Running Shoes

foodluver27

Hello all! I am looking into getting some new running shoes and they have so many choices out there! I have heard about Brooks running shoes..has anyone tried these? Or just on your opinion..what do you use...I would like something light weight and of course with great support. Also don't they have shoes with microchips to look at your mileage? Do you have to have an ipod for that..I know I could easily look up this info but would like to know your suggestions and answers..thanks! :happy:

gaylelynnbell

I have been wearing Brooks for the past year and will never buy another brand of running shoe. They are pricey but well worth the expense. Just be sure to go to a specialty store where they will assess your gait and get you into the right shoe.

cubsgirlinny

I wear Brooks, too. Everyone uses a different style and as the above poster said, if you do somewhere where they help with proper fit and model, you'll love 'em.

beautifulnovember

I like Saucony. They are really comfy! The best is to go to a shoe store like DSW and try on a few pairs and see which one fits your foot. Or go to a running specialist shoe store and have them measure you for pronation and arch type, etc.

jgic2009

Go to a running store and get a gait analysis. They should be able to recommend a few different shoes at different price points that will work with the shape of your feet and the way you run.

ATT949

A lot of companies make running shoes and Brooks makes a fine product (I've worn NewBalance and Nike).

I would suggest that you go to runnersworld.com and read up on shoes. There's a ton of information there, including a "shoe finder".

Also, if you're going to get into running, go to a running store and have them fit you. I buy my shoes at Road Runner sports where they video tape you while you run on a treadmill so they can determine the right type of shoe for you. It costs more $$ but, for me, it was well worth the extra coin to get shoes that fit perfectly.

Happy running!

gp79

When I think of "light" shoes I'm thinking 10oz or less. Once you go that light, you will start losing support. The only way to make the shoe lighter is to use lighter or less material. My recommendation would be to get in a shoe that's going to offer you some good support and not worry so much about the weight of the shoe. Brooks in my experience are heavy shoes. Granted, I started with a size 15EE Brooks Beast about 7 years ago and have since "graduated" into a lighter shoe as my running form and muscles improved.

No matter what, go to a specialty running store for the first few times you buy shoes. You want a store that will video tape you running on a treadmill. They record you doing a slow jog, slow the video down, analyze your gait and then recommend a shoe for you. It's not a custom deal, but it's better than you picking something pretty off the shelf.

Or if you REALLY want to stir things up, research natural running and then go get yourself a pair of light shoes where all stability is sorta out the window. The internet has tons of information on it if ever interested.

Edit: Socks as the poster below me stated. Very important and they are only $7-$10 per pair. Get yourself 2 pair and they will last a while. Belga or Balga (sp) are the brand I use and they're great.

RentThisSpace

I've ran in Brooks before and they were good, but I love my Asics.

But what is really important is what will work for you. To determine this, you should go a good running store (not a big general athletic store) and talk with the sales staff. You should be asked to do a gait analysis, and based on the results, they can help recommend several styles and brands of shoes that are more tailored specifically to you. Try several on and ask to go for quick run around the outside of the building in them. Most places will let you do this.

I think this will help narrow your search down. Also, while shoes are a runners best friend, don't forget to get good technical socks as well.

foodluver27

Thanks guys! I have actually been running for about a year..I did the couch to 5k last year and have been trying to keep up with it off and on..have been out of commission the last few weeks but finally starting to run again. I am not going to lie..it gets pretty tough in this Texas heat but luckily things are starting to cool down..it's 91 today (that's sad this is considered cooler..ha ha!) anyway thanks...can't wait to hunt for that perfect pair of shoes

crux

First ever run in Brooks shoes for me today, very impressed.

jackiejax1981

Hmm...I have not heard of Brooks so now I'm going to look into it since I need to buy new shoes next month, but the last pair i bought was by Nike. Idk the name of them, just that they are black with the white logo and they are extremely lightweight I feel like I am running on air. LOVE THEM! The Army issues asics and everyone HATED those, I got shin splints a lot which is not normal for me.

SueInAz

A lot of companies make running shoes and Brooks makes a fine product (I've worn NewBalance and Nike).

I would suggest that you go to runnersworld.com and read up on shoes. There's a ton of information there, including a "shoe finder".

Also, if you're going to get into running, go to a running store and have them fit you. I buy my shoes at Road Runner sports where they video tape you while you run on a treadmill so they can determine the right type of shoe for you. It costs more $$ but, for me, it was well worth the extra coin to get shoes that fit perfectly.

Happy running!

I've bought my shoes at Roadrunner; it has been a good experience so far. They recommended a pair of Brooks,along with a few others, and they were what I purchased. Unfortunately, the Brooks run a bit small and I really needed a half size even larger than what I bought (already 1/2 size larger). My second toe still hurts from my 6 mile run last Friday morning.

Roadrunner has a great 90 day exchange policy so I took them back last weekend. Unfortunately, the larger size of the same Brooks shoe caused my heels to slip around so I ended up getting a pair of Mizunos. I've only run about 3 miles in the Mizunos but so far, so good!

crux

Hmm...I have not heard of Brooks so now I'm going to look into it since I need to buy new shoes next month, but the last pair i bought was by Nike. Idk the name of them, just that they are black with the white logo and they are extremely lightweight I feel like I am running on air. LOVE THEM! The Army issues asics and everyone HATED those, I got shin splints a lot which is not normal for me.

I just dumped some expensive Asics for the same reason, my own fault as I thought I'd try some motion control shoes, my right foot slightly pronates, while the left is neutral. The motion control made my left leg start to suffer from slight splints pain. The right shoe for you is important!

HonestOmnivore

My knees KILL me when I run so I gave up a pair of expensive shoes (fitted at a running store) and purchased Vibram FiveFinger shoes. I also picked up the book Chi Running and between the barefoot shoes and the Chi Running book I haven't had to ice my knees yet!

The Vibrams were only about $90 but the soles are pulling off already so while I love them - I'm not sure I'd buy this brand again.

RentThisSpace

I've bought my shoes at Roadrunner; it has been a good experience so far. They recommended a pair of Brooks,along with a few others, and they were what I purchased. Unfortunately, the Brooks run a bit small and I really needed a half size even larger than what I bought (already 1/2 size larger). My second toe still hurts from my 6 mile run last Friday morning.

Roadrunner has a great 90 day exchange policy so I took them back last weekend. Unfortunately, the larger size of the same Brooks shoe caused my heels to slip around so I ended up getting a pair of Mizunos. I've only run about 3 miles in the Mizunos but so far, so good!

This reminds me of a good rule of thumb many new runner may not know. You should buy your shoes 1/2 to 1 full size larger than your normal shoe if you are going to be running more than 3 miles. Your feet will swell the longer you run, which can lead to the issue of bruised tows to other, more serious ailments. Again, a good running store will know this and help you pick out a pair with size taken into consideration, but if you buy online, please remember to buy a little large.

jjs22

Another tip I've heard is that if you go to a running store, bring your old pair of running shoes with you. They will look at the wear patterns to help determine what kind of shoe is best.

Also, there's a big movement/craze/fad towards minimalist or barefoot running. The theory makes a lot of sense : the more sensitive (less padded) your feet are, the more feedback you get on your running form. This keeps you running gently and you end up with fewer injuries.

The problem is that because we live our lives in shoes, our feet are extremely weak and out of shape. Even active, athletic people. But everyone ignores the warnings to start VERY gradually, and many people end up with avoidable injuries. I, um, know a little about this...

So if you are interested in this approach, or if you inadvertently choose a "light" running shoe that is part of this minimalist trend, be absolutely sure that you read about barefoot/minimal running technique and follow the most cautious schedule you can find. Young, fit runners often talk about 6 months to a year to make the transition.