Over the years I’ve been very loyal to one brand of running shoes. When I hurt my foot a few years ago I tried out some different brands but nothing worked. I went back to my original shoes and figured those were the only ones what would work for me. But this year for Christmas I decided to ask for something new, and now I’m officially cheating on my running shoe brand!
I’m Cheating on my Running Shoe Brand
I probably started wearing Brooks running shoes around 2010 or so. Honestly, I can’t really remember. When I first started running I didn’t put much thought into my shoes but I did think I needed a lot of support. I would get fitted at a running shoe store and I wore orthotics at the time.
Going Lighter
In 2013 I read Anatomy for Runners by Jay DiCharry and started thinking differently about running shoes. This was around the time when lighter shoes were out on the market and I started wearing the Brooks Pure Flow. These worked well for me as they were lighter, had a lower drop, but I was able to make the transition to them without any issues.
Shoe Issues
One problem I have had basically since I started running is that I get a black toenail every single summer. Usually it’s on the left foot, but it’s happened on the right too. I’ve gone to bigger sizes but it hasn’t helped. When the shoe gets too big my foot starts sliding around too much.
Besides that, I loved my Brooks. I’ve been wearing the Pure Flows and Levitates for a few years now. Before that I wore the Launches and Ravennas. I needed new shoes last fall and got the new model of Levitates. Unfortunately I didn’t love the updates that were made. Every once in awhile the shoe would rub my ankle in a weird way. Sometimes they felt fine, but other times it was a little annoying. The Pure Flows were still working for me (and still are) but I hadn’t tried any updated models and was a little nervous for how they would feel.
Testing out Newtons
So for Christmas this year I asked for a pair of Newtons. I have been curious about them for awhile because they have a wider toe box. Otherwise they seem similar to the Pure Flows. I got the Gravities which have a 3 mm drop.
When I first put them on they felt a little weird. They have lugs on the bottom that help to keep your foot in a neutral position. When I started running in them they immediately felt great! I did have to adjust the laces a bit after that first run but otherwise I was totally sold. I’ve done all my runs since Christmas in them (other than one when I was traveling right after Christmas because I was nervous to bring a brand new pair of running shoes).
I am really sad to be cheating on my Brooks. While I plan to continue to wear them (definitely the Pure Flows) I am also glad that I found another brand that I like.
The real test of thew Newtons will be to see how my feet hold up in the summer. If I can go without losing any toenails this year then they will be my new shoe for summer running. (Unless of course, they go making changes to their models!)
You can read more about my shoe saga here:
Breaking Up With My Brooks
I Take It All Back
Let’s Talk About Running Shoes
Running For Two: Week 24
Running Makes Everything Better (Last Week’s Workouts)
WIAW: Anniversary Celebrations
Why It’s Hard to Take Rest Days as a Runner
Are you loyal to one brand of running shoes?
Have you ever tried Newtons?
Do you get black toenails or lose toenails often?
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Your new Newtons look great! Let’s hope you can keep all your toenails this summer!
Yes, I’m very loyal to my shoes…. I always wear Asics. Every time I use a different brand I end up having problems. I have custom-made orthopedic insoles, so I use a neutral shoe with them and it works really well.
Every brand I’ve tried in the past has given me problems, so I’m suprised I found anything besides Brooks to run in!
I felt like this with Asics. I ran in Asics Gel Nimbus for years. Then they changed them. I had to break up with them. I was all about Mizunos for a while. Now it’s Brooks Adrenalines. The sizing seems to have changed with this year’s models, tho. Ugh. Why? Why?
It’s so frustrating when they make big changes. Everyone complains about it, so I just don’t get it.
I used to my loyal to Mizuno until they made updates that didn’t work for me. I tried Newtons once and thought the different design might be causing knee issues — I never had knee pain and did aftert my one test run. I still have them but am scared to try again!
I totally understand! They are different so its possible that they caused you to change your gait.
All the best with the Gravity! I used to wear them. Loved them for speed and tempo runs but could never get over 10 miles with them. Probably because my form changed. Haha!
I used to get a black toenail after marathons when I ran faster than I do now and everyone said my shoes were too small, but like you, when I went bigger my feet totally slid around. The struggle is real!
I haven’t worn them for more than 7 miles so I guess I’ll have to see how they feel as I do longer runs. I have been in the Pure Flows since 2013 which seem similar so maybe they will be ok.
Yes I was loyal to Asics for 10 years and then they changed and I had some injuries and I ditched them. I tried a few others and now I am wearing Brooks Glycerin. I like the cushioning and extra wide toe box. I still get a toe nail to fall off every now and then.
Ooh do the Glycerins have a wide toe box? Thats good to know. I really like the Pure flows but they are just so narrow.
I had a Mizuno Wave Inspire thing going for awhile, but they kept changing (the toe box got SOOO wide). My shoe store gal recommended brooks Adrenalines for me (I have crazy high arches and need lots of stability and support), and they have been my go-to for the past 4-1/2 years. I did stray and sneak in a pair the the Mizuznos (right before my surgery incident in 2017), and they felt good, too. On a whim, I bought another pair of the Mizunos during the holidays (for a killer price). I’ve run once in them, and they are good…but are hibernating in the closet for a few months.
It sounds like you have found a few that work for you! Its nice to have some options.
I can totally relate to this! I was a Mizuno girl for years but they kept changing my go-to sneaker and it just got worse and worse for me. Finally I decided to try Brooks and through some trial and error, found 2 sneakers that work great for shorter runs and longer runs.
Glad you eventually found something you like! It can be so frustrating when brands keep changing their models.
I am pretty loyal to my running shoe brand until something causes me to make a switch. I used to wear Saucony until they narrowed the toe box. Then I switched to Nikes. It took me a while to get used to them. They are so light and responsive, but now I wouldn’t wear anything else. My hubby wears Brooks and loves them.
It can be so hard when they go and make big changes! Glad you eventually found something that works for you.
My poor toenails are always getting beat up during marathon training! My toes curl under a bit (like hammertoes), so I think it’s just the position they are in? It’s usually everything but my big toe and piggie toe. The nails are always bruised and new one growing under. But enough about my toenails… I’ve run in Newtons for years! I especially love the older “III” model, both Gravity and Motion. The newer ones were less soft than the older ones, and I haven’t been a fan of them lately. I’m still working through my stock of the older models!! Hope you love them!
I think my toe issues have to do with their position too. Its always my second toe.
Well I guess I dont know what Im missing with the older Newtons! The newer ones seem to work well so hopefully they don’t make too many changes to them.
So glad you found something that works!
I run in Brooks, Saucony and Adidas. I have several models that I like, and that work for me, and I have no issues rotating through them.
Enjoy them!
That’s so great that you have a few brands you like! Its always nice to have some different options.
You know I am a HUGE Brooks fan. I also loved the PureFlow and was frustrated when every year they would be different. I think it was either the 3 or 4 that were my favorite. Then I went with the Launch. I loved the 2. The 5 was pretty good too (looking for more pairs). I don’t understand why a company would change it and make it “worse”. Oh well.
I definitely liked the earlier versions of the Pure Flows better. Then I think they got worse and now they’re ok again other than that they are so narrow.
ha ha, black toenails are always a legit reason to cheat. I haven’t had any toenail problems (knock wood) but when I wore Saucony I always had to be very vigilant about keeping my toenails short. Right now I’m a very loyal Brooks launch girl, but that’s because they work for me, if the design or something about my body changes, I’d switch in a heartbeat.
I wore the Launches for a bit, and I liked them but I find that I do better with a lower drop shoe. I found they were sort of similar to the Levitates but I just felt more comfortable in the Levitates (until they changed them).
It is no secret that I LOVE my Newtons. I like to switch back & forth between Brooks (sometimes Mizuno) and Newtons.
Unfortunately Newtons have also gotten so expensive. And SO hard to find, actually. I already have Mr. Judy scouring Ebay for my June half.
I know I actually need to find a new shoe, because some day I won’t be able to get my hands on Newtons. Blech. I love them so much!
I’ve only ever had one black toenail. I think it was a new sock issue, but it definitely was not pleasant & I’d very much not like to repeat that experience!
They are really expensive! I was hoping my husband could find a sale somewhere but he was not successful. I think I need to stock up in case they go making changes. And I probably need to find another shoe/brand as a back up.
I’ve been wearing Saucony for years but bought a pair of Asics that I like and actually wore for my last marathon without any issues. For some reason I’m back in Saucony. I’m kind of a creature of habit and stick with what works.
I’m usually the same way! At least you have more than one brand that you like. I think that its good to have a back up option.
I am so curious to see how you like the new shoes. I’ve been pretty much a loyal Brooks girl from the beginning (tried a pair of Asics in between, which were ok, but went back to Brooks. I’ve run the Ghosts, Launchs, Ravennas and Levitates.)
I’ve put just about 50 miles on them so far and I really like them! I’ve run in the Ravennas, Launches, and Levitates but I’ve always preferred the Pure Flows. The Newtons definitely remind me of the pure flows with the low drop.
I’m glad the Newtons are working for you! I gave some a try a few years back but unfortunately, they didn’t work for me and I didn’t transition well. I was wearing Mizuno Wave Riders for years until the latest version’s fit was all off, so now I’m back to Brooks. I’m probably due for some new Ghosts, actually!
That’s too bad that they didn’t work for you! They are definitely not for everyone. It’s so frustrating when brands make changes to the models!