I'm training for my first 5k and need a shoe upgrade

August 10, 2013 8:42 AM

I've been running off and on for a few years now in a pair of Nike free 5.0 v4, whenever the guilt hits me. I've decided to take my health serious as I'm getting older. Since I'm goal oriented, I decided to train for and complete my very first 5k race which is scheduled for mid October. Problem is, my current pair of sneakers is starting to give at the soles. They are a great, light and comfortable minimalist shoes that caused no problems for my feet. Another plus was being able to go sock-less without a single blister. Can anyone suggest a suitable replacement? So far, I have my eyes on the New Balance MT10v2 and will be running 2-3 times a week in addition to some core work.
posted by Mr_Thirdworld to Health & Fitness (12 answers total)

Everybody has their favorites, so I'd suggest you go to a running store. They'll be able to help you figure out what you need and what you like.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:05 AM on August 10, 2013

Unfortunately, I don't live in the US or UK, so, I don't trust the expertise of those that work at sport equipment stores in my area.

I bought the Nike free 5.0 v4 online btw. I did my research and got feedback from other runners as well. I'm use that approach here.
posted by Mr_Thirdworld at 9:10 AM on August 10, 2013

The Merrell Trail Gloves I currently own (my second pair) satisfy your criteria.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 9:12 AM on August 10, 2013

Altra Zero Drops sounds like it'd fit for you. Most comfortable minimalist I've tried
posted by astapasta24 at 9:14 AM on August 10, 2013

You can't make a serious running shoe choice by reading reviews online. You like the shoes you have, and since you apparently don't trust the natives, better the devil you know. Get another pair of the Nikes.
posted by caek at 9:24 AM on August 10, 2013

+1 caek. If anything, get an extra pair of what you like.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 9:29 AM on August 10, 2013

It sounds like you really like these shoes. Is there anything preventing you from getting another pair in the same style? A lot of runners, once they've found a model that works for them, stick with it for as long as they can.

The life of one pair of running shoes is around 300 miles, sometimes less. It's common to replace shoes at least once or twice a year if you're a regular runner. Running intermittently in the same pair for a couple years sounds like a decent lifespan.
posted by Metroid Baby at 9:34 AM on August 10, 2013

I agree with those above that recommend buying a newer model of Nike Frees, since you already know you like them. As a runner, once I find a pair I like I just keep buying new versions of the same model.
posted by barnoley at 10:25 AM on August 10, 2013

Merrell Pace Gloves are the only sneakers I have ever been able to wear without socks and are light and lovely for running.
posted by futureisunwritten at 11:39 AM on August 10, 2013

I have run Free 5.0's and I now trail run in MT00's, MT10's, and MT20's.

The MT10 will prove much less cushioned than the Free's, which are great because they give good cushioning without a lot of motion control. They feel very slappy and sticky to me and I don't like them one bit on the street. YMMV.

I run Brooks Pureflow on the street, FWIW, and love them.
posted by ftm at 1:26 PM on August 10, 2013

Get what you know works for you. Go with the Frees.
posted by krakus at 1:29 PM on August 10, 2013

Merrells are narrower than Frees and quite a different shape imho. I'd also stick with what works for you and buy more Nikes.
posted by fshgrl at 5:46 PM on August 10, 2013