My running shoe collection

Ahhh, my running shoe collection, and also the subject of this week's Runner Photo Challenge.  Running shoes are a big weakness for me because I love experimenting with different gear in general, plus different styles and colors.  I've always said that I am never more motivated to go running than when I have a new pair of running shoes that I want to take for an inaugural run!

Bottom row from L to R:

• Asics Gel Cumulus 13 - 105 miles.  These are my workhorse shoes and the ones that were recommended for me at my first-ever professional running shoe fitting.  The pair pictured is actually my second pair of them - I retired an identical pair last fall.  (I made a late decision to wear this shoe at the Chicago Marathon last year.  Unfortunately my first pair had too many miles on them when I made the decision, so Kim very graciously helped me quickly obtain a second pair via her Amazon Prime account.)  I wear them for long runs and races that are 10 miles or longer. 
• Brooks Glycerin 8 - 91 miles.  I got these on ridiculous sale from ZB Sports after hearing countless great things about Brooks shoes.  They are pretty, but to be honest they are not supportive enough for me.  I tried using them on a few long runs last year and wasn't thrilled.  As a result, these shoes are now generally relegated for shorter runs between 3-6 miles.  I usually retire my running shoes at around 300 miles, but this pair is probably destined for an earlier retirement.
• Mizuno Wave Rider 15 - 54 miles.  I got a great deal on these from Amazon after hearing rave reviews on the Wave Rider series in general.  I do like them, but I'd like to get my shoe collection down to three pairs.  Therefore, in an attempt to get some of the other higher-mileage pairs to retirement first, I'm not wearing these very much right now.
• Saucony Pro Grid Kinvara 2 - 53 miles.  My first foray into a more minimalist shoe.  I wasn't sure how I would like them since I do like some support when I run, but they are great.  I didn't wear them much over the winter since they are so light.  But now that the weather is nice I want to wear them once a week for shorter runs or speedwork.  I have had what appears to be the initial stages of plantar fasciitis, and I've also heard that minimalist shoes can help to counter it.  Here is hoping these shoes will make a difference!

Top row from L to R:

• Mizuno Wave Rider 16 - brand new.  I purchased these based on a shoe fitting that I got while attending a Chicago Running Blogger party at Road Runner Sports.  I really don't need them and I have considered returning them several times.  But I absolutely love the red color - and that is making it hard for me to part with them.  Sigh.
• Saucony Pro Grid Kinvara 2 - brand new.  I liked my purple pair of Kinvaras so much that I got a second pair of Kinvaras on clearance in the most fabulously obnoxious color that they come in.

I most certainly don't need this many pairs of running shoes, considering the mileage that I run.  At my current mileage pace, it would take me a good three years to get through all of these pairs of shoes!  So the morale of the story is that I really, really, REALLY need to stop buying more running shoes.  At least this year.