For nearly two decades, I ran in a moderate stability shoe. Through multiple fittings and foot analyses over the years, I was always directed to the same type of shoe, and in fact, I became a brand loyalist swearing by my Mizuno Wave Inspires (this post is from 2012 lol). 

I ran four marathons and countless half marathons, 10Ks and 5Ks and all the training miles that go into those races wearing the same shoe style. 

And then I got pregnant, and my feet changed. 

First I thought it was just a sizing thing. So I bumped up a half size, and then another half size. And that seemed to help in my running shoes. 

But I also wore a pair of custom running inserts in my non-running shoes because it makes them so much more comfortable to walk around in. Because my arch had flattened some and my feet had lengthened, my custom inserts no longer fit. 

It had been on my to-do list forever to get a new pair if insoles made, and finally during my time off in between jobs, I had the chance to do it.

I went over to Road Runner Sports for a new foot analysis to get properly sized insoles. My plan was to just get the insoles. I didn't need new running shoes. My current pair were in fine shape. 

But then the analysis came back showing something unexpected. Not only had my foot gotten longer, my pronation wasn't really a thing anymore. I was shocked. Nearly 20 years needing the same style shoe, I just assumed it's what I would always need. 

I think my mouth was literally hanging open in the running store because I was so surprised. The tech I was working with told me this actually wasn't uncommon. While we waited for the insoles to finish setting, I tried on several pairs of neutral running shoes. He pulled a ton of different models and styles. 

I tried on my very first pair of Hokas. I know so many people who love them, but they weren't for me. I really liked a pair of Brooks and a pair of Ascics that I tried. Running around the store in them felt so good. 

I ended up walking out of the store with my new insoles and a pair of Asics Novablasts. 

I've been running in the new shoes for about two months now, and I cannot believe how quickly I've adapted to neutral running shoes. My feet feel weirdly free to move in a more comfortable way. The only thing I noticed the day after my first run is that my ankle tendons and muscles were a little tired -- probably from working a bit harder to stabilize me without the aid of the stability shoes. 

But that was a one time thing, and now if I slide into a pair of my old shoes just to go for a quick walk I really notice the difference. It's almost uncomfortable and feels like something is pushing my heel in a funny direction. 

I will be curious how things go longer term with neutral shoes, especially given my injury history because of my loose joints (and spending months and months in PT leading up to and during the early parts of my pregnancy to help build stability in my legs).