It is a weird feeling when the running shoe you wear every day suddenly shows up on the cover of a magazine.

But let me back up. I am not a runner. I had a labral tear in my right hip over five years ago, and after surgery I was told I should stay away from running if I wanted to prevent another visit to the operating room.

Despite following these instructions, I’ve had one foot issue after another, some of which I shared in this old post. I’ve gone through a dozen sneakers in the last year and a half, in an attempt to find something I could comfortably walk in. Sneakerhead I am not, though I’ve learned so much about sneaker technology that sometimes I wonder if I should make a new career out of it.

Over the summer, I was checking out the latest inventory at a local sports store when the sales associate recommended these New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo V2. It is not an overstatement to say these have been the best shoes for my feet and a mini miracle in my life. On good days, they allow me to walk a couple of miles around the city. In comparison, I can barely walk one block in flats nowadays.

Nearly six months later, I still have not found another pair of sneakers better than these. Now granted everybody’s foot, walking gait, and physical needs are different (for example, I tend to overpronate, have weak ankles, and need stability shoes), but if you’re in the market for new running shoes, these are worth checking out. I’m also glad they come in non-neon colors as well.

Someone recently asked me what I was thankful for. I responded, “Family, friends, good food, and these sneakers!”

Do you have a pair of sneakers you love?

Athleta Vortex Jacket, Carbon38 Takara Leggings, New Balance Fresh Foam Vongo V.2