New Balance 860 v14
The last pair of NB860 I had where about 10-12 years ago. I remember they felt like their support was really aggressive, felt like a fight to walk in them. In fear and trepidation I tried a pair at the New Balance outlet, 1 size to big 2E and 1/2 a size to small 4E, the wider ones felt ok but just not right. I went to the East Rand Mall store and they had my size. What a difference!
Today I did 10km in them, 2.5km in and my plantars were swearing, but they felt good... I had NO knee pain whatsoever, which was a first for along time. The shoes felt quite firm but supportive, I always try and go a bit faster over the last 2 km and even though I was actually quite fast today , I accelerated and suddenly felt a lot more response from the shoes. Since Comrades I now have 3 of my fastest 10kms since January. My legs felt strong and shoes felt better.
When I walk I mostly feel my knees and calves brush past each other. By using a medial post like on the NB860 the shoe takes some of the pressure off the Medial Collateral Ligament which marked in red below. This is where I feel pain, by wearing a knee strap, where I use the part that normally holds the Patella in place, to massage the MCL i can control the pain. By having enough support on the medial part of the shoe I am able to relieve the stress on the MCL and walk pain free.
Having tried my Adrenaline v25 lately, my knees felt pain from the softness of the foam, really did not help me at all. I will need to see how I can fit them into my training schedule..
I have entered for Vaal River City 42 and most likely Kaapsehoop. I intend to walk them, and hopefully qualify at one of them. Our intention is to do Oceans 56km and Comrades next year.
Keep walking
