Running Shoe Brands

thepetiterunner

I've tried so many (New Balance, Nike, Brooks, Asics, Saucony, Reebok) and I finally found that I really love the Nike Pegasus. I've been running in those for four years, but it's probably time I get re-fitted. As others have stated, any brand might work for you, but you'll probably find a couple you prefer over others. Also, keep in mind that each line will have different shoes to accommodate different things (i.e. neutral, over pronation, under pronation, etc), so you may want to check out other shoe lines within a brand.

FatFreeFrolicking

Nike Pegasus

DaniMarie180

Get fitted. Everyone's feet and stride are different, so what one person swears by could be nothing but pain and blisters on someone else.

My friend loves Brooks. I passionatetly hate them. I prefer Nike and Newtons for road running.

Getting fitted is a must! I LOVE Brooks -- they have a larger toe box and help with my flat feet. I really hate Nike! See, everyone is different. Get a fitting! :flowerforyou:

saspears

I'm a Brooks supporter too! But think you've got to figure out what works best for you.

richardheath

Though remember they are only likely to recommend models that they sell because all in all they are salesmen

Well, yes, of course. They will only give you shoes to try on that they carry and have in stock in your size - they can't fit you for shoes they don't have. It's up to you to decide if they are right for you or not. If none of them work, go to the next store.

I brought a pair of Nike at a big box store a few years ago. They were comfy, but when I started running in them, they killed my ankles. I went to a running shoe shop: they looked at my gait (in my old shoes), listened to my problem (and budget), then brought out a selection (maybe a dozen total) to try. There was no pressure to buy any specific brand and I felt the salesman was honestly trying to help get me into a pair that was right for ME. I ended up with a pair of Mizuno, which have been great.

recriger

I go to the box stores quote often for other things, so the last time I bought new shoes from a running store I double checked ****'s sporting goods. The prices were within $3. This may not be universal, but the store here is now a chain and growing yearly. They have more expensive shoes available at the running store, but makes and models do match in price between them and the box stores.

Most running stores are owned by good people as well who want you for their customers forever. They treat you right generally (personal experience) to make that happen and good return policies have made me a permanent customer.

johe28

Get fitted. Everyone's feet and stride are different, so what one person swears by could be nothing but pain and blisters on someone else.

My friend loves Brooks. I passionatetly hate them. I prefer Nike and Newtons for road running.

Getting fitted is the way to go. I have ran in New Balance, Nike and Asics and have had different results.

Stoshew71

I vouch for the going to a running specialty store to get fitted and gait analysis.

With that said, I did get my ASICS Gel Keyano 19's ($120 shoes) at Burlington Coat Factory for only $50.
The Gel-Keyano 20's were just coming out at that time. These are high support shoes.

I also got my Nike Lunar-Eclipse 2's at the Nike Outlet Mall for only $65 (normally about $100). These are lighter shoes but offer less support. I ran my 2 races so far in these.

MelisRunning

Yes. Get fitted. I tried to run in Asics. Epic Fail. Moved on to Books. They were do-able but my feet were unhappy at the end of a run. Third time is the charm, right? I am in Hoka's now and my feet, knees, hips...everything is very, very happy!

moxiept

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe-finder/shoes-like-mine

put your current model in there, and this can recommend similar type shoes if you are happy with the feel of your current shoes.

Awesome link! Thanks for the tip. I like being able to see which shoes from different companies are made to address similar issues since I am already pretty familiar with my on gait pattern.

Teenie71

New Balance is def my fave

usmcj80

Several people already said to go get fitted at a specialty store and I agree. I am partial to brooks brand specifically Ravenas for long distance and the pure flows for shorter distance. About to see if anythign can repalce my pure flows soon.

eganita

I like Brooks shoes, specifically the GTS series.

That being said.... I agree w/others in that I highly recommend getting fitted. I went to a local running store. The fitting was complementary, though I did feel obligated to buy the shoes there (I was not really obligated, but I just felt bad not giving them the business since they spent the time to fit me). Anyway, the shoes I ended up getting were $110 in the store, which seemed about average for their prices (and seems to be about average for good quality running shoes at full price without any sales, etc, from what I've seen).

I have since been able to find the same shoes much more cheaply online (I just stick to the same type, as recommended in my fitting. If I happen to have any new issues someday, I'll go back to the running store at that time). I previously had some issues with plantar fasciitis, and these new shoes have been amazing for me... no real issues since.

Eric_DeCastro

go to a running store, a good one. Mine is Road Runner Sports. not only do they do the foot analysis, but they have a great warranty. You have 3 months to try out your shoes if you don't like them after 3 months, you can return them for a new pair of shoes. what discount box store will give you a test drive of three months and take them back if you aren't happy?

mamahannick

As everyone else has said, get fitted at a running store. I went out and tried multiple brands on, and I ended up getting Asics GT2000's. I do kind of wish I'd gotten fitted properly, but these are wonderful shoes so far.

Eric_DeCastro

As everyone else has said, get fitted at a running store. I went out and tried multiple brands on, and I ended up getting Asics GT2000's. I do kind of wish I'd gotten fitted properly, but these are wonderful shoes so far.

yeah they literally brought me 6 pairs of shoes to try on weren't going to stop until I smiled. i chose Nike Lunarglides 5. maybe I'll try a different brand for my next pair of shoes.

bingo_jenn

I just want to chime in as a run specialty store employee. Get fitted at a specialty store. When you get fit, buy your shoe there. My philosophy before I started working there was to get fit, buy a pair at the store, then buy a couple pair online. If I wanted to try something new, I'd go back to the store and get fit again to buy there, then go back online.

As salespeople (at least in my store), our ultimate goal is to get you a shoe that you like. If you give us a price range, we will work with it. Sometimes there are contests with companies trying to get us to sell their shoe, but in the end, even if we pull it out to try, we want you to pick the shoe that fits your foot the best. I may put a shoe on your foot, but I would never encourage you to buy it if it didn't feel right. And if a cheaper shoe feels best, by all means, get the cheaper shoe.

ETA: Most of us are runners, too, and understand the need for a perfect fit. And we work retail, so we understand budgets.

mccookie_1

I went and got fitted at a running store a couple weeks ago. I had no idea I was wearing something so completely wrong for me. I picked the Asics GT 2000s and it made a huge difference. Running shoes are a very personal thing. Lots of great shoes out there. Just need to find the right one for you. My store let me test drive these for 30 days to see if I really like them. If I am not happy, I can take them back. That was worth the little bit extra for me.

Loves418

I haven't been fitted..but I love Saucony ..that being said they stopped making the one that fit me like a glove. Thankfully I only wear them to the gym or to do a DVD at home...when they are worn out..I might just die..or cave and find a place to be fitted..:(