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When I was in the shoe business, one of the most common questions I would get was: Isn't it good to have two shoes? Even as the worst salesperson ever, and the customer just looking for any reason to justify a $300 purchase... they would get a very well rehearsed script. Yes, it is a good thing to have a few pair of quality, well fit running shoes, because...  Different Shapes, Different Gaits All shoes have different shapes. Your foot sits on top of the footbed at different angles and it affects the way in which your foot hits the ground. Even though these are small variations, they can make a big difference in your health and longevity in running. Not too long ago, the Scandinavian Journal of Medicine and Science in Sports concluded that rotating your running shoes can reduce risk factors associated with running by close to 40% (that’s a big percent). By rotating between different shoes throughout the week, you can relieve parts of the foot that were working the previous day and strengthen some that maybe were neglected. Different Tools in the Toolbox  When I build a rotation of shoes, I think of the type of runs I’m going to be doing throughout my training cycle. On days that are slower, and more recovery based, I look to put a good amount of cushioning between myself and the earth with a nice supportive midsole. On marathon specific days I lean towards something close to my racing shoe, a “super” shoe, with 40mm of midsole height and maybe a carbon fiber plate. On the super speedy days, shoes that are lightweight and responsive are typically the go-to. You wouldn’t hammer in a nail with a Phillips head screwdriver… well you could, but it wouldn’t be great. Variety is the spice of life Sometimes a new shoe breathes life into an otherwise monotonous bout of training. Nothing like going out for a little “Shopping Therapy”. I enjoy taking new shoes through their paces and finding out where in my running they fit in. Give your shoes a breather There is some credence that giving your shoes a “breather” can help relax the midsole foams and let them rebound back into shape. Over time midsole foams will compress into brick-like substances, some faster than others. It makes sense if you give more time between uses, you get more time out of the shoe. Where to start a shoe rotation The Every Day Trainer The shoe that you need to be able to pull off the rack on 80% of your runs during the week. This should be durable, supportive and be able to move well through a range of easy and even sub-tempo paces. The Race Day Shoe I think having a shoe for race day is probably your second most important shoe. In practice, you could wear your Race-Day shoe for key hard workouts (especially those specific to said race), but this shoe should have a special aura about it which when slipping it on you know its game day. The Tempo Shoe This shoe sits somewhere between the everyday trainer and the race day option. This is one that may not be as light, aggressive, or expensive as the race day shoe, but feels pretty darn good at faster paces. Think threshold runs, intervals, track workouts, etc. The Recovery Day Shoe For the days you just don’t want to feel the earth. The recovery day shoe is your comfy, cruiser. This shoe can also serve as a nice warm up and cool down option before a hard workout or race. Maybe a second trainer If you’re really putting in those miles, a second trainer can be used to alternate between runs. Hey, there's no rules... could be a third or fourth daily trainer too. Hell... maybe even one for every day of the week. MY CURRENT ROTATION Everyday Trainer Saucony Triumph 21 Probably one of the most durable slabs of midsoles I've encountered. Including myself, I got plenty reports of 400-500+ miles on these shoes. Love the way the Triumph roles and responds to a variety of paces. Runner up – New Balance 880v13 – Plain ole’ trainer in the best way possible Budget Pick – Hoka Rincon 3 – Not the softest Hoka, but maybe the lightest trainer you’ve ever worn. The Tempo Shoe New Balance SC Elite v3 This shoe may not pop off the ground like a Vaporfly or Endorphin, but it certainly feels good at a steady pace for a long time. I think New Balance nailed the Fuel Cell in this shoe, it will be my choice for the 2023 Chicago and New York Marathons. Runner up – Adidas Takumi Sen 8 – Hardest shoe to get on, fast otherwise. Budget Pick – New Balance Rebel v3 – Can snag these for under $100, punches well above that price. The Race Day Shoe Nike Vaporfly 3 Ok, Ok. I may not be lacing this one up for 26.2, but every time I put the Vaporfly 3's on I've PR'd this year... Coincidence? As with most Nike supershoes thus far, I do not think this shoe will be for everyone. I appreciate the wider toe box and generally wider forefoot platform. Runner up – Hoka Rocket X 2 – The Peoples Super Shoe. Budget Pick – Saucony Endorphin Pro 3 – These go on sale around holidays and the 4th iteration is around the corner. The Recovery Day Shoe ASICS Nimbus 25 Not your papa's Nimbus. ASICS stepped into the modern times with this one. Everything about the shoe screams comfort. An overly mushy midsole lets you put the wheels into cruise control on the easiest of efforts. Runner up – New Balance More v4 – Does Hoka better than Hoka. Budget Pick – Sale of Last years Max Cushion Trainers – They are out there (More v, Triumph 20, Hoka Bondi 7) The Second (or 5th) Trainer ASICS Superblast I tend to lean towards more Performance Trainers for option 1B. The Superblast has been phenomenal. Has everything I love about the Triumph with a larger platform and more pronounced rocker frame. Big investment... but I think actually properly valued. Runner up – New Balance SC Trainer v2 – Long Run for miles and miles. Budget Pick – Adidas Adizero SL - Maybe a little firmer, all around shoe, sweet deals on these out there. Final Thought – It’s Just Shoes I’ve spent a small fortune on shoes, and I can promise you there is no unicorn shoe. There is no shoe that is going to 100% eliminate all injuries, there is no shoe that is going to run the miles for you, and there is no guarantee a shoe is solely (see what I did there) going to get you across the finish line with a shiny new personal best. My recommendation is to be open minded when looking for new shoes. Maybe even take the recommendation of your friendly, neighborhood shoe-fitter. Buy the one that fits into your rotation at the given time.
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Best Split Shorts
Tracksmith Van Cortlandt 3” Short These shorts are my go-to and at this point I have one for every day of the week. The simple mesh style short will give you vintage running vibes but doesn’t sacrifice functional features like a proper supportive, anti-chafe, odor resistant liner. The split short design feels weightless and liberating , perfect for when the temperatures rise. I wear these on my normal every day runs, workouts, and short races. Pros :
Best Half Tights Rabbit Speedsters Every marathon build I’ve done I’ve invested in a few new pieces of kit in the lead up trying to find a hidden gem to maybe give the slightest edge on race day, especially in the half-tight category. After 100s if not 1000s of dollars spent, all nine marathons I have worn the Rabbit Speedsters. With 3 pockets (2 side drop ins, and a zippered back pocket) I can easily fit 6 gels in the tight and not feel crammed and over weighed. The fabric is soft and comfy and can be worn with or without a liner or undergarment. There is no feeling of pulling, over stretching or tugging at movement points, which gives you confidence and support on race day. Pros :
Best 2-in-1 Brooks Sherpa 5” 2-in-1 Seldom am I going for more modesty in my shorts selection, but when I do the Brooks Sherpa 2-in-1 is a knock out option. The compression liner is just wonderful. Attached to a wide, soft waistband this short is a workhorse from the roads to the gym to the post-workout coffee shop. The short also features two small drop in side pockets and a zipper pocket which is attached to the compression short at the hip which takes more large phones and keeps them snug to the leg. Pros :
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