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If the running shoe fits… buy it in every color!

Back in October, I mentioned that I had an appointment with a Pedorthist to get custom orthotics made. The appointment went really well; I learned a lot about feet from a man who really knew his stuff! And I’ve happily been wearing my orthotics in my everyday shoes (although I’m not sure what I’m going to do once sandal season hits. What do you other orthotic-wearers do about this?).

But I still haven’t put the orthotics in my running shoes. The inserts are so thick that they won’t comfortably fit inside the shoes. Finally, yesterday, I got around to buying a bigger pair:

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Above, loot from the running store: the shoes, new Thorlos (love them!), and the latest issue of Runners’ World with Kara Goucher on the front (love her too!).

This is like my fourth or fifth pair of Nike Pegasus shoes, even though I only discovered them a short time ago. What can I say? If something works for you, keep doing it! And these things feel like wearing slippers! It’s like they were made specifically for my feet (but I’m sure all their other fans would disagree with me). I was first fit for the Pegasus shoes at a running store. After the initial pair, though, I’ll buy them wherever I happen to see a super-good price (or when I find one of those nifty $25-off Sports Authority coupons). But because I wanted to be properly fit for the orthotics this time, I went back to the running store.

On this particular trip, the employee first had me try on Asics, then Brooks, then New Balance. All the while, I’m asking: “Maybe I should try Pegasus?” None of the other shoes felt right, and I began to worry that perhaps it was the fault of the orthotics, meaning no shoe would ever feel good with them in. Enter Pegasus… And they all lived happily ever after.

I used to buy running shoes based on the color. The turquoise blue shoes were always the first ones I’d try.  But you don’t have to be a runner for long to realize that after a few weeks, color becomes a moot point (especially if you have a penchant for running on grass). This time, I bought pink.

pde

The Pink Doughnut Eater would be proud!

Speaking of things that are pink… Chocolate-Covered Meal of the Day:

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Beauty Queen Oatmeal

  • Oatmeal cooked in a combination of almond milk and water
  • vanilla extract and a pinch of salt
  • lots of fresh raspberries, smushed in

And a banana on the side.

Question of the day: Is there anything that you love so much you have it in multiple colors? Aside from my sneakers, I also own some American Eagle tops, Gap tanks, and an incredibly-comfy Express sweater in every color they make.

Published on February 24, 2010

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50 Comments

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  1. jcd says

    I am glad you found shoes that fit properly. The running store I go to recommends the Nike Pegasus shoes to supronators too, so I will have to try a pair come spring when they can order my size.

  2. Jessica says

    I have turtleneck sweaters from the Gap in at least 5 different colors, lol. They’re so comfy, and since I get cold all the time it was love at first wear! 🙂

    I wear Asics for running but I used to hate buying them because I could never find any that weren’t mostly white. I got lucky a few months ago and spotted a black/hot pink pair and snapped them right up.

  3. radioactivegan says

    there was a period in my life (that still continues to some point) where I owned every pair of lee jeans in my size. they seem to be cut for my hips exactly. i’ve since focused in on a few key styles, but i still own quite a few pairs of lee (i have like 10 pairs of jeans … i’m a jeans girl).

    I do have some questions about running shoes. I am not a runner, most of the time. I occasionally run outside, but mostly at the gym. I need some new sneakers, and I’d like to find some that have no leather on them if possible. Do you know of any brands or styles that are purely man-made materials? Thanks so much for any advice you can give me!

  4. Megan says

    Yay for new running shoes! I’m on my second pair of my Nike Zoom Vomeros– I agree, once you find a shoe that fits, keep buying it! My new pair is in “Livestrong Yellow” and it’s such a bright and cheery color. 😉

    I’m totally that way with clothes, too– if I find a shirt or sweater I like, I need it in AT LEAST two colors!

  5. Stef @ moretolifethanlettuce says

    do NOT fear the banana is right! aw nathan is such a cutie. having good shoes is so important, affects your entire body. i’m an aasics girls myself. oh and check out my post from 2 days ago if you get a moment, a certain package arrived!

  6. erintakescontrol says

    I have a certain blouse style in 8 colors – black, eggplant, deep sea blue, lime green, coral, pink rose, white, and multi-colored print. JC Penney had the entire line on sale, and I love the fit and feel of the fabric, so I had to have them! 🙂

    Yay for new running shoes! It’s like Christmas everytime I buy a new pair!

  7. Mae (OhhMay.Wordpress) says

    I loved my running shoes. I think they were the brooke’s adrenaline? http://ohhmay.wordpress.com/2009/03/30/lectoring-easter-news-and-brooks/
    I have custom orthodics and I love them too. Now that I’m going to be a lifeguard, I’m not sure what I’ll do about flip-flops. My tendon is at risk of tearing again without support, so hopefully we can both find a pair that work!

    My doctor recommended croc’s; he said they make a flip flop you can put orthodics in. I’ll check it out and let you know!

  8. Andria @ Veg is Sexy says

    Aw, is Nathan your cousin?

    I have this one t-shirt top from Nordstrom’s that I buy in a new color every time I go. It’s loose fitting and comfy, but it still has a shape and style. And goes great with ANYTHING! Blazers, jeans, sweatpants, skirts, you name it.

  9. Shannon says

    yes, the joy of finding sneaks that fit your orthotics… stinks. but after the initial fitting i buy them online at discounts 🙂 i don’t really wear sandals anymore, as my knees/feet hurt when i don’t wear my orthotics. I recently switched to eSoles, and can get them so they fit certain sandals. But they aren’t cheap, and aren’t as cute ;(

  10. Adam says

    Haha, story of my life. I am glad to hear another runner feels the same way i do about purchasing the same right pair of shoes over and over again… However, lately i had been looking for a change, i have worn asics for the past 4 years and love them enough to have purchased the same pair 3 times. BUT, i also over-wear my shoes by a good 400 miles every time, which is not good for my feet but good news for my wallet. I just put in an order for a pair of vibram five-fingers and i an pretty scared… I love running store loot though, it makes my week! I am thinking those pancakes will be a dinner i will have time to make tonight! Can’t wait…

  11. Leah says

    I own multiples of many j-crew basic shirts and turtlenecks…they fit sooo perfectly and come in great colors! same with gap basic shirts and sweaters…
    also, aren’t thorlo socks so amazing?!? my mom doesn’t understand why i need 12 dollar running socks, but once you run in them, you can never go back to walmart socks…

  12. caronae says

    I totally feel you on wanting to stick with what works! I have been in mizunos for years and this past fall a running store lady insisted i needed these aasics. I hated them and ended up injured! Never. Leaving. My. Beloved. Mizunos. Again!

  13. theprocessofhealing says

    That’s a great issue!! I learned a lot from it (you know how people say if you can’t do, teach.. well if you can’t run, read all about it haha).
    Asics are my favorite and I agree, once you find the shoe that works for you, stick with it. I used to buy based on color too but now… doesn’t really matter ha
    And AE tanks… one in every color.

  14. lisa says

    haha! I just wrote about running shoes too! I wear Asics though. I’m on my 3rd model but Asics work best for me. I have orthotics too, but they were made for athletic shoes. Since I’ve only had them for a few months, I haven’t had to deal with summer shoes yet and I have worn my sneakers the most. Since I dealt with two stress fractures late last year, I won’t be wearing flip-flops or many sandles anymore (unfortunately) and will have to look for shoes with more support. It sucks, but I’d rather have feet that don’t hurt!! They have to carry me through a lot of miles still!

    I have a v-neck tissue tee from J Crew in two colors but wish I had it in more!

  15. laura says

    i love my orthotics! i usually only wear them when i go running or for long walks because they only really fit in my running shoes. besides that i own sandals and flats and orthotics just dont work with them! i can definitely feel heel spurs when i dont wear them, but sometimes its worth it to not wear clunky shoes all the time, even in the summer!

  16. EE says

    I have several scarves in different colors.

    Ahh, enjoy the shoes. I LOVE my first several runs in a new pair. Feels like I am running on pillows!

  17. Claire (College:Raw) says

    Yay for the same shoes! My favorite pair of running shoes was discontinued, and my current ones are just okay. I think I should have gone to get fitted, but I was still mourning over the loss of my old shoes… 😉

    I love bananas too! I usually have one a day too. So delicious!

    And beautiful oatmeal…you are one creative lady!

  18. Bianca- Vegan Crunk says

    I do not fear the banana! Hey, are those Nike Pegasus shoes vegan? Not that I care like the vegan police or anything. But I need a new pair of workout shoes, and though I love my old vegan New Balance, they aren’t the best shoes for running. I’m training myself to run. Slowly, but surely. Right now, I can only go a few minutes before I have to slow down and walk for awhile. But baby steps…anyway, if the Pegasus shoes are vegan, I might look into getting some of those next. Nike’s a good company. I like all their GLBT-friendliness.

  19. Serena says

    When something fits me really well, I try to do the same 🙂 It’s always nice to have “staples” to fall back on (this goes with food, books by authors I like, shoes, etc)

  20. Jenny R. says

    Katie I love that you named your oatmeal beauty queen oatmeal. It reminds me of barbie dolls for some strange reason. Also – I LOVE PEGS – they are the best shoes ever and only shoes I can run in. Believe it or not…before running I used to work out in shox. Worst call…they are so clunky despite their comfort. They are more of a tourist shoe haha. I think pegs are even better than voomeros to be honest. (I used to work for nike..can ya tell? haha 😉 I haven’t bought new shoes in a year!! that’s a huge no no right? Yours are super pretty..I may have to copy you and buy them too

  21. musingsofthegranolagirl says

    I own those champion sports bras from Target in every color because they were on sale and getting a million of the same color would be waaaay too boring!

    I also used to choose running shoes by their color, I’ve outgrown that but I’m still partial to beautifully colored ones 🙂

  22. Monica says

    I own at least 4 sweaters in the same style but different colors, same with button-down shirts and work pants in black, grey, brown, pinstriped, etc. You get the gist!

    I cringe a little bit when I watch What Not to Wear because Stacey and Clinton ALWAYS make fun of people who own things in multiples! 🙁

    Also–pink oatmeal is a specialty of mine, I think I have it down to a science! So yummy.

  23. Katie says

    I’m an Asics girl, and buy the same kind everytime!

    have you heard of Chacos? They make flip flops that are amazingly comfortable, no leather, and they have arch supports. I wear mine every single day in the summertime.

  24. Jenna @ Healthy. Happy. Well. says

    It’s such a miracle whenever I find a pair of running shoes that are just perfect. It’s like meeting a new best friend! I just bought a pair of Sauconys and If they made other colors I would get them but they are strictly gray and purple. I love the Beauty Queen oats! Raspberries are so good in oatmeal!

  25. Heather says

    Umm everything? Haha. When I like something I want as many as possible. I have my Mizunos in 2 colors, almost every shirt I own in multiple colors…sports bras..workout shirts….everything haha.

  26. LindsayRuns says

    I would have one of every color of my cardigans from Ann Taylor, my vicky’s lace bootie short undies, and sandals of all kinds!

  27. Jean @ BelezaJean says

    I used to buy shoes based on their colour too!

    Okay… I still do (bright pink is a pre-requisite to purchasing) BUT I’ve also learned more about fit and “feet needs” – my faves are ASICS Gel Stratus, love me some cushion!

    Your pink oatmeal is adorable:) xoxo

  28. Katharina says

    I love you Katie!!! 😀

    At first I thought the redness were strawberries–which I got the other day to make a strawberries and cream bowl of oats. YUMMM. Or strawberry shortcake oats? Hmm.. lol HOW ABOUT BOTH?! ANYWAYYY, I own two of the same sunglasses in different colors.. uhhhh and shirts that are the same in different colors as well.

    XO

  29. kathleen says

    good news about the shoes. i’ve never been a huge runner, but i enjoy it now and again. my current shoes consistently give me blisters on the inside of my heels on the soles of my feet no matter what i do. time for a new investment.

  30. catms916 says

    I’m boring and have bought the exact same shoes in the same color for the past 4 pairs (and have been buying the same style before that since freshman year of high school)! I do however have under armor shirts in 5 different colors – it gets cold in NYC!

  31. ecogrrl says

    i adore the banana but in my quest to become more of a local eater, i treat it like a delicacy these days 😉 now if they could figure out how to grow ‘nanas in oregon…

  32. Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says

    i buy more running shoes than a nike warehouse girl 🙂
    i replace my shoes every 3 mos due to mileage and my overall really sensitive plantar fascitis arches and without maximum spring in my shoes, feet hurt! And i have done the custom orthos too, very bulky indeed! currently have a pair of $30 non custom orthos that Fit Chick in the City recommended and they work well. Not perfect but ok.

    xoxo

  33. MarathonVal says

    I LOVE my orthotics!!! And during the summer months when I can’t wear them, I ABSOLUTELY SWEAR by sandals by Born. They are pricey, but worth every penny… I love the ones that have built in arch supports. Seriously, I cannot sing their praises enough, I am prone to plantar fasciitis and they are a godsend!!

  34. BroccoliHut says

    Fellow Pegasus fan here! They’re all I buy now–but I refuse to repeat colors:) Right now I’m on a pretty rockin’ purple pair that I found for major discount at a cheerleading website. Suh-weet.

  35. Danielle says

    I used to buy shoes based on the appearance too! Well…I still sort of do. I try on a bunch and when I narrow it down to 3, then it’s whichever one has pink in it 🙂

    I’ve been meaning to enter the contest but I haven’t woken up early enough to make a decent breakfast lol. But no worries…I have some extra time tomorrow. Maybe I can use some of the awesome stevia that arrived in my mailbox today 😉

  36. Jessie says

    I LOVE my Merrell waterproof boots – stylish, yet functional. I’m looking for them in other colors. I always used to buy my sneakers by color, too, only I’d go for red or blue (I was a tomboy 😛 ).

  37. DJ says

    I don’t have any one item in a variety of colours but as I love bright green and I love the supersoft hoodies I buy from New Look I have like, 10 bright green New Look hoodies. Including 4 of the same style. Crazy – but so cozy!

  38. Heather Eats Almond Butter says

    Oh my gosh, I love Kara Goucher. I just think she is adorable, and I want to move to Eugene and be friends with her. Don’t you think we’d get along?

    Loved the pink oats…so ready for berry season.

    I own about 5 or 6 Target and Forever 21 tank tops and need to restock for the upcoming warmer months. I live in them.

  39. Queen Mommy says

    As sandal season is already here, you’ve probably figured out how to handle the orthotics dilemma. If not, my suggestion is to try on a pair of Keens. They were recommended to us by my daughter’s PT, and now my daughter no longer needs her orthotics. Another thing I’d suggest…find an OT who knows about reflex integration. Not all of them do, so it’s important to find someone who has studied this. Have them check to see if your Babinsky and…I think it’s the tendon guard reflexes have integrated. The OT and I were talking about it one day, and we both think that a lot of people needing foot orthotics (and I’m not talking about those who need actual foot/ankle braces) actually have reflex integration issues.

    • Chocolate-Covered Katie says

      Thank you so much, Queen Mommy! Honestly, I haven’t really figured out the issue completely. I’ve just been alternating between sandals (sans orthotics) and open-back sneakers (with the orthotics), so I’ll definitely look up Keens and look into reflex integration. 🙂

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