Carbon Fun (shoe porn)

[ForbiddenPlanet]

I splurged on some shoes with a ZoomX midsole in a half price sale at Christmas (in the photo above), having fallen in love with ZoomX when I bought a pair of Vomero 16. It felt like I was stealing from Nike getting them half price. 🤣

When I tried on the Alphaflys (carbon plated marathon shoe) they were quite uncomfortable in the arch. Other runners have found the narrow arch is either no problem when you run in them, or it becomes unbearably painful.

Only 10 days to go until the return window closes, so I needed to find out if I could run in them!

Other runners have said they feel like moonboots or running on a trampoline, but, recovering from injury I've become used to running in the black Invincible Run (on the right in the photo) which have a massive slab of ZoomX foam - so the Alphafly didn't feel so different. Still felt like an adventure! (Little sad I know!)

7K splits were 6'05", 5'29", 5'35",5'42",5'42",5'57",5'27"

That's my fastest since returning from injury, though not a spectacular improvement. The last K was the most comfortable and also the fastest - but it was time to stop running!

On my dominant side the right foot became very comfortable. I could still feel the arch on my left foot, but on that weaker side I think it is just taking longer to break the shoe in.

What is really striking is the protection these shoes give my legs. That run has had zero effect upon them. I'm astonished. Definitely keeping them!

[damienair Administrator]

Great to find a pair of shoes which suit you. Good luck.

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thanks Damien. If anyone had told me a couple of years ago I'd be happy to spend > £100 on a pair of shoes I'd have laughed! 😂

[damienair Administrator in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

I pay between €120-140 per year for new Brooks GTS running shoes. But it is a lot cheaper than having to shell out for gym membership. Works out at about 0.16 cents per kilometre, great value.

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

You're right. That does make me feel like I spent my money wisely - so thank you! 😁