Here’s The Best Running Shoe For Dads That Don’t Run A Lot

I swore I'd never do it, but ultimately I caved and it was a great decision. I found the best running shoe for Dads (like myself) who don't run consistently.

To clarify, I am an active person who attempts to take health and wellness as seriously as I can. I believe in moderation so I certainly indulge in pizza and don't deprive myself of weekend drinks. In addition, I have partaken in some sort of exercise for well over 20 years.

Through playing football and becoming an avid surfer, this has included everything from lifting heavy weights to yoga to Peloton rides. Although my training activities have often changed, one opinion has not. I just don't really like running. Specifically, long-distance running.

Nonetheless, I force myself to do it for two reasons. First, to exercise out of the house and get some fresh air. There's a peace (certainly early in the morning) to being outside on a nice morning, alone with your thoughts. Also, I do like the cardio and disruption to your body when you run.

Therein lies the problem, however. Disruption to your body can easily occur if you don't run properly or have the right sneakers to support the impact. With my schedule, the last thing I need is to be out of commission for ten days with back spasms because my sneakers couldn't absorb my trotting style.

I held out on this particular sneaker because it seemed every dad on the field was wearing them, even though they were suggested to me by a specialist. This spring I changed my mind after my three-year-old green kicks just didn't hold up any more and my back was aggravated. Here's what happened.

The Hoka Bondi. There are many Hoka model shoes and a ton of colorways to go with it. The thick platform of a Hoka is the difference here for me. Keep in mind, I'm talking 5K distances here at most. In fact, my normal route that I mix in about twice per week is a little over two miles of actual running (jogging, who am I kidding).

Many review sites will name Hoka in their "best for" categories due to the amount of firm support they build into each shoe. For example, Forbes said, "Hokas are highly versatile sneakers that work well for a variety of activities." They also named the Hoka Gaviota 5 the best shoe for back pain for those who are on their feet a lot.

I went with the Bondi model because I found an opportunity to try them first and because they have the loop on the back. Given that I wear a size 14 shoe, the hook to grab is a convenience factor that I always favor.

A Hoka takes some getting used to. It's a different feel underneath your foot. I didn't necessarily notice an immediate difference while running, but what I did notice is that I felt different post-run. Recovery time is quite important to me, given that I am literally always on the run.

Perhaps my back didn't have to endure as much, with there being more solid space between my foot and the ground. Although I am quite active and in decent shape, I had the post-workout soreness lingering each time I completed a distance run. The Hoka Bondi has helped me with that.

Aside from the sneaker I have not changed anything else about my routine. I've learned a valuable lesson: no longer having the resiliency of my college days, what matters most to me now is how I feel post-workout, not what my shoes look like in workouts.

You can check out the Hoka Bondi sneaker and the vibrant colorway options here.

Boston Calling 2024 is officially underway. The first bands of this three-day festival have taken the stage and there are already lines at the merchandise tents. Here is a look at some of the unique Boston Calling merch items for this year, available at the main purchase stands.

Each year over Memorial Day weekend, Boston Calling rocks the Harvard grounds. Like most festivals, they always design their own merch for the annual occasion. Their bulldog logo stands out. It has become a familiar face synonymous with this event. It’s then placed upon your typical concert merch stand items like hoodies, caps, posters, and t-shirts. However, Boston Calling does a great job of freshening up the bulldog. This has resulted in new popular designs for each year’s festival.

2024 is no exception. Although the standard red, blue, and gold colors have remained, new patterns have now entered the space.

Boston Calling headliners include Ed Sheeran (Friday), Tyler Childers (Saturday), and The Killers (Sunday) to close it out. Leon Bridges, Megan Thee Stallion, Hozier, Renee Rapp, Trey Anastasio, The Revivalists, and Young The Giant are among the other performers not to be missed.

Each of these artists has merch available on the festival grounds. It’s important to note, the headliners' merch is available all weekend. Meaning that, although The Killers are playing Sunday, their shirts can be purchased today (while supplies last).

Are you worried about holding all this new gear for the duration of the day and night? Fear not; lockers are available to rent (while supplies last). There’s an official Boston Calling app and a QR code you can snap to give you a mobile map in the palm of your hand.

Lastly, the festival FAQ states, “Small clutch purses and fanny packs that are 6" x 9" or smaller do not need to be clear, but can have no more than one pocket. All other bags larger than 6" x 9" must be smaller than 12" x 6" x 12" and clear.”

Let’s take a further look at some of the Boston Calling 2024 merch items you may be storing, sporting, or purchasing during the weekend.

Again, these are available all weekend. Each of them seem to promote the given album or tour the artist is on. Hozier and the Killers seem to have the largest variety of items available. Tyler Childers has the best hat collection for sale, from truckers to rope hats.

New this year, there are few options of custom Boston Calling hats. My preference in comfort is the green one that I am also wearing in the image at the top of this article. This year's silkscreen poster contains the names of all the artist. There is one poster for sale. The Harvard basketball jersey is a nice addition to the lineup, sporting the #24. Perhaps its a nod the graduation that occurred here earlier in the week.

The lineup 2024 t-shirt comes in an all black option or tie-dyed. Both are the same with the logo on the front and lineup on the back. There are two water bottles. One is yellow and the other is the signature festival colors of blue and red.

Have there ever been Boston Calling shorts? Well, they have them this year. While they've certain had sweatpants in the past I don't recall the branded short flying out of the brown boxes as quickly as they are this year. Perhaps the beautiful 80-degree day has something to do wit that. As usual, there are also a nice array of custom 2024 festival t-shirts. The bomber jacket is a stylish dark green, and of course the dog head logo is everywhere.