Runners,...what running shoes would you recommend?

ExRelaySprinter

I've recently started running and still just wear my trainers i powerwalked in (Nike Shox).
But i need a proper pair of running shoes, so wanted to know which you would recommend.
I've heard Asics are a great brand for running shoes.

msf74

Ones that fit you properly and feel great.

For me that turns out to be Saucony or Asics...

3dogsrunning

All of the major brands are pretty even when it comes to quality. Most offer the same range of shoes, stability, cushion, minimalist, etc. The difference comes in the fit. I find each brand fits differently. Which one fits my foot the best may not fit yours. For example, I hate Asics. The quality is fine but I find them very uncomfortable. Other's swear by them. So going by other people's favourite isn't always the best idea.
If you have a running store they often will help you pick shoes and many have a great return policy that lets you really try them. That's how I ended up with my brand.

ETA -
Also, I wear a motion control shoe. It is the only thing that keeps me running injury free. But a motion control shoe for someone who doesn't need them is a recipe for disaster.

Armyx2

I really like Asics and you can find them for below normal retail price at TJ Maxx, etc. I also just picked up a Nike pair on sale from Kohls that I'm loving. But I don't pick specific brands. I just try them on, walk around in the store, buy them and feel them out. Rotating between 3 pairs has worked best for me, not even looking at the brand. I suggest going to a running store to get fitted if you feel it will save you from injury.

ExRelaySprinter

Armyx2 wrote: »

I really like Asics and you can find them for below normal retail price at TJ Maxx, etc. I also just picked up a Nike pair on sale from Kohls that I'm loving. But I don't pick specific brands. I just try them on, walk around in the store, buy them and feel them out. Rotating between 3 pairs has worked best for me, not even looking at the brand. I suggest going to a running store to get fitted if you feel it will save you from injury.

Yes, I was actually thinking of going to TK Maxx (UK version of TJ Maxx) tomorrow actually.
As they do have good Discounts in there.

FitFitzy331

You should go to a specialty running store and get fitted properly. Everyone has shoes that work for them but they may not work for you.

patrikc333

if in UK, go to the sweatshop, they will test the way you run and recommend what type of shoes you need (overpronation, supination etc)

many other stores will do the same test anyway

it's important you know how you run so you can buy the best shoes for you, regardless of the make

3dogsrunning

ExRelaySprinter wrote: »

Armyx2 wrote: »

I really like Asics and you can find them for below normal retail price at TJ Maxx, etc. I also just picked up a Nike pair on sale from Kohls that I'm loving. But I don't pick specific brands. I just try them on, walk around in the store, buy them and feel them out. Rotating between 3 pairs has worked best for me, not even looking at the brand. I suggest going to a running store to get fitted if you feel it will save you from injury.

Yes, I was actually thinking of going to TK Maxx (UK version of TJ Maxx) tomorrow actually.
As they do have good Discounts in there.

I don't recommend that if you don't know what you are looking for, especially if you don't know the difference between different models. Those types of stores just get in whatever leftover products there are. They will not have a selection of different types of shoes. You may end up with a type of shoe that is not right for you, like I mentioned above, a stability shoe when you don't need it.
If you know what make and model you like, then shopping at places like that are a great idea. For finding the right shoe, it's pretty hit and miss unless you are the kind of runner that can run in anything.

It might be more expensive to go the other route, however, if you buy a pair of shoes and find they aren't comfortable, or worse, they cause you injury, thenyou are out the money and you still need to buy a pair of shoes.

jacksonpt

3dogsrunning wrote: »

All of the major brands are pretty even when it comes to quality. Most offer the same range of shoes, stability, cushion, minimalist, etc. The difference comes in the fit. I find each brand fits differently. Which one fits my foot the best may not fit yours. For example, I hate Asics. The quality is fine but I find them very uncomfortable. Other's swear by them. So going by other people's favourite isn't always the best idea.
If you have a running store they often will help you pick shoes and many have a great return policy that lets you really try them. That's how I ended up with my brand.

ETA -
Also, I wear a motion control shoe. It is the only thing that keeps me running injury free. But a motion control shoe for someone who doesn't need them is a recipe for disaster.

Agreed.

Quoted for emphasis.

snoringcat

I wouldn't go by what other people use - we all have a different running style and gait.

Go to a proper running store and have your gait analysed. They video you running on a treadmill and then playback in slomo. It helps to see if your ankles pronate when you run and any other problems like uneven weight distribution. They will then recommend a shoe that suits YOU.

You're less likely to suffer problems or injuries than if you buy 'off the shelf'.

I went to a proper store and got analysed and was recommend Asics GT2000's.

jgnatca

It's not the brand. It's the fit. Go to a running store and get your gait analysed. I need anti-pronating shoes. Then take the shoes for a test walk around the block before you buy them.

My first pair were Asics and right now I have Adidas as they fit narrower.

kwtilbury

I've been running in Nike Free's but have recently been wanting to get into longer distances, so I picked up a pair of Lunarglides. Do you think it's OK to mix running styles (referring to the different heelstrikes associated with the Frees vs the Lunarglides)?

WhatMeRunning

I recommend the ones that are the right fit for your feet, your stride, the running surface you plan to run on, and the distance you plan on doing.

dinsfamily

FitFitzy331 wrote: »

You should go to a specialty running store and get fitted properly. Everyone has shoes that work for them but they may not work for you.

This is what I did when I first started running and glad I did. It seems different brands fit different types of feet better. Both Saucony and Asics a half size bigger than my normal shoes work well for me. Now that I know what shoes work for me, I buy last year's model on sale. I can usually find them for about 60% of retail online. I've been wearing the same two Saucony models for 4 years and don't plan on changing anytime soon.

amgreenwell

get yourself fitted at a proper running store. You don't have to buy the shoes there but they can make suggestions of brands and types of shoes for your foot and your running style.
I absolutely LOVE Saucony shoes. i have two pair that I rotate. I bought one at the running store and one on amazon and they are great. can usually get a little better deal on amazon Good luck! I running!

cheshirecatastrophe

More to the point about going to a running store over the cheaper Marshall's/DSW option:

"Getting fitted" is a hit-or-miss proposition. The employee can still put you in shoes that don't *feel* right, or can put you in shoes that feel AWESOME in the store and jogging around the parking lot...but terrible after a week on the road.

Any running store worth its asphalt will allow you to exchange the USED dud pair of shoes for a different kind. THAT'S why you pay the new-model-year premium. Not for the shoe. For the store service and the exchange policy.

dinsfamily wrote: »

FitFitzy331 wrote: »

You should go to a specialty running store and get fitted properly. Everyone has shoes that work for them but they may not work for you.

This is what I did when I first started running and glad I did. It seems different brands fit different types of feet better. Both Saucony and Asics a half size bigger than my normal shoes work well for me. Now that I know what shoes work for me, I buy last year's model on sale. I can usually find them for about 60% of retail online. I've been wearing the same two Saucony models for 4 years and don't plan on changing anytime soon.

Yeah, until Saucony pulls a Brooks and revamps every single shoe and all the new ones suck. (I'm not bitter, can you tell?)

ExRelaySprinter

jgnatca wrote: »

It's not the brand. It's the fit. Go to a running store and get your gait analysed.

Yes, i've taken note of what you've all said.
Will get my gait checked out and take it from there!

JoRocka

ExRelaySprinter wrote: »

Armyx2 wrote: »

I really like Asics and you can find them for below normal retail price at TJ Maxx, etc. I also just picked up a Nike pair on sale from Kohls that I'm loving. But I don't pick specific brands. I just try them on, walk around in the store, buy them and feel them out. Rotating between 3 pairs has worked best for me, not even looking at the brand. I suggest going to a running store to get fitted if you feel it will save you from injury.

Yes, I was actually thinking of going to TK Maxx (UK version of TJ Maxx) tomorrow actually.
As they do have good Discounts in there.

going to TJMaxx only knows if you know what kind of shoe works for you.

If you have no idea- it's not going to get you what you NEED. You'll save money tomorrow- but you run the risk of having to pay for another pair when the discount ones don't work out for you.

unrelentingminx

As others have said, get your running style analysed at a specialist shop. When you know what kind of gait you have you can buy any future shoes from anywhere. I'm lucky and have a fairly neutral gait and went with a pair of Asics Cumulus because they are really roomy around the toes even on my wide feet. Expensive but so worth the money.

cwolfman13

go to a running store and get fit...getting fit for the proper shoe for your gait, etc is far more important than brand. a good running store will generally carry several brands of quality running shoes...