Three shoes in my rotation, each with a purpose: to make me faster and keep me healthy.
Do you need three pairs of shoes in your rotation? Nope! Some crazies out there have way more than three pairs, and most runners are fine with just a single pair.
Why do I have more than one pair? The truth is that I have a supportive running store that helps feed my shoe addiction. Thank you to the Haddonfield Running Company [not a paid sponsor, but maybe? I’m here and ready, HRC!]
If you are a one-pair of shoes kinda runner, that’s fine. I was for most of my post-collegiate running days. One shoe did well enough for my recovery runs, my long runs, and every other easy run day.
Since running shoes typically last 300-450 miles, shoe rotation has some pros. When you rotate your running shoes, they can breathe and decompress [much like a well-rested parent], and they will last longer, both in terms of when you have to repurchase shoes and how many miles they will function as they were made.
Because of this, you can get more life out of each pair of shoes you own. Instead of replacing a shoe at 300 miles and 3 months, now they’ll go 400 miles and it might be 5 or 6 months (remember, you’re not wearing them every day now).
A shoe rotation isn’t for everyone though, mainly because of the upfront cost of having to purchase two shoes at full price. I get that.
Find a shoe that works for you and if it’s a good enough everyday training shoe, that’s what you should go with.
Now that I’ve told you about why a shoe rotation is a decent plan, here is my rotation and why I use each shoe I use.
Here’s my rotation for speedy days, recovery runs, and daily mileage.
Monday: off day – no running shoes
Tuesday: easy miles + strength (Launch or Levitate)
Wednesday: easy miles + strides (Launch)
Thursday: LR (Launch)
Friday: recovery miles (Levitate)
Saturday: easy miles + strides (Launch or Levitate)
Sunday: workout miles (Hyperion Max 2)
Shoes:
Speed Days: Brooks Hyperion Max 2
I’ll start by saying I am really, really late to the carbon-plated shoe game. I resisted and hesitated because I’m old school (and stubborn) and because I felt I risked getting injured.
All I can say about the Hyperion Max 2 is this: they are like strapping rocket boosters to the bottom of your feet. They are the game-changer that everyone has been talking about.
- Lightweight, responsive design tailored for faster efforts.
- I can run faster using less energy and bounce back after hard sessions so much quicker.
- Perfect for racing, tempos, threshold, and speed days.
- I can finish a really hard workout – one that I know I couldn’t have done a year ago and feel like I went out for a light jog. They *somehow* help my legs feel fresh and ready for the next run instead of feeling like a 100 pounds of shit in a 50 pound bag.
Recovery Runs: Brooks Levitate
- Heavier, bulkier shoe. Lots of cushioning. Back in 2018 and 2019, I did every single mile I ran in the Brooks Levitate (in most part because I wanted to stay healthy and also because I thought more shoe underfoot would be better for me).
- The extra cushion helps protect my legs after the hard workout. The shoe is supportive and the extra cushioning feels good. It’s definitely not a “let’s run fast” kinda shoe and that helps support me when I’m supposed to be running easy and slow.
Everyday Runs: Brooks Launch
After 2019’s marathon, I switched to the Launch. I realized that I really didn’t need as much shoe as I was wearing with the Levitate and the Launch was the next step down.
Think of it like this: the Levitate is like a Cadillac Escalade while the Launch is more like a Honda Accord.
Lighter, faster shoe with more return and better gas mileage. Something I got behind after my marathon days were over.
For me, the Launch is versatile and reliable, allowing me to get all my mileage in without any fuss or bells and whistles.
Like I said, you can go with a shoe rotation – if you aren’t brand-snobbish like me, you can and should try for shoes in different categories from different brands. That would be the best option for you.
The next best option is a shoe rotation from all one brand.
The next option is no shoe rotation – where you’re only wearing one shoe for every run. Again, there’s nothing wrong with this plan as long as you replace your shoes when they are worn out!
At the end of the day, make sure you’re wearing a shoe that fits your needs.
What shoes are you training in right now and what does your shoe rotation look like?
Need more guidance? Ready for a training plan? Send me a message and we can get started.
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