My Hokas reached 54mi + 3.6mi * 29 + 6.7mi * 31 + 6.8mi * 30 + 6.9mi * 7 = 618.4miles last Tuesday, so time has come again to buy new shoes. After finishing up my work tasks early on Wednesday, I bussed down to the El Paseo de Saratoga REI to browse around and shop for deals.
At the store, I was helped by a friendly floor salesman named Frank. I quickly layed out my requirements: the shoes should fit my wide feet and preferably be discounted in price.
Given their good track record, I would’ve preferred another pair of Hokas. After all, this pair of One One Challengers survived much, much longer compared to any of my Skechers. Their biggest (only?) flaw was that they were are a bit narrow, causing them to rub against the edges of my feet and by purchasing Hokas in a wider size, that should not be an issue.
However, the second requirement unfortunately eliminated many of the options. (Like everything else in the Bay Area, footwear is mighty expensive.) Frank ended up pushing a pair of 9.5W Altra AL0A82C8 ALTRAFWD Experience running shoes that was on sale for ~25% off.
I was on edge most of the afternoon, but Frank eventually convinced me to buy. At 3:05pm, I walked out of the store in my new Altras and jogged 2.29mi home. Ominously, the trial run did not bode well; the sides of my feet felt sore the entire time. However, that soreness possibly could be from a pinky toe tailor’s bunion; during my second run on Friday, things felt much better.
PS: after looking at my shoes, Dad thinks the heels are not worn. I think he’s wrong.
