How long should a shoe last?
Once we find a shoe that fits our feet perfectly, we feel like Cinderella finding her glass slipper; our perfect shoe hugs our feet in all the right places, it has just the right amount of cushion, and carries us far pain free! But then, all of a sudden, it seems falls apart even though it was bought only six months ago! How can this be?
As much as we would love for our shoes to last us forever or to carry us for a few years, the reality is that they just cannot handle that much wear and tear. Especially when it is our favorite and we wear it every day. This is a conversation we try to bring up in the store during fitting consultations. As busy as we are and as much as our feet are used, shoes break down faster than we think.
What factors cause shoes to break down?
Shoes break down in many different ways and at different rates depending on how you are using them. The first thing to look when considering how long your shoes will last is the way you are using the shoe. This includes different surface types like concrete, hardwood floors, asphalt, tile floors, gravel, trails, etc. Harder surfaces are tougher on shoes. You will also want to look at how often and how long you use the shoe. This also includes long periods of standing (12 to 15 hrs), as well as running mileage, walking mileage, and if you run/walk/exercise in the same pair of shoes. Adding all these factors together, you can see that our shoes end up with a lot of wear and tear. If you run twenty to twenty five miles a week then your shoes will probably need to be replaced at the four month timeframe. Running twenty to twenty five miles a week puts the shoe at 340-425 miles in four months. This isn’t taking into account all the times you just threw them on your feet to walk the dog, go to the grocery store, etc.
As a rule of thumb a good shoe will withstand about 500 miles maximum. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the shoe will look completely worn out (though it probably will at that point!) but it does mean the cushion and support it once offered will have broken down significantly to the point that you are not getting the same benefit from the shoe. Wearing a shoe past this point can cause more pressure in joints and muscle groups in the leg, causing the leg to overcompensate which could lead to injuries, higher risks of blisters, numb feelings after long wears, and so much more! Becoming aware of when a shoe that did not hurt two months ago begins to suddenly cause pain not experienced before is important! Preventing injuries can be as easy as tracking mileage and wear from the date of purchase.
How do you make your shoes last longer?
Some of the ways we can make those amazing shoes last longer is to have separate uses for different shoes. If you have a pair of running shoes you love, keep those different from working/walking shoes. If you have a pair of working/walking shoes you love keep those different from the ones you exercise in. This is beneficial as our shoes start to mold to our feet a bit more. Each gait pattern is different as we complete those everyday activities.
As much as we love certain shoes, sometimes we have to part ways and invest in another pair to keep those feet happy, healthy, and going the extra mile. If this is something you may find trouble with, we examine shoes and walk patterns at Terra, just bring in those shoes with you, and we can help navigate you through the process.
Oh and once it is time to get rid of those old shoes, bring them to us at Terra! We participate in a shoe recycling program that works to keep old pairs out of landfills.
Starting to Run Backwards
For most people, before they begin their running journey they have some sort of desire to actually run. First, they decide they want to “get into running,” and then they might do some research. One might find a good cardio workout for beginners and find shoes that will best benefit them. This is great and typically a beautiful progress to becoming an avid runner. This is not my story.
When I got hired at Terra Running Company, I was not a runner and had no intentions of becoming one. Therefore, training was a little more difficult. I had to start from scratch, so I started with Skratch, and I will say their cookie mix is delicious. On a serious note, I tried on roughly 26 pairs of running shoes, becoming hyper-aware of every detail and feeling. I’ll be honest, this made my everyday shoes feel a little less comfortable. I needed to know what each shoe felt like in order to sell them. Although I was not going to run in them, other people would, so I needed to have knowledge even without much experience.
As I continued to learn about shoes, I learned about the importance and benefits of nutrition, socks, accessories, and running in general. I now spend many hours a week talking to runners about what suits them best, mostly pertaining to shoes but also their likes and dislikes surrounding all things running.
Since starting at TRC, I have loved getting to know my coworkers, regulars, and new customers. I have seen the joy people get from putting on a good shoe after so long without one. I have seen the excitement people get when running with their friends. And I have seen the satisfaction received by finishing a race. This has been inspiring and encouraging. Mary Lou Kownacki has a quote that states, “There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story. ” I often think about this quote when dealing with others, but uniquely this has been true for me pertaining to running. I learned so much about running and runners that I have started to run myself. I used to make the joke that if you saw me running you should run too, because there would most likely be something chasing me. Now, I will quote some Terra gear and say, “Run for your life,” and I will do so happily. For now, I’m off to jog on the Greenway…
Shoe Review Time!
Since I work at a running store, I’ve tried on many, many pairs of shoes. Some were love at first sight, while others grew on me as I broke them in. Here are a few shoes that I have found to fit my shoe needs, and I think may suit yours!
The On Cloudgo
The On Cloudgo is a mid-cushioned, neutral running shoe with an 11 mm heel-to-toe drop. Featuring On’s signature CloudTec, the Cloudgo provides sufficient cushion and support with a nice lively feel. I have found it to be perfect for walking as well as standing for longer periods; it doesn’t give me annoying pressure points on my heels like some shoes do with all-day wear.
The On Cloudultra 2
The On Cloudultra 2 is a cushioned trail shoe with a 5 mm heel-to-toe drop. As a trail shoe actually intended for ultra races, I find that it is a surprisingly great travel shoe. Not only does it look good and provide support, but since it is technically a trail shoe it comes with On’s Mission Grip rubber outsole giving you traction for a variety of surfaces without too deep of a lug depth — you can still use it on concrete or road without issue. No matter where your travels take you, this shoe can be your go-to! I took these on a trip to Colorado recently and they performed well as I walked on ice and snow. Version 2 of the Cloudultra has an updated sock upper which I think is a nice feature, that makes them easy to slip on and off while providing a snug, supportive fit.
The Brooks Levitate GTS 6
The Brooks Levitate GTS 6 is a stability shoe with an 8 mm heel-to-toe drop. Compared with Brooks’ DNA Loft foams (like what you would find in the Ghost), the Levitate GTS utilizes Brooks’ DNA Amp material which feels a bit firmer directly underfoot but gives me the stability I need with a nice amount of rebound. I have the Stealthfit version which features a knit upper that is breathable, comfy, and stretchy, holding my foot in place well. I love wearing it to the gym because of its cushion level and stable platform.
I hope you try these out, and let me know some of your shoe favorites and why!
From One Athlete to Another
Dealing with an injury as an athlete is incredibly tough, especially on a joint you walk on and use every day. If you’ve ever had a foot injury, I’m sure you’ve had to wear a boot, ankle brace, compression socks, or all the above. Well, today I am writing this to let you know that it does get better. It may be hard to see while walking through the injury in the present moment. However, injuries do not define our recreational abilities or show us how weak we are, but sometimes injuries can help us see a broader perspective, redefine our passion for sport, and show us just how strong we are.
From personal experience, I know how it feels to feel “stuck” as an athlete. You see your friends sprinting or having the best time, while you’re sitting in your living room completing another set of Physical Therapy exercises for the day. Wondering if you will ever get back to what you love.
Then you may notice as you get back to your sport, that your foot has changed a little bit, and the shoes that were once working for you just do not accomplish the original comfort you had, and you may ask “What do I do now? How embarrassing is it to say my feet have changed?” Well, I will tell you that our feet changing is not an embarrassing situation, but it is a normal process.
Sometimes an injury will tell us what we best need, you may need a shoe with extra support, or you may need something with a more balanced cushion to get through the recovery process. That is ok! You do not need to apologize for how different it may be for you; at Terra we are here for you and are not judging you based on how your feet have changed. Our feet changing especially with injury might be confusing to us, but the good news is that each shoe is made differently and while you are experiencing all the things recovery brings about; finding a shoe to guide you through that process can be beneficial.
If the thought of shoe shopping stresses you out through this process I will share with you that from experience, I have had multiple foot injuries over the last three years, and shoe shopping would always result in tears with hours and hours into the shopping journey. It was overwhelming, I felt like no one understood, and supportive shoes were just a whole brave new category to fall into, adding to all the injuries, and emotions that come with recovering. With the most recent experience being seen in the picture above with my feet changing sizes again for the 3rd time. Just know that you are not alone! Injuries are hard, our feet changing with or without injury is also hard, however having the right tools to navigate through this change does help.
There are a ton of options for shoes and different directions to navigate through. I know that once you’ve gotten used to your original comfortable shoe, it is hard to branch out. Sometimes switching up our shoes for recovery is beneficial to build up different muscles in our feet and help rest those affected joints a bit better, with less pressure going straight to the injured area, and more time to heal.
From one recovering athlete to another, I want to encourage you, that you are not crazy for noticing a change. Sometimes our injuries tell us we need something different and that is ok! Recovery is a hard rollercoaster with plenty of emotions. Especially when the holidays approach and you’re surrounded by your fellow athletes, but the injuries you are facing today are not forever, you will be a stronger athlete with so much more life to live! You are doing great, keep taking on each day as it comes, and we are here for you to help you find a shoe for the season you are in!
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.
Want to see he REAL Terra Running Co.?? Terra Boys Episode 1
Asher and Brennan take over the show and take you behind the scenes.... sort of.
Running Shoes, Inflation, and the Supply Chain
A large amount of imports, including shoes, have been stuck on freighters due to labor shortages and increased demand.
It's common knowledge that the Federal Reserve wants to keep inflation at a slow, steady pace of 3% or less per year and that, for the first time since the 1980s, this pace has been broken. Inflation is as high as 10% at the moment.
As runners, we have seen the effects of inflation driving up the price that we are paying for our shoes. In fact, in 2021 the price of adult shoes rose 5%, while kids shoes rose 11%. In 2022 these prices have continued to rise. We know that in late 2020 and throughout 2021, companies struggled to maintain product output, as the economy reopened and rebounded. Most shoe retailers use production plants in Vietnam and these largely shut down during the pandemic and were not reopened until late 2021. Once reopened, manufacturing was slow and shipping products to the United States presented many setbacks, such as massive delays at ports.
On the flip side, during the pandemic, runners were given extra time off work so they naturally ran more. Because of this, the demand for running shoes increased despite the pandemic. This demand rose partly due to the fact that we were running more, but was also largely due to the abundance of money that was pumped into our wallets from stimulus checks. We all became a little richer (temporarily), which created excessive demand and, ultimately, led to shoe prices being effected by demand-pull inflation. In other words, the low supply of shoes added to increased demand resulted in higher prices. The Brooks Ghost and Hoka Clifton, for example, both rose $10 in price to $140.
Will this be the only increase in price? Inflation is still running hot and runners have not slowed down. Though the supply chain has sorted itself out to some extent — back-orders and long wait times for shoes are becoming more infrequent — prices, certainly, will not go down. Even shoes going on sale will likely have higher discounted prices. As inflation eventually cuts deeper into our wallets, the runner may seek to put more and more miles on their shoes, delaying a new purchase as long as possible. The Federal Reserve is currently working to combat inflation, and in doing so, it must reduce unsustainable demand. This will eventually pose a challenge to shoe retailers across the country. Nonetheless, it cannot stop us running!
Terra Girls Episode 1
Terra Girls is BACK! Tune in for the first episode of the relaunch and learn the history of Terra Girls, how many miles 10,000 steps equals, Tiff's preferred water temperature and, of course, about some of our favorite shoes!
10 of Our Favorite Running Memes
Let’s face it. We all need to laugh more, especially during these crazy times we’re living in. If you need some fun, mindless scrolling, without the threat of losing a whole day to Tik Tok, here are 10 running memes (in no particular order) to make you smile!
Bernie Wants Some Shoes
The man may only own one pair of mittens but he knows that more shoes get you more miles.
2. My Garmin Though!
Look. No one wants their pace to be messed up because they forgot to stop their watch. This is a completely understandable request.
3. Seriously!?
How many of us have either accidentally stopped our run before reaching a nice round number or had our watch record just a little less to Strava ruining that round number… and with it the rest of our day?
4. Fueling Up for My 5k
Every runner knows that proper nutrition will sustain your momentum and energy… BUT you only really need it starting at about 40 min of sustained activity. Since the average 5k is about 30 min or under, you probably can skip the gels at that distance. (but hey! If you’re confused by nutrition, stop by Terra and ask us all your questions!)
5. Get Humpty Dumpty Some GUs
You know who does need some nutrition? Humpty Dumpty. He’s not only hitting a wall, he’s falling off of one.
6. Pure Bliss
Enough said.
7. Runner’s Tan Lines
As the weather warms up, this is about to get really real for a lot of us…
8. A Runner’s Short Term Memory
Me (after running my first marathon): ***bursts into tears when told I will need to walk to the car***
Also Me (later that afternoon): “I would do that again!”
9. We See You
No matter which runner you are… We see you. We know you. We love you. (but seriously, if you’re the runner with only one pair, come and see us because we know that you’ve had that pair for two years and the outsole is now nonexistent and we’re worried about your knees).
10. Caught Red Handed!
This is a two-for-one because you call out one you’ve gotta call out the other! You know who you are. You buy your spouse shoes just so you can get a pair next month. We honestly really appreciate that energy.
What We're Wearing: Shoes (Asher)
Brooks Hyperion Tempo
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.
Saucony Ride 14
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.
What We're Wearing: Shoes (Brittany)
What shoe are you currently running in and what were you running in before this shoe?
Women’s Brooks Glycerin GTS 19
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.
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
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!
Shoes according to Asher
By Asher Johnson
I started working at Terra, the “up-front,” about six months ago. I ran casually before then and still run casually now, but, nonetheless, the way I run has changed significantly. I used to not think about how I was running or about how my body was feeling during runs. When in pain, I would just try to run through and hope it would fade out and go away. Now, however, due to working at Terra and learning about the products we sell, I have started to pay very close attention to how I feel and how I run. From how I breathe, to my pacing, to how I feel in my feet and knees, and my general level of energy, I have started tracking my running form. I run in several pairs of shoes, so firstly, I have recently begun tracking how the shoes make me feel while and after running. Furthermore, I have started tracking the food and nutrition that I consume. Here, however, I will write about some of the highlights from each of the shoes I run in. I will discuss nutrition in a later post,
To list them, I run in the Brooks Glycerin 18, Altra Vanish, Altra Escalante 2, Adidas Ultraboost 3.0, Adidas Solarboost, and Brooks Bedlam 3 (my favorite). It's important to note how different some of these shoes are. The Solarboost and Bedlam 3, for example, are stability shoes, while the Altras are zero drop shoes, and the Vanish is very minimal in design. The Glycerin and Ultraboost provide comparable cushioning, with the ultraboost being lower in weight. The ultraboost is a fun shoe to run in when new and is well balanced for cushioning and speed. There is, however, a minimal amount of rubber sole and low stability causing the shoe to put some wear on the balancing muscles. The shoe, furthermore, has a lower running lifetime due to the thin amount of rubber. The Glycerin is very similar but with some firmer cushion for added stability and tougher rubber. The Altras are a different sort of running shoe in that they are zero drop and wide. The Escalante 2 has cushioning like the Ultraboost but remains relatively stable with the wider base. The Escalante is also relatively durable and I have put some pretty long runs into them. On the other hand, I only use the Altra Vanish for runs shorter than 5 miles. The Vanish has barely any rubber on its sole and is designed to last only a little over 100 miles. On the plus side the Vanish is only 3oz and can be used as a flexible racer. The Solarboost and Bedlam 3 are both stability shoes, however, to put it simply, the Solarboost is clunkier than the Bedlam. The Solarboost provides more protection around the foot, but it also, like the ultraboost, has a thin rubber sole, reducing its running life. For runs less than 10 miles, the Bedlam 3 has consistently been my favorite running shoe. In the following blog posts I will discuss the brands and these shoes in more detail.