I did A LOT of research – and asked around. I came up with some shoe options to try. I have high arches which means I need more cushion in my shoes – and good arch support. I was told by Road Runner Sports once that I am a neutral runner, but their test involved walked barefoot across a mat. I’m pretty sure I slightly over-pronate which contributes to problems on the outside of my foot.
So, I LOVE my Montrail Continental Divides and I’m not ready to give them up but I’m thinking they might not have the cushioning I need for longer runs (or when I’m hurt). I picked up a pair of Vasque Velocity’s and North Face Ultra 103′s. They both claim to be well cushioned and good for those with higher arches. They also are supposed to stop over-pronation.
This morning I went on my first weekday morning run in a long time. It’s hard to get out and run in the morning, make it to work, etc. I just planned on going in a little late today. So I strapped on my new Vasque shoes (trying North Face next), inserted my new insoles (also good for arch support) and was off to Whiting Ranch.
We had a great turnout for a weekday morning run. What an awesome group we have! There were 9 of us total. 7 members + 1 new member (he joined today) + Addy. We did a great 5 mile loop with 900′ of elevation gain and I felt good. At about mile 2.5 I was starting to think my foot was giving me that "I’m gonna start hurting" feeling. But.. the next mile was all downhill (steep in sections) and I felt okay. I was happy to complete the 5 miles with no pain! I’m not healed yet and still taking it easy but it would appear I am on the road to recovery. On Saturday’s run I’m going to try out my new North Face shoes. My first observation on the Vasque shoes is they are awesome! Not just because I had no pain but they felt great.
Happy Running & Dirty Feet,
Jessica
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this is like the 3rd blog i’ve read about new shoes, and all written on the same day
is it that time of the year? funny thing is i just bought a new pair less than 2 weeks ago and am breaking them in for this weekend.
check out the bullrunner’s and hitme’s funny posts about their new/old shoes…
http://thebullrunner.com/
http://hitme64.wordpress.com/
So glad that you’re likin’ your new shoes! Finding shoes that work is THE BEST, isn’t it?!
And I’m also SO glad that Addy has hooked up with you guys!! She is such a neat person, and I’m so happy for all of you that you’ve got one another to run with!!
See you this fall in AZ if not before, Jessica!
Sarah
I might have to check those shoes out – I wonder if there is a road version?
Hi Jessica,
I hope your North Face shoes fit you as well as the Vasque! I haven’t brought mine out for a test run but hopefully I’m as lucky as you 
Thanks to E-Rod (who read way too many posts about shoes in the past 2 days) I found your blog
Congratulations on the pain free run! Glad to hear you like the new shoes as well.
I hope the shoes prove to be “the ones.” Happy Running and Dirty Feet to you too.