The Perfect Fit

I have been known to be a tight wad. I have eased up some with my spending habits, however I'm still cautious (hello unfinished basement. I hear you calling). Andrew has teased me because I sometimes talk as if we're "on the brink of bankruptcy" which has fortunately never been the case. 

I have the perfect example. This year, Andrew and I will celebrate 10 years of marriage. That means we've known each other for nearly 11 years. While we were dating, I had black Nike workout shoes. I vividly remember wearing them when I was in Spokane to meet Andrew's family for the first time. A family member asked, "Who's black men's shoes are those by the door?" They were mine. Guess what? I'm still using those black Nikes a decade later. The soles are worn out and the shoes have paint marks and other nicks all over them. Saying I'm in desperate need of a new pair of workout shoes is an understatement. Full disclosure, a few years ago I was given a pair of workout shoes my mom didn't want anymore, so I alternate using those and my Nikes. I didn't spend a dime on the handmedown shoes.

Regardless, my time for new shoes is long overdue. In fact, buying new workout shoes should probably be an annual thing, especially since working out is a regular part of my routine. Andrew being the thoughtful guy that he is, bought me some new kicks for Christmas and I was thrilled. After attending a fitness class, my feet felt like they were going to fall off. I immediately returned those suckers even though they were the perfect shade of pink. Since Christmas, I've pulled out my old black Nike's. For Mother's Day, Andrew gave me a gift card to purchase new shoes in hopes I'd finally find some. I've attempted and failed many times.

It's a fact that I have purchased and returned over 6 pairs of workout shoes with no success. Finding the right size has been the hardest part. The size seems to change drastically depending on the brand of shoe. The lady who works at the Amazon return desk knows and recognizes me at this point. I hope that I won't see her again anytime soon. I think I'm finally going to keep my latest workout shoes purchase. (fingers crossed.) It was validating to hear that the friend I workout with has had a similar experience to mine. She tried 8 different shoes before finding "the perfect fit" and even then, I think she settled for some that were a bit too big.

I'll know for sure tomorrow morning at 6:30am if my new shoes are going to cut it. I'll be in a High Fitness class and seeing how the shoes feel mid-burpee will be the perfect test. These shoes better work! At this point, even if they fail the burpee test, I think I'll keep them. They're cute. If you happen to see me strolling around our neighborhood (on our newly paved trail), please do me a favor and compliment my new workout shoes. I worked hard for these. 

Who knew finding workout shoes would be so complicated? I think next year it might be worth it to get my feet fitted at a running store and pay absurd amounts of money for the "perfect fit..."