I buy a new pair of running shoes about once a year. By the year’s end (more like by the 10th month), the treads begin to wear down. I discovered the Brooks Adrenaline GTS series while training for a half-marathon in ’04, and since then that’s what I buy. I am a creature of habit, what can I say. Similarly, since ’04 I’ve always purchased from Super Jock N Jill in Green Lake. A Super Jock N Jill they make me try other shoes in addition to the one I know I’ll buy anyway. You try two different ones on each foot, then go outside and run up the street to test. Each time I choose the Adrenaline. I shell out over $100 for each pair including tax.

Northgate just opened a DSW, and I stopped by this weekend. Lo and behold, they’ve got the Adrenaline. They are selling the GTS 6 for $54.95. Right now I’m wearing the 7. I had no problems with the 6. It’s just that Brooks has to come out with a new model so you have to go with the flow. With my 7s beginning to show the typical wear and tear I’ve come to expect at around the 10th month, I bought the 6s today. What a bargain! I have to admit I feel a little bit guilty for turning my back on the local, independently owned running store.

I’ll get over it.

DSW, btw, is great. If you haven’t visited you should. At Northgate, you’ll find DSW where Gottschalk’s once was. They also have a store in Factoria. When I lived in Chicago I was walking distance to one. I also lived near a TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, Nine West outlet store, and a Cost Plus. Sigh. Retail therapy at its finest.