The Monday Shakeout: The Value of a Simple Daily Trainer
By Matthew Klein
This week Matt talks about his reasoning for suggesting new runners start with normal daily training shoes compared to other types of shoes. Given the rise of social media, aggressive marketing and other influencing messages, finding running shoes as a new runner is a daunting and overwhelming task. Here, Matt outlines his reasoning for simplifying this decision provides a few options in addition to reminding you to check out our "Best Running Shoes for Beginners" guide.
Running is more popular than ever. The rise of run clubs, social media's influence and even remnants of the pandemic has brought more recreational runners into this sport than the jogging boom of the 1970s. The dramatic increase in new runners has randomly coincided with one of the greatest progressions of footwear technology in history. There are more types of running shoes that are far taller, more aggressive and bouncy than ever before. With the onset of influence from run club members, social media and marketing hype, it can be incredibly difficult for new runners to figure out which running shoe to start with. The first question often asked is "what is the BEST running shoe", which will give you a thousand different answers depending on the person. However, the newer runner may not know this and instead of going to the local running store for good information (as one may not be present near them), most head online and are greeted with a massive onslaught of information.
Advice from an Obsessed Runner Turned Run Reviewer
So, as someone who has been studying this and working in and around this industry for almost 20 years, my biggest piece of advice for the newer runner is to start with a traditional training shoe. I discourage any fancy type of racing shoe, lightweight trainer, minimal shoe or super maximal shoe as the new runner must get used to the brand new stimulus of running. Those who have been running for even a little often forget how weird and challenging it can be to get into this sport. New runners are having to learn and master a new movement that has many moving parts and extremely high levels of forces to deal with (up to 4-5 times your body weight weight with each step). High levels of soreness and fatigue are common early on as your body adapts to the amount of eccentric (lengthened under tension) work the body must do while running as well as generating enough force to essentially single leg hop from one leg to the other. Calf, hip, knee, etc soreness are completely normal as the body gets used to this new thing. Adding an overly fancy shoe that confounds, covers up (but does not actually reduce) or alters this experience may not be best given the need for the new runner to learn and adapt to this. New learners generally need simple environments that are not complex in order to progress to more advanced stages. Shoes should not be thought of as anything different when it comes to new runners or new learners.
Traditional daily trainers refer to the most common shoes used for easy and daily mileage within a running line. Most companies have been working on these lines for decades and spent extensive time designing them for recreational, new and advanced runners. Examples include shoes like the ASICS Cumulus 26, ASICS Nimbus 26, Adidas Supernova RiseBrooks Ghost 16, Brooks Glycerin 21, Hoka Clifton 9, Mizuno Wave Rider 28, New Balance 880 v14, New Balance 1080 v14, Nike Pegasus 41, Nike Vomero 17, On Cloudmonster 2 Saucony Ride 17 and the Saucony Triumph 22. Most of what differentiates the two models listed from the same company comes down to cost and level of cushioning, with the more premium model often being softer and more expensive. These shoes, or some variation of them, have been with the company most of their existence. These shoes are also designed for walking/standing among non-running individuals, especially since most companies actually sell a far greater volume of running shoes to people who don't use them for running than those who do. Thus, these shoes are designed for the forces of
There are of course some variations on what a newer runner may need that can be further explored in our "Guide to the Best Running Shoes for Beginners." Those with a history of pronation related injuries (Achilles tendon, posterior tibialis, medial tibial stress syndrome) may benefit from the guidance versions (see our Guide for Shoes for People with Posterior Tibialis), but most people should still start with a neutral shoe. Those who want a little less shoe may find some great options from Topo and Altra. However, the key is to start with a simple shoe. This may not be your second or third shoe but it is important to start from someplace simple to get an idea of what you do and don't like. More complex shoes can muddy the early lessons about how your body responds to shoes and learning what your individual body needs is the most important thing. Different people respond differently to different shoes, so figuring out their own unique needs is key. This cannot be done with a treadmill analysis as we have found that to not be as reliable as the individual's report of comfort, which will improve as they learn more. So in the spirit of a new journey and learning, choose from the above and then move on once you get more experience.
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Ultraspire Fitted Race Belt: The best way to carry your phone and goods on the run. No bounce and various sizes for waist. (Also recommend the Naked belt)
Saysky Running Gear: We were really taken aback by this Scandinavian company's ultra-thin, durable performance clothing
Skratch Recovery, Coffee Flavor: Mental and physical boost post run. Coffee flavor is excellent and goes great straight into a fresh brewed cup
goodr Sunglases: Run in style with goodr's super fun sunglasses.
Feetures Socks: Massively grippy socks that will make you feel more one with the shoe
Amphipod Hydraform Handheld Water Bottle: Perfect for long runs when you need hydration in the summer
Trigger Point Foam Roller: Help get those knots out post-run and feel better for tomorrow
Theragun Massager: This small version is great on the go for working tired legs
Ciele Hat: Our team's favorite running hat of choice!
Fractel Hats: Our team's wider fitting running hat of choice!
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NEXT: Best Racing Shoes for Insoles
