Last weekend, I headed back to Ultramax Sports for the runner’s equivalent of a six-month check up. As I’ve mentioned in a few recent posts, my hip and IT band have been bothering me more and more on my runs. And, while I haven’t been as faithful with those strengthening exercises and stretches I know I should be doing, I had an inkling the problem was something else–my shoes. And I believe I was right.
Since going through the Gaitology analysis at Ultramax last September, I’ve been running in a pair of purple PureFlows.
Brooks PureFlow
I’ve really loved going into a lightweight shoe. With a lesser drop than your standard running shoe, I feel like the PureFlow helped me to better my stride and my form as a runner. I didn’t suffer from IT band, Achilles, or shin pain in these shoes (until the end of their life). However, I would say I was only 80% happy with these shoes. The missing 20% came down to the inside arch of my foot. Although I technically have a neutral arch, my foot is a little on the wider side, and my inner arch is a little bit high. The PureFlows, with their minimalist trend, lacked support in that area–and I really needed it. I knew that, when I went looking for shoes this time around, I’d be looking for something a little bit different.
I explained my issue with the PureFlows to the sales associate using a lot of technical terms, like “This part is kinda stretchy” and “See how my foot hangs over?” and “I dunno, maybe I should try SAH-coh-nee shoes? SOW-coh-nee?” She brought some out for me to try, including the PureCadence.
Brooks’ PureCadence 2
According to the Brooks website, the PureCadence “delivers more support through smart, streamlined features such as a wider Nav Band that’s locked in to the medial strike pod.” As soon as I tried the shoe on, I knew it was exactly what I was looking for. That inner-arch area felt instantly more supported. I was so excited to find a shoe that solved that issue, that I was more than willing to lay down $120 for a pair.
I’m happy to report that I’ve run in these shoes four times now and have had zero hip pain or IT band pain. Sure, I’m going to keep stretching. But mostly, I’m going to thank the Shoe Gods for helping me get on the right foot. Pun intended.
What are you running in these days?
I am running in my third pair of Saucony Kinvara’s and New Balance Minimus. My wife has the first pair of Brooks in the post and really likes them. What is gaitology?
I’ve tried on Kinvaras and I think they’re very similar to Brooks PureFlows. Two of my good friends swear by them.
Gaitology is a running analysis program that Ultramax Sports does for free in order to look at your stride, pronation, etc. It’s pretty enlightening! You can read about when I had it done in that linked post.
I love my Brooks. I thought minimal was the way to go, but now I wear my Brooks for Crossfit too and I have many fewer issues all around
I have been wearing mine for more gym workouts, since I’ve been running on the treadmill and strength training before or after. I really like them for cross-training, too! However, I don’t want them to wear out too quickly–they are expensive!–so I mostly stick to my Asics for indoor wear.
I’ve wore them all, always come back to brooks. Think this time I will stay.
Love Brooks!
we don’t run anymore—feel good if we can walk. Grandma has had comparable orthotics in her shoes for 18 years, me about ten. so join the group. Only thing is we can move ours from shoe to shoe. ours cost several hundred to start but are nice to have then. still training for the big run?????? good luck. How is first grade teaching going, don’t hear too much about that. peace grandpa
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Hi Grandpa! Yes, still training–I had a 17 mile run this morning. (Phew!) Luckily, Kelly joined me for about 12 miles, and we were able to talk-talk-talk so the miles flew by.
Teaching is going great! I have such a wonderful class this year. I just can’t believe there are only 11 weeks left of school. I still have a lot to teach these kids
I started running in the Pure Cadence last year and loved them, I am hoping they did not make any changes in the Pure Cadence 2. I trail run in the Brooks Cascadia, also a great shoe. Keeps my IT band at bay!
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