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?
Re: Talk to me about running shoes!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.