Sole-Searching!

Until about 2 years ago, I never really invested in good athletic shoes. Whoever had the cutest style/color at the cheapest price at Nike outlet, Academy, or a department store was the winner when it came to selecting shoes to work out in. (Hey, didn't you know that color-coordination between your workout fits and shoes increases your caloric burn by 100%?? You look good, you feel good, you work harder! Facts!!! )

Slight problem with that theory....I may have been color-coordinated but my cheap and ill-fitting shoes led to me developing plantar fascitis which continues to plague me to this day. It wasn't until I started running more a little less than 2 years ago that I began to learn the importance of shoes when it came to performance and preventing injury. I learned how crucial it is to:

* Get fitted for running shoes by professionals who can recommend the best shoe for your foot and gait patterns

* Have shoes that are specifically dedicated to running (not wearing same shoes to run, do boot camp, lift weights, etc, in)

* Keep track of mileage on shoes and replace every 200-400 miles

* Get running shoes about 1 to 1.5 sizes larger than your regular shoe

Once you know better you do better! I began to go to Run-On or Luke's Locker in Dallas to get recommendations from the running professionals on what kind of shoe might be best for my needs. I started investing a bit more into purchasing a quality shoe instead of a cheap, cute shoe. And although I have learned a few things about the shoe-buying process, I still haven't found a shoe or brand that I LOVE. I've had Saucony Ride 9s, Brooks Glycerin 14, New Balance 1080V6, Nike Lunarglides and most recently the Hoka Clifton 4s. They have gotten the job done but I have yet to find a shoe that I can't live without. The Hoka Clifton 4s might be the closest thing I have found to a shoe sole-mate BUT me being cheap may have once again interfered with having the best shoe experience possible. I bought them at Luke's 50% (they were a barely-worn pair that had been returned) and they were really a half-size too small for running but I forced it because I couldn't get that 50% off price tag out of my line of vision. Now I get blisters on the ends of my toes when I wear them for long-runs although I do like how lightweight they are and how much cushion they have in the heel to soothe my plantar fascia issues.

My New Balance with the Fresh Foam are probably my second favorite pair but they are getting up there in mileage. As warmer weather returns and I start to up my running mileage and head into full-on marathon training, I will need to invest in another pair of shoes, possibly to carry me through the finish line in Chicago. I have been playing Tinder with shoes, swiping right on most, but the following got a swipe left. Now which one should I date??

Nike Epic React Shoe

This shoe was just recently released and there's lots of buzz about the new foam/cushion in the shoe. I generally no longer trust Nike for long distance running. The Nike running shoes I ran in for so many years had so little support and led to me developing the plantar fascia issues. Are these durable and supportive enough for long runs or are they better suited for shorter, faster runs?

Adidas Boston

My sports chiropractor who is an avid runner told me she runs in these. She loves how lightweight they are yet durable. She said they last up to 500 miles and she wears them in long runs with no issues. I have never had a pair of Adidas shoes so this would be a new experience.

On Cloud

I don't know much about the On Cloud shoes but I have seen more and more people wearing them. The name sounds promising though! A friend of mine in our running club got these before her first marathon at the recommendation of her brother who swore by them. They look a little stiff and inflexible at first glance but would like to know more about other's thoughts on them. Are they more flexible and responsive than they appear? How is the cushioning? They also look like they have very little if any drop. How would that affect my heel pain?

Hoka Clifton 4

I am also considering purchasing another pair of the Hokas, just in the right size this time!! It took me the longest time to come around to the Hokas because they are just so....well....UGLY! However, during the BMW Social Runs last fall Hoka One One reps were out at the runs allowing us to run in the shoes for the 5ks. I attended 3 different social runs and ran in the Hoka Clifton 4s 3 times and fell in love with how pillowy, how cushiony and yet how lightweight they were! Suddenly I no longer cared that they were the most hideous color scheme I had seen in awhile (I got the teal ones....if I repurchase I will get the black ones above!). When you get old and you're trying to prevent injury and pain, looking cute takes a backseat!

So...running world....what are your thoughts? What should be the shoe that will carry me through marathon training and the finish line in Chicago in October? Help a girl out and if I can look cute while having a smooth ride....bonus points!!!