Because So Much Is Riding On Your (Shoes)

Good Year Tires used to have a famous commercial back in the 90's: "Good Year...Because So Much Is Riding On Your Tires." I never thought much of it growing up - just another catchy cliche, which is exactly what commercials are supposed to do. I'm not sure why this particular cliche has stayed with me over the years. Until I became a trail runner and had a lot of time to think on trails - some would argue, too much time. It doesn't take a big stretch of the imagination to understand that "tires" for a runner - especially a trail runner - equate to "shoes." As tires are to a car, shoes are to a runner. The shoes are where the rubber meets the road, or more appropriately, where the body meets the dirt, in a very important transaction. Shoes are the lifeline of a runner. Shoes are worth every penny paid (and they require increasingly more pennies it seems). Shoes make the difference between pleasure and pain for a runner, especially as the miles pile up over a long run. Shoes are the key tool by which one can achieve grand goals in majestic mountains. Shoes also make you look cool or dorky; which in my case is often considered one and the same thing. Shoes become dear friends on the trail, each with his own personality. In short - shoes are everything...and they have everything riding on them. 

So when Rebecca continues to ask me why I'm keeping 8 pairs of old running shoes (no exageration - just keep reading) in our closet space, when closet space in a home of 7 people by definition is limited and therefore precious, I've been forced to come up with a good answer. And my best answer? Like I said, running shoes are everything. 

But, over time and with a fair amount of gentle nagging, her realization has become my realization as well. These old, dusty, now-smooth-soled, holey (holy?) shoes have - at some point - simply got to go. I'm getting older and won't be able to always run the trails like I used to. So I need to be real about these shoes and the fact I won't be using them again for the same distances and objectives I once had - which does pain  my heart and body a bit. Sigh.... Aging gracefully - easier said than done, right?  Besides, we do need the space. I need the space. Not only do I need the space in the closet, but I also need to create some mental space. Each of these shoes are bound to a memory of mine and as I get older and consider new running goals and targets and motives, I'm ready to clear out the old ones, thereby making room for some new ones. Out with The Old and in with The New.  And, to be clear, "clear out" doesn't mean "forget" or "ignore". It does mean just storing them away. So before I throw away these precious shoes that have taken me so far for so many years, I need to store away these great memories away that I've made with the shoes. Because for a trail runner, shoes mean something - everything in fact. 

Here goes nothing. 

The Masochists  - Altra, Olympus

These are the shoes I did the Wasatch 100 in.  I experienced more pain in these shoes than in any other shoes. They not only took me 100 miles back in September 2018, but they also took me on many wonderful training runs throughout that entire summer. We conquered Twin, Lone, Timp, and good ol' Oly together.  I have seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in my Masochists.  But it's time to send these to the rubber recycling bin at the local running store. Loyalty (at least to the brand).

 

The longest of all my longs (distances) for me were done on these Olympus shoes.

The One-And-Dones - Topo

These shoes were  supposed to be the ideal blend between the Altras and the Hokas. Altras provide the wide toe box. Hokas provide the uniform cushion and zero drop. In other words, they were supposed to provide everything I wanted. Unfortunately, on my first adventure with these shoes I crossed a river. Then I tried drying them out around the fire that night. And they melted. I used them once. Sad.

With a very short life, my red Topos.

The Too High Platform - Hoka

I had to try out the Hokas. These shoes were so highly touted as the most comfortable of all running shoes on the market that I needed to discover them for my self. The cushion was nice. And the cushion was excessive. If running shoes and platform heels were combined, this shoe would have done it. These platforms caused me to rip out the side of the shoe one day while playing soccer with my kids. They are more show than function. Bummer.

The Hoka could be classified as "all bark and no bite." Not impressed.

The Workhorse - Topo

This shoe represents the first time I discovered a shoe with all the things I wanted in it, although the salesman really had to sell me on it's features. I did many training runs up Mount Olympus, Twin Peaks, and sections of the Wasatch Ultimate Ridge Link-Up (WURL) in these hard-working shoes. They have served me well as a no-nonsense shoe that has performed well.  Diligent.

Lots of hard miles on these Topos.

 The Black Stallions - Asics

When I was more of a road-runner, I used to love the Asics. I always did my marathons with these Gel-laced shoes that were oh so comfortable, so light, so cool looking, and just so very fast. I still keep them around for my road trainers. Mainly because they make me feel much faster than I really am. I'm the aging black stallion in them. I will likely keep these shoes because they make me feel young again. Quick.

Lots of fast miles on these babies, my black Asics.

The Lawn Mowers - New Balance

These were my first trail shoes. I should have thrown them away a long time ago. I don't know why I have kept them other than I have felt a bond with them because they taught me how to go far on the trail. I feel so bonded with them that I enjoy mowing lawns in them - until they are now so old that menial task doesn't even work in them any more. It's time to let them go. Loyal. 

The original and first trail shoe for me - and now ready for the grave.

The Blue Machines - Altra, Timps

I've recently made a  return to my favorite trail shoes of all time, the beloved Altras.  They are manufactured right here in UT. They have done my 2nd SpeedGoat 50K with me, a.k.a. the "hardest 50 K in North America."  I still love the wide toe box and the highly comfortable soles. Putting them on is like putting on your favorite gloves that just have a perfect fit. I will likely keep these shoes. Friends.

The trusted Timp will now become my new lawn mowers.

The New Favorites - Altra, Olympus

Having had so many fond memories in my 2018 Olympus pair of shoes, I just had to repeat the purchase and get a 2023 Olympus pair as well.   These are shoes that I am most comfortable in and the ones I trust the most. With the Vibram soles and the comfortable toe box, they combine durability with comfort. I can honestly say this is the one pair I would take with me throughout life. So I will definitely keep these shoes. Go-To's. 

More memories to come with the next gen Olympus

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These are all mostly going in the recycling bin, but they are not leaving my mind or heart or body. I love my running shoes - each and every pair of them.