The Monday Shakeout: Some Unique Shoes I've Been Testing While Injured
By Nathan Brown
If you've been following us through podcast, you've probably heard a bit about my personal injury journey, which has kept me off the roads and trails more than I wish. However, it has provided great opportunities to reset my habits, practices, and values with running. As a small part of this, I've been experiencing footwear a bit differently and selecting footwear for reasons outside of running. Therefore, I wanted to give a quick rundown of the shoes I've been enjoying for various purposes in this past season.
Lifting and Plyometrics: Topo ST-6 and Topo Connect
A big part of this stretch has been using the time away from running to build my tissue resilience to hopefully aid in preventing injury in the future. This has included heavier weight lifting and plyometrics -- and I'm happy to report I've been able to find the most consistency in lifting/plyos that I ever have in my life (truly a small miracle). I have used a lot of footwear during my lifts from some of my daily trainers down to minimalist options, and I've certainly found that the minimalist options are my cup of tea when it comes to lifting, particularly as I've gotten into cutting drills and hopping side to side. I've tested Vivobarefoot and Xero as well, but two Topo shoes have risen to the top. My number one is the Topo ST-6. It has the classic Topo mesh upper that is so secure through the midfoot and heel and gives spaces for the toes. It also has a small 15mm stack (0 drop) that feel really great during warm-ups, jumping, and cutting. The foam isn't enough to lead to any feelings of instability. The second shoe is the new Topo Connect, a true minimalist shoe with about 10mm of midsole that comes much from the insert. This shoe gets the nod when doing heavier lifting over the ST-6, but I prefer just a touch more cushion for my impact drills given some of my previous foot injuries.
Fun and Games: Xero 360 Rally
The nature of my previous injuries suggests that engaging in multidirectional sports is wise for me to build tissue resilience, particularly in my bones. For these kinds of things, I find myself on the Pickleball, Tennis, and Basketball courts. As the temperatures rise, I've started getting back on the courts a bit more. In the past, I've used the Xero X1 mid, their basketball shoe, for my time on the courts. However, this year I've been able to use the Xero 360 Rally for Pickleball and Tennis, which has some differences that I've really appreciated. First, the upper is a bit more open than the X1, allowing a bit more breathability while still remaining secure on the foot. However, the biggest difference is in flexibility. The 360 Rally allows more flex in the forefoot, which makes it feel a bit more nimble for the type of change of direction required by pickleball/tennis. However, the X1 mid version has a bit more structure and therefore a bit more lateral stability. Given my history of ankle sprains, I feel more confident in the X1 mid when going out to play basketball with my kiddos. All I know is I've been surprised on how protective these minimalist options are out on the court.
All Day Comfort: Brooks Ghost Max 4
I'm on my feet a lot throughout the day, and typically enjoy a combination of wearing cushioned and minimalist shoes throughout the week. In my time off from running, I've put some of my brain energy that usually goes to critiquing running shoes toward critiquing these shoes for daily use (standing/walking). A shoe that has risen to the top for comfort (on the cushioned side) is the Brooks Ghost Max 4. For standing, I find it important to have a shoe that doesn't have too severe a rocker, and while there is a forefoot rocker in the Ghost Max 4, it's gradual and tame, and the heel bevel is not too severe as well. It makes for a steady platform to stand on without wanting to pitch you forward or backward. It's also fantastic for walking, as the rockers transition really well from heel to forefoot. Additionally, I find that when footwear is too soft, it can be fatiguiing to wear all day long. The Ghost Max 4 has DNA Loft, which is a bit on the firmer end, allowing it to feel cushioned without being mushy. If I know I have a long day on my feet ahead, the Ghost Max 4 has been my pick.
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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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