I’ve been meaning to write this post for several months now. It was a request a while back, and with the change of blogs, and just life in general I never got around to it. I don’t like not following through on my promises so I wanted to make sure to get this one together!

You’ve probably seen on my blog that I wear a lot of different running shoes. I find that I respond best to using different shoes for different types of runs. This allows me to get more wear out of each one and I find that a few of my shoes actually “reset” while in between uses. I’ll get more into that as I go through them.

My favorites are constantly changing, but I thought I would share the ones that are currently at the top of my list.

 

Brooks Launch

Primary use: Easy Runs

The Brooks Launch have just recently been added to my list after my husband surprised me and bought them. He had been enjoying them for some time.

This is a great well-padded shoe that is perfect for my easy run days. They aren’t too heavy where I feel like my legs are being weighed down. This is really important to me since my recovery days are usually done on tired legs. I don’t want to feel like I am working any harder than I need to. I have also been wearing these on my Sunday trail runs.

I wore the Brooks Launch on a few long runs when I was suffering from a broken rib. I needed a bit more padding at the time to help cushion the impact.

 

New Balance Zantes

Primary use: Long runs and tempo

I have heard mixed reviews from people on the New Balance Zantes, but I love them. I had gotten a pair back in November and loved them so added a pair to my Christmas list. Thankfully, Santa delivered!

I typically will use these on my longer runs because they do have decent cushion but are still a light shoe. They are also great from tempo runs when you don’t want to wear a racer. These are usually my go to shoe for just about anything outside of easy running.

The only downside to the Zantes is they probably only last you about 100-125 miles. My husband has had the same problem, so we try to buy them when they are on sale since we know they won’t last us quite as long. With my mileage, it isn’t as big of a deal but for my husband who runs 90-100 mile weeks this means he can go through pairs pretty quickly!

 

Nike Flyknit Lunar 2

Primary Use: Speed work

I’ve had these Nike Flyknits forever and I love them. They have lasted me quite a while mostly because I try to only save them for true speed work. Mile repeats, track work, etc. They are super light and I feel like I am flying when I wear them.

I still probably have another good 30-50 miles on them, so they are slowly wearing down but have lasted me through several marathon training cycles. I’ve worn them on the road and the treadmill, but stick with them during speed sessions due to them not having quite as much padding.

 

Adidas Adios Adizero Boost

Primary Use: Long runs and tempo

You can read a full review I did on the Adidas Adios Adizero Boost a while back here, and I still have them regularly in my shoe rotation. My New Balance Zantes have caused me to wear these less, but they are still a great/lightweight shoe!

I did a lot of my Chicago long runs in these shoes and even race my most recent half marathon PR in them. They are light weight but not quite as light as many racing shoes.

 

HOKA ONE ONE Clifton 2

Primary use: Easy runs

I received the Hoka One One Clifton 2’s about 6-7 months ago and have really enjoyed them. I haven’t worn them as much recently, but when I got them out for an easy run last week I remember just how wonderful they can be when your legs are feeling really tired.

I like the Clifton’s because they are extremely padded without feeling like you are wearing weights on your feet. They are excellent for road running because they seem to absorb some of the shock. I have never worn these on a workout, but I do believe the Clifton’s are considered one of their lighter shoes so they could be.

 

A few other notable mentions that are in my shoe routine on occasion: Mizuno Wave Catalyst, Nike Peguses, and Saucony Kinvara.

 

What is your favorite running shoe?

Do you alternate shoes?