Everyone has a brand that they prefer. A brand that they choose over the rest. A brand they gravitate to. As a runner, that brand for me has been Pearl Izumi. The fit, response and feel of their shoe is unlike any other shoe I've ever run in. They're lightweight, and have the feel of a racing or minimalist shoe. Yet they have the support and firmness that I need to get me through my marathon training.
Because Pearl Izumi has been my go to shoe for the past six or seven years, I was shocked that somehow I missed the announcement that Pearl Izumi was exiting the running game. It started slowly over the course of a year or so as I was shopping online for my next pair. I found there were a couple of pairs that I thought I would like to try, but my size wasn't available. I didn't think much of it, and found a different pair to try. But a few months later when I again starting searching for another new pair (I have several pair of running shoes that I rotate), it was even more difficult to find my size. I knew something was up, so I did a quick google search. And right there, front and center, was an article from Runner's World telling me the news.
Right now I just feel lost. I don't know what to do, or what direction to go in terms of shoes. As a runner you put so much faith and trust in your shoes. You take comfort in knowing that when you slip them on, you're in for a good ride. No blisters. No black and blue toe nails. Just a well made shoe that makes me feel like Prefontaine. Thank you Pearl Izumi.