Trying something different wasn't going to kill him. Thomas knew that and yet, he was still hesitant. The boots hadn't been what made running something he had to do in the Maze. That had been something deeper, something built into his muscles and bones.

"Good that," Thomas agreed, settling himself down on the floor so he could pull on the shoes. The fit was good, molding around his foot while still giving his toes some space. He laced the shoes and then stretched his legs out in front of him, giving the sneakers an appraising look. Whereas the boots were battered and worn, the shoes were pristine and new. The boots were heavy while the sneakers were light.

"They don't fit badly," he finally said, glancing up at Derek. "Might be okay for running."