Runners...best shoes?

OrangeBlossomSpecial21

For outdoor running, what’s the best brand of running shoes? I’ve only used Nike, but someone recommended Brooks to me recently. Have also seen serious runners with Saucony shoes...what do you recommend?

Mona898989

I've only ever used Nike airmax . I feel like they're good running shoes

spiriteagle99

It depends on your feet and the way you run. Go to a Running store - not a big box sports store, but one that is focused on running. They will watch you run and recommend shoes that match your gait and usage. Some people pronate, some supinate, some need wide shoes, some need cushioned shoes, some like very light shoes that feel like being barefoot. A beginner runner won't need the same shoes as an ultra runner. I have wide feet with bunions, so what works for me might be all wrong for you. Take your time and try on several pairs. Go run in the parking lot and see which feel most comfortable when you're actually moving. A reputable store will usually give you 30 days trial.

OrangeBlossomSpecial21

spiriteagle99 wrote: »

It depends on your feet and the way you run. Go to a Running store - not a big box sports store, but one that is focused on running. They will watch you run and recommend shoes that match your gait and usage. Some people pronate, some supinate, some need wide shoes, some need cushioned shoes, some like very light shoes that feel like being barefoot. A beginner runner won't need the same shoes as an ultra runner. I have wide feet with bunions, so what works for me might be all wrong for you. Take your time and try on several pairs. Go run in the parking lot and see which feel most comfortable when you're actually moving. A reputable store will usually give you 30 days trial.

Super helpful...thank you

dewd2

The best shoe for me may be the worst shoe for you. Take @spiriteagle99 advice. There's no 'best' shoe.

Good luck.

TavistockToad

I hate Brooks, love love love New Balance...

Get fit for shoes that are right for you.

BrianSharpe

You'll see "serious runners" wearing every brand under the sun because no two of us have identical gaits, foot shapes etc. Getting fitted by a running store is the best advice. If you don't have access to a running store focus on finding shoes that fit really well and are comfortable, any time you change shoes keep it slow and short until you're sure you're happy with them.

deannalfisher

def running store if you have one near you - if the location in your profile is correct, then there is a fleet feet in the next town over (about 15 miles away)

scorpio516

Mona898989 wrote: »

I've only ever used Nike airmax . I feel like they're good running shoes

Nike destroy my feet.

Go to a LRS and get fitted

OrangeBlossomSpecial21

deannalfisher wrote: »

def running store if you have one near you - if the location in your profile is correct, then there is a fleet feet in the next town over (about 15 miles away)

It is accurate...thanks, Deanna!

sammidelvecchio

I went to Fleet Feet! They watched me walk, jog, jump and had me try on several brands so a lot of them could be a good fit for you. While I have Brooks, and I LOVE them, what made an even bigger difference for me was getting the right insoles too. The combo was expensive, but much worth it!

WynterDreaming

I second everyone who is saying head to a running store and get fitted. It’s completely worth it. I still haven’t found a shoe that’s fits me as well as my NewBalance 990s which they helped me find. They also helped me realize I was wearing the wrong sized shoe and it was some of the best time I’ve ever spent buying shoes.

hesn92

Go to a running store and they will watch you run and pick out the right type of shoe for you. They make shoes that are for people who over pronate, under pronate and neutral. They should give you a few options within those categories. My store let me try them on and go run around on the sidewalk outside to try them out. I used to wear brooks. This last time I chose new balance over the brooks because they were just more comfortable for me.

MikePfirrman

Go to a running store for your first pair of shoes. Ask questions. My experience with a running store wasn't that great. The guy seemed rushed, put three options in front of my wife and I (after watching her and I's gait) and said, "choose from these". The one my wife picked out wasn't large enough in the toebox for her (none of them were). $125 for a shoe she couldn't wear.

This was from the "number one Running store in the US" multiple times.

Once you understand if you're a neutral runner, overpronate or underpronate, it's not rocket science. You can tell that most of the time by looking at old pairs of shoes and how they wore. If your inside of your soles wear faster, you overpronate. If the outside, you suprinate. If evenly, you're neutral. That's all the guy in the shoe store looks for. That will be double price now!

Once I understood how I ran/walked, online reviews helped me so much more than the local shoe store. But you need to first know what your style of running or walking is. A shoe store can confirm that. Oh, and if you have flat arches (look for water marks in the middle when your feet are wet on concrete), you need a "supportive" shoe. If you have good arches, less support.

runnermom419

I'll also echo the recommendation for a running store to get fitted. The great thing about the good running stores is that they will have a liberal return policy. I've been fitted before, take the shoes home, go out for a few runs and realize they aren't for me. The store happily takes them back for credit and helps me find a pair that works for me.

What works for me may not work for you. I LOVE my Saucony's right now.

estherdragonbat

I suffer from overpronation. For me, I was wearing Saucony Stabils, which were discontinued when Saucony came out with the Redeemer. My local Running Room (Canadian chain) stopped carrying that model, though they do have other Saucony shoes. Now I'm wearing Brooks Arial 18s and they're slightly more comfortable than the Saucony's IMO. They're also slightly more expensive. If the Redeemers became available again, I might go back to them; it's not like they weren't comfortable. And the difference isn't necessarily worth the extra $20-30.

littlegreenparrot1

Just to add, you also need to think about what type of surface you will mostly be running on.

I prefer trails to tarmac, so need more grip on the sole. The specialist running shops will also be able to advise you on this.
I've always done well with asics.

chelny

TavistockToad wrote: »

I hate Brooks, love love love New Balance...

Get fit for shoes that are right for you.

And I got my first pair of Brooks last December and I love them! You just gotta try them on to see what you like.

amandah3493

Brooks Ghost! Love them. Also love their levitate too. Try a couple out before you buy.

TavistockToad

chelny wrote: »

TavistockToad wrote: »

I hate Brooks, love love love New Balance...

Get fit for shoes that are right for you.

And I got my first pair of Brooks last December and I love them! You just gotta try them on to see what you like.

I have tried them... that's how I know I hate them :laugh:

autumnblade75

MikePfirrman wrote: »

Go to a running store for your first pair of shoes. Ask questions. My experience with a running store wasn't that great. The guy seemed rushed, put three options in front of my wife and I (after watching her and I's gait) and said, "choose from these". The one my wife picked out wasn't large enough in the toebox for her (none of them were). $125 for a shoe she couldn't wear.

This was from the "number one Running store in the US" multiple times.

Once you understand if you're a neutral runner, overpronate or underpronate, it's not rocket science. You can tell that most of the time by looking at old pairs of shoes and how they wore. If your inside of your soles wear faster, you overpronate. If the outside, you suprinate. If evenly, you're neutral. That's all the guy in the shoe store looks for. That will be double price now!

Once I understood how I ran/walked, online reviews helped me so much more than the local shoe store. But you need to first know what your style of running or walking is. A shoe store can confirm that. Oh, and if you have flat arches (look for water marks in the middle when your feet are wet on concrete), you need a "supportive" shoe. If you have good arches, less support.

I'm 50/50 in agreement here. The local running stores near me have absolutely nothing I want to run in. Or I haven't found the one that sells anything minimal, yet. I found shoes I love by comparing reviews online. They're discontinued, and I'm having to go through the whole process again to find something else - I'm not too unhappy with the Prio by Xero. I have fairly flat feet, and I've been told I overpronate. I have taken it under advisement, but I'm still not comfortable using cushioned shoes to correct either condition. I do not like New Balance or Brooks. They are both narrower in the toe than I would prefer. I'd try a men's shoe, but I take a 6.5 women's, so they don't tend to make them small enough. Apparently, kids are supposed to grow into adult sizes before they start taking running seriously, so that's out, too - but I bet they'd have more fun colors.

deannalfisher

autumnblade75 wrote: »

MikePfirrman wrote: »

Go to a running store for your first pair of shoes. Ask questions. My experience with a running store wasn't that great. The guy seemed rushed, put three options in front of my wife and I (after watching her and I's gait) and said, "choose from these". The one my wife picked out wasn't large enough in the toebox for her (none of them were). $125 for a shoe she couldn't wear.

This was from the "number one Running store in the US" multiple times.

Once you understand if you're a neutral runner, overpronate or underpronate, it's not rocket science. You can tell that most of the time by looking at old pairs of shoes and how they wore. If your inside of your soles wear faster, you overpronate. If the outside, you suprinate. If evenly, you're neutral. That's all the guy in the shoe store looks for. That will be double price now!

Once I understood how I ran/walked, online reviews helped me so much more than the local shoe store. But you need to first know what your style of running or walking is. A shoe store can confirm that. Oh, and if you have flat arches (look for water marks in the middle when your feet are wet on concrete), you need a "supportive" shoe. If you have good arches, less support.

I'm 50/50 in agreement here. The local running stores near me have absolutely nothing I want to run in. Or I haven't found the one that sells anything minimal, yet. I found shoes I love by comparing reviews online. They're discontinued, and I'm having to go through the whole process again to find something else - I'm not too unhappy with the Prio by Xero. I have fairly flat feet, and I've been told I overpronate. I have taken it under advisement, but I'm still not comfortable using cushioned shoes to correct either condition. I do not like New Balance or Brooks. They are both narrower in the toe than I would prefer. I'd try a men's shoe, but I take a 6.5 women's, so they don't tend to make them small enough. Apparently, kids are supposed to grow into adult sizes before they start taking running seriously, so that's out, too - but I bet they'd have more fun colors.

I feel you - every running store by me seems to be all about hokas and I’m like tried and no thanks...I found mine through one of those online shoe recommendation websites and love them - Topo Athletic - I can’t buy in stores near me but so worth them

OldAssDude

I own over 35 pairs of running shoes, and just about every brand.

Nike
Brooks
New Balance
Adidas
Saucony
Altra
Hoka
On
Topo
Merrell
Xero
Vivobarefoot
Lem
Newton
Skechers

You name it.

Lately I've been leaning more toward the minimalist and barefoot shoes, because they kinda force me to run softer and with better form. If I am not running correctly I know it pretty much right away, and my brain automatically makes my body adjust my form.

I can run over 13 miles in regular running shoes, and am up to about 3 miles in barefoot running shoes so far.

I recommend getting a good pair of neutral running shoes that are flexible, have little to no arch support, and are low or even zero drop. If you insist on cushioning, I would recommend minimum cushioning.

This will allow your feet to do what they are supposed to do and will make them stronger. It will also help with your running form and posture as well.

I do NOT recommend just getting a pair of these type of shoes and going right out and running what you normally run. You basically have to start from pretty much scratch, and it may take a year or more to adjust fully, but I would be willing to bet it would improve your form and prevent running injuries if done properly.

JMHO though.

Altra Escalante would be a great start for you I think.

scorpio516

deannalfisher wrote: »

autumnblade75 wrote: »

MikePfirrman wrote: »

Go to a running store for your first pair of shoes. Ask questions. My experience with a running store wasn't that great. The guy seemed rushed, put three options in front of my wife and I (after watching her and I's gait) and said, "choose from these". The one my wife picked out wasn't large enough in the toebox for her (none of them were). $125 for a shoe she couldn't wear.

This was from the "number one Running store in the US" multiple times.

Once you understand if you're a neutral runner, overpronate or underpronate, it's not rocket science. You can tell that most of the time by looking at old pairs of shoes and how they wore. If your inside of your soles wear faster, you overpronate. If the outside, you suprinate. If evenly, you're neutral. That's all the guy in the shoe store looks for. That will be double price now!

Once I understood how I ran/walked, online reviews helped me so much more than the local shoe store. But you need to first know what your style of running or walking is. A shoe store can confirm that. Oh, and if you have flat arches (look for water marks in the middle when your feet are wet on concrete), you need a "supportive" shoe. If you have good arches, less support.

I'm 50/50 in agreement here. The local running stores near me have absolutely nothing I want to run in. Or I haven't found the one that sells anything minimal, yet. I found shoes I love by comparing reviews online. They're discontinued, and I'm having to go through the whole process again to find something else - I'm not too unhappy with the Prio by Xero. I have fairly flat feet, and I've been told I overpronate. I have taken it under advisement, but I'm still not comfortable using cushioned shoes to correct either condition. I do not like New Balance or Brooks. They are both narrower in the toe than I would prefer. I'd try a men's shoe, but I take a 6.5 women's, so they don't tend to make them small enough. Apparently, kids are supposed to grow into adult sizes before they start taking running seriously, so that's out, too - but I bet they'd have more fun colors.

I feel you - every running store by me seems to be all about hokas and I’m like tried and no thanks...I found mine through one of those online shoe recommendation websites and love them - Topo Athletic - I can’t buy in stores near me but so worth them

Topo is based about 20 miles from me in eastern Mass (Framingham specifically). I know my LRS carries them but that doesn't help you 😉

Lolinloggen

It is totally a personal choice. I'm Mizuno all the way but that is only because I started with them an I like them. So I just buy the same shoe over and over again On my fourth pair now.

restlessleukocyte

Saucony. I’m loving the Freedom ISO right now, and also loving how the $140 pair I bought last year are now $50 and I’m going to buy like...all the pairs. It’s a lightweight, neutral shoe that feels like my feet are in clouds, despite not having much cushion.

I also liked Asics but that was a long time ago, I don’t know about now. New Balance treats me better on trails or terrain where I want more support than the Sauconys.

All the Nike shoes I’ve ever tried have given me horrible pain in my feet, my knees, my shins. Just something about them, I think they make me roll my ankles inwards or something, and I’ve learned I need a very small heel drop.

But, I don’t think this discussion will be too useful for you - the best you can do is pick shoes that feel the most comfortable to you. I’d recommend a running shop with a good return policy, so that if you try them and go for some short runs and find out they definitely won’t work, you can take them back. Don’t overanalyze it. Your strike, pronation, whatever else they can tell you about aren’t nearly as important as how the shoe feels on your foot.