thinking of getting new running shoes

jacquelinelohr

so i've had the same pair of running shoes for the past 2 years and i want to invest in a new pair. i absolutely love my nike frees and they've carried me through hundreds of miles. i'm thinking of getting the nike free iD 5.0, but before i make a purchase, i'd to hear opinions from some fellow runners.

i'm not super educated on running shoes so i'm looking for general advice. what type of running shoes do you like and why?

i live in a city and run mostly on road and pavement. i run 15-25 miles/week.
& i'm willing to pay $150 and under.
thanks for your input in advance!!

dewd2

Go to a running store and have them watch you run. They will recommend a certain style based on your mechanics and provide you will many the fit your needs. Try them all and pick the ones that feel the best.

happygalah

You should go to a store that specialises in running and have your stride etc. evaluated and they can recommend the correct shoes for you. Running shoes should be replaced every 300 miles or so.

DebinMelbourne

Definitely get fitted appropriately in a running store, and when you need to buy new ones, you can get them online places usually cheaper. I've been wearing ASICS Gel Kayanos for years, and replace them every 6 to 9 months.

blankiefinder

DebinMelbourne wrote: »

Definitely get fitted appropriately in a running store, and when you need to buy new ones, you can get them online places usually cheaper. I've been wearing ASICS Gel Kayanos for years, and replace them every 6 to 9 months.

It truly is so individual, as different makes fit different feet. Like Deb, I wear the Asics Kayanos. Asics are the only shoes that fit my feet. My daughter wears the old style Nike 5.0 frees (2014) because she likes the fit. They are getting hard to find though. My husband and son wear Saucony's.

Go to a really good running store and try them on. A good store will allow returns if they haven't been worn outside, so you can always try them on an indoor track. They may also have a treadmill with free gait analysis if you're lucky.

JoeLeanMachine

I don't like running near as much as cycling, and I didn't enjoy it much.

Then I went to A good store where they have a treadmill and watch you walk then jog.

I have been fitted correctly and that helped.

Also I tried some compression sleeves for my calves, they run from below your knee to your ankle area. Those things were great additions too, for cheap.

The two things made running go from a mild pain to somewhat enjoyable

Never will love it. I just have to get along with it for triathlons.

MeanderingMammal

jacquelinelohr wrote: »

so i've had the same pair of running shoes for the past 2 years and i want to invest in a new pair. i absolutely love my nike frees and they've carried me through hundreds of miles. i'm thinking of getting the nike free iD 5.0, but before i make a purchase, i'd to hear opinions from some fellow runners.

i'm not super educated on running shoes so i'm looking for general advice. what type of running shoes do you like and why?

i live in a city and run mostly on road and pavement. i run 15-25 miles/week.

So if you're currently in those and you're not experiencing any problems, then a similarly minimalist style is probably appropriate. Most shoes only have a life of c300-500 miles and your post suggests c1000 miles.

fwiw, the right shoes for me, 6ft1, 160lb trail endurance runner, are unlikely to be the right shoes for you.

I'd agree with the suggestions above around a fitting, although would caveat that with a push to get good advice about minimalist shoes. Merrell, Inov-8, Five-Fingers etc are all good

If you do go for a fitting, buy from the store. Don't be a parasite and take the fitting then buy online.

BrianSharpe

I'm a big fan of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" school of thought.

If you've been running for 2 years, injury free, stick with what works (unless they've made big changes to the newer model) that's why I've been running in the same model (different iterations) shoe for 7 years.....

Kirky_V2

^^^^^^^ what they all said!

My guess is you're a pretty neutral runner if you haven't had any problems in all this time, but you should get checked at a decent store.

I'm a big Asics fan, but just recently moved to Mizuno Wave Inspire and amazed at how light they are. Ideally you're looking at about 300 - 400 miles per pair, maybe a bit less if most of your running is on hard surfaces.

ExRelaySprinter

BrianSharpe wrote: »

I'm a big fan of the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" school of thought.

If you've been running for 2 years, injury free, stick with what works (unless they've made big changes to the newer model) that's why I've been running in the same model (different iterations) shoe for 7 years.....

I agree with this^^^.
Maybe have a look to see if there are stores that are still selling your old Nike Free Models.

oilphins

dewd2 wrote: »

Go to a running store and have them watch you run. They will recommend a certain style based on your mechanics and provide you will many the fit your needs. Try them all and pick the ones that feel the best.

Yes this you should do for sure. I run about 60k a week and if you do a lot of running, even if your runners still feel good, you should replace them about every 6-7 months is what I have been told by numerous avid runners here in my city who have won full and half marathons.

ExRelaySprinter

Double post.

pondee629

jacquelinelohr wrote: »

so i've had the same pair of running shoes for the past 2 years and i want to invest in a new pair. i absolutely love my nike frees and they've carried me through hundreds of miles. i'm thinking of getting the nike free iD 5.0, but before i make a purchase, i'd to hear opinions from some fellow runners.

i'm not super educated on running shoes so i'm looking for general advice. what type of running shoes do you like and why?

i live in a city and run mostly on road and pavement. i run 15-25 miles/week.
& i'm willing to pay $150 and under.
thanks for your input in advance!!

If you "absolutely love (your) nike frees" why change? If it ain't broke...

You have had the shoes for two years. If you have been running regularly during that time and have had no problems, why change? I think you have found your running shoes. Unless nike changed the shoe you absolutely love there is no reason for you to change. How much better do think a shoe is going to get? Is "absolute love" not good enough?

mbaker566

I would either buy the same style you have now since you haven't had any issues or go to a running store and get properly fitted.

Gavin_Campbell

I agree a lot with what others have already said. If you really like you shoes try and find the exact same and you will be happy. However if you can't find the same shoes don't have your mind stuck on that brand/model. Even though its the newer version of the same shoe it might not feel the same.

I had a pair of Nike (I can't remember the model) but I went to the store and tried on a newer model of the same shoe. It felt totally different. I couldn't go with it. So I worked with the employee at the store to find a new comforatable shoe and ended up with a pair of NB (which fell apart in 3 months) and they eventually replaced it with a new pair of Asics that feel great on my wide feet.

Good luck with the hunt.

gdyment

No brand loyalty, because they change (sometimes a lot) on each revision. I loved some models then the next version wasn't right or rubbed wrong. Do get fitted/checked to see what KIND of shoe you use (supinate, neutral or pronate) then you know what group to shop in.

kwtilbury

Buy at least two pair and alternate, they'll last longer.

Or you could be a shoe *kitten* like me (and apparently gdyment): I have four pairs of running shoes, four pairs of training shoes and three pair of lifting shoes.

PeiDub

Like everyone said, go to a store and get fitted.

Personally, I prefer Brooks. I've got the PureCadence 4 and I love them.

jacquelinelohr

thank you for your responses, everyone!
i went to a reputable running store in the area and had them watch me run.
i overpronate a little and have a forefront strike.

i tried on a few different nikes that i didn't like including the pegasus.
they didn't have the new free runs so i wasn't able to compare to the 4.0 i have.
i'm gonna head to another store tomorrow to try on some different types. i took a few quizzes online and i was recommended:
asics cumulus 17
asics kayano
asics qt 1000 3
asics gel ds trainer 20
saucony kinvara
newton motion 111

i agree with all of you on the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" method. but i bought my nike free runs over 2 years ago as i was just starting out running. and i got them off a casual recommendation from a friend. now, that i'm a little more serious about my running, i just want to test out other brands and models to see if there is a better fit for me.

i'll let you guys know what i end up with tomorrow!

jgnatca

Good show! I wish I took my last pair for a good lap before settling.

gdyment

jacquelinelohr wrote: »

thank you for your responses, everyone!
i went to a reputable running store in the area and had them watch me run.
i overpronate a little and have a forefront strike.

i tried on a few different nikes that i didn't like including the pegasus.
they didn't have the new free runs so i wasn't able to compare to the 4.0 i have.
i'm gonna head to another store tomorrow to try on some different types. i took a few quizzes online and i was recommended:
asics cumulus 17
asics kayano
asics qt 1000 3
asics gel ds trainer 20
saucony kinvara
newton motion 111

i agree with all of you on the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" method. but i bought my nike free runs over 2 years ago as i was just starting out running. and i got them off a casual recommendation from a friend. now, that i'm a little more serious about my running, i just want to test out other brands and models to see if there is a better fit for me.

i'll let you guys know what i end up with tomorrow!

The Cumulus (and the even higher level Nimbus) are like running with pillows on your feet. I love them for trainers (but they are $$). The Kinvara is a lightweight minimal shoe (I use for racing). I found the Brooks Ghost series a good trainer that lasts long for cheaper.

mwyvr

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

If you do go for a fitting, buy from the store. Don't be a parasite and take the fitting then buy online.

+1

dewd2

jacquelinelohr wrote: »

thank you for your responses, everyone!
i went to a reputable running store in the area and had them watch me run.
i overpronate a little and have a forefront strike.

i tried on a few different nikes that i didn't like including the pegasus.
they didn't have the new free runs so i wasn't able to compare to the 4.0 i have.
i'm gonna head to another store tomorrow to try on some different types. i took a few quizzes online and i was recommended:
asics cumulus 17
asics kayano
asics qt 1000 3
asics gel ds trainer 20
saucony kinvara
newton motion 111

i agree with all of you on the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" method. but i bought my nike free runs over 2 years ago as i was just starting out running. and i got them off a casual recommendation from a friend. now, that i'm a little more serious about my running, i just want to test out other brands and models to see if there is a better fit for me.

i'll let you guys know what i end up with tomorrow!

All they offered were Nike? Or is that all you wanted?

Don't limit yourself to just one brand. And even with the same brand and style they can change from year to year. For example, the Nike Vomero 9's are different from the 10's. I believe Nike increased the drop in the 10's and the feel very different. My calves immediately complained when I switch. I ended up getting Brooks a couple weeks later.

mwyvr

jacquelinelohr wrote: »

i overpronate a little

Drilling down on this for a sec: Over or just pronate a little?

I ask because for years I was diagnosed as over-pronating but in reality... my pronation wasn't much more than most. As a result I was often put in heavier stability / motion control shoes and some, notably the Brooks of the day, actually caused me pain as they were too "stable", too inflexible.

Today I'm running in totally neutral shoes with zero issues. Even minimalist neutral shoes with no issues.

and have a forefront strike.

I've moved to a mid/forefoot strike and for that reason prefer a lower (6mm or less) to zero drop shoe. With some higher drop shoes I find my heel catching at times. If your store lets you run with them outside before purchase, be sure you do more than a token run.

i tried on a few different nikes that i didn't like including the pegasus.
they didn't have the new free runs so i wasn't able to compare to the 4.0 i have.
i'm gonna head to another store tomorrow to try on some different types. i took a few quizzes online and i was recommended:
asics cumulus 17
asics kayano
asics qt 1000 3
asics gel ds trainer 20
saucony kinvara
newton motion 111

If the Kinvara makes sense for you, you might add the New Balance Vazee Pace; it's a neutral light-ish shoe without too much drop. Longest run I've done in them so far is 20+ miles. I'll probably use these mostly for faster street runs.

One thing I have done this time around (meaning: getting more serious about my running) is to have multiple types of shoes to wear. Currently I have a selection ranging from older Gel Kayano and Nike Zoom Pegasus (the stability influence) to NB Vazee Pace, the zero-drop Merrell Bare Access 4 Street and Merrell Bare Access Trail. Looking to add another trail shoe soon.

Not running in the same shoe all the time is good for me, probably good for most of us. If you are running a lot switching shoes from one day to the next might also prolong the life of all of them.

jacquelinelohr

So, I decided on the Asics Gel Cumulus 17. I tested them in store along with a bunch over other Asics, Brooks, Nikesand they just felt right. Since many of you recommended to have more than one pair, I might get another pair to race in, but have to save up.

The Nike Free 5.0 felt totally different than my 4.0 and I just didn't find them comfortable. So, that's definitely a caveat other runners/potential runners should be aware of. Newer models of shoes can feel completely foreign. Always test 'em out! (as @Gavin_Campbell pointed out).

Thank you so much for your input and advice. It really helped me make an educated decision that I was confident about! I hope this thread will help others looking to purchase new running shoes.


@dewd2 - I told the salesman I had the nike free 4.0 and he just gave me a bunch of nikes to try on. I told him I was open to other brands. They didn't have a huge selection at the store I went to, but it was nicely curated. You're right, though. I wanted to branch out from Nike so I thanked him and did some research on my own. Unfortunately, the owner of the store was busy and a high school kid was helping me. He was knowledgable and super helpful but he couldn't answer some of my questions and only showed me Nikes. Oh well.

@gdyment - They are like running with pillows on my feet. Super comfortable. I think they'll be great trainers. I'm looking into getting another lightweight minimal pair. Maybe I'll try the Kinvara!

@mwyvr @MeanderingMammal - I tried a few on in the store I got my gait analysis. I went home did some research. Then went to sports authority, found the Cumulus, went BACK to the store i got my gait analysis and they didn't have them. So ending up buying from sports authority. but I did try. I always try and support local companies.

@mwyvr - I'm not sure. He said "overpronate a little," but not enough to need a shoe that corrects it. Does that mean I'm neutral? I'm already looking at getting a second pair for racing - something like my old Nike Free 4.0. I just did my first 5 mile run with my Cumulus and I like them a lot, but I don't know if I'd like to race in them. I live in Chicago and don't have many trails where I live. Lots of road/street running. Do you think a minimal, more lightweight option would be a good second pair?

Sports Authority & the running store did not have the Kinvara, but I'd really like to try them on and maybe purchase a pair.

mwyvr

@mwyvr - I'm not sure. He said "overpronate a little," but not enough to need a shoe that corrects it. Does that mean I'm neutral?

Pronation is normal for a large chunk of the population; it's only a potential problem when more severe. The shop that did the gait analysis would steer you to one or the other (motion control or neutral) based on their observations. Over the years what was often an automatic response - put the runner in stability shoes if they "pronate" - has softened some.

You might not be neutral but you might still suit a shoe that is neutral. Be sure they are comfortable - that seems to go a long way.

ExRelaySprinter

gdyment wrote: »

The Cumulus (and the even higher level Nimbus) are like running with pillows on your feet. I love them for trainers (but they are $$). The Kinvara is a lightweight minimal shoe (I use for racing). I found the Brooks Ghost series a good trainer that lasts long for cheaper.

jacquelinelohr wrote: »

So, I decided on the Asics Gel Cumulus 17. I tested them in store along with a bunch over other Asics, Brooks, Nikesand they just felt right. Since many of you recommended to have more than one pair, I might get another pair to race in, but have to save up.

I'm definitely gonna try these Asics Gel Cumulus!
I actually remember seeing them on a Runners Website and they got great reviews.
They sound like a very good "2nd pair" for me to have.
Glad you got it sorted OP,...they look great!

runner_girl83

Just got my running store to put a pair of Cumulus 16's on hold for me. They were recommended to me a long time ago at my last fitting, though I couldn't afford them at the time. I was told that Nike Pegasus were a good substitute - and I found a pair of the Nike's at the shoe factory outlet for $80 so went with them. Have had them for a few months now and they were great.. But have just started getting bad arch pain which is slightly affecting my knees. Can't wait to pay the Cumulus 16's off and get some better support!