You Never Forget Your First Pair

They weren’t right for me, but the price was right. After all who knew how long the desire would last? The 59.99 price point, as pointed out by the clerk who could not handle the gaucheness with which I had fallen for the bargain,  was due to being last years style. (which has never stopped me before.  It probably put the kicks at least two years up on the rest of my wardrobe).

And with that my first real running shoes, the Ascics Duomax Gel GT-2150s were purchased. They served me well for over 12 months and an estimated 900 miles. It is with great sadness that I say goodbye to the only running shoes I’ve ever really know.  But my knees and ankles thank me.   Though touting t”he Impact Guidance System (I.G.S.®) technology enhances the foot’s natural gait” and “the DuoMax® support system (which) stabilizes the midfoot.”, it was clearly not supportive enough (see below for uneven wear.)

To be fair my gait is unfair to any shoe. Anyone who has ever seen me walk will tell you that to call me pigeon-toed is an insult to pigeons.  But this deal of a shoe never stood chance.  I have been scouting online and found this advice for “overpronators (pigeon people) and flat foot people (double dip).  And this is what I found:

Problem? If you’re flat-footed, you’re most likely an overpronator, which means that your feet roll inward when you run.

What to Buy: You will probably need a running shoe that maintains your stability. Look for the words “motion control” and “stability” on the box of running shoes you are considering. In addition to motion-control shoes, some flat-footed runners also need to wear orthotics (custom-made shoe inserts that correct foot issues).

This weekend I will bid a fond farewell to my old friends, the Ascics Duomax Gel GT-2150.  I learned a lot about running and myself while wearing them.  And in that way they will never be forgotten.  The experience of knowing them is within me.  I hope the next pair I find really fit and can help me get to the next level.  That seems oddly familiar…