Let's talk running shoes!

runs4zen

So...runners...

What's your favorite running shoe?
Why do you love it?
How many pairs of running shoes do you have?

I'm an Asics 2100 series kinda girl. I love them because they are super comfortable, support my feet in all the right places and aren't too heavy. I currently have the 2150's but have my eye on a pair of 2160's on ebay....and I only have one pair because I'm too cheap to have more than that! :happy:

jillybeanruns

Oh you're totally speaking my language.

Asics 2160s, Brooks Adrenaline 11s and Mizuno Wave Inspire Osakas (Special Edition) are my current 3. I have a few older pairs that I'll wear every once in a while, love, love shoes. Looking to get the Brooks ST Racer and Brooks Pure Cadence as well in the next few months...

2160s are my least favorite pair, just the fit isn't as good and they're the heaviest (or they appear to be) of the three.
Adrenalines are the best shoes hands down for someone who overpronates and needs a moderate stability shoe. Lightweight, no cushion...ideal for me.
And the Inspire Osakas are just a dream. They are gorgeous and the newest of my shoes with only 15 miles on them. They're a fabulous shoe to run in, so far!

kepete

Same shoes for me ... One 6 months old pair and one that's over a year old I keep for icky weather days!

spammyanna

I have a pair of Saucony Progrid Guide 4, but the 5 just came out and they are lighter!

I might have to upgrade.

I love them because it feels like I am running on clouds, except I don't fall through them.

(And I was seriously just browsing for shoes online. Weird that you just posted this.)

3dogsrunning

What's your favorite running shoe? I am a through and through Saucony girl. Sadly my favorite running shoe is the Saucony Ride, however, being a neutral shoe, I have some problems wearing it. I moved to a Hurricane which works well for me, but I don't love it as much as the Ride.

Why do you love it? They feel nice, light, and always look better than the Hurricanes.

How many pairs of running shoes do you have? Um, I have a ton of pairs. How many do I run with, I rotate between two pairs mainly. I mistakenly bought the Saucony Guide instead of the Hurricane (both a stability shoe) and hated them, so I use them for my gym workouts.

As for being too cheap to buy more than one, I am too however, we generally do a trip to the US once a year. I head to the Saucony outlet store and usually get some really good deals on the shoes, allowing me to buy more than one pair. This trip I only got one though.

Salinat

LOVED Nike LunarFly/Swift. Recently, I was examined/fitted at FitNiche and told I was over pronating. Brooks Adrenaline for now with orthotics! I LOVE RUNNING SHOES. I keep two brand new pairs stocked for emergencies. A little bit of a shoe fanatic. Great Topic!

CoachsWife4

My first pair were Asics Nimbus that I got for $100 at out local Academy store. LOVE! Went to our local 'shoe' fitting/running store & got Brooks all-season (winter shoe) for $115. I don't love them more than my Asics but I think it's because they aren't as light but they will be a bit warmer for this winter.

versuga

Love the Mizuno Wave Rider 15 and Wave Precision 12! These are the two pairs of shoes I wear most often. They are light and cushy! I just bought the Brooks Pure Cadence, but haven't run in them yet. I have tons of running shoes...mostly Saucony and Mizuno.

raige123

I have 2 pairs of Reebok ZigTech's. Love them because I am prone to shin splints and ever since I got my Zig's, I don't get them anymore! They are also super comfy!!!

bert16

I'm on my 3rd pair of Nike Free 5.0's... love 'em! Also have a pair of Brooks Adrenalines, but they just sit in my closet, even on my long runs. Thinking of trying a pair of Vibrams out, but haven't yet summoned the courage!

AZTrailRunner

These are all in my closet:

1. Pearl Izumi Syncro Fuel (street)
2. Pearl Izumi Syncro Feul XC (street-to-light trail)
3. Pearl Izumi ISO Seek IV WRX (Light trail/ water resistant)
4. INOV-8 Roclite 295 (gnarly trails)
5. INOV-8 Bare-Grip 200 (gnarly trails- ultra light racers)
5. INOV-8 Talon 212 (gnarly trails- ultra light racers - back-ups)

I run on a lot of various trails and terrains. I like to have the perfect shoe for every occasion, and yes, I pick my shoe based on my run.

Cooriander

I like my Mizuno Wave Rider 14 and I also like my Adidas SuperNova Glide 3 .

Cooriander

1. Pearl Izumi Syncro Fuel (street)
2. Pearl Izumi Syncro Feul WX (street-to-light trail)
3. Pearl Izumi ISO Seek IV WRX (Light trail)
4. INOV-8 Roclite 295 (gnarly trails)
5. INOV-8 Bare-Grip 200 (gnarly trails- ultra light racers)
5. INOV-8 Talon 212 (gnarly trails- ultra light racers - back-ups)

And yes, I pick my shoe based on my run.

I would love to live close to gnarly trail running

runs4zen

... Thinking of trying a pair of Vibrams out, but haven't yet summoned the courage!

Ah yes! The barefoot runners! I tried some on but just running around the store, they seemed really primitive for my needs at the time.

The lady at the store said that she attended a conference where it was recommended that folks work these into their running schedule 1-2 times per week rather than going "gung ho". I was looking for a core pair of shoes so couldn't justify getting them to kind of work my way into barefoot running.

They are the coolest looking shoe, though!

I'm loving seeing what everyone uses...it never occurred to me to pick a shoe based on my run! I feel some upcoming shoe fever taking over any budgetary prudence...

AZTrailRunner

... Thinking of trying a pair of Vibrams out, but haven't yet summoned the courage!

Ah yes! The barefoot runners! I tried some on but just running around the store, they seemed really primitive for my needs at the time.

The lady at the store said that she attended a conference where it was recommended that folks work these into their running schedule 1-2 times per week rather than going "gung ho". I was looking for a core pair of shoes so couldn't justify getting them to kind of work my way into barefoot running.

They are the coolest looking shoe, though!

I'm loving seeing what everyone uses...it never occurred to me to pick a shoe based on my run! I feel some upcoming shoe fever taking over any budgetary prudence...

I've got VFFs, and they are terrific. Yes, definitely ease into them, with only 5 minutes of running at a time. You'll feel it in your calves for sure. It will always make it painfully clear if your form sucks. They're good for helping your correct your poor running form, while simultaneously building stronger feet and lower legs.

bert16

Ah yes! The barefoot runners! I tried some on but just running around the store, they seemed really primitive for my needs at the time.

Well, the Nike Free 5.0s are minimalist shoes and I've been wearing them throughout my marathon training; my plan was to wear the Adrenalines for my long runs, but they just seem heavy and clunky after wearing the 5.0's for so long. The Vibrams would definitely be another step towards barefoot, so I'll have to tread carefully (punny, punny) if I decide to take the plunge, but I'm hoping my quality time in minimalist shoes has prepared me.

Now if something could only prepare me for the looks I'll get at my strange-looking footwear... :laugh:

runs4zen

... Thinking of trying a pair of Vibrams out, but haven't yet summoned the courage!

Ah yes! The barefoot runners! I tried some on but just running around the store, they seemed really primitive for my needs at the time.

The lady at the store said that she attended a conference where it was recommended that folks work these into their running schedule 1-2 times per week rather than going "gung ho". I was looking for a core pair of shoes so couldn't justify getting them to kind of work my way into barefoot running.

They are the coolest looking shoe, though!

I'm loving seeing what everyone uses...it never occurred to me to pick a shoe based on my run! I feel some upcoming shoe fever taking over any budgetary prudence...

I've got VFFs, and they are terrific. Yes, definitely ease into them, with only 5 minutes of running at a time. You'll feel it in your calves for sure. It will always make it painfully clear if your form sucks. They're good for helping your correct your poor running form, while simultaneously building stronger feet and lower legs.

BTW...like a pp said, I'd love to do some "gnarly" trail running!

But...speaking of form, she also said something about the shorter steps, higher knee lift when wearing the VFF's. Do you do that and do you transfer that form when you wear your other shoes? I tried to do this but it felt so unnatural and I ran slower...

3dogsrunning

I really really would like to go minimalist and VFF but I am too nervous. I know it is supposed to strengthen your weakness, but like I said above, I have problems in neutral shoes and have no issues with my stability shoes.

curbnoise

Since finally being properly fitted for running shoes about 10 years ago, I stick with New Balance (currently 940's). Plenty of stability for my pronating and as far as I know the only running shoes that come in widths (I have wide feet).

ansonrinesmith

I wear NB 1123. I'm big and need all the extras like stability, motion control and arch support. I love them.
AND they come in 14 4E!

AZTrailRunner

... Thinking of trying a pair of Vibrams out, but haven't yet summoned the courage!

Ah yes! The barefoot runners! I tried some on but just running around the store, they seemed really primitive for my needs at the time.

The lady at the store said that she attended a conference where it was recommended that folks work these into their running schedule 1-2 times per week rather than going "gung ho". I was looking for a core pair of shoes so couldn't justify getting them to kind of work my way into barefoot running.

They are the coolest looking shoe, though!

I'm loving seeing what everyone uses...it never occurred to me to pick a shoe based on my run! I feel some upcoming shoe fever taking over any budgetary prudence...

I've got VFFs, and they are terrific. Yes, definitely ease into them, with only 5 minutes of running at a time. You'll feel it in your calves for sure. It will always make it painfully clear if your form sucks. They're good for helping your correct your poor running form, while simultaneously building stronger feet and lower legs.

BTW...like a pp said, I'd love to do some "gnarly" trail running!

But...speaking of form, she also said something about the shorter steps, higher knee lift when wearing the VFF's. Do you do that and do you transfer that form when you wear your other shoes? I tried to do this but it felt so unnatural and I ran slower...

I can only speak for myself. The biggest gain in form you'll get from these shoes is that they force you to land mid-foot (proper form), and not heel strike (poor form). This may be what that person meant by "shorter steps". Proper form prevents running-related injuries where biomechanics are concerned. I'm not sure about the "knee lifting" though.

I'm a mid-foot runner anyways, so it's easy for me to switch from regular shoes to the VFFs. I don't wear them on rocky trails or anywhere I'll be hauling *kitten* down hills. It's too painful on my feet to run hard with them (stone bruised). I haven't tried them off of the trails though. So your mileage may vary.

bert16

I'm a mid-foot runner anyways, so it's easy for me to switch from regular shoes to the VFFs. I don't wear them on rocky trails or anywhere I'll be hauling *kitten* down hills. It's too painful on my feet to run hard with them (stone bruised). I haven't tried them off of the trails though. So your mileage may vary.

Do you find that objects are closer than they appear when you wear them? :laugh:

runs4zen

I'm a mid-foot runner anyways, so it's easy for me to switch from regular shoes to the VFFs. I don't wear them on rocky trails or anywhere I'll be hauling *kitten* down hills. It's too painful on my feet to run hard with them (stone bruised). I haven't tried them off of the trails though. So your mileage may vary.

Do you find that objects are closer than they appear when you wear them? :laugh:

LOL....too funny!

I'm a mid foot runner too so if I were to try them out, it would likely be because I'm in the market to look cool...which of course, I'm never adverse to!

chuckyp

Currently Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11s for the road, New Balance Minimus Trails for the trails, and Salomon Tech Amphibians for obstacle / mud races.

Pebble321

My last three pairs of running shoes have all been Nikes - the newest ones are Nike Vomero which were the only ones I could find at the time that were wide enough to elimitate my neuroma pain. Running store folk aways want to put me in New Balance because they are a wider fit, but they just aren't right for me. I had one pair of NB a few years ago that made my toes numb and any others that I've tried on since haven't been right either.
I need to get new shoes soon (will probably wait until the Christmas spending is over) and I'll go to a new running store to see what they can suggest. I bet I end up back in Nikes though!

bert16

I think I'm going to get through my marathon training (race is Jan 8), recover a bit, and then maybe treat myself to a pair of Vibrams. My 6 year old niece is dying for me to get a pair - she thinks they're hilarious!

BobbyDaniel

I'm fortunate in that the Saucony Grid Cohesion shoe has worked for me, it is one of the least expensive shoes made by them but fit my foot way better than the more expensive shoes. Right now I have 3 pairs of runners and on pair of trail runners; one of the pairs have been retired due to a growing "blow out".

jillybeanruns

I really really would like to go minimalist and VFF but I am too nervous. I know it is supposed to strengthen your weakness, but like I said above, I have problems in neutral shoes and have no issues with my stability shoes.

Don't do it. Only a very small percentage of the population can run barefoot without issue. Ask any physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon...it is not for most, really it's for like .1% of the population. Stick with what you know, a lights stability shoe is you're best bet, that's what I run in. I see VFFs as a huge fad as well, I'm not about running fads...

chuckyp

I really really would like to go minimalist and VFF but I am too nervous. I know it is supposed to strengthen your weakness, but like I said above, I have problems in neutral shoes and have no issues with my stability shoes.

Don't do it. Only a very small percentage of the population can run barefoot without issue. Ask any physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon...it is not for most, really it's for like .1% of the population. Stick with what you know, a lights stability shoe is you're best bet, that's what I run in. I see VFFs as a huge fad as well, I'm not about running fads...

Actually in the grand scheme of things, cushioned running shoes are a huge fad. For the previous couple million years before them, people ran in flats, sandals, and bare feet.

rybo

Depending on how far & where I plan to run I could have on any of the following shoes.

1. Saucony Kinvara
2. Mizuno Wave Precision
3. VFF Komodo Sport
4. VFF KSO
5. Nike Pegasus

My next purchase will probably be a "heavy duty" trail shoe. I give up trail running when the conditions get a lttle sloppy since all my shoes really don't handle mud real well.

I absolutely love my VFF's & the whole barefoot running. It is far from a fad, and if more people incorporated it sooner in life, I believe there would be far less running injuries later because more people would run with better form.

AZTrailRunner

I really really would like to go minimalist and VFF but I am too nervous. I know it is supposed to strengthen your weakness, but like I said above, I have problems in neutral shoes and have no issues with my stability shoes.

Don't do it. Only a very small percentage of the population can run barefoot without issue. Ask any physical therapist, orthopedic surgeon...it is not for most, really it's for like .1% of the population. Stick with what you know, a lights stability shoe is you're best bet, that's what I run in. I see VFFs as a huge fad as well, I'm not about running fads...

Actually in the grand scheme of things, cushioned running shoes are a huge fad. For the previous couple million years before them, people ran in flats, sandals, and bare feet.

Ditto to Chucky's post! Cushioned shoes are such a crutch, which allow people to perfect poor running form and tear up their bodies harder and faster than if they had to run naturally.