Here they are...
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8
I wrote a post a while back about the Asics Oberon (http://calluses.blogspot.com/2008/02/self-diagnosis.html). A quick re-cap: I was in love with those shoes when I was training this winter. They felt fantastic and were relieving to my body because for years I had been training with too much stability on my feet. Since part way through my freshman year at Bloom, I had been wearing shoes with a lot of control as well as some rigid orthotics. After deciding that the ZAPPED-DEAD feeling in my legs was not normal, and the strong desire to turn back after a mile not normal for me either, I took a risk. I got rid of the controlled shoes and the orthotics. The Oberon had major cushioning and was relief to my legs and feet. I felt like I hadn't felt since high school.
Asics Oberon
It was a step in the right direction, but eventually I developed hip problems and I wasn't able to compete at PSACs for indoor. Sources told me it was because I was now running with not enough control. I realize that I don't have the greatest bio-mechanics, but I felt too good in Oberons for it to have been a totally bad move.
Since then, I've been trading between those shoes on trails, and the Nike Trail Pegasus on roads. I haven't been absolutely thrilled with the Pegasus, but hey, I can only spend so much money on shoes. Despite the name, they were too clunky for me to wear on trails. When I first got them, I didn't even like wearing them for road runs, but they broke down fairly quickly. That's not necessarily a good thing, but it gave me the movement I desired.
Nike Trail Pegasus
While in Florida, I went to a real nice running store that actually hosted the 5K I ran in - 1st Place Sports (http://www.1stplacesports.com/). They had Brooks Adrenaline - a shoe I used to wear in high school, and I NEVER got injured in them (except for the time I slipped in the mud during a run and broke my ankle). When Adrenaline was the pair I swore by, they were the GTS5 model. Then they upgraded to six, the toe-box was adjusted enough that it tore up my toes and blistered them like woah. I couldn't handle them.
Brooks Adrenaline 6
For one reason or another, I did not inspect GTS7 when they came out. It may be because not enough shoe stores carry Brooks around here.
At 1st Place Sports, I tried on the GTS8 and fell in Love. To have them on again it was just short of Magical. Unfortunately, I did not have the funds at the time to make the purchase, but this last paycheck took care of that.
The GTS8's seem to have the same stability I remember, but reviews that I've read online say the 8's have more forefoot cushioning than previous models. What has me really excited though is the weight. I don't remember the 5's feeling so light!
And I was right. After some investigation, I found that the 8's are 9.5oz., as compared to the 5's 1lb. 4oz. The 8's have also been named Runner's World's Best Buy for stability shoes.
I'll provide my own full review after a few days to a week of wearing them, but my hopes are so high right now that I'm afraid my pre-test expectations may be impossible to reach.
In conclusion, I'd like to announce that this weekend, one of the best runners in my area tied the knot. Amber Hackenberg, high school state PA Medalist (4th place, 2003), and All-American in cross-country this past fall, my roommate, teammate, and a former competitor of mine in high school, married a stellar guy, Heath, Ferocious-Brosius. Here they are entering the reception:
And here's me and Pat. (Sorry - couldn't resist):
Some reviews, descriptions and comments about some the shoes above:
* Brooks Adrenaline GTS8
http://www.brooksrunning.com/prod.php?p=42224
"Many a runner relies on this trusted road warrior. The shoe is loved for its tried-and-true fit and feel, sought after for its signature smoothness from heel to toe, and depended upon for the graceful, graduated support of its PDRB®. The Adrenaline™ GTS 8 maintains all of the above while enhancing the ride with the long-lasting cushioning and resiliency of MoGo."
* Asics Oberon
"Stability and cushioning combine nicely in this shoe designed for beginning and intermediate runners."
http://http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240010110&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001550
* Nike Trail Pegasus
"The lightweight and very resilient Phylon midsole utilizes the next generation of Natural Motion Technology principles which result in increased stride efficiency, something everyone can benefit from."
http://insidenikerunning.nike.com/2008/07/10/twenty-five-years-of-evolution/
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