If the shoe fits...

I retired a flight of shoes this week.  It's hard because we've been through so much together.  I rely on my shoes to protect and cushion my feet.  I've been having pain in my feet, which may or may not be related to the wear and tear on the shoes.  A friend recently asked me why I would wear shoes with holes in them when I have plenty of money to buy new shoes.  

So let me tell a few stories about these retired shoes, to honor them before they are donated to reuse-a-shoe, Nike's recycling program to turn old shoes into new materials like flooring and jacket zippers.  If you want to recycle a few pairs of your old shoes, a few nearby recycling centers are:

Nike Running Pasadena

37 West Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91105
626-793-7862

Fleet Feet Sports Burbank
1516 West Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
818-238-9522

From Left to Right: The Asics TK61E was an impulse buy at Big 5 sporting goods in Claremont (or Montclair) on a day when I had to teach lab and I didn't have closed-toed shoes.  I used them for walking, running, cycling, commuting, and teaching.  I logged 139 miles of fitness on MapMyRide, and now they are retired.  

The Nike ZOOM NUCLEUS MC+ was a shoe that I researched and was fitted for at Running Center in Redlands.  I logged 282 miles of fitness on MapMyRide, these shoes ran probably 13 races and many training runs.  

The Nike DUAL FUSION RUN was an impulse buy on my way to participate in the Color Run in San Diego.  I loved that they were hot pink and I ran/walked only 70 miles with them, but wore them on many bike rides and for teaching.  

The Old Navy MESH SNEAKERS were on sale for probably $10.  I bought them because I loved the tennis-ball fluorescent yellow color.  Turns out they were like barefoot shoes and I wore them for many bike rides and for teaching.  

Last but not least, the red PUMA.  I bought those in Switzerland.  They may have been on sale.  I wanted something to remember my trip there, something that could not be found in the US.  I wore them for 10 years, they are shredded in the heel and have a hole in the toe.  The little gold puma details are falling off.  When I wear them it hurts, so it's safe to say these are cleared for retirement. 

Here's the new lineup (from left to right): New Balance 730 (W730RB2) is an ultra-lightweight running shoe. ACTEVA™ LITE midsole provides optimal resistance to compression set.  ACTEVA LITE is 24% lighter than standard foam because it is a blend of Elvaloy® and ENGAGE™ to increase flexibility, toughness, long-term outdoor exposure, and soft touch. I liked the color scheme and the way it felt like wearing a nice pair of slippers.

Fila Turbo Fuel Energized running shoe has a memory foam insole for extra comfort and CoolMax® technology for ventilation.  I really liked the color.  I don't know how they will feel to run in, but I will wear them for teaching and possibly also for Zumba.

New Balance 580 (W580SG3) is a classic running shoe with ABZORB® technology for cushioning made of Dupont ENGAGE™ elastomeric polymer, and a sole of Isoprene rubber for durability.  I realize these shoes are made from petroleum, and I wonder if there are shoes that are made of primarily renewable materials.

Specialized Cadet cycling shoes that have a simple black exterior and all kinds of hidden goodies.  First, the shoes have a Lollipop™ inner plate to enhance pedaling efficiency while EVA midsole stabilizes and cushions off the bike. Second, there is a Lacelock™ elastic mechanism to securely stow shoelaces so they won't catch in your chainring. Third, the shoe is decorated with reflective elements for enhanced visibility.  So far I love these.

Nike Flex TR5 has an EVA midsole. The bottom of the shoe has a rubber traction outsole with pods at high wear areas.  I liked the way it felt also like a slipper when I put it on.  The shoe weighs 7 ounces, putting it in the lightweight category.  I guess stability shoes can weigh anywhere from 10-13 ounces which is probably why it feels so weird that this would be a running shoe.

Of all these new shoes: I hope to find something good for walking, something good for standing (teaching), something good for running, something good for cycling, and something good for dancing!  I doubt I will find the perfect all-around shoe, but I hope each of these shoes eventually proves that they have a specialty.