Tip: Finding the Right Training Shoe, Part 1

Note: This tip is part of a series on training shoes and my progression towards wearing a more neutral shoe. While I don't claim to know as much information as the Nike shoe gurus, I think my story will still be useful for many of you. My progression of training shoes began with the Nike Zoom Vomero, then the Zoom Elite, and the LunarTrainer - with some Lunaracer, Free Trainer 7.0 and Free Trainer 5.0 running in there as well.

What's your favorite training shoe? And why?

For me, the answer is the LunarTrainer. Why? Because I love them. That's why. I'm a runner and I've been running healthy in them. And I simply love the way they feel.

Before I go any further, I need to be honest. I know very little about shoes. Okay, next to Earnest Kim, I know nothing. Each week people write in with questions about shoes, and I rarely answer them. This is because not only am I someone who does not "know the product line" inside and out, but I've also never worked in a shoe store. I don't have hours of expertise watching people's feet slap the treadmill. I don't know what foot type each shoe is built around, yet I'm very particular about color schemes (which means that my Nike Air Pegasus+ 25 in the old-school blue and yellow are my favorite knock-around shoes).

What I do know is that for the past 12 months I haven't worn orthopedics while running. And for the past 18 months, I've been trying to run in "less shoe." So during my 70 minute trail run today, I happily ran in a shoe with no medial support, and it felt great. It's funny when you consider that just 18 months ago I would have said the Nike Zoom Vomero, along with my orthotics, was the best way to go. My feet are sort of neutral, but by no means are they pretty when they hit the ground. However, I'm happily wearing a neutral shoe and I feel great. Next week I'll share with you the intermediate steps between wearing a Nike Zoom Vomero with orthopedics and the LunarTrainer with no added support.

In the meantime, this week's tip is simple. Go to your local running specialty store with your current pair of Nike shoes, and ask someone to watch you run in them. If the employees you talk to think you can safely wear something lighter and something more neutral, then consider buying a new pair to use as your workout shoe and/or your race shoe for longer races.

*Coach Jay’s advice is provided as general training information. Use at your own risk. Always consult with your own heath care provider for questions relating to your specific training and nutrition.

Interested in Coach Jay's General Strength videos? Click here to check them out.

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