Let's talk about feet.
As someone with extremely sensitive, injury-prone feet and ankles, I have to think a lot about my footwear a lot. Whether for walking, running/exercise, or agility, I have to choose my shoes carefully. I have extremely weak ankles, so for my running and agility shoes, I need something that will support them without decreasing my range of motion.
When I began my agility journey, I didn't put much thought into footwear (or sports bras, but that's a whole 'nother blog post, LOL). But I found out pretty quickly that my crappy sneakers just wouldn't cut it on wet grass. The spring after I started competing, I invested in a pair of Merrells... snagged on sale at REI for over $50 off. I love them so much, but after almost two years (I know you aren't supposed to wear sneakers for that long, but I just love them so!), they are falling apart.
I have been thinking about what shoes to get next for agility, but there are so many options that I don't know where to start, LOL.
The obvious choice would be another pair of Merrells, but I'm not necessarily stuck on that brand.
I know Vibrams are trendy, but I worry they wouldn't be supportive enough for my feet and that a shoe like that would make it easier to re-injure my ankle. Those of you that wear them, do you find your feet hurt more (or less?) at the end of the day? Can you wear an ankle brace with them?
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| My current Merrells. Lovely, but on their last leg. |
For running (not dog related), these are my favorites:
I LOVE these shoes. It's like wearing little clouds on my feet. My feet don't get tired, and they support my arches and ankles without going up too high on the backs of my heels. I ran a 5k in them without any problems back in November. I pretty much only wear them for running, because they were expensive and I don't want to wear them out!
I'm not sure if I want to invest the money in another pair of these for agility. I trial primarily on dirt, and the thought of getting a $100+ pair of shoes covered in arena sand makes me upset. LOL.
I guess I should go to REI and try on some shoes. I am looking for something low profile, with lots of tread and built for narrower feet. I also have big, oddly sized feet (I'm either, or in between a 10 and an 11, depending on the shoe).
Any suggestions? What brands, or models (is that the right word?) have worked best for you when it comes to shoes for agility? I would love to hear your input.
I wear Asics for running/gym work too, and I adore them! I just got a new pair, actually, the GT-2000, in bright purple. They were on sale. ;)
ReplyDeleteAnd ... I wore my hiking Merrells and my Merrell Mocs into bits too. Honestly, I would go with the Merrells if you like them! They're awesome shoes.
Moving to a more minimalist shoe is a whole different feel. The theory (which I'm sure you know) is that instead of using a show for support, your body gets stronger (this is painful) and supports itself (this is cool).
ReplyDeleteThe drawback is that the body is only as strong as the structure. We weren't all meant to be supermodels. Or cavemen. Or ultramarathoners.
If you're serious about wanting to go the minimalist route, be sure you build up to it gradually and stay in shape--tendons develop slowly and you can't rush it at all. That said, I've really enjoyed the process and I think it makes a lot of sense.
Find what works for you and go with it. :) Most roads lead to Rome, as it were.
Oh how I love to drool over shoes at REI and Sierra Trading Post. I can hardly ever bring myself to buy though. I did also have a pair of Merrils that I loved for a long time. I finally bought a pair of Keens that I like but not love. I usually love Keen brand any kind of shoes but these just aren't perfect. They let too much sand in and are a little too tight on the top of my foot. I am tempted to buy a pair of Keens on line which I never do. They're all so expensive, and ugh, I don't want them to get dirty either!
ReplyDeleteI really like these but I guess they wouldn't be that great for cold weather agility.
http://www.keenfootwear.com/us/en/product/shoes/women/trailhead/ambler%20mesh/woodbine!neutral%20grey