Tiffany Skinner 2/2/22 Tiffany Skinner 2/2/22

What We're Wearing: Shoes (Asher)

What shoe are you currently running in and what were you running in before this shoe?

I have a cycle of shoes that I run in, and my most recent addition has been the Brooks Hyperion Tempo. Before this addition, my shoes consisted of the Brooks Bedlam 3, the Brooks Glycerin 19, the Altra Escalante and Vanish, and the On Cloudultra (for trails).

What have you liked/loved about the shoe?

For the Hyperion, in particular, I really like how light weight and springy it is. It stays snug to my foot and is super breathable. I have been using this as a short distance trainer, but I have definitely done some long runs in them (15 miles).

Anything you don't like about the shoe?

After a couple longer runs, I decided that this shoe needs to stay as a trainer/racing flat. The Hyperion is designed for speed work and training, and so I don't plan to use it longer than a three-mile run. There's not a lot of cushioning to the shoe, so it's not preferred for distance.

Who would you recommend the shoe for?

I really like this shoe as a trainer or racing flat. It would be my first choice for someone looking for a racing flat from Terra. I would also recommend this shoe for runners who are hoping to increase their race times and are looking for a faster ride. This is a good shoe for track athletes and school runners. I would, however, not recommend this shoe to someone just getting into running or looking for a causal jogging or long-distance shoe.

What shoe are you planning on running in next?

If I do not update my Brook's Glycerin 19s (these have been the best for all my longer runs), then I plan to run in the Brooks Levitate 5.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to venture out and try a new shoe or brand?

There's a lot to consider when exploring new running shoes. Budget and color can seem like the first considerations for a new pair of running shoes, however, once moving passed these decisions, I would recommend having a goal in mind for the specific pair of shoes that you are getting. When looking for running shoes, you'll want to know how many miles you plan to use the shoe for and how long each of your runs might be. If you have multiple desires, you'll want to tend towards a less specialized shoe like the Saucony Ride, or, if you want to specifically train for a marathon, you'll want to look for well-cushioned shoes with a comprehensive rubber sole, like the Brooks Glycerin.

Anything else you would like to share?

If you are looking to run races in the future or increase your personal race times, I would recommend using at least two pairs of shoes: one for training and one for race day. You might think that you'll want to race in shoes that are worn and broken in (this is partly true because you won't want to race in a stiff or painful shoe) however, I would recommend prioritizing one shoe for training and one for racing. If you train in a shoe that does not assist you or make it easier to run, you will be strengthened, whereas, if you train in a shoe that makes it more efficient and easier to run, your training will be less effective since the shoe is doing the work for you. To use an example, if you trained in a Saucony Triumph, a heavier cushioned shoe, and you raced in the Brooks Hyperion, a lighter-weight and springy shoe, on race day, you would benefit from the reduction in weight and the springiness. If you had only trained in the Hyperion and raced in it, you would receive no race day boost. For everyday runs and training shoes, I would recommend shoes that do not attempt to assist the speed of your runs. These are usually zero-drop or heavier shoes. For race day shoes, higher drops and springier cushion will be helpful.

Tiffany Skinner 1/25/22 Tiffany Skinner 1/25/22

What We're Wearing: Shoes (Tiffany)

What shoe are you currently running in and what were you running in before this shoe?

My go to shoe for my runs right now is the Altra Torin 5. I love it! I had long been a fan of lower drop shoes but had never heard about Altra until I started working at Terra last summer. I love the more “natural approach” to their shoes with the zero millimeter drop (there is no height difference between the heel and the ball of the foot) and the footshape of their shoes. I have an extra bone on the outside of my feet so the more generous toe box gives my feet the room they need to stay comfy and I swear the zero drop helps my gait. My most consistent running shoe before the Torin was the Saucony Kinvara with some short runs in my On Clouds. I still love both of those shoes but the On Cloud specifically isn’t really designed for a ton of consistent running (their other shoes are, though!) and my Kinvara was just at the end of its life so I was happy to try something new.

What have you liked/loved about the shoe?

I love the Torin specifically because it is both an insanely cushiony shoe that retains a healthy amount of spring. This makes it feel (to me, at least) light, fast, and nimble, while still giving my feet a TLC experience with cushion. I also really like that it’s a cushiony shoe that doesn’t have a super tall stack height.

Anything you don't like about the shoe?

The one thing I don’t like about this iteration of the Torin is the tongue is stiff at first and rubs the ankle before it softens up. I try to warn everyone about it so that they aren’t taken to off guard because the shoe is great enough to stick with in spite of that! If you know that it will happen you can prep for it with slightly higher socks until you’ve broken them in. I know that they have fixed this issue for the next version but they won’t be coming out until the end of the year.

Who would you recommend the shoe for?

Anyone who wants a light and fast shoe that also needs cushion for longer miles or anyone who could use some TLC for their feet. This is a great shoe if you have a half or full marathon on the horizon and need cushion to get you through training and race day injury free. It is also is excellent for anyone who needs a cushiony shoe to stand in for work, someone who has problems with their wider feet, or just someone who is curious about Altras and what this footshape and zero drop thing is all about.

What shoe are you planning on running in next?

I would love to snag a pair of the On Cloudstratus next. I had a chance to test out the Cloudstratus during a demo run and I loved it. It has a firmer cushion than the Torin but is also great for longer miles. I am also interested in testing out another Altra, maybe the new Provision 6 or the Escalante or honestly just going with another Torin. I would also love a pair of New Balance 1080s. They are both awesome and are soft as pillows!

What advice would you give someone who is looking to venture out and try a new shoe or brand?

Be open minded and willing to try something new! Feet utilize 29 different muscles and it can be good for them to be strengthened by switching between different shoe types (research backs this up! Runners who have multiple pairs of shoes are 39% less likely to get injured). Come in and talk to us about your needs and goals and we can give you a variety of options to test out based on where you’re at. Also, if you’ve ever bought a cheaper shoe at a department store or TJ Maxx or something, don’t let your experience with a brand that sells cheaper models of their shoes sway your opinion on the quality of their actual running shoes. For instance, New Balance sells a lot of cheaper sneakers that aren’t under their running shoe line. If one of those didn’t serve you well, it’s because it wasn’t designed to.

Anything else you would like to share?

One last piece of advice… while you want to love how your shoes looks, don’t let perceived style sense keep you from getting in the right shoe for your needs. It is better to have healthy and happy feet than a pair of shoes that are your preferred color but are too small, too big, or aren’t going to meet your needs. (Speaking to myself as much as anyone!)

Brittany Katz 1/18/22 Brittany Katz 1/18/22

What We're Wearing: Shoes (Brittany)

What shoe are you currently running in and what were you running in before this shoe?

I am on my third pair of the Brooks Glycerin GTS, now the version 19. I need a bit of stability when I run, but I love the cushion. I did a triathlon this year and the extra cushion felt super nice off of the bike. My "kick-its" are the Brooks Glycerin 19. I try to wear a neutral shoe when I'm not running to help strengthen my feet, but I can't seem to get away from that cushion! I also love the On Cloud for slipping on to walk the dog or run to Target. I have been wearing the Altra Torin 5 to do weight training recently. I love the zero drop, but also still need good cushion! The wide toe box is nice for foot stability. Finally, my "dress up" running shoes are the Roger Center Court from On. They are dressy for me, all white and match everything.

Who would you recommend the shoe for?

I would recommend the Glycerin or Glycerin GTS to anyone who likes the fit of a Brooks shoe, wants that extra cushion but may not be interested in a max cushion shoe. Both the Glycerin and Glycerin GTS are relatively light and are long lasting.

What shoe are you planning on running in next?

I am interested in trying the new Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22. It is softer than the previous models of the Adrenaline, so I think it will be closer to the Glycerin GTS. I like that it's lightweight and the upper fits well. It has the same guide rail support that the Glycerin GTS has.

What advice would you give someone who is looking to venture out and try a new shoe or brand?

Lots of people ask for our favorite shoes when we're working in the running store. We have the luxury of being able to try on all of the shoes and compare, and I have never really been loyal to one brand or one shoe model. I like to have different shoes for different activities, whether it's walking my dog, running, or weight training. All of the brands we carry are top-of-the-line running shoe brands, and no one is better than the next. Even if you've never tried a brand before, if it's in our store, I can personally vouch for the quality!