What Type Of Running shoes Do You Like?

OldAssDude

I don't mean brand or model, but the type of shoes.

max/moderate/low/minimal cushioning
neutral/stability/motion control
flexible/stiff
heel toe drop

I have 32 pairs of running shoes. I used to prefer the more cushioned ones, but lately i have been leaning more toward the less cushioned, neutral, flexible shoes. Heel toe drop can be from 0 to no more than 10 mm. I guess my joints are developing and/or my form is improving, but i can run a few miles on concrete in minimalist shoes now.

When i wear my high cushioned shoes i feel like i am working harder than normal and fighting the cushioning, rather than letting my body absorb the impact naturally.

Curious what other people like or don't like.

FL_Hiker

I like my brooks ghosts, I think they called them neutral fit or something of that sort. I used to run barefoot, but finally bought myself some shoes. It’s made a huge difference 😊. My knees used to hurt a lot more running barefoot, but I’m with you too much cushion and it feels counter productive. I like the ghosts because it seems like just enough... my knees have been getting better and better.

anothermfpuser

I've been fitted / analyzed by my running store and have tried various brands/models they say are the best fit for my gait, etc..

The ones I find I'm most successful with are Saucony Hurricanes. Not opposed to other brands or models, I just keep coming back to these.

mbaker566

i also go with what the store recommends. xodus, rides, ghosts, hurricanes, torins.
i personally can't do asics or hokas because they don't fit my feet

peleroja

I like pretty minimalist shoes and I'm a slight supinator, so neutral is important, but other than that I'm not that picky. I'm not prone to pain or joint issues and most of my runs are in the 5-8 mile range, so I don't really need to get too in the weeds with it.

I generally buy youth Nike Frees of any iteration at an outlet since I can get them for $30-$40 (compared to $100 for women's, and the kids' ones come in particularly eye-watering neons, which I like). I run up to about 30mpw and I will definitely go through a pair of shoes in well under six months, so I usually buy 3-4 pairs at once and just rotate until they're all dead. Some of the dead ones become cycling shoes or walking shoes unless there are actual holes.

Duck_Puddle

Depends what I’m doing.

I have a little bit of a neuroma and find that wider shoes are helpful for that. I used to wear Altras-but they have come up with a women’s fit that is quite narrow so those no longer work for me.

Because I need something that’s actually wide-I end up in New Balance or Saucony wide. For general runs, I like New Balance Vongos. For long runs as part of training (where I need to not beat myself to a pulp and I can run again for next day), I like Suacony hurricanes. I tend to prefer cushion for day to day running. It sucks up some energy but it makes for a more comfortable me after a lot of miles.

I used to wear ASICS before the neuroma and they were Ok. Brands like Brooks, Mizuno, Nike, Hoka, etc that have small toe-boxes are not possible for me.

estherdragonbat

I have overpronation issues. I was wearing Saucony Redeemers, but my current pair is a Brooks Arial 18 and I love them.

jjpptt2

Neutral support
Low to moderate cushioning
Narrow midfoot
Average toebox
4-6mm drop

smcurtis1981

I love my runners once they have gotten a bit beat up and flattened out. I don't like fighting against footwear I just like to run in my own way so when my shoes start to wear out that's when they feel best to me.

spiriteagle99

For running I like a neutral highly cushioned shoe. I have very wide feet, so they can be hard to find sometimes. ATM I'm wearing Glycerins and Ghosts. I used to like Asics Nimbus and Cumulus until they got too narrow. For walking, I wear a support running shoe because it eases pressure on my bunions. Drop is usually about 10 mm.

AliNouveau

I go by colour and price. Since I've had plantar fasciitis I do get either Saucony or Asics. But typically colour and price are my criteria. I don't like spending a ton of money on runners for some reason

apullum

My options are extremely limited due to very wide feet. Brooks Adrenaline works best for me, though I have to order 1.5 sizes up and they’re still not really wide enough.

BrianSharpe

Neutral shoe, moderate cushioning, 12mm drop (my achilles acts up otherwise as the runs get longer during a training plan)

L1zardQueen

Whatever Costco has but I refuse to buy the Sketchers brand. Sketchers suck. I go through running shoes very quickly, so cheap works for me. I trail run and my shoes do not last long.

dewd2

I require a neutral shoe. Anything else and I would risk injury.

When I was 55 lbs heavier my goto shoe was Nike Vomero. Cushioning was important. I still use them for easy recovery runs.

My main workhorse are Nike Pegasus. These are the shoes I used to run in back in the 90's and they still are my favorite general purpose shoe today. I have not yet tried the 35's nor the Turbo's (but I will soon).

When I do speed work I wear Nike Zoom Zoomfly 2%. They are light and responsive. I will no doubt get the flyknit version next year.

I just recently purchased the new Nike Flyknit Vaporfly 4%. I did a 20 mile run and a couple shorter runs. I wore them for my legs of a recent marathon relay. OMG! These are the frickin' bomb. I'm going to wear them on Saturday for my 5k. Even though I'm not really trained to run a short race, I'm almost convinced I can PR just because of these shoes.

All of these shoes have a 10mm drop except for the Vomero's (12mm). Anything less and my calves explode.

OldAssDude

dewd2 wrote: »

I require a neutral shoe. Anything else and I would risk injury.

When I was 55 lbs heavier my goto shoe was Nike Vomero. Cushioning was important. I still use them for easy recovery runs.

My main workhorse are Nike Pegasus. These are the shoes I used to run in back in the 90's and they still are my favorite general purpose shoe today. I have not yet tried the 35's nor the Turbo's (but I will soon).

When I do speed work I wear Nike Zoom Zoomfly 2%. They are light and responsive. I will no doubt get the flyknit version next year.

I just recently purchased the new Nike Flyknit Vaporfly 4%. I did a 20 mile run and a couple shorter runs. I wore them for my legs of a recent marathon relay. OMG! These are the frickin' bomb. I'm going to wear them on Saturday for my 5k. Even though I'm not really trained to run a short race, I'm almost convinced I can PR just because of these shoes.

All of these shoes have a 10mm drop except for the Vomero's (12mm). Anything less and my calves explode.

I have a pair of Pegasus 35's. I like them a lot. Not too much cushioning, flexible, and neutral. In fact, i think i'm gonna wear them on my 2 miler tomorrow.

Candikickbutt

I switch between my Adidas and Pumas, but prefer my Adidas shoes. Have 3 pair and they are AMAZING! BEST shoes I've ever had.

MelanieCN77

Right now for road I'm switching between my Nike Vomeros and the Pegasus. Next pair I buy will be more highly cushioned I think, I want to try some Hokas. For trail I have a pair of Saucony Peregrine and love them so much.

Duck_Puddle

I didn’t read your instructions.

I prefer medium-higher cushion for most runs - and do better on long runs with more cushion. I prefer less cushion for speed work and races.

I need a stability shoe-only most are too stable for me so it’s only certain shoes (types of engineering) that work for me.

I’ve never noticed flexibility or not so I’m guessing this isn’t a big deal for me.

My toe drops range from 0 to 14. No real preference here either (although if I’m swinging from one extreme to the other, it takes a little bit to adjust).

Mr_Healthy_Habits

Something with cussion in the forefoot because I run on the balls of my feet rather than the heel... Also something that does not dig into my ankles...

I've tried all brands

New Balance are the most comfortable but not the durable...

Overall... Nike makes the best running shoe

I was disappointed with my Brooks

Not a fan of ASICS

Saucony is a comfortable shoe but does not last long either... I'd prefer New Balance

The last pair of Adidas I got where fair, but I prefer Nike

Machka9

anothermfpuser wrote: »

I've been fitted / analyzed by my running store and have tried various brands/models they say are the best fit for my gait, etc..

This.

And after trying several, I bought Hokas.

Cherimoose

Most shoes seem to have a depression in the heel area of the sole, which i can actually feel. Not sure why they put craters in the heel or arch, since that puts less support there, creating a sag. Anyway, i choose a simple, flat sole with no fancy holes.. sort of like Nike Free.
Flexible sole.. neutral support.. medium cushion.
Currently need a higher heel-toe drop due to Achilles pain uphill, but will transition to low drop.

SummerSkier

OldAssDude wrote: »

I don't mean brand or model, but the type of shoes.

max/moderate/low/minimal cushioning
neutral/stability/motion control
flexible/stiff
heel toe drop

I have 32 pairs of running shoes. I used to prefer the more cushioned ones, but lately i have been leaning more toward the less cushioned ...
Curious what other people like or don't like.

Perhaps you need to change your name to Imelda Marcos 🙃. 32 pairs seems a lot. Personally I like to rotate between 2 or 3 pairs. What’s fun to do is go to someplace like Academy with your fave pair. You know pretty much what style you like now. Just start grabbing various brands in your size and type from the shelf and comparing feel to your own. I discovered Mizunos that way. I also don’t look at the price tags just go by feel. Sometimes I find nothing better. Brands and styles are ever changing now. Nothing like when I was a kid and you would find these model year after year. Quality of materials is also a lot cheaper so shoes tend to need rotation sooner.

RunsWithBees

OldAssDude wrote: »

I don't mean brand or model, but the type of shoes.

max/moderate/low/minimal cushioning
neutral/stability/motion control
flexible/stiff
heel toe drop

I have 32 pairs of running shoes. I used to prefer the more cushioned ones, but lately i have been leaning more toward the less cushioned, neutral, flexible shoes. Heel toe drop can be from 0 to no more than 10 mm. I guess my joints are developing and/or my form is improving, but i can run a few miles on concrete in minimalist shoes now.

When i wear my high cushioned shoes i feel like i am working harder than normal and fighting the cushioning, rather than letting my body absorb the impact naturally.

Curious what other people like or don't like.

I run barefoot. I guess I’m weird, but to me it just feels natural and it’s a lot of fun. When conditions aren’t ideal, I wear Xero huaraches which are sandals with 4mm zero drop flexible soles tied to the foot with a single diy lace. I run about 600 miles per year this way and have done so for the last 5 years. If you like minimalist shoes, you might like to check out Xero shoes, they have a lot of zero drop, flexible, no cushion shoes.

OldAssDude

monkeefan1974 wrote: »

OldAssDude wrote: »

I don't mean brand or model, but the type of shoes.

max/moderate/low/minimal cushioning
neutral/stability/motion control
flexible/stiff
heel toe drop

I have 32 pairs of running shoes. I used to prefer the more cushioned ones, but lately i have been leaning more toward the less cushioned, neutral, flexible shoes. Heel toe drop can be from 0 to no more than 10 mm. I guess my joints are developing and/or my form is improving, but i can run a few miles on concrete in minimalist shoes now.

When i wear my high cushioned shoes i feel like i am working harder than normal and fighting the cushioning, rather than letting my body absorb the impact naturally.

Curious what other people like or don't like.

I run barefoot. I guess I’m weird, but to me it just feels natural and it’s a lot of fun. When conditions aren’t ideal, I wear Xero huaraches which are sandals with 4mm zero drop flexible soles tied to the foot with a single diy lace. I run about 600 miles per year this way and have done so for the last 5 years. If you like minimalist shoes, you might like to check out Xero shoes, they have a lot of zero drop, flexible, no cushion shoes.

I have the following minimalist shoes...

xero prio
vivobarefoot stealth II
lems primal 2
Merrell trail glove 3
new balance minimus

I did a 3.5 mile run on asphalt last week in the trail glove 3's and felt pretty good. It keeps my form in check.

GottaBurnEmAll

I miss running!

When I first started I wore a very cushioned shoe because I have a lot of pain in my feet, but over time found the most comfortable shoes for me ended up being minimalist shoes. My favorite pair were Merrell Vapor Gloves.

Charlene____

I wear Saucony Kineta Relay. They have a 4mm drop. I guess they are more of a neutral shoe.

MeanderingMammal

I'm a significant over-pronator, but prefer neutral, flexible shoes as that allows me to focus on the run.

For roads I wear Inov-8 Road Claw 275, with a 6mm drop, reasonably positive sole and moderate cushion. They're fine up to marathon distance, although I'm not keen on that distance on roads.

For muddy trails, Inov-8 MudClaw 300, with a 4mm drop, 8mm lugs and no cushioning. I've worn them up to marathon distance.

For moderate trails I've got Inov-8 Race Ultra 270 and Trail Talon 270. The Race Ultra is a 4mm drop, minimal cushioning but with light lugs, so reasonable for hybrid use. I've done 40 miles in those. The Trail Talon has a 6mm drop and the lugs are about the same depth but more open, again minimal cushioning. I've only done up to 50Ks in those.

I much prefer being able to feel the surface and respond to it, hence a more raw design preference.

jjpptt2

MeanderingMammal wrote: »

I'm a significant over-pronator, but prefer neutral, flexible shoes as that allows me to focus on the run.

For roads I wear Inov-8 Road Claw 275, with a 6mm drop, reasonably positive sole and moderate cushion. They're fine up to marathon distance, although I'm not keen on that distance on roads.

For muddy trails, Inov-8 MudClaw 300, with a 4mm drop, 8mm lugs and no cushioning. I've worn them up to marathon distance.

For moderate trails I've got Inov-8 Race Ultra 270 and Trail Talon 270. The Race Ultra is a 4mm drop, minimal cushioning but with light lugs, so reasonable for hybrid use. I've done 40 miles in those. The Trail Talon has a 6mm drop and the lugs are about the same depth but more open, again minimal cushioning. I've only done up to 50Ks in those.

I much prefer being able to feel the surface and respond to it, hence a more raw design preference.

I've got the same shoe... Great for soft or sloppy conditions.

RunsWithBees

OldAssDude wrote: »

monkeefan1974 wrote: »

OldAssDude wrote: »

I don't mean brand or model, but the type of shoes.

max/moderate/low/minimal cushioning
neutral/stability/motion control
flexible/stiff
heel toe drop

I have 32 pairs of running shoes. I used to prefer the more cushioned ones, but lately i have been leaning more toward the less cushioned, neutral, flexible shoes. Heel toe drop can be from 0 to no more than 10 mm. I guess my joints are developing and/or my form is improving, but i can run a few miles on concrete in minimalist shoes now.

When i wear my high cushioned shoes i feel like i am working harder than normal and fighting the cushioning, rather than letting my body absorb the impact naturally.

Curious what other people like or don't like.

I run barefoot. I guess I’m weird, but to me it just feels natural and it’s a lot of fun. When conditions aren’t ideal, I wear Xero huaraches which are sandals with 4mm zero drop flexible soles tied to the foot with a single diy lace. I run about 600 miles per year this way and have done so for the last 5 years. If you like minimalist shoes, you might like to check out Xero shoes, they have a lot of zero drop, flexible, no cushion shoes.

I have the following minimalist shoes...

xero prio
vivobarefoot stealth II
lems primal 2
Merrell trail glove 3
new balance minimus

I did a 3.5 mile run on asphalt last week in the trail glove 3's and felt pretty good. It keeps my form in check.

I have the Prios but I wear them for work, not running, they are comfy. I also still own a couple pairs of the now discontinued New Balance Minimus Hi-Rez, those are the most minimalist shoes I have ever worn! I don’t run in them because they would probably disintegrate (really, they are that minimal) but they are fabulous walking shoes!

33gail33

I have two Merrell pairs and I wish I knew what model they are because I really love them. Maybe trail gloves? I have really bad arthritis in one knee so I stick to the treadmill now and switched over to a front foot strike and minimalist type shoes a few years ago. I don't know if it helps but that's what I hear.