On Friday I went to Born To Run (Lafayette Hill) to get fitted for new running shoes. It has been 10+ years since I was last fitted. I have been living a happy existence in my Brooks Adrenalines for that long…until their Adrenaline 12s came out.
When I started training for Boston, I ordered the latest and greatest edition of Adrenalines like I do for (mostly) every training cycle. I immediately noticed that the 12s rubbed the inside of my ankle so bad it started to swell – not ideal for marathon training. I didn’t want to transition to a completely different shoe midway through training so I went back to the Adrenaline 11s and used them for Boston.
Realizing Brooks won’t make the 11s forever, I needed to find a new shoe. I was torn because I loved the Adrenalines and really credit them for my injury-free running (knock on wood). In the back of my mind I was thinking about switching to the Brooks Ravenna. They would probably fit similarly and, although they provide slightly less support, I use orthotics so maybe less support would be OK?
I walked into Born To Run with an open mind and ready to try any shoe they threw at me. Megan (owner) was wonderful and extremely patient as I hoped on and off the treadmill testing out different shoes.
I walked out with Brooks Ravenna 
The fit was so similar to the Adrenalines. I broke in my new kicks over the weekend and so far, so good. I still haven’t parted with my Adrenaline 11s yet…just in case.
Did any Brooks Adrenaline wearers experience a similar issue with the 12s? I placed the 11s and 12s side-by-side and the 12s are cut slightly higher on the inside which is why it rubbed my ankle.
Are you nervous to try out a different running shoe? I’m a creature of habit and you know the saying “if it ain’t broke…” I’m really hoping the Ravennas continue to be OK.