New Fall 2022 Shoes

Fall is a bustling time in the run specialty world. New shoes and updates are dropping left and right, and that means new shoes at Terra! Check out some of our newest offerings.

Altra Via Olympus

While we’re excited about all our new models, the Via Olympus might be the standout of the bunch. The first max cushion road shoe from Altra, the Via comes with a whopping 33 mm of foam underfoot! That’s the same as the Bondi 8, but without any drop to the forefoot, the Via is actually a thicker shoe. If you didn’t know, Altra has three different shoe fits: Slim, Standard, and Original. The Via is Original, meaning it’s got maximum space for your toes to splay, and a mile-wide, stable platform. This shoe’ll work best for those running major miles on the road, working long shifts on their feet, or looking for a cushy recovery day shoe. Don’t be fooled by the marshmallow look, though: with its rockered shape, the Via will still keep you moving if you pick up the pace.

Altra Provision 7

It would be easy to let the launch of the Via Olympus overshadow a small update to an Altra classic, but certainly don’t ignore the Provision 7. Though it’s billed as a daily trainer, the Provision 7 is an astoundingly soft shoe. Coming in a little slimmer and lighter than the Via, this is a do-it-all road trainer. It’s a stability shoe without feeling clunky, and the rubber outsole is aggressive enough that I’d feel comfortable taking it offroad. This is an ideal shoe for someone looking to try Altra for the first time.

ON Cloudflyer 4

While not an overhaul, the Clouflyer 4 is a welcome update to a solid daily trainer. ON has prioritized comfort with this iteration: the tongue is pillow-plush, the ride is a tad softer than the previous version, and they’ve expanded the dual-density foam to enhance stability. The Cloudflyer also comes in a wide option, a rarer offering for ON.

ON Cloud X

We’re amped to announce the addition of a mixed-sport shoe into our lineup! Many of our customers come in looking for a gym shoe, something they can do a little bit of everything in. While most of our shoes are versatile enough for gym use, the Cloud X is our first shoe built for the gym. It’s lightweight, low profile, stable, and a bit firmer than a traditional running shoe, making it perfect for a fast-paced, explosive workout where you change direction and activity often. You can run in these shoes, but we recommend keeping those runs short and indoors, which is where the Cloud X is designed to excel.

Brooks Ghost 15

The Ghost is one of Brooks all time best sellers for a reason. It is a go-to trainer for any situation with great fit and durability. For this15th iteration, Brooks has updated the cushioning to be lighter and slightly less dense resulting in a plusher shoe. They have also improved the upper with a 3D print fit for added structure. But Ghost fans don’t have to worry, Brooks knows better than to mess with their customers’ favorite. Fans of the Ghost will love this new update.

Running in a Tennessee Fall

It’s true, we have officially reached fall! Not only have we passed the Autumnal Equinox, the weather is cooler in the mornings, the days are starting to get shorter, and every store you go into is selling fake pumpkins and (fake) pumpkin flavors.

For runners, fall means delightfully pleasant temperatures and a chance to start wearing your favorite cold weather gear again… that is, if you don’t live in southeast Tennessee.

If you live here in Tennessee, your version of fall looks more like chilly mornings and crisp evenings with temps worthy of summer in the afternoon. Though I have lived in Tennessee for over a decade now, for this Maryland girl, the adjustment to a Tennessee “fall” is still difficult. I am thankful for the warmer days occasionally, but most of the time I’m just sad that the cozy sweater that I needed in the morning is unbearable by midday.

This extreme temperature fluctuation can also cause a dilemma for runners — hit the road in darkness and experience the joys of a 50 something degree run, or hold out for daylight and fight off 80 degree heat.

Regardless of when you are lacing up, let me offer some suggestions to get the most out of your run during a Tennessee fall.

Morning (Cooler Temp) Running —

We all know that hotter temperatures equal harder runs. Start out for a long run on a 90 degree day and you’ll know immediately that you’re in, not just for a long run, but a longgg run. The reason is that, beyond exerting for your workout, your body is also working overtime to maintain an acceptable core temperature. This means your heart will be beating harder and faster even at lower rates of exertion.

Why am I talking about running in hotter weather in the cooler weather section? Because the inverse is also true. Cooler weather means, “easier” runs. This is one of the reasons that everyone loves a fall race; all of those summer miles can easily add up to fall PRs.

With this in mind, those cooler mornings become the perfect time to practice tempos runs and speed work. Since your body won’t have to exert as much energy keeping you cool, it becomes easier to push your pace and build up strength in different muscle sets than what you would be working at a slower clip.

Try it — Set out for your normal training distance. After warming up for at least 5 minutes (on your run or otherwise), introduce simple speed work. Push yourself to (just below) sprint pace for 30 seconds, then scale back to your normal pace for a minute and 30 seconds before sprinting(ish) again for another 30 seconds. Repeat this pattern until you finish your run. Be sure to cool down and stretch adequately after you finish. Depending on your current fitness level, experiment with interval time and speed variations.

Afternoon (Hotter Temp) Running —

We’ve already established that hotter weather running is harder (and you didn’t need me to tell you that, you definitely already knew). So how do we maximize training when the temps are 80+ degrees? If you have acclimatized to the heat already from summer training, you can definitely still do speed work if you are working on your time for an upcoming race. You might not have as fast as a pace as you would have in the morning, but you will also be giving your heart more of a workout which will increase fitness. But if we are thinking about being inspired by the weather, warmer fall runs provide the perfect opportunity to get in the shade and off the beaten path by experimenting with trail running.

Trail running is always engaging but in the fall runners are in for a special treat as the leaves turn their vibrant colors. If the pull of nature’s beauty isn’t enough to get you out on the trail, consider the benefits of trail running. Trail running strengthens more (and different) muscles than just regular road or treadmill running alone. This is because it engages more muscles as your body finds its’ balance on various terrain, overcomes more hills (both up and down), and leaps over obstacles. Trail running also burns more calories per hour than regular running alone. Beyond the strengthening effects, trail running is also excellent for your mental health. Studies consistently show the benefits of getting into nature; everything from decreased anxiety and stress, reduced blood pressure, increased memory, improved concentration, and boosted immune function.

Try it — Head to one of the many amazing trails that our area has to offer — there are lots of choices for every ability level! For some nice simple loops, Johnston Woods is a great choice (they have both a 1 mile and 3 mile loop). For more options (both simple and hard) the White Oak Mountain Trails in Collegedale are a well trafficked area that can take you farther. And if you really want to challenge yourself, running on the trail system up and on Chilhowee Mountain in the Cherokee National Forest can give you serious elevation, mileage, and views. For all of these trails, runners need to be cognizant of mountain bikers and hikers.

Grab a pair of running shoes that have decent traction and that you don’t mind getting dirty (if you have trail running shoes even better!). Tell someone where you are going and when you plan on being back. Pack water and any nutrition that you need (account for mileage and effort for if you need to bring any with you), then hit the trail! If you need to walk more than you usually do that’s fine, just have fun with it and enjoy the views! The shade from the tree cover will drop warm afternoon temperatures naturally and the newness of exploring trails will bring a fresh excitement for the season.

The fall season in Tennessee might not always look like sweater weather but when it comes to running, a southern fall provides plenty of opportunities to be inspired to try something new, to push yourself, and to appreciate the beauty that we are surrounded with every day.

Happy fall, happy running!