Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Shoe Dilemma


Anyhoot. Today I went out for a quicky (damn you taper) and decided to try my La Sportiva Crosslites. I just happen to love those shoes. They look fast and they FEEL great. I ran almost all my trail races with them including my only 50 miler. The only problem I had with them is that because they fit so well, they become a bit tight after 35-40 miles.
La Sportiva Crosslites

I haven't worn them in a long time. At Creemore, I forgot the insoles and had to run with my road shoes. Then, I turned my left ankle and for some reason, the Crosslites were just killing that foot so I had to use the Wildcats for a while.

La Sportiva Wildcats

Today, though they felt just fantastic. I had all but decided to race the Wildcats at Haliburton, but now I think I'm going to start with the Crosslites and send my Wildcats ahead in a drop bag, just in case I feel a bit tight later in the race. I KNOW I can run 50 in the Crosslites. I have never run more than 20 miles in the Wildcats although I have to admit they have a bit more support and the soles are a tad more cushioned.

Tomorrow, I'm going to run with the Wildcats and make the final decision.

Ain't this fun?

6 comments:

Eliza Ralph-Murphy said...

Have you noticed the URG wears Crosslites? Good Luck with your shoe dilema and have fun this weekend.
EJ

David said...

I would almost choose the Wildcats over the Crosslites. Not sure what the terrain the 50 miler you can before was like, but Haliburton can be a little tough on feet. The more support and cushioning might be a better trade off in the later miles, than the lightness.

JD said...

EJ: OMG, I did not!
But really, what else would he wear?

David: Thanks. That's a good point, I'll keep that in mind.

Derrick said...

JD,
Go with the DIONS!!!!! ;)

...Seriously though, with the challenging terrain and hills at Haliburton, it might be a better idea to consider the Wildcats as a safer bet. They have a little more midfoot support which may be a good thing...especially if your achilles is still barking at you these days (if I recall correctly). Another benefit of the Wildcats is that the heel to toe ratio is a little greater than the Crosslites, meaning that your heel sits up slightly higher in relation to your forefoot, which puts less strain on your calf/achilles.

I'm sure either would work fine for you, but it's never a mistake going with what you're used to and with an extra bit of protection.

See ya up there!

JD said...

Ok, ok! I surrender. I'll wear the Wildcats. Maybe.

Sara Montgomery said...

I'm having a similar dilemma: Crosslites or Fireblades. Derrick told me the same kind of things he's telling you!