Running Shoes- In Search of the Perfect Fit

The first pair of running shoes I ever bought were purchased on a bit of whim.  I knew I needed running shoes if I wanted to run however instead of getting fitted for the right shoes for my feet I went by brand name and comfort.  In retrospect I should have really done more research before purchasing them because I later came to find that although great shoes they weren’t the right shoe for me. A year later (I didn’t run much that first year) I purchased a second pair of shoes but this time I visited Fleet Feet to get fitted.  I learned that I am a mild to neutral pronator however I require medium arch support.  I was given the option of a neutral shoe with a Superfeet insole (the blue or green one) or a stability shoe with medium arch support. This information is really invaluable because it is really the key to picking to right shoe, so go get fitted! All that being said I decided to go with the Asics GEL-Kayano 17 .  I really like the shoes but I guess you could say that after 250 miles on these I’m not totally sold.  I feel like I might need just a little more arch support or maybe just a different shoe.  That’s where Brooks comes in… I contacted Brooks Running about doing a shoe review and they were interested so I used Brooks Shoe Advisor to determine which shoe is right for me. So based on the Shoe Advisor and my Asics I went with the Ravenna 2. Pros:  the feel good to run in; the fit is right; I like the color; I like the support, they are light weight and breathable. Cons: although they feel good to run in they don’t feel GREAT- this is the only real con that I have.  So I went back to Fleet Feet. I was re-evaluated and in reality I should have probably chosen neutral pronation. Conclusion: I find that my Brooks Ravenna 2 are good running shoes, for now. I don’t have any issues with my knees or legs or stride like I did with my very first pair, however I am going to head to the Green Mountain Rehab which now has a new running store to discuss my needs more in-depth and try out the above four shoes to see if maybe they will be the perfect fit. Things I love about the Brooks: I love the service- I picked the wrong size because apparently I need a full size larger in running shoes and they were quick to swap them out.  I love the shoe advisor, it is quick and easy to use.  It also provides the resources to make sure you understand what they are asking for so you can choose the right shoe for you. I also love their True Blue Guarantee: Brooks products come with a no-questions-asked, 30-day satisfaction guarantee on every purchase. Who knew that choosing the right running shoe would take so much trial and error?   _____________________________________________________________________________________________ Disclaimer: Brooks Running provided me with a pair of their Ravenna 2 running shoes.  I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway. All thoughts and opinions are my own and are based on personal experience.