Trail of 2 Shoes

Trail of 2 Shoes

Now I've done it: Gone and bought 2 pairs of running shoes. I was only supposed to buy 1 pair, but I couldn't resist the allure of a second choice. I'm having trouble deciding which shoes to keep and which to return. Salesclerks said I could try the shoes on a treadmill. As long as I don't get them dirty, I can return them.

It's a tough call. Either pair feels comfortable. I could probably run happily for hours in either shoe without blisters. This will be my first pair of trail runners. While I've bought piles of road running shoes, I've never bought a pair for off-road. I'm not a skilled trail runner. The klutz in me says, "Don't do it!" But where I live, in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty, you're hard-pressed to avoid trails. They're everywhere. I've given in, and found off-roading can be fun: You encounter new scenery, a challenge and the potential to become a better all-over runner.

The choice, though - the choice. It's Adidas versus Mizuno. Adidas costs more than Mizuno; he's flashier, with neon pink trim on top and pink and lime tread on the bottom. Adidas is the narrower shoe, which is good, because my foot is narrow. Adidas packs more forefoot cushioning than its rival.

The Mizuno, however, has qualities I like. While not as colorful as Adidas, he's splashed with neon yellow on top. The shoe's a bit wider, has less cushion under foot and still provides a solid landing. Also, he costs about $40 less than Adidas, which makes him more appealing.

I've only run about a mile on the treadmill in the new shoes, so I can't say I know either pair well. Trotting on a treadmill is different from pounding the ground. The treadmill's belt is clear of rocks, branches, dirt, grass or sheep crap. The treadmill's simply not a trail. It can never be a trail. The machine provides a cushioned test track – a mere hint of the road ahead.

At some point, I'll need to jump off the treadmill and hit the outdoors. Later (I'm not sure exactly when), I'll return to my road-running roots and settle down with a solid pair of street shoes. Something dependable and lightweight to pound mile after mile of flats and hills. Maybe I'll choose a familiar brand, like Nike. Or I'll test something more exotic first, like Saucony or Asics. Hundreds of shoes might fit my feet and my purpose. Too bad I don't have an infinite amount of money or time. Too bad I couldn't just keep running in my old shoes. I knew and loved those shoes. But all shoes eventually conk out.

I probably shouldn't stress too much over this decision.

After all, I'm not running a marathon. Not now, anyways. I'm not ready for a marathon.

I have to run...I have a date. With a man. If I can keep his name straight, I'll be just fine.