Author: readrunwriter

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Domínguez-Escalante Expedition 250: D&E Cross into Colorado

On this day 250 years ago–August 5th, 1776–the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition entered what is now Colorado.

Tasked with finding an overland route to California via Santa Fe, Franciscan priests Domínguez and Escalante began their journey on July 29th, 1776, heading north/ northwest.

While the expedition failed to reach California, their journey is no less interesting. Relaying their arduous trek in journal format, Fathers Escalante and Domínguez survived 159 days in land that was terra incognita for Europeans.

As the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition celebrates 250 years in 2026, my goal is to reflect upon la Expedición de Domínguez y Escalante, with my blog posts. To aid in my research, I’ll be referring to the following:

Welcome to the (Future) Centennial State

The Domínguez-Escalante team, consisting of 10 men at this point, had crossed about 21 miles of terrain, dealing with “some troublesome tree growth” along the way. Heading northward, the men likely traversed Carracas Canyon. Upon crossing the San Juan River, they camped on the north bank, just barely inside the (future) Colorado state line.

Colorado 150 logo, which also commemorates the USA’s 250th birthday. Image source: colorado.com

Nearly 100 years later to the day–August 1st, 1876–Colorado officially became a state. With Colorado just celebrating it’s sesquicentennial, or 150th birthday, I can only imagine how the Franciscan priests would feel about the land they explored no longer belonging to Spain…

D&E’s First Colorado Campsite

For the first Colorado campsite, experts believe D&E camped somewhere along the north shore of the San Juan River, just north of Carracas Canyon. Image source: Google Maps.

Where exactly did the Domínguez-Escalante team camp out in their first day in Colorado? Experts speculate the August 5th campsite in or around near Carracas, Colorado, what is now an abandoned railroad station.

They named their campsite Nuestra Señora de las Nieves, or Our Lady of the Snows, named after the snow-capped peaks to the north (the San Juan mountain range).

According to the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition Education Project (DEEEP), the land around the San Juan River today is a blend of private land, Southern Ute Reservation, US Forest Service, and State Parks properties.

The Things They Carried…Or Didn’t?

A frustrating aspect about the Domínguez-Escalante journal: they didn’t record what provisions they brought along.

While scholars and amateur historians praise Escalante’s attention to detail regarding terrain and landmarks, readers are left in the dark about the exact supplies carried on the trip.

As David Roberts writes in Escalante’s Dream, “Among the many omissions in Escalante’s admirable journal is any record of gear, provisions, or beasts of burden. We are left to guess how much baggage the men brought with them, on how many and what kinds of animals, and what exactly their saddlebags contained.”

If only we knew exactly what they carried on their trek! As we’ll see later in the expedition, a lack of supplies forces the D&E crew to make dire decisions…

Exploring Colorado

D&E spent 40 days total traversing through Colorado. While I’d like to provide a post per D&E Colorado journal entry, realistically that may be tough. For now, I may focus on specific events and individuals within the expedition that catch my attention.

So, if you’re a history buff like me, a student of southwest history, stay tuned as I embark on my own writing quest, reflecting on the intriguing Domínguez-Escalante trek, 250 years on.

~LMC

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Happy 150th Birthday, Colorado!

On this very day 150 years ago–August 1st, 1876– Colorado became the 38th state.

When folks think of Colorado, they think of mountains, skiing, Denver. 

But ask anyone, especially folks who live outside the Front Range (the urban corridor consisting of Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Ft. Collins, etc.) and they will tell you Colorado offers much more than mountains.

High desert, on the western third of the state.

The world’s largest flat-topped mountain (Grand Mesa).

The Great Plains, on the eastern third of the state.

Coloradoans, or Coloradans, (take your pick)–we’re spoiled by this sheer amount of topographical variety. For example, drive from Denver to Grand Junction (the largest city on the Western Slope, just 30 miles from the Utah border). In those 4 hours, you’ll view the Great Plains, foothills, the Continental Divide, several high mountain passes, ski resorts, to pinyon and juniper covered mesas, and red rock country.

Amazing.

I love this state so much, for all the opportunities it’s provided me, and all the outdoor adventures I’ve experienced. And I know there’s still so much more to explore within the Centennial State! 🙂

Colorado 150 – USA 250

Image source: https://www.historycolorado.org/colorado-150

2026 marks several keystone anniversaries. To celebrate both Colorado’s 150th anniversary and the USA’s 250th anniversary, History Colorado has put together the America 250 – Colorado 150 Commission. According to their site, https://www.historycolorado.org/colorado-150:

Pretty neat!

To celebrate these anniversaries, there’s several unique events happening throughout the state, be sure to check out this calendar put together by the commission.

Let’s have fun celebrating Colorado and the USA!

-LMC

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Celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition

The United States isn’t the only 250th anniversary happening this year.

Also reaching the landmark semiquincentennial anniversary in 2026: the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition.

Indeed, this Spanish expedition was originally set to launch from Santa Fe, New Mexico, on July 4th, 1776–yes, the very same day the Founding Fathers convened in Independence Hall in Pennsylvania and signed the Declaration of Independence.

But logistics pushed the actual expedition start date to July 29th, 1776–250 years ago today.

Haven’t heard of the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition? Understandable. In the strictest sense, the expedition was a failure. Franciscan friars Domínguez and Escalante, along with 10 crew members, failed to reach their goal in finding an overland route to their destination, the Roman Catholic mission in Monterey, California.

In fact, a good chunk of the padres journey skewed northeast–the exact opposite direction of California. Their circuitous route through New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and Arizona never even got close to the Pacific coast. This, along with several other key reasons, is why, despite the expedition’s failure to reach their destination, makes the padres journey no less interesting than Lewis and Clark’s famed trek. How so?

One of the main reasons: the friars kept a detailed journal of their journey. Friar Escalante wrote the original chronicle, documenting the expedition. No doubt aided by fellow Padre Domínguez, Escalante’s journal details their trek through terra incognita.

Domínguez-Escalante Expedition route. Image source: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center (crowcanyon.org)

Compared to Lewis and Clark’s journals, which the late great adventure writer David Roberts describes as, “disjointed, preoccupied with minutiae,” the Domínguez-Escalante journal is “coherent, succinct, yet full of curious asides.”

Indeed, my goal with these blog posts is to explore these “curious asides” of this somewhat obscure journey, and to reflect overall on la Expedición de Domínguez y Escalante.

While I’d like to provide a post per D&E journal entry, realistically that may be tough. D&E’S contains over 150 entries, over a span of six months. For now, I may focus on specific events and individuals within the expedition that catch my attention.

To aid my research and writing, I’ll be referring to the following resources:

Books

Great book, I highly recommend. Now if you’re a dork like me, you can read the original journal alongside Roberts’ book, as I did. Escalante’s Dream adds plenty of context to the original journal text.

Websites

DEEEP logo. Image source: deeepcolorado.com

Domínguez-Escalante Expedition Project (DEEEP): A phenomenal online resource that dives deep (yes, pun intended) into D&E’s days traversing through what is now Colorado. Complete with interactive map and Colorado journal entries, you can now follow the padres journey through the Centennial State.

So, if you’re a history buff like me, a student of southwest history, stay tuned as I embark on my own writing quest, reflecting on the intriguing Domínguez-Escalante trek, 250 years on.

-LMC

Expedition map made by cartographer Don Bernardo Miera y Pacheco—quite a character! We’ll talk more about him in my blog entries.
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10 Essential Tips For New Runners

*This blog post originally published on runhikeco.com

New to running? Feeling unsure how much to run or just self-conscious about running in general?

Totally understandable. When beginning any fitness journey, it’s normal to feel uncertain or even insecure. But don’t allow self-doubt to sabotage your goals. Remember: everyone deals with doubt, especially at the start of something new. “You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to START to be great,” Zig Ziglar said, and we couldn’t agree more.

As you venture into running, here’s 10 essential tips to keep in mind.

1. Start Slow

A reason many people don’t run? They believe they need to run fast to be considered a runner. But you don’t need to run fast for your pace to be considered running (when both feet are off the ground during your stride). And remember this: everyone has their definition of what a “fast” pace is. As you start out, don’t fixate on time or pace. Push yourself, but not uncomfortably so. Which leads to the next point:

2. Try the Run-Walk Method

You don’t need to run in solid chunks, especially if you’re new to running. For example: try running for 1 minute, then walk for 2 minutes. Repeat several times and adjust as needed. A good rule of thumb for new runners: run at a pace where you can carry a conversation. You want to raise your heart rate, but you shouldn’t feel entirely out of breath or struggle to speak at all.

3. Stay Consistent

Rather than going for an infrequent long run, aim for shorter, consistent running. For example, you could run-walk a mile once or twice a week, instead of going all out for a mile but then not running for a week or two afterward.

4. Stay Hydrated

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty after your run to take a drink. Hydrate before, during, and after your run. Smart tip: take small sips of water, rather than guzzling a lot of water at once. Don’t care for plain water? Add electrolytes and great taste with Nuun Hydration tablets, available at RUN+HIKE.

5. Gear Up with the Right Shoes

It can be tempting to use old tennis shoes as your running shoes, especially as you’re just starting out running. But old shoes can cause not just discomfort, but even injury. To optimize comfort and performance while reducing the risk of injury, it’s worth running in actual running shoes.

How’s a running shoe different from tennis shoes? While the term tennis shoes is often used as an umbrella term for athletic shoes, true running shoes are specifically designed to withstand miles of impact while also providing comfort (such as cushion and breathability) and support. Plus, running shoes are often lightweight. Compare that to actual court shoes (real tennis shoes) which are firmer and heavier, meant for side-to-side movement on a court surface.

Trust us, you will feel a huge difference running in shoes that fit and perform for running. Need help finding the right shoes? Visit RUN+HIKE and we will discuss your goals, measure your feet, and get you fitted for running shoes so you can chase your goals.

6. Find A Running Buddy

While running can be a solo endeavor, running can also be a wonderful social outlet. Find a buddy to run with and you can help motivate one another while also having fun. Not sure who to run with? Check out Strava and find local running clubs near you!

7. Track Your Progress

Keep motivation flowing by tracking your progress. There’s plenty of apps, fitness watches, and good ol’ fashioned pen and paper to record the how much, when, where, etc. of your latest run.

8. Remember This is Your Journey

It’s all too easy to compare yourself to others, especially when you’re embarking on fitness goals. If you’re feeling intimidated about running, remember that you are running for yourself. This helps take pressure off yourself, so you can lace up and go for a run, no matter whether it’s a run-walk-run, or a light jog for several minutes.

9. Sign Up For A Fun Run

Experience the fun and excitement of a race. Fun runs feature a theme, such as color runs, 80s/ decades themed runs, zombie runs, etc. And of course, there’s always your local turkey trot or Santa dash. Often the 5k distance (3.1 miles), these types of races are a great way to support your community, connect with other runners, and encourage one another. Don’t fixate on time or pace, but rather on crossing that finish line. You’ll gain an amazing sense of accomplishment! Plus, you’ll likely earn race swag (finisher medals, shirts, stickers, food, etc.) After your first race, you may find you want to keep racing to collect more finisher medals!

10. Enjoy the Overall Experience

Sounds cliche, we know. But it’s true: you should have fun as you explore running. If you stick with it, you’ll find running will mean different things for you: a challenge, accountability, confidence, and overall a journey that improves how you feel about yourself and what you can achieve. You may find you get to a point where you want to further challenge yourself, perhaps by running without stopping up the big hill in your neighborhood, or running your first half marathon.

–LMC

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Altra Timp 6 First Impression

Altra Timp 6 Trail Running Shoes

*This blog post originally published on runhikeco.com

Fast Facts

  • Classification: Trail Shoe
  • Drop: 0 mm
  • Stack Height: 30mm (heel), 30mm (forefoot)
  • Weight: 11.45 oz (men’s 10.5D), 9.5 oz (women’s 8.5B)

Wondering how the Altra Timp 6 fits? RUN+HIKE has got you covered!

Altra Timp 6 trail running shoe still provides a firm, high cushioned feel with zero drop, just like its predecessors. But as with any new model, Timp 6 presents some updates. Curious what those changes are? Read on to find out RUN+HIKE’s first impression of the Altra Timp 6.

What’s New

According to altrarunning.com, Altra Timp 6 updates include:

  • A grippier outsole, for improved traction
  • Updated overlays to better protect your feet
  • Softer upper for improved comfort and durability
  • Higher volume fit

Note that these last 2 updates are especially important.

Upper

Many customers noted Altra Timp 5’s upper felt too stiff and creased awkwardly across the toes. With Timp 6, Altra addressed these issues by providing a “soft & premium rolled mesh upper, designed for improved durability & comfort,” according to altrarunning.com.

Trying on the Timp 6, we immediately noted how the upper indeed feels softer and does not crease awkwardly upon first wear.

Fit and Sizing

Slipping on Altra Timp 6, one aspect feels especially familiar for Altra fans–Altra’s natural shaped toe box.

Like all Altra footwear, Timp 6 features Altra’s signature natural shaped toe box. For those unfamiliar with Altra shoes, their natural shaped toe box is wedge shaped. This differs from the traditional pointed or round toe box seen in most athletic shoes.

By mimicking the actual shape of your feet, Altra shoes allow your toes to splay as you run or walk. The extra room also helps reduce the likelihood of blisters and hotspots.

Compared to the rest of the Altra line, Altra Timp shoes are considered the most “narrow” or form fitting within the brand. That being said, if you’ve never tried Altra before, you will likely find the width of Timp 6 feels roomier when compared to other running footwear.

Size wise, we found Timp 6 true to size. For example, I typically wear size 8 to 8.5 medium width in women’s, and found size 8 medium width Timp 6 a great fit.

Volume

In footwear, volume refers to the height inside the shoe, above your toes. Think of how certain shoes squeeze the top of your feet (your instep), while other shoes provide plenty of space above your instep.

As noted on altrarunning.com, Timp 6 provides a higher volume fit, a noted difference compared to Timp 5, which was often noted to rub or squeeze the insteps or toes of customers’ feet.

Not so with Timp 6.

Upon first wear we immediately noticed the higher volume fit–no pinching, rubbing, or squeezing on our insteps or toes. If Timp 5 felt too snug on your feet, we highly recommend trying out Timp 6 and experiencing the improved fit.

Cushion

With a stack height, or cushion thickness, of 30 mm, Timp 6 is a high cushioned trail runner. For context, Altra Lone Peak 9 has a stack height of 25mm.

If you prefer firm cushioned running shoes, try out the Timp 6. Walking around, Timp 6’s Altra EGO™ MAX midsole reminded us of a firm yet comfy mattress. Given the thicker cushion, Timp 6 does not rely upon a rock plate to provide underfoot protection.

Outsole

Like past Timps, Timp 6 features Vibram outsoles, a customer favorite. The difference with Timp 6? This model features a redesigned Vibram Megagrip outsole, that’s noticeably firmer and grippier, for added traction.

Not familiar with Vibram? Vibram outsoles are high-performance rubber outsoles known for superior traction and durability–a great feature to have in a trail shoe. How to know if a shoe has a Vibram outsole? Look for the yellow “Vibram” logo on the side of a shoe’s midsole and on the outsole.

Aesthetics

With its natural shaped toe box, Timp 6 is no doubt an Altra. Compared to Timp 5, however, Timp 6 features (in our humble opinion) a look somewhat closer to a lifestyle, or everyday, shoe. How so? On Timp 6, the Altra logo is smaller and sits closer to the heel, rather than the middle of the shoe. For the Timp 6 colorways available as of this writing (March 2026), the muted, earthy tones provide a look that pairs well with jeans or khakis.

Final Thoughts

Based on our initial impressions, we feel confident saying that Altra Timp 6 is an improvement over Timp 5. Altra listened to customer feedback over Timp 5, and updated the latest Timp accordingly. Consider trying the Altra Timp 6 if you:

  • Prefer a high volume fit (ie, a shoe that won’t squeeze the top of your feet)
  • Have wider feet
  • Have bunions
  • Prefer higher cushioned trail running shoes for running or hiking

With spring practically here, now’s a great time to try out the Timp 6, and get geared up for trail season. Happy running!

–LMC

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7 Helpful Tips for New Year’s Fitness Resolutions

fitness resolutions tips

*This blog post originally published on runhikeco.com

Happy New Year!

Do you have some new year’s health and fitness resolutions? Great!

But did you know that most people give up on their resolutions in 4 months or less?

Here are simple but effective tips to help you stick to your new year’s goals.

Be Specific

Most of us want to eat healthier, exercise more, lose weight, etc., all of which is great! For resolutions (or any goal, really) to stick, it’s best to be specific. For example, a goal could be to go to the gym 3 times a week, rather than saying, “I want to exercise more.” For healthy eating goals, resolutions could be to eat a healthy snack once a day, or to cook a meal once a week using clean ingredients. Need healthy eating motivation? If you’re ever in Cortez, CO, visit FB Organics (right next door to RUN+HIKE) where you’ll find unique, clean eating ingredients and snacks.

Write It Down

You know that satisfaction of crossing off something on your to do list? Write out your resolutions and place that list where you can see it so you can revisit it for motivation. You’re more likely to complete something if you write it down, so write down those fitness goals.

Schedule It

Designate times you will actively work on your resolution. For example, for your resolution of working out 3 times a week, you can attend a weekly group fitness class. By scheduling out time, you’ll become more consistent in working towards your goal.

Start Small

Break down big goals into smaller goals. For example, if your goal is to lose 75 pounds by the end of the year, set smaller goals for achieving that weight loss. You could aim to lose 5-10 pounds every month. By setting up smaller goals, you will be more likely to work towards those, and achieve your overall goal in a healthy, sustainable manner.

Find A Group of Like-Minded People to Share Your Journey With

Is your resolution to run once a week? Struggling with lack of motivation to get it done? Join a group of people with similar goals. Not only will you all encourage each other, but you’ll have fun along the way while making friends.

Celebrate the Small Victories

It may sound cliche, but the phrase, “Enjoy the journey, not just the destination,” holds true. Don’t become so laser focused on the end goal(s) that you forget to celebrate the small victories along the way.

Remember the “Why”

Yay! You’ve reached your goal of running your first 5k, or walking outside several times a week. Congratulations! But…now what? You’ve accomplished your resolution(s), so do you fall back into old habits?

Remember why you started working towards your resolutions. For example, do you want to be healthier so you can play with your kids as they run around the park? So you can enjoy a good quality of life as you get older? Reduce the risk of disease and injury? By remembering the “why” and thinking in terms of long term, lifestyle goals, you can stay motivated to keep up good habits after you accomplish new year’s resolutions.

Your Local Running Store: Here To Support Your Health & Fitness Journey

The right gear really makes a difference when it comes to performance and comfort. No matter if:

  • you’re brand new to running
  • you love walking
  • you love hiking
  • you’re a seasoned ultramarathoner
  • you simply want cool looking, comfy shoes

it’s worth a visit to your local running store, where you can find the best shoes and gear. 🙂 Plus, you can join local running and hiking clubs!

Cheers to a happy and healthy New Year! Go after those goals.

–LMC

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Happy National Shoe Donation Day!

Shoe donation

August 15th is National Shoe Donation Day.

Working in running specialty for several years, one of my many tasks was to collect all the donated and old shoes customers would drop off in the donation bin. I’m not kidding when I say people would daily bring over several garbage bags full of shoes to donate. And it was not uncommon for the bin to be overflowing with shoes at day’s end.

So why the hype about donating shoes?

Donating your shoes has 3 great benefits:

  • keeps shoes out of landfills
  • provides footwear to those in need
  • provides materials that can be repurposed
soles for souls

There are some organizations you can donate your shoes to. The one I am most familiar with is Soles4Souls. This incredible organization turns “unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity, by keeping them from going to waste and putting them to good use – providing relief, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty,” per their site, soles4souls.org.

So, if you have old or gently used shoes, don’t chuck them in the waste bin. Instead, head over to your local running store and place them in the donation bin. Even if your shoes aren’t completely worn out, you can still donate them, and know that you’re making a difference.

~LMC

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Book Review: Running with Sherman by Christopher McDougall

running with sherman mini burro

Premise

Imagine running alongside one of the most beloved and most misunderstood creatures—the humble donkey. Now imagine training that donkey to run alongside you up and over Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. Running with Sherman is that very story.

When Christopher McDougall, best selling author of Born to Run, adopts the “Sherm,” he realizes just how much help the rescue miniature donkey needs. Underweight and psychologically scarred, Sherman’s recovery unites a medley of people. And a medley it is. In this book we meet professional donkey trainers, mentor goats, Amish running clubs, and more.

As McDougall and his rag-tag band tend to the lovable Sherman, McDougall realizes that burro racing—yes, your read that right—is just what Sherman needs. A tried and true sport, burro racing is a competition in which humans and burros run side by side over a multitude of terrains—forests, mountains, and roads.

Review

Sound too bizarre to be true? Think again. McDougall’s work does this sport justice. He excels in describing just how much time and physical effort the team dedicates to training. Humans and burros train as hard as any professional athlete. McDougall is quick to learn that being an amazing human runner is not enough. Compassion, patience, and understanding of donkey psychology are essential. As Sherman and his beloved team train for the World Championship Pack Burro Race held in Fairplay, Colorado, readers learn:

  • just how healing movement can be
  • the power of human-animal connection

Like his previous work Born To Run, McDougall’s writing often forays into long stretched anecdotes and wordy descriptions. For me, the book is just as much a human story as it is about a brave hearted burro. Afterall, the title is Running with Sherman. Some readers will undoubtedly become distracted by the various human side stories (of which there are many.) I can see this especially being true for audio book listeners.

Anecdotes aside, McDougall’s gift is his overall tone–genuine optimism. He achieves this within his writing with self-deprecating humor, colorful metaphors, and plenty of enthusiasm. And this is in the face of the many setbacks (transportation issues, injuries) he and his team experience.

This optimism also makes Running with Sherman a wonderful testament to the humble burro. Often maligned for their “stubborn” personality, burros are the deeply misunderstood equine. As McDougall and Sherman run together, the author explains “Donkey Tao,” as he unravels the incredible self-preservation tactics of burros. “Horses are speedy, but when it comes to heat, cold, and thirst, you can’t do better than a burro,” McDougall explains. And Sherman ultimately does prove just how tough he truly is.

An Uplifting Read

Running with Sherman is an inspiring, true underdog tale that I thoroughly enjoyed. This book is a treat for both runners and animals lovers alike. Fans of The Running Dream by Wendelin Van Draanen will appreciate this tale. If you’re in search for an uplifting story full of adventure, haul ass (pun intended) to your local library or bookstore and pick up a copy today.

~LMC

Running with Sherman logo
Image courtesy of chrismcdougall.com
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Happy 100th Birthday, Colorado Mesa University (formerly Mesa State College)

Colorado Mesa University campus

Happy 100th Birthday to my alma mater, Mesa State College!

Yes, the campus is Colorado Mesa University now, and has been for over a decade, but it’ll always be Mesa State College to me. 🙂 But for simplicity, I’ll refer to the school by its official name in this post, Colorado Mesa University, aka CMU.

100 Years of History

Houston Hall, built in the 1940s. Image credit: https://archives.mountainscholar.org/digital/collection/p17393coll27

On April 20th, 1925, Colorado governor Clarence Morley signed Senate Bill 262, which established Grand Junction Junior College (GJJC), the school that would eventually become CMU. The school filled the need for education facilities on the Western Slope. At the time, the nearest college was Western State College in Gunnison, over 100 miles to the southeast.

GJJC’s student body for the first year was 39 students, with the school offering seven courses. As Grand Junction grew, so did the school, and in 1937 the campus was renamed to Mesa College. In 1974, the school began offering baccalaureate programs, and in 1988 the school was renamed to Mesa State College. In 2011, the school was renamed to Colorado Mesa University.

CMU Today

As of this writing, CMU enrolls over 10,000 students. The school proudly offers “more than 100 undergraduate programs of study — at the certificate, associate and bachelor’s level — along with graduate programs in business administration, education and nursing,” according to coloradomesa.edu.

During my time at Mesa and after, the campus has expanded, with several new dormitories and academic buildings added, and the growth continues.

Celebrating 100 Years: The CMU Century Project

Image credit: https://cmucentury.com/about.html

To celebrate a century, CMU is proud to present The CMU Century Project, “a yearlong, campus-wide celebration of the university’s legacy, growth and vision for the future. Spanning the 2025–2026 academic year, the project will highlight the people, milestones and impact that have shaped CMU over the past century while laying the groundwork for its next 100 years,” per coloradomesa.edu.

The CMU Century Project comprises of several events, with more information available on cmucentury.com. According to the same site, the project is guided by a Steering Committee, that consists of six sub-committees:

  • Legacy Committee – Documenting and preserving major milestones
  • Centennial Celebrations Committee – Recognizing students, faculty, alumni and leadership
  • Decades of Maverick Spirit Committee – Honoring student-athlete alumni
  • Academic Achievements Committee – Showcasing innovation and academic excellence
  • Mavericks Making Their Mark Committee – Highlighting leadership across the Maverick network
  • Century Committee – Envisioning the future of CMU and its Human Scale University mission

Forever A Maverick

Cheers to 100 years, CMU! I’m forever a proud Maverick. I’m excited to see how the school will further evolve. 🙂 GO MAVS!

~LMC

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Can You Wear Running Shoes For Pickleball and Tennis?

running shoes and pickleball

What shoes do you wear to play pickleball? Can you wear running shoes for pickleball? Tennis? Court sports in general?

As a runner, tennis player, and running shoe nerd, these are questions I’m often asked.

I get it—athletic shoes are expensive. A high quality court shoe can cost around $200. If you’re new to pickleball, you may be reluctant to purchase court shoes when you already have a pair of running shoes.

So what’s the answer to the above question?

In short: yes, you can wear certain running shoes for pickleball…BUT you should be aware of the limitations of wearing a running shoe for either court sport.

A Little Background

I’ve played tennis since I was six. I played both high school and college tennis, and began running during my collegiate years. During my competitive years on the court, I always wore actual court shoes–shoes specifically intended for tennis. So, although “tennis shoes” is often applied by consumers to describe any athletic shoe, what exactly is the difference between actual tennis court shoes versus running shoes?

Court Shoes vs. Running Shoes: What’s The Difference?

Adidas Barricade 13 court shoes
Adidas Barricade 13 court shoes. Note how structured the midsole is. Photo credit: adidas.com

Actual tennis shoes, or court shoes, are extremely firm and can feel heavy, especially when compared to running shoes. As tennis and pickleball involve side to side movements, court shoes need to provide lateral support, to prevent rolled ankles, slips, and falls.

Hoka Bondi 9 running shoes
Hoka Bondi 9 running shoes. Note how thick the midsole is. Great for running (forward motion). Photo credit: hoka.com

Running shoes are designed for forward motion and do not offer the lateral support needed for racquet sports. As a result, running shoes are not as firm or structured like court shoes, with the exception of certain models (think Brooks Ariel and Brooks Beast).

Let’s take a deeper look!

Structure and Support

Court shoes are far more structured than running shoes. This means that the cushion and upper (material over the top portion of your feet) are more reinforced than a running shoe. For example, most court shoes feature leather overlays on the upper, for added support and durability.

In comparison, running shoes are noticeably lighter weight, and higher cushioned. Ever since Hoka shoes came onto the market in 2009, running shoes continue to get lighter and lighter in weight. The result: running shoes are great for sprint workouts and logging longer mileage. While there are different categories of running shoes (trainer, trail shoe, race shoe, etc.), in general running shoes are softer in both cushioning and the upper. Running shoe uppers are generally more breathable than court shoes, as well.

Cushioning

Nike Vapor Pro 3 court shoes
Nike Vapor Pro 3 court shoes. The lower stack height is ideal for tennis and pickleball. Photo credit: nike.com

True tennis shoes do not have much cushion. To use industry speak, court shoes have a lower stack height. Stack height refers to the thickness of the midsole, or cushioning. Low stack height is ideal for the intense lateral and quick movements of tennis and pickleball.

Running shoes typically have higher stack height, or more cushioning. Hoka running shoes, such as the highly popular Hoka Bondi, are an example of a high cushioned shoe. While great for running, a running shoe’s thick cushioning can increase the risk for a rolled ankle when used for racquet sports. If you have weaker ankles or stability issues, it’s worth investing in true court shoes.

Durability

Tennis shoes are specifically designed to withstand the wear and tear that occurs from playing on court surfaces. Depending on the age of the tennis court, the surface may be very gritty or sticky feeling. Court shoes feature a toe guard, or reinforced area on the upper, to protect the toes from the dragging and sliding that occurs when playing tennis or pickleball.

A running shoe’s tread and outsole are softer. Therefore, a running shoe, when used for court sports, will not last as long as a court shoe.

Traction

Court shoes typically have gum heels, for two key reasons:

  • prevent marking up the court
  • traction

As mentioned above, court surfaces can be very gritty, so you want a shoe that is non-slip and provides great traction.

Running shoe outsoles are not designed with court traction in mind. Instead, running shoes typically feature blown rubber outsoles, to provide a smooth ride for running on road and paved surfaces.

If you’re wondering if trail running shoes (which have lugs for traction on trails) are suitable for court sports—the answer is no. The lugs do not provide stability, and the court surface will quickly wear away the tread. Save your trail shoes for the trails.

So…What Running Shoes Can I Use For Pickleball?

Now you know the differences between court shoes and road shoes.

But you still may be wondering, what running shoes can I possibly use for pickleball?

As a tennis player and running shoe expert, here are the running shoes I’ve used to play tennis and pickleball, that I personally recommend to use if you’re new to pickleball. Note: if you plan to play tennis and/ or pickleball competitively, it’s worth investing in true court shoes. The shoes will last longer and will provide the support needed for lots of court time.

Mizuno Wave Inspire

Mizuno Wave Inspire running shoes
Photo credit: mizunousa.com

Mizuno Wave Inspire is the running shoe I’ve found that is closest to a true court shoe. This low stack shoe features a reinforced midsole, with Mizuno’s patented wave plate technology. In other words, the plastic plate in the cushion adds rigidity to the shoe, ideal for playing tennis or pickleball.

The upper is typically firmer and form fitting, also providing extra support for lateral movement.

Brooks Ghost

Brooks Ghost running shoes
Photo credit: brooksrunning.com

Brooks Ghost is a low stack shoe that is well ventilated, so ideal for playing on hot days.

Asics Gel-Cumulus

Asics Gel-Cumulus
Photo credit: asics.com

Asics Gel-Cumulus is a lower stack shoe that is ideal for narrow feet, or if you just prefer a snugger fitting shoe.

Shoes To Avoid

Running shoes I would avoid using as court shoes are anything that feature:

  • high cushioning (also known as high stack shoes). If the shoe looks like a platform shoe, save it for running
  • rocker profiles (shoes that flare up at the toes. Great feature for running and walking, but not for tennis and pickleball)
  • lugs (trails shoes)
  • anything with a soft and/ or flimsy midsole

Conclusion

Ideally, you would have your court shoes for pickleball, and your running shoes for running. But if you choose to wear running shoes for racquet sports, avoid wearing high cushioned, rocker profile, soft outsole shoes. Think about the lateral and explosive movements on a court, and ask yourself, would you be comfortable with the shoes you have now? How often are you going to play pickleball or tennis? How about competitively?

Now that you know differences between court shoes and running shoes, you can make the best decision for yourself.

~LMC

*Disclaimer: I am in no way sponsored, paid by, or affiliated with the brands/ items reviewed in this post. I write simply to inform other runners like myself of products that may interest them.