Talk to me about running shoes!

flutteringinfl

The tough mudder thread made me remember I'm in the market for some new sneakers. It's been suggested that I go to a running store, where they can analyze my gait and recommend shoes based on that, but I still want to do research beforehand and also I don't know if that's BS or not. Currently I wear a pair of Nikes, and they do the job well, but they're about four years old so I think it's time to invest in a new pair.

Knotties who run or do other athletics, what's your preferred running shoe?

mrscomposer

I usually run Asics, and I got into them originally because of the suggestion of the store employee.  You can probably find whatever you need in any brand (I'm particular about my arch support, and all brands have shoes with good arch support), but they'll all feel a little different and I ended up preferring Asics.  My winter run shoes right now are Nike, but they're the first ones I think I've ever owned.

southernbelle0915

Another vote for Asics. I got my first pair in 8th grade and have been (mostly) loyal ever since.

Once you find a brand that works for your feet, it changes everything.

labro

My mom runs full time (usually between 25 and 30 miles a week total depending on how far she goes) and replaces her shoes about every six months. She really loves the Asics brand for running shoes. I think you need to try on different fits/styles and figure out what works for you. Plus what you said about gait really does matter. Your foot may hit on one side more than the other and you can find shoes that support different areas of your foot. I know New Balance will analyze your stride if you go in to one of their stores but I've never really researched other brands before.

I personally like something as super light weight as possible. I hate any sort of weight in my shoes. I've been running in the New Balance Minimus shoes for awhile now and I like them, I had issues with shin splints with other shoes and I don't seem to have the same problems with these. 

cupcait927

I only started running a couple of years ago and went with Mizunos - specifically the wave inspire 9. I went to a running store and they had me run on a treadmill and recommended three different brands/styles. I like the mizunos because they were lightweight but still had sufficient support. I want to go back and see about trying out a different brand, for no other reason than a little variety would be nice. I also want to try out the wave inspire 11s - they're a little less bulky, plus they have cuter colors than the 9s or 10s lol.

H has worn Mizunos for years and keeps going back because he likes them so much. His mom and dad (both avid runners) both have bought multiple pairs of Mizunos and H got his cousins wearing them as well.

redoryx

I run in New Balance, specifically ones that have a low heel to toe drop.

littlepep

I have Saucony with inserts. I got fitted at a local store because I have flat feet and was having a ton of pain. They work great for me. 

If you have a running store in town, I would definitely recommend checking that out. Idk about other places obviously, but this place watched me walk and recommended shoes based on that. I feel like everyone's feet are so different. Or maybe I'm just a diva :-P

ElcaB

Asics!

lizz0915

I've run in both Asics and Brooks. I have really narrow feet so I like the Brooks a touch better. I have gone twice to a running store to get fitted which has been great. They looked at my old shoes to see how I wear them and also carry narrow shoes which most stores do not. I'm not super active but based on my activity level and wear they recommended I replace my shoes every 8 - 12 months which was good to know.

madamerwin

The only shoes that seem to work for me are Adidas Marathon 10's. I have wide feet, and Asics and Nikes make my toes cramp. Adidas Marathon 10s are super lightweight and have minimal cushioning, which I like, and they have mesh uppers so my feet don't get sweaty.

bethsmiles

I love my Asics.

Honestly, if you do run a lot going to a running store to have them analyze how you run and suggest the proper shoe is a good idea and not BS. I don't run a lot so I just used Google to figure out what was right for me but I do feel like it has made a difference. My dad runs marathons/ultra-marathons and swears that whatever analysis the running stores do really does give you the best fit.

Maggie0829

I like my Mizuno wave riders.

I also agree that if you are doing a lot of running then you should get properly fitted at a running store.

minttobemrsb

I've had both Asics and Adidas running shoes that I really like. We have a place where I live that fits for specialty running shoes and I hear good things about it. It's totally worth it if you run a lot. 

If not, try going by the shape of your foot, arches, gait, all that jazz. I LOVE my Nike shoes for day to day wearing, but if I run any distance in them, my feet kill me. 

thisismynickname2

Ditto going to the proper store. I tried Nike... gave me shin splints. I tried the "minimalist" shoes- gave me tweaks and pain in other areas. Now, I'm on a Mizuno brand that helps with over-pronation. They're great. 

Every human is different so getting the right pair will take some time! 

For research, check out www.runningwarehouse.com. The reason I suggest it is that they have helpful descriptions of the shoes. They mention heel height, weight, the distribution of the padding, and other such stuff that indicates how it'll fit your foot. 

KatWAG

Asics for cross training and Brooks for running.

mj8215

I love my brooks ghost - the best neutral shoe in my personal experience . I'm currently on the ghost7 and have had the ghost since version 4 I think.

cgss11

I'm partial to Nike Lunarglides. I'm on my 5th pair or so? I run around 15-20 miles a week. I usually get a pair every 10 months or so or if a new color comes out that I HAVE to have (just being honest lol)

bizzy592

I run in Nike Air Max. I've got slightly flat feet, so need a little more support than the Free/Flyknit. I've been in Pegasus for the past decade (more than one pair, don't worry!), and moved over to Air Max recently - pretty happy with that decision.

daria24

I've been strictly Asics for about 3 years now. Right now I'm using the Gel Trainer DS 20, which is lighter than a lot of other support sneakers. I used the GT-2000s last  year, which are a much more form sitting shoe, so if you need more room in your toe box, those are not the shoe for you. Keep in mind that running shoes only last about 300-500 miles, I currently run 40-50 miles so I burn through shoes like crazy.

Definitely go to a running store, and don't be afraid to have more than one person look at your gait. Any good running store will have a policy that you can return lightly used shoes for a certain amount of time-after you buy a pair, try them out on the treadmill for a few runs to make sure they work for you. 

kaos16

I used to run in Nikes, but got terrible shin splints.  I was fitted at a running specialty store with a pair of Sauconys and haven't looked back since.  I have pairs with more support to prevent overpronating, and a really lightweight pair in a fabulous neon color that I wear for races.  I love them!

[Deleted User]

Sauconys for me. I went to a running store and got what they recommended and haven't looked back.

If you go to a true running store they will be able to help you and do a good job.

I do not trust places like Finish Line (I worked there on an internship in college) or Foot Locker. The associates there know very little about the foot / running / shoe selection.

Go to a running store where the people are continually educated and probably avid runners themselves.

flbride2015

I get whatever the running store tells me to get but I usually tell them my price point ahead of time and ask for the prior year's shoes (they're usually almost identical to the new ones but less expensive). 

kvruns

Shoes truly are so unique to each person. Both because of your gait (foot strike and pronation) plus just your foot in general. I tried a number of different kinds when I started running and found one that worked and stuck with it. Tons of people I knew loved Mizunos and thought they were the best, I tried twice and they just never fit me quite right.

Getting fitted at a store is expensive but worth it to establish what works for you. Then buy online cheaper other times. Some online running stores have a 90 day wear guarantee which is good if you're not sure on a shoe. A local running store should at least let you run in them on a treadmill a few times and exchange if they don't work (might not let you run outside in them)

Gustafson28

Asics are the best shoes I've ever worn. Had plantar fasciitis and knee problems and these shoes have helped so much with that. Shoes should be replaced every year though

MollyandD

I also love my Asics. It's about time for a new pair, and I'll go with Asics again.

kaos16

Gustafson28 said:

Asics are the best shoes I've ever worn. Had plantar fasciitis and knee problems and these shoes have helped so much with that. Shoes should be replaced every year though

I disagree with this statement.  Running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles, earlier if they appear worn. . . . Without knowing the mileage that OP runs, we can't say how long it will take her to get to that mileage.

Also, it's best to have a few pairs of running shoes if you run on back to back days.  It takes a midsole 24 hours to get back to its original shape, so you are best serve switching shoes every other day.

I do like PPs suggestion of getting fitted and seeing if you can buy last year's model/color.

cupcait927

kaos16 said:

Gustafson28 said:

Asics are the best shoes I've ever worn. Had plantar fasciitis and knee problems and these shoes have helped so much with that. Shoes should be replaced every year though

I disagree with this statement.  Running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles, earlier if they appear worn. . . . Without knowing the mileage that OP runs, we can't say how long it will take her to get to that mileage.

Also, it's best to have a few pairs of running shoes if you run on back to back days.  It takes a midsole 24 hours to get back to its original shape, so you are best serve switching shoes every other day.

I do like PPs suggestion of getting fitted and seeing if you can buy last year's model/color.

H replaces his shoes about every 6 months - he's usually training for a marathon the first half of the year and then slows down (a little) the second half of the year. Shoes definitely need to be replaced based on mileage, not age.

I'm thirding the suggestion of buying last year's model. H never buys the newest variation of his shoes, since they're about $120. He'll go back a year and spend about half of that and just buy two pairs at a time - then he's set for the year.

swiftsticks

New Balance 1260's (stability) b/c I'm super tall and hard to fit. I try to get a new pair each year.

levioosa

I have a pair of Brooks that I love.  I tried on a bunch of different shoes and brands the last time I went shoe shopping, and they were the most comfortable.  I haven't noticed any problems, but I asked SO yesterday why he didn't buy them (because I love them so much), and he said that they fell apart easily and didn't offer enough support.  Granted, when he bought them last he was running 20 miles a day, and should have been buying new shoes every 3-6 months anyways, so take that with a grain of salt.

flyingfoxes

I wear Brooks for my large, flat feet. 

justsie

I also suggest going to a running store to get shoes. They will watch you walk barefoot on a treadmill (fast paced- I'm guessing so you don't try and correct your stride because someone is watching?) and you can take your shoes for a quick jog if you found a pair you think you like. I did that once when I couldn't decide between two shoes, I had one on each foot, and that helped me to easily feel the difference. I also never felt pressured to buy something out of my price range, but that may have just been the employee and not the store training.