These Shoes Were Made for Running

You guys! Yesterday, I laced up my new sneakers (Asics Cumulus) and went for a run. ALL THE EXCITEMENT IS HERE.

New shoes, new socks and a sexy new running partner.

New shoes, new socks and a sexy new running partner.

My last run was the Nike DC half in April, after which my foot ached something awful, and swelled to the size of, well, a foot much bigger than mine.

April was a long, long time ago. It’s been a moody four months around my house, if we’re being completely honest.

I’ve been doing some conditioning, as my doctor recommended, as well as other forms of cardio when I’ve had time (which wasn’t often), but yesterday, I decided that it was time.

The best part? I ran PAIN FREE.

Wheeeeee!

My doctor recommended that I ease back into running by doing intervals. Specifically, 10 minutes of walking, 10 running, 10 walking. I’m supposed to do that every other day for 10 days, at which point I can try 10 minutes of running, 10 walking, 10 running. And so on, until I’m running comfortably for 30 minutes. After that, I can slowly increase my mileage.

Day one. So far, so good.

SO HAPPY TO BE BACK.

Pop some nuun into your glass and celebrate with me. Cheers! What’s making you happy on this beautiful Monday?

Tales Of The Boot: Yes, I’m Still Wearing It.

At this point, you are probably as tired of hearing me complain about this darn thing as I am of writing about it.

Yesterday, I had an appointment with my podiatrist and I packed an extra sneaker in my bag and left it in the car at the last minute. I didn’t want to appear overeager, and I also didn’t care to lug the boot back to may car. Turns out, I did not need the sneaker. Le sigh.

The good news? I’m cleared for swimming, cycling and gentle yoga. My gym has a cycle/yoga combo class, so I’m excited to try that. Once I learn how to cycle, anyway. Yay, exercise! It’s not running, but it’s something. After sitting around and doing bicep curls for four weeks, I’m desperate for cardio.

The bad news? I have to ease out of wearing the boot. Last night, I was permitted to wear sneakers for an hour. A whole hour! Which made me happy and also annoyed that this is such a slow process. Tonight, I can try two hours. As long as I’m not experiencing pain or swelling, I can keep adding an hour a day.

Good news? Real shoes!

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Bad news? Sneakers. For a shoe lover, this is awful. My second thought after “Yay, exercise!” was something like, “Oh dear. If I want to wear a dress, I have to wear the boot, because a sneaker and a fabulous shoe will look completely ridiculous.” (As opposed to the boot and a fabulous shoe, which looks pitiful, but people understand, like “Look at that poor lady trying to look cute while wearing that clunky thing.”) I see my doctor in two weeks and even though I think my time in the boot is coming to an end, I have a feeling he will want me to wear sneakers forever. Makes me wish I’d splurged on the pink Minnie New Balance kicks at the Princess Half. (You can’t look at those without smiling, am I right?)

On the bright side, I can’t wait to be back in the gym. I’m looking forward to trying something new. And I’m happy to have some date nights planned (and childcare booked), for which I even need to fret about what I will wear. (Really though, since we are all friends here- can you just start pinning a bunch of dresses with sneakers so that people think that’s a thing? Pretty please with a gladiator sandal on top?)

Happy Wednesday! What do I need to know about spin class? What fabulous shoes are you wearing this summer? I just bought a pair of gold Birks, which I won’t be wearing, and I’m looking for a pair of leopard gladiator sandals. Tell my podiatrist they’re for a friend, mkay?

 

 

Going Natural

I’ve always been a natural kind of gal.  Growing up in Southern California, it’s been easy.  Shoes are an option.  Makeup just makes me late in the morning.  I prefer a wash and wear hairstyle.  I forget deodorant constantly.  It only makes sense that I would eventually gravitate to a natural running shoe.  As we all know, I’ve been enveloped in a harrowing search for the perfect running shoe.  I thought maybe I’d found bliss with New Balance but during the April Fool’s Half, I had the most extreme foot pain I’ve ever experienced.  I finally bit the bullet and bought these little numbers, the Newton Energy.

Purrrrty

It’s a gateway shoe. 

These particular shoes are designed as a transitional shoe.  They’re pretty comparable to my fashion sneakers, yet they’re more breathable and have these funky little raised platforms called “lugs”.  I had no idea these even existed in shoes.  In theory, these lugs facilitate an easier transition from heel strike to a mid-foot strike, which lessens injury and pain.  Which is good because I do not like pain. Well, I’ve spent my first week with my new trainers and I just want you all to know, you’re witnessing something magical happening here.

I took two circuit classes and did two short, 1-2 mile runs in my new sneaks.  I started with easy runs to build up my tolerance, so to speak.  I followed these instructions from the Newton Running site, http://www.newtonrunning.com/run-better-1/form.  The shoes fit my wide foot nicely.  I usually have very little lace leftover and my shoes still feel tight.  These are nice and roomy with plenty of lace to spare.  I can wiggle my toes and my foot doesn’t spill out over the base.

I had zero foot pain during my workouts.  ZERO.  However, the day after my run, I had muscle soreness in all these new places.  My shins, the inside of my knees, my obliques and love handles ached the next day.  The biggest shock was how light I felt during my run.  The lugs work as a landing platform and make kicking off super easy.  One of my runs was up Mt. Rubidoux, a steep mile long hill that I’ve never been able to run before.  I still couldn’t run all the way, but there were moments of jogging that seemed effortless.  Needless to say, I felt nothing short of euphoria.

I’m hesitant to proclaim my love and devotion quite yet, because it’s only been a week and I haven’t used these shoes for any long distances.  But I’m rapidly approaching the point of no return.  I’m already trying to decide my next pair.  Should I go for mileage?  Speed?  The options have been blown wide open!  Newton may have just changed my running life.

Do you run natural?  Have you been contemplating the switch?  Any advice?  Share in the comments! 

These Are a Few of My Favorite Shoes

I enjoy crafting and creating. One of my favorite things to volunteer for at my daughter’s preschool is decorating the classroom door. I typically choose to do something detailed. Something hand-drawn with a lot of writing and cutting. Something that forces me to use many curse words. It’s all worth it in the end though- my daughter is proud and happy, and I get a little flutter of smug mommy feelings when I drop her off at school each day. Last April, I made a Lorax-themed door.

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This year, I chose February. I knew I wanted to do another book; a popular book that the kids enjoyed, and I wanted it to tie in with Valentine’s Day.

Enter Pete the Cat. Pete loves his white shoes. They change colors but does Pete care? Goodness no! “It’s all good,” says Pete.

We’re big Pete fans in our house- those books and anything by Mo Willems are a must-read- and when I emailed my girl’s teacher to ask for some help, she was pretty excited about a Pete door.

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Like Pete, I’m also a fan of white shoes. Well, no. Not white shoes, per se. I don’t think I’ve owned any white shoes since my sorority days. But shoes? Yes. I love those. It may sound cliche (A girl who likes shoes? No way.) but my email is shoe-related and so is my voice mail message. My birthday and Christmas gifts are usually shoes. It’s all very Carrie Bradshaw.

Sharing is caring, my friends, and today, I’m going to share some of my favorite shoes with you.

First, my running shoes- the Nike Pegasus. I’m basically married to these shoes. I can’t tell you if they are low to the ground, or have a lot of padding, if they are snug or have lots of room. I have nothing to compare them to, because they’re the only shoes I’ve run in for the past four years. I love them. They come in so many beautiful colors (right now I’m sporting an ombre purple pair) and they just feel good to me.

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This next pair just makes me happy. Who doesn’t smile at Hello Kitty? As my girls and I like to say, “What will they put her cute face on next?”

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These shoes are stylish and functional. They’re rain flats! Florida is way too hot for Hunter boots- trust me, I have some and I’ve worn them twice. I keep these babies in the car during rainy season and I get so many compliments on them.

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Going back to Carrie Bradshaw- there’s an arc in one of the seasons where Carrie goes to write for Vogue. She visits the accessories closet, finds a pair of Manolo Blahnik Mary Janes, and exclaims, “I thought these were an urban shoe myth!” They’re not so elusive now, but they’re still amazing. So beautiful and surprisingly comfortable. I got these a few years ago for my birthday and I love fall and winter because I get to wear them.

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I’m a girly girl. I love sparkle. These were another birthday gift and they’re perfect for holiday parties or New Year’s Eve.

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I only wore gold for a long time, and then only silver and now that gold is back in style, I mix metals. My wedding set is white gold, so I have no choice if I want to be on trend. My watch is rose gold, my arm party of bangles is usually gold, my favorite ballet flats are silver and my favorite sandals are gold. So I just go with the mixing. I bought these last summer and I love their femininity.

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Josh and I visit NYC a few times a year. He goes to work, I go to see shows, visit museums and shop. One of my best friends lives there, so I try to persuade her to skip out on work and join me for some retail therapy. We both bought these two years ago and I just adore them. They have a little kitten heel, so they’re very comfortable, and I will never be over the polka dot trend. They make me smile.

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My next big shoe purchase will be a pair of red heels. My brother got engaged on Christmas Day and his fiancé wants her bridesmaids to wear red shoes. I’m already searching for the perfect pair.

What’s your favorite running shoe? Do you collect shoes? Share your faves with me!

My Feet are Trying to Kill Me

It’s that time of year.  In 2013, I logged a few Ragnars, a couple half-marathons, and some fun runs and my running sneakers have seen better days.  It’s widely known that I have a sick fascination with footwear.  I own  it all: boots, clogs, flats, Moccasins, Oxfords, Mary Janes, Espadrilles, and chunky heels. I have tap shoes and ballet shoes and boat shoes.  My Salt-Water Sandals, flip-flops, and Chucks come in every bright color, and my sock collection is even more impressive.  Knee socks and bobby socks and ankle socks and funky patterned socks.  My footwear is like a page out of a Dr. Seuss book.

But there is one type of footwear that I despise having to shop for.  And it’s all because of my stupid flat feet.

I’ve searched high and low for a running shoe that will not hurt my feet.  I’ve read articles and visited experts, all to no avail.  It’s always the same, it only takes minutes of running before my feet start to rebel.  It doesn’t help that I suffer from Air Jordanitis Syndrome.  It’s a side effect of growing up in the 90’s.  A tragedy really, it’s responsible for my compulsive tendency to believe that a new pair of shoes will actually increase my running speed and drastically improve my agility.  If I could only find THE pair of running shoes.  Similar to the holy grail or an easy diet, I’ve heard of their rumored existence, but I’ve yet to encounter them.

This is why I need your help, internet friends.  I don’t know which shoes to buy.  I have about 2 and a half months until my first big race of the season, plenty of time to break in a new pair of kicks.  Do I go minimalist or a trusted favorite?  Do I dare make the switch to a barefoot shoe? Do I just need to wear my inserts?  Show me the way, oh trusted internet!

I have narrowed my search to the following contenders.  All pictures have been borrowed from their respective links.

1. Saucony Omni 12

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I currently own these and they’re not bad.  They worked out okay and still look pretty decent after a year of abuse.  They’re not perfect, I still have foot pain and lately I’ve been having some shin pain.  It’s unknown if this is caused by my erratic fitness regime or my flat feet but if there’s the hope of that perfect shoe out there, I simply can’t just settle for decent, right?

2. Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13

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I took a little quiz on their site and this is the shoe they paired me with.  I’m not crazy about it, it seems all the flat foot friendly shoes aren’t very cute.  And we all know cuteness matters.  However, everyone raves about Brooks.  I have ran in Brooks before and they do have a more generous toe box, which I like.  But they’re so borrrrrring.

3. Mizuno Wave Sayonara

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I have this good friend who writes this blog that I love and she seems to like her Mizunos.  This shoe is pretty light-weight and it looks snazzy too.  I like the mesh and it just looks fast.  This shoe definitely plays into my Air Jordanitis Syndrome.  I feel like it will shave minutes off my pace!

 

4. Merrell Road Glove Dash 2

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I love this shoe.  I have been interested in trying out Merrell for a while now, but I’m extremely nervous about this whole “barefoot” idea.  This shoe just screams my style and it weighs a whopping 6 ounces.   And it’s adorable.  Have I mentioned how much I want to be able to run in these shoes?   My fear is that I want them to be “the one” more than they actually will be.  Kind of like that guy I dated in college.

 

 

5. Newton Energy

newtonNow, I hadn’t heard of these shoes until I started researching my options.  I googled “running shoes for flat feet” and into my life these little gems appeared. I love the style, I like the breathable mesh, and they have a kick-ass tread.  And it was Shoe of the Year.  I dig how wide they are, I’m no dainty dame and my Flintstone feet need a bit of accommodating.

 

As you can see, I have quite the decision to make.  What’s a stylish, yet comfort-seeking, gal to do???

Are you a Kindrunner?

Last week we broke the news – the Scootadoot chicks have become Kindrunner brand ambassadors!

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What is Kindrunner, you ask? A brand-new New Jersey-based online business where all can purchase running shoes (at below-retail prices, according company officials), and running accessories such as watches, energy gels, recovery products and more.

But as we mentioned in our previous post, customers may donate old shoes, shipping them for FREE to the fine folks at Kindrunner. AND you get reward coupons for your used shoes. Sweet!

Here’s how it works:

Customers head to the Kindrunner website to shop. After purchasing footwear, your items will be shipped to you. You can then reuse the Kindrunner shipping box by placing one or more pairs of your retired running shoes inside. Seal the box, slap on the prepaid label and send it off.

The label will be scanned when the box is returned to Kindrunner headquarters. Each return label earns the customer $10 in Kindness Cash Rewards. Those points can then be used to purchase any item on the Kindrunner site.

(Please note: You only get $10 worth of cash rewards per pair of shoe ordered from Kindrunner. If you order one pair and return several old pairs, you get $10 in cash rewards. But, for example. if you order five new pairs from Kindrunner at once and return five retired pairs, you would get $50 in cash rewards for future purchases.)

Unsure what to buy? Kindrunner offers expert product review videos on each item sold on the site. To view reviews go to Kindrunner’s YouTube site.

Not happy with your purchase? Send it back. A customer has 365 days to return any product, as long as it’s in its original packaging and condition. If you are injured and unable to wear your new shoes or your doctor suggests you try a different pair, no problem. Return them, no questions asked.

And if that’s not enough, the company’s offered “Free Socks for Life” to their first 500 customers. Each time one of the first 500 customers returns and purchases a new pair of shoes, the order will ship with a free pair of socks of the runner’s choice.

I bought a pair of new shoes via Kindrunner on Saturday, launch day. I’ve been looking for a new brand and after listening to some expert videos on the site, decided to give Mizunos a whirl.

And, I already have a pile of discarded shoes ready to send back.

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Discarded shoes are then shipped to donation charity partners, including Soles 4 Souls, and the MORE Foundation Group, to assist people in need.  That’s right, your retired sneakers get a second life outside your closet or a landfill.

The Scootadoot chicks are Kindrunner brand ambassadors. Opinions are our own.

What’s on your running wish list? Do you shop online or in a store?

What to do with retired running shoes

If your house is anything like mine, piles of running shoes are everywhere.

You have retired sneakers too worn out to run in, but great for yard work. There’s the castaway stash, which never quite felt right, but you can’t bring yourself to ditch.

Then there’s the complete reject pile, only good for activities like beach combing or boating. Ya know, where you will barely use said dead sneakers.

Ultimately, you use ’em one last time at a mud run, or donate the shoes at running expo. Or, you toss them in the bin.

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Here’s a new organization we have proudly partnered with – Kindrunner.com

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May we introduce you to Kindrunner! The scooters are proud to partner with the fab folks at Kindrunner, where patrons can trade in old, used running shoes for new shoes.

Runners receive “Kindness Cash Rewards” for every old pair they send in. The old shoes are then shipped to donation charity partners, including Soles 4 Souls, to assist people in need.  That’s right, your discarded sneakers get a second life outside your closet or a landfill.

Kindrunner will officially launch on June 1. So we will have more details on how you can participate and join the movement then.

In the meantime, check out Kindrunner.com, as they are currently holding a contest to giveaway free running shoes for you and a partner for one year. Sign me up!

In the meantime, here they are online!

– Facebook: http://facebook.com/kindrunner
– Twitter: https://twitter.com/beAkindrunner
– Instagram: http://instagram.com/beakindrunner
– Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Kindrunner

What do you do with your old running shoes? Tell us in the comments.

My Heel Won’t Heal in High Heels

For the past month or so, I’ve been sidelined by Spring Break, sick kids, and most recently, a foot issue. Three weeks ago, I had a minor foot surgery on my right foot. Since then, I’ve been trying to cope with pain while doing my every day activities (this was typically accomplished by limping, because I am a big baby, apparently) and figuring out how to exercise and wear the appropriate footwear while still looking cute.

I had some pain on my heel for a while- I’m embarrassed to admit how long I just dealt with the discomfort, but it was about two months- but it had begun to feel like a piece of glass was stuck in my foot. It was time to call the podiatrist.

It turned out, I had a plantar wart on my heel. Without going into too much detail, because ew and also Google, a plantar wart is caused by a virus and grows in moist dark places. Like the sweaty sock of a runner.

My doctor scooped out the wart and some of the surrounding skin and tissue (which basically left a hole in my foot) and gave me strict instructions for cleaning (and soaking. Twice daily. Which was actually kind of a nice break.) and proper footwear: a thick athletic sock and sneakers. Oh, and it would probably take a month or two to fully heal.

Getting prepped for minor foot surgery. Also? I need a pedicure.

Getting prepped for minor foot surgery. Also? I need a pedicure.

The only thing I asked was if I could continue to run, and he said that I could if I felt up to it. Well, he must have had a good laugh when I left the office because once the anesthesia wore off, I didn’t even want to stand. I hobbled around for a few days before hitting the elliptical at my gym.

Watching "My Drunk Kitchen" while I work out. I think I love the elliptical. Also Hannah Hart.

Watching “My Drunk Kitchen” while I work out. I think I love the elliptical.

I knew the shoe thing would be a problem. I adore my shoes. Not sneakers. Heels, sandals, ballet flats. You know, pretty shoes. And definitely not sneakers with skinny jeans, which are the only jeans that fit me right now. Still, I wore my sneakers most of the time.

Es-shoe-ing the rules. Get it? Okay, that was lame. Almost as lame as this looks now that I think about it.

Es-shoe-ing the rules. Get it? Okay, that was lame. Almost as lame as this looks now that I think about it.

We traveled to NYC last week, and I pushed myself a little too hard the first day (we walked about 3 miles, and I carried a 17 pound baby and a diaper bag), so we had to cab it for the rest of the trip.

Enjoying the city with my girls. (and look, Dr. Fink, I'm in sneakers!)

Enjoying the city with my girls. (and look, Dr. Fink, I’m in sneakers!)

Yesterday, I checked in with my doctor. I don’t have to clean and soak my feet any more, and I think I can wear other footwear (he didn’t say I couldn’t! And I didn’t ask. Oops.). I’m also ready to get back to running this weekend.

Have you had a plantar wart or other foot problem? What’s your favorite cardio when you can’t run?

Chick Chat: Hey, Sole Sister

Shopping for shoes is one of my favorite ways to spend, well, any day. I love all kinds- flats, sandals, heels, higher heels, and boots. Shoes can make you feel taller, they can complete your outfit in the best way, and you know what? You’re always the same size in a pair of shoes. (Unlike jeans. AMIRITE?) Sneakers aren’t my favorite type of shoe, but they’re probably the most important. The wrong running shoe can make your knees hurt, your feet blister and basically, ruin your run.

Today, we’re sharing our sneakers with you. (I argued for talking about high heels too, but I guess you all care more about this running stuff. Okay.)

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Vic

I’m still searching for the perfect sneakers, but have recently fallen in love with the Adidas Supernova, which I was able to take on a test run before purchasing. They don’t feel clunky or heavy and don’t wear unevenly, which was so much of what I was looking for.

For years, I swore by Asics. I still like them, but my favorite style was discontinued a few years back and the newer models just don’t feel right to me. I’ve tried and tossed aside a few popular brands, but these Adidas Supernovas look AND feel great!


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I have shoe issues. I have extremely flat feet which means any shoe with arch support feels like I’m running on tennis balls.  This might sound awesome but I assure you, it is not. I’m constantly at odds with my shoes. I’ve talked to countless shoe experts, had my feet and gait evaluated twice, have tried inserts and many brands of shoes.  And I’ve yet to fall in love.

Right now, I’m running in Saucony and while they’ve been okay on my feet, for the first time ever, I’m having shin splints. Le sigh. I’m going to do what the experts say and let my body adjust but sometimes I wish I had a fairy godmother who would conjure up a running shoe that was the perfect fit. At least they’re cute!

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If I took a picture of every running shoe I have, this post would be ridiculous. Hey, I have to have shoes for every outfit possibility, right? At least, that’s what I tell myself (or Mr. Jess) when I see a new pair of kicks I. Must. Have.

That said, I most often reach for my trusty Nike LunarGlides. They fit like a glove, give great support, keep me light on my feet, and they’ve got some sweet neon accents. They’re functional AND cute, two of my favorite things.

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There is a certain date that I remember distinctly when it comes to my running (and surprisingly, it’s not a race date!).  March 15, 2012, the date that I got fitted for my Mizuno Wave Inspire 8s.

Before that, to say I was floundering when it came to shoe choice would be an understatement.  It was a year long, expensive struggle trying to figure out what would work best for my feet. I don’t know why I was so hesitant to get fitted, other than a bit of new runner’s shyness on my part.

To quote Pretty Woman, “Big mistake!  Big. Huge.”

I don’t know if I got over my shyness or just wanted my feet to finally stop hurting, but I finally visited Haddonfield Running Company and got my first pair of Mizuno running shoes. Fitting was nothing to be nervous about; I spoke with the sales associate regarding my mileage. She looked at my arch, my gait, and my pronation. When I run, I tend to point my toes out slightly, which is known as overpronation. After trying three different shoes, I felt that the Mizunos were the best for me.

I haven’t regretted that decision and neither have my feet!

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Brooke and I have loads in common; hopeful romantics, lovers of feta cheese, SHOES. I love shoes. A lot. I have way too many and I’m always buying more. The cuter, the better. So, I  want to be able to post a picture of cute, adorable, PINK running shoes.

Alas, I can’t.

I wear Nike Dual Fusion ST running sneaks. Size 12. Men’s.

SIGH.

Finding running shoes that fit my size 13 Wide Women’s foot is a challenge. I hunted around for HOT PINK running shoes in my size and found that the only options were online. Zappos is great and will ship for free both ways, but I didn’t want to go through shipping a bunch of shoes back and forth. For running sneakers, it’s all about the feel.

So I got over myself and gave in to shopping in the Men’s department. I love my sneakers. They are the perfect combination of lightweight and supportive. They feel so good, I want to wear them everywhere, but I don’t because A) all my other (i.e. prettier) shoes would feel bad and B) I don’t want these to wear out too fast. Still, I love them.

And, as Brooke and I discussed the other day, socks are of equal importance when it comes to running. Turns out we have one more thing in common. We’re both fans of the Balega Hidden Comfort socks. You guys, these socks are so darn comfy. And I just found out, they come in colors!! INCLUDING PINK!

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I have narrow feet and a high arch, and I’ve been happily wearing Nike Pegasus sneakers for the past three years. They’re lightweight, supportive and they come in some great colors.

I was recently refitted at my local running store, Track Shack, to see if my foot had grown during my pregnancy and picked up these pretty (if a little plain, for my taste) gray kicks.

Every 400 miles or so, I change my shoes. I’m already eyeing the bright green on Nike’s website!

What type of shoes do you wear? Have you been fitted at a specialty store? Do you prefer neutral or bright colors? Let us know in the comments.