Thinking about trying Hokas

[Kristia]

So, I have been thinking about trying Hokas. Due to my off and on shin issues and just a general increase in what feels like impact soreness in both knees after long runs, I am thinking I may need to go in a totally different direction for shoes. I am usually ok during the run but the day after I am really sore. I have tried Saucony, Asics, and have been with Brooks for the past few years. What do you guys especially @Donald Duck and @joel_maxwell recommend trying for mostly road running? Do they run true to size? I looked for dealers in my area but there are none so I would have to order online. My Brooks are a half size larger than my normal shoes. I currently have about 245 miles on my current shoes and my legs are not usually hurting this soon after although these are my first pair of Brooks GTS 13. Seems like everytime they change to a new model I like them a little less!

 

[joel_maxwell]

I would recommend the Bondi B's. They are a road shoe and I put 700+ miles on mine before I retired them. They are the best to start with. Order them from Boulder Running Company, and they have 30 day return policy... however, you will not need it. They are amazing. I have zero soreness after big long runs. Maybe a little, but nothing after 1 day and nothing compared to running in those other shoes.

Give them 2 week for your leg muscles to adjust. Nothing major, but my calves werent ready. It is just a different feel, but not bad.

Call today!

 

[Kristia]

Thanks! I will give it a go after payday tomorrow. Will keep you posted as to how I do with them. I saw on FB that Sam got a horse! Details please!

 

[Mad Stitch]

So your still having the shin problems, same here. I have been struggling with it off and on all summer and I don't know why. My shoes are the same brand/model I always buy and my current pair only have 250 miles on them. I'm just trying to make it through my next half marathon in 2 weeks, then I was going to switch to a different type of exercise for winter.

Edit: 1,000th post!

 

[joel_maxwell]

Thanks! I will give it a go after payday tomorrow. Will keep you posted as to how I do with them. I saw on FB that Sam got a horse! Details please!

Yep. That gives me more shoe money.... since she has an expensive toy, I deserve them too right? LOL

So your still having the shin problems, same here. I have been struggling with it off and on all summer and I don't know why. My shoes are the same brand/model I always buy and my current pair only have 250 miles on them. I'm just trying to make it through my next half marathon in 2 weeks, then I was going to switch to a different type of exercise for winter.

Edit: 1,000th post!

Might try Hoka. Impact might be doing you wrong.

Kristia take a look: Bondi b action: http://www.boulderrunningcompany.com/hoka-one-one-bondi-2-women.html Bondi Speed are the same thing, they just have speed laces which I really like. I didnt think I would, and now Im thankful they come stock on mine, and they give you regular laces if you dont like them.

 

[Kristia]

So your still having the shin problems, same here. I have been struggling with it off and on all summer and I don't know why. My shoes are the same brand/model I always buy and my current pair only have 250 miles on them. I'm just trying to make it through my next half marathon in 2 weeks, then I was going to switch to a different type of exercise for winter.

Edit: 1,000th post!

Yeah...still having issues. I took the time off and it was feeling ok, just a little nagging feeling. Felt ok for the half marathon. Again, I could feel it but not bad. Took 2 days off and ran last night. Felt it the whole time and today it is really sore. I think it is muscular because the more I use it the better it feels but if I sit for any length of time, it is killer stretching it out. Seems my one leg from my calf down to my heel is tight. Also having some plantar fasciitis symptoms. I am a mess! I am trying to decide if I should still try for my marathon in Nov or drop down to the half. I have till Sept 30 to decide. Argh.

 

[ChristaH]

Bondi Speed are the same thing, they just have speed laces which I really like. I didnt think I would, and now Im thankful they come stock on mine, and they give you regular laces if you dont like them.

I hope that one day I am a serious enough runner that I care what kind of laces are in my shoes! I just this week upgraded to some good running socks and bought a watch with a heart rate monitor. That's a step in the right direction, right?

 

[Kristia]

Hokas are ordered!

 

[joel_maxwell]

Hokas are ordered!

What style did you go with. Excellent, I hope they work out for you. 2 weeks.... give them 2 weeks with normal running, 1 week if you did a 30 mile week. These shoes require zero break in period, but your legs need to adjust.

 

[Kristia]

What style did you go with. Excellent, I hope they work out for you. 2 weeks.... give them 2 weeks with normal running, 1 week if you did a 30 mile week. These shoes require zero break in period, but your legs need to adjust.

I went with the Bondi 2. 30 mile week..haha! I am lucky to get a 20 mile week lately. I am hoping these cure or at least help my issues! I will definitely give them 2 weeks. Thanks!

 

[LindsayLoves]

@Kristia be sure to report back on how the work out for you. I am thinking about giving them a go myself from really good feedback from other runners on them. I don't have shin issues but next season when I am in marathon training I am not sure if my body can take all the pavement pounding. If shoes will help me prevent injury I am all in.

 

[Kristia]

@Kristia be sure to report back on how the work out for you. I am thinking about giving them a go myself from really good feedback from other runners on them. I don't have shin issues but next season when I am in marathon training I am not sure if my body can take all the pavement pounding. If shoes will help me prevent injury I am all in.

Will do!

 

[Mr mom]

I love their prices Joel, I wonder if they ship to Canada....

 

[joel_maxwell]

I love their prices Joel, I wonder if they ship to Canada....

Only one way to find out.....

 

[Kristia]

I love their prices Joel, I wonder if they ship to Canada....

According to their shipping page, they said they are unable to ship outside the US at this time.

 

[joel_maxwell]

According to their shipping page, they said they are unable to ship outside the US at this time.

I bet we could find a mule.

 

[Donald Duck]

I have run in them since their beginning( the Mafate trail versions). They served me well for quite some time.
Some things you should know: because they cushion so much, your legs can feel more tired near the end of a race. Granted, my races were 100 milers and the 500 mile, but there is no energy return with these soles. If you plan on trails, the wide platform can create a lever on your ankle and destroy them. I won't wear them on technical trails anymore, and have saved them for asphalt to save my hips. I stick to custom Euro trail/mountain running shoes now. Good luck.

 

[Kristia]

I have run in them since their beginning( the Mafate trail versions). They served me well for quite some time.
Some things you should know: because they cushion so much, your legs can feel more tired near the end of a race. Granted, my races were 100 milers and the 500 mile, but there is no energy return with these soles. If you plan on trails, the wide platform can create a lever on your ankle and destroy them. I won't wear them on technical trails anymore, and have saved them for asphalt to save my hips. I stick to custom Euro trail/mountain running shoes now. Good luck.

Thanks! I ordered the Bondi 2 model. I mostly do road running with the occasional trail run but nothing crazy, just flat pine barrens trails. Looking for something that might help with some of the pounding stress. They are supposed to come on Wed so hopefully I will be able to try them out later this week.

 

[Mr mom]

According to their shipping page, they said they are unable to ship outside the US at this time.

That sucks, I can get them in Canada but they do cost a little more, still have to order them though as no one local carries them.

 

[Kristia]

That sucks, I can get them in Canada but they do cost a little more, still have to order them though as no one local carries them.

Runningwarehouse.com carries them and they do have international shipping. The price is about the same as Boulder Running Co but I am not sure what their shipping charges are. They actually have a 90 day return policy so they might be worth checking out.