Spira Footwear Review

Happy Monday!  :0)

On Friday, I was named “Runner of the Week” for Claim Your Journey (Run Louisiana)!

I was (and still am) very excited about the opportunity! Check out my interview  on the Claim Your Journey website.

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A few months ago, I received an email from Andy with Spira Footwear asking me to test drive a pair of Spira shoes. He noticed that I was a participant at Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend and that’s why he dropped me a line!

At the time, I was injured and planning to take a lengthy time off from running once I completed the Rock and Roll New Orleans Marathon. I agreed to try out a pair of Spira shoes – I even took them out for a few test runs after Rock and Roll New Orleans, but I decided to wait and write my review – I wanted to give the shoes a fair review once I started running again full time here recently.

Here’s the email I sent to Spira Footwear after my initial “test run” back in March.

I was in the middle of all of my knee issues when I received an email from you guys asking me to try out your shoes. I'm not kidding when I say that it was like an answer to prayer. I didn't know what else to do to help my knee - I received your email and and idea came to mind - what if I completely changed my shoes? I will admit that I was hesitant at first because nothing up until that point was able to help my knee.

After running Rock and Roll New Olreans Full Marathon, I took 2 weeks off, then decided to try and run again. On Saturday, I ran 3 miles in my new Spira shoes and I was amazed. I had absolutely NO knee pain whatsoever. When I was injured, even a slow 3 mile run was excruciating. I couldn't run "fast" - I had to be cautious because I didn't want to ruin my knee before the Full Marathon. This past Saturday, I was able to run like I wanted to run - at MY speed, at MY pace, not a pace dictated by my knee - and I know that it was your shoes that me achieve it. The second time I was able to run in my Spira shoes was last night - at a track workout with my running group.

Our track routine consists of sprints around a track for 20 minutes with breaks in-between. I was very nervous to try sprinting again but thanks to you guys, the track workout was amazing. I actually SPRINTED again - for the first time in 3 months with absolutely NO knee pain - no twinges, no aches, no spasms - nothing. You have NO idea how amazing I felt when it was all said and done!  I finally feel like myself again.

To say the least, I think I'm in love - with my new Spira shoes!! I can't thank you enough for this amazing opportunity!

I meant every word that I said in that email – unfortunately, I pushed myself a little too hard in the weeks following and knee pain returned (although NOT excruciating like it had been). I decided that the best way to help my knee heal was to take a lengthy time off from running. During my time off, I did a lot of foam rolling, praying, and cross training. I rode my bike, I did yoga, I circuit trained, and I lifted weights. My husband even caught the bug (shock) and worked out with me a few days a week (and still is)!

Two weeks ago, I very timidly began running again (in my new Spira shoes, of course!). I ran a very slow 10 miles during my first week back. Thankfully, I had no discomfort. The second week (last week), I upped my mileage to 12 miles and everything went very smooth once again. I’m going to stick with low mileage for a little while to get my legs and body used to running again. Marathon training begins in July/August! Yay!

I have noticed one thing – I’m super paranoid and every time I feel an ache or a twinge in my leg/knee, I kind of freak out. I’m having a hard time deciphering between “normal” knee pain and IT Band pain (I say “normal” because I’ve always experienced a slight degree of aches/pains – even when running cross country in high school).

Ok back on topic – Spira shoes!

(Taken from the Spira Footwear website…)

“Wow!” That’s what many say who try on a pair of Spira shoes for the first time. People can usually feel the difference right away thanks to Spira’s unique and patented WaveSpring^® technology. The “mechanical” cushioning system can help you do more, go farther, go harder, with less stress on your feet and joints. Think of our technology as “little shock absorbers” for your body. Whether you stand, walk, jog, run, exercise at the gym or take pleasure in leisure activities, Spira can help make all more comfortable and enjoyable.

I chose the Spira Genesis X which is created for those who need a Stability type shoe.

Overall, I’m VERY satisfied with my Spira Genesis X shoes and am so thankful that I was given the opportunity to test them out.

I highly recommend Spira Footwear and have had great success in them so far!

A fun and random fact that I enjoyed about Spira Footwear – the winner of the 2012 Disney World Marathon was wearing a pair of Spira shoes! :0)

To all my faithful readers, family, and friends – Spira is offering a 30% off discount on all of their shoes!

Simply enter the code chasingdreams at checkout and you’ll have a great pair of running shoes at an unbeatable price! :0)