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Let's Get Outside: It's Training Season!

Let's Get Outside: It's Training Season!

Erica E.
Tips and Tricks
Apr 17, 2024
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As temperatures rise, the desire to enjoy the outdoors and go for a run becomes increasingly appealing! Whether you are a seasoned runner or just starting out, we've got you covered. Acquiring fresh running shoes is always exciting yet can also be daunting given the multitude of options available on the market. We want to help you find the right shoes to get you across the finish line speedy and pain-free!

We've curated a collection of commonly used footwear terminology with brands that we carry, to assist you in better understanding the world of shoes!

Carbon Fibre Plates: Carbon running shoes are a type of athletic footwear designed with carbon plate technology. They are shoes with a rigid carbon-fibre plate embedded in the midsole intended to provide a spring-like effect when the foot strikes the ground. The use of carbon plate technology has become more common in recent years due to its potential to improve running performance.

Vibram Acrtic Grip:This cutting-edge technology delivers unparalleled grip even in the most challenging wet and slippery conditions. Ideal for trail running enthusiasts and navigating treacherous winter landscapes with ease.

FreshFoam: New Balance's own technological advancement in midsole shoe cushioning material, taking cushioned trainers to the next level. The stack of Fresh Foam material between your foot and the ground is the result of 3D motion captured pressure mapping, alongside force application data collated from high-tech tests conducted on real athletes. (Style ex: 1080)

FuelCell: New Balance's high-energy foam that’s designed to provide a quick and responsive ride. FuelCell is made from a blend of nitrogen-injected TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foams. This combination provides a lightweight and durable cushioning system that can withstand high-impact forces.

PWRun+: Saucony's latest breakthrough in PU-based cushioning that is formulated at a lower density to increase the softness and decrease the weight of the super-resilient cushioning. It gives you the best in all six aspects of cushioning-impact absorption, stride, response, pressure reduction, energy return, durability, and weight.

With our team of expert fitting specialists and staff who are currently training for races this summer, we've compiled some top training picks, and what they plan on wearing for race day!

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Erica (Marketing & Web Development Department)
Training for Half Marathon:

I have a hard time picking a top running shoe. I am a bit shoe obsessed, and I find different shoes serve different purposes (don’t ask me how many I own). I like to switch up my shoes depending on what kind of run I am planning on doing that day. I find that when I rotate my shoes, they tend to last longer than if I wear the same pair on repeat. For a long-distance run, I love the New Balance 1080s. I’ve been wearing 1080s for years now, and anytime a new version comes out, I need to get myself a pair! When I am doing interval or tempo runs, I love throwing on a pair of the New Balance FuelCell Supercomp v2 to amp up the speed. This is the shoe I will likely be wearing for my races this summer as well to give me that extra spring. I am a big lover of cushion and bounce, which both styles have. I also need to give an honorable mention to the New Balance 880, which has been in the line-up forever, and for good reason! The best way I can describe the 880 is a nice hug on your foot with a nice amount of cushion under the heel, but also some arch support. It also had a more structured upper compared to the others. I always find this shoe works on many different people, both beginner and serious runners.

Pam (Receiving Department)
Training for 100km race:

Let me share with you a little bit of my journey through my seven-year odyssey in the world of running, where every stride has been a step toward self-discovery. From the exhilaration of crossing the finish line at eight marathons, three of which were skyrunning competitions—a unique challenge racing 2,000 meters above altitude—to the endurance-testing 25 half marathons and over 30 trail races ranging from 15km to 50km, my journey has been anything but ordinary. Skyrunning has not only pushed me to conquer the elevations but also to embrace the sky above as my playground. Along the way, I've learned valuable lessons, sometimes the hard way, about the crucial role of choosing the right running shoes, and the importance of the footcare, for each race and training session.

Currently, I'm in the midst of preparing for my most challenging endeavor yet: the "Suffer on Centennial" 100km ultra trail race. Scheduled for May 25th, this race promises to test my limits on technical trails through wet boreal forests, over gnarled roots, along exposed granite ridgelines, with punchy climbs and scramble sections. To conquer such diverse terrain, I've turned to technology and durability, selecting shoes equipped with Vibram soles and GORE-TEX® for their unparalleled grip and protection. After careful consideration, my choice has fallen on the HOKA W Speedgoat 5 GTX for their comfort and traction, while the Saucony Peregrine 13 stands by as my trusty backup. Training in these has filled me with confidence, especially after testing the Vibram soles on ice; I know I've made the right choice.

HOT TIPS!
Some things to consider when buying new running shoes:

Hot Tip #1: Rotate your shoes!
Your gait, your body weight, and the terrain you run on all can play a role in how quickly your shoes wear out. Chunkier shoes with higher heel stacks tend to last longer, as the midsole foam takes longer to deteriorate, compared to lighter, lower stacked shoes. Establishing a rotation of shoes can alleviate this issue. When you consistently wear the same pair every day, the midsole foam doesn't get adequate time to bounce back before your next run. By giving your shoes a break between uses, the midsole has the chance to recover, ultimately extending their lifespan and maximizing mileage.

Hot Tip #2: Pay close attention to fit!
Pay close attention to every aspect of your shoe's fit. Take note of any tightness, unusual rubbing against your toes, or unexpected pressure points. These minor discomforts can escalate into major issues during a long run. Many of our running shoes come in multiple widths so your toes don’t have to be rubbing up on the sides of your shoes. Various shoe styles offer different features, such as a wider toe box or a narrower heel cup. It's important to select shoes that complement the unique shape of your foot for the best fit and comfort.

Hot Tip #3: For those with a heavier build, opt for a running shoe with a more solid base.
Many running shoes on the market are packed with thick bouncy cushion, which in theory sounds heavenly to pound the pavement in. But if you are on the heavier side, you may end up sore! A great starting point is a shoe with firm cushioning— one that requires some force to compress— yet still offers enough space for movement without bottoming out. A well-loved running shoe for heavier runners is the Saucony Triumph 21, but we would suggest coming and trying them on!

Erica E.

Marketing, Advertising + Web Development

Meet Erica, the seasoned author behind Canadian Footwear's insightful blogs. With over a decade at Canadian Footwear, Erica's journey has spanned from fitting specialist to store manager, E-Commerce assistant, and head of marketing. Her passion lies in unraveling the technology of footwear, particularly in the dynamic realm of running shoes.