How many shoes?

So it's that time of the year again when I need a little bit more motivation to get me through until the next training block. Up here in Toronto, Canada, the dark cold winters can easily derail any motivated runner. So if you're like me, a little carrot like a new pair of kicks is just what you need. I usually set a goal in mind that if I get through a certain training cycle, or hit a new PB in a race, I can purchase a new pair of shoes or some new piece of gear. However, year end clear out sales, older models, and even discounted models come and go and sometimes I jump the gun.

So begs the questions, how many running shoes should a runner have? Well the answer is, it’s really up to you. Though we know all you only have two feet and really only need one pair of shoes to run in, many more often creep into the picture.

What’s in my stable?

First off, I must say as much as I wish to run in the latest and greatest shoe, I don’t think that will ever be the case. As a regular working father, bills, two cars, a mortgage, and two kids will often set the newest fancy models of running shoes to the end of any priority list. Not to mention also having other expensive hobbies besides just running (road and mountain biking) can also get pretty costly. Add in a swimming pass to the local pool and various swim gear, things slowly add up. So my stable of shoes might not be the most fanciest or newest, but it works and I still think I have a lot pairs of shoes. I plan to do a review of some of the shoes at a later date.

Shoe - price paid - store - date purchased

Hoka Clifton 4 - $97.99 The Runners Core (October 2019)

Yes, I know Hoka are on the 6th version of the Clifton at my time of writing, but the 4 was on sale and fit similar to the 6th, so I gave it a go. I got these for my long days as a max cushion shoe for the road.

Under Armour Gemini 2 - $52.99 UA Outlet Ajax - Black Friday Sale (November 2019)

Meant to use these as an everyday trainer (to replace my Saucony Rides). UA isn’t known much for their shoes and wasn’t able to find much of reviews before purchasing. They were on a pretty good deal at the time of purchase and thought I can always use a new pair of shoes to walk around in if I didn’t like the fit and feel during a run.

New Balance 1500v4 - $49.99 - SVP sports (October 2018)

A fast race shoe with a bit of stability. I got these shoes to use on my faster runs, tempo runs and track sessions.

Saucony Trail $39.99 - SVP sports (December 2018)

I live pretty close to few great running trails. When I got back into running, one of my first goals was to make sure I mix up the terrain and not run on just the roads. So gravel roads or on the trails were going to be a focus of many of my long runs if the weather permits. Can you run with road shoes on the trail? Of course you can, but there are some pluses to a designated trail shoes, such as more grip, a more water repellent covering, and not to mention this was just an excuse for another pair of shoes.

Adidas Adizero Boston Boost 6 - $99.99 (March 2017)

I had these the longest out of all my shoes. Back when I last attempted a BQ marathon in 2017, these were the hottest shoes to make you go fast. I broke the bank and made the purchase. I only have a few runs in them and am holding onto them for the days of marathon and half marathon running ahead.

Nike Zoomfly (1st generation) - $79.99 - Nike Outlet Vaughan Mills (Feb 2019)

This was an impulse buy, I will be the first to admit it. I closely followed all of Nike’s Breaking2 attempts and was in awe of the carbon fiber plate advancements. Though these are not the Vapour Fly 4%, or Next% or anything that really costs that much, but I did enjoy racing to 5k and 10k PB in them.

So this is the current stable of my shoes. Nothing to be blown away by. I currently run an average of 30-40 km a week at the moment, so it may take me a lot longer to wear out shoes. Maybe one day I will break the bank on a pair of Next% or Alpha Flys... but they would have to be on a deal or sale of some sort, probably a few models later as well.