Today I spent $230 on shoes. I don’t have a party to go to, or a job interview. I don’t even have a date. For the first time in 6 years, I bought runners.

I have always felt, for me, that runners were a waste of money. I’m not a runner. I’m barely a walker. I don’t have a gym membership anymore; I quit so I would have more money to spend on ‘real’ shoes. I gave up netball because it was interfering with my social life and I can’t stand the thought of anyone walking down Collins Street wearing runners with their suit. I hurt my ankle wearing heels about 18 months ago and felt that this was a rather brilliant excuse to avoid any kind of exercise ever invented for the rest of my life. I think myself quite lucky that while I am by no means skinny, I do alright in the metabolism stakes (seriously, you should see what I eat!) and on the odd occasion I have decided to exercise it only seems to elevate my hunger and the cycle starts again.

But with my move to city over 6 months ago, the beautiful Albert Park Lake on my doorstep and all my flitting about the city in ballet flats, I find myself walking lot’s of places and my feet feeling worse for it. My current runners, Kmart specials from days gone by, cost about $30. Considering I don’t use them much (especially outdoors, they were mostly indoor netball and gym shoes) I certainly got my monies worth. The time had come to bite the bullet and invest in something worthy of my tootsies, I figured if I spent so much on heels that (essentially) damage my feet, why not spend on something that might help prolong their life?

A friend recommended Active Feet in Prahran, a shoe store that doesn’t just flog you the most expensive running shoe they can but actually listens to what kind of activity you undertake and what problems you might currently have with your feet. Located next door to Blondes to Brunettes (you remember the RMIT fashion windows hairdresser?) this particular Saturday morning the store was packed and I was momentarily deterred – I never had to wait to buy heels. I ventured inside and joined the throng.

After a few minutes I was told the wait wouldn’t be long so I took a seat to take my turn. I watched the others being fitted out, the attendants, who are actually trained podiatrists telling customers about gait and width. Um, gait and width? Where was I!? It took about 20 minutes but finally (before I froze to death – major air con going on, but I figured it was probably to hide the feet smell) it was my turn. Sam was looking after me, I let him know about the ancient Kmart shoes, the ankle injury and my recent taking to walks around the lake at 5am.

I walked barefoot on a treadmill with a camera, Sam analysed my walk and advised I had pretty perfect feet. (I always knew there was SOMETHING perfect about me!) We tried various shoes – not Blahnik, Alaia and Novo but Brooks, Asics and Nike. There was pink – highlighter and baby; purple – royal and lavender; and blue – baby and electric. Who designs these things?!

I learned about the soles on expensive runners and the lack of soles on cheap runners. I learned about how when we walk we angle our ankles slightly and that the runners are supposed to correct that. I learned that runners are so much more than just some rubber, fabric and laces. When it came to the decision, it was Brooks vs Asics, Blue vs Purple and a $10 difference. I even went for a quick sprint down the street in one of each to compare. As it was I walked away with the Asics – the more expensive but ultimately more comfortable (and we all know I am accustomed to pricey things).

It may be another six years before I venture to purchase another pair of runners but I think these ones with go the distance. As Melburnians will know, Saturday’s weather turned rather nasty on what was a fine March day, otherwise I’d be out at the lake at this moment testing them out. If you are in need of some runners, I do think getting an expert to pick them out for you is probably a good idea. After all, if you are prepared to spend hundreds of dollars on the shoes that ruin your feet, why not invest in the ones that will not only look after your feet, but also your waistline.

http://www.activefeet.com.au
http://www.asics.com.au