaparinga Valley, Belair National Park, the foothills… the list goes on.
The Saucony Peregrine 11 is my current trail shoe. Being a trail shoe, it needs to provide support on alternating terrain whilst still being durable. This makes this shoe the heaviest of the lot, but it doesn’t feel heavy on your feet. It is 312g, so not that much more than your average running shoe. There is a moderate amount of cushioning with the Peregrine, you’re able to feel the surface you’re running on whilst also having a softer landing. I wouldn’t want the shoe to be any more cushioned, but that’s my personal preference. The grip on the shoes is awesome. You can run through wet patches and gravel without worrying about slipping or losing grip. For a trail shoe, there is a surprising amount of responsiveness with the Peregrine. There is a good amount of energy return, which helps when climbing.
The Peregrine also manages to provide some protection from puddles and splashes without being waterproof. Running through a stream will leave your socks wet, but a small puddle will keep your feet dry.
These are all the shoes I run in, I do however also own a pair of Brooks Glycerins which I walk in. As a runner, I don’t want to wear out my good running shoes when walking. The Brooks Glycerin is a great cushioned shoe that is very stable and supportive. Many people run in this shoe and I have as well, but I prefer the other shoes mentioned above for their purposes.
Once again, this is just my personal opinion and preference. If you need help with finding the right shoe for you, we are always here to help and can steer you in the right direction.
So there you have it!.. Will Duncan’s running shoe choices. If you’d like more personalised information about running shoes, training advice or anything else related to running, book an appointment with Will, Tess or Tom or contact us at Posture Podiatry.
