Running Shoe Suggestions Needed!

Moriarty_697

I'm a New Balance fan, myself. They come in the wide sizes that fit so much better on my feet.

1WorkoutAtATime

Nike Trainer 1's

Sthiara18

I have the Reebok RunTones and I love them their not too expensive or cheaply made either.

chicago_dad

I would go to a local running store where they can watch you run on a treadmill and make some recommendations based on whether you pronate, or what-have-you. I switched to New Balance's Minumus-Road shoes and noticed a great improvement on knee issues. I'm now running a lot further and longer as a result.

frugalmomsrock

I have some New Balance 661's, and they are AMAZING. I swear to you--they almost feel like I'm barefoot. I usually hate shoes, but these I can put on and wear all day-even after the exercise is done.

LoganScottsMom

I LOVE my Ghost 4 Broocks!

carriem73

Go to a local running store- most of them will have experts that will watch you walk/run and fit you, taking any medical issues into condideration- my local store is a bit more expensive than other retailers, but they guarantee the shoes for 3 months of wearing- if you have any issues they take them back no questions asked- IF they fit them for you- it was worth the extra money- now that I know what is a good fit for me, I can buy them elsewhere- I'm nure not all running stores have this guarantee, but it might be worth asking!

BioQueen

I would recommend finding a specialty running store. It made SUCH a big difference for me. I was looking for a minimalist running shoe, and they took the time to see how I walked, ran, and how my current running shoes looked (where they were worn in).

CatMauro

Brooks or Mizuno I like the Brooks a little better

Careful if you're buying Brooks, they come in two VERY different levels. Their good shoes, from what I've heard are quite good but are pricey, their low end ones on the other hand I wouldn't use if my life depended on it.

I like Assics and addidas but it really depends on how your foot is shaped as well as your gait, size, etc, etc.... Best bet is to have yourself re-analysed (clearly the guy who did it the last time didn't do such a great job). In terms of cushioning Addidas and NB use a similar product that absorbs the energy but isn't super squishy, Nike (for the most part) uses an air chamber system, quite squishy and Addidas uses a type of polymer (sp?) gel material that is somewhere in the middle, squishy wise. 95% of the population does not require a "stabilisation" shoe (used for people who transfer WAY too much of their weight from the outside to the inside of their foot - over pronators) so unless all your shoes that you have are squished all the way to the inside, you are not part of this group.

MissFit0101

Brooks Ghost 4!

But as everyone else said above, definitely find a great store (like http://www.roadrunnersports.com/) that will take the time to analyze your stride, balance, and shoe preferences. Also, make sure they have a good return policy in case the ones you buy don't work out.

Best wishes :flowerforyou:

Ghost 4's that's what I have, and LOVE THEM! (but I did have to put some inserts for a bit extra support)

andreajorg

I wear Asiscs Gel Frantic-5...they are a neutral, high cushion shoe.

ryno0618

Definitely go to a running store and have them fit you (gait analysis on treadmill, etc). I have weak knees and have dislocated my knees and pulled ligaments and had fractures. I really am digging the natural or minimalist movement. I find I run more efficiently and less knee ache / discomfort with less shoe under my foot. I am currently wearing Saucony Kinvara 2's and New Balance Minimus Trail. Next I am considering trying the Vibram toe shoes. Run on!

oumick03

Thanks all! The one time I got fitted for shoes I think they did a half a** job because they didn't watch me run or anything. I'll tray again at a different store (I have two running-specific stores by me!) and see what they say. But, I'll keep in mind the types you listed here for sure!

Happy running to you all!

76tech

I just want to mention one caveat - *start* with the running store fitting. But don't be afraid to venture outside of their suggestions when you get some steady mileage in.

My story - based on a gait analysis, I overpronate a bit. So I should have a little motion control in my shoes. Fair enough. But after the first mile or so, I actually go neutral to slight supination. And I hold that pattern until the run is over.

So start with the fitting, then listen to your body. You might need adjustments, but likely not until you have a couple hundred miles on this first pair.

Good luck!

reaolliemama

Running store fit!!! That said I'm a Brooks or Saucony girl!!!

tabbydog

I love Brooks and Mizunos. The Mizunos a little better. But go to a running store and get fitted. The best thing about that (aside from being sure you get the right support for your feet) is that you can run on the treadmill is several different pairs to see how they actually feel while running. You can then choose the ones you like best out of several pairs that are right for your gait. Even two people who need the same support level will like different shoes. Choosing running shoes is a very personal thing. Good luck finding some that you love.

ErinRaeHW

I got fitted at a running store last week and it was the best decision I EVER MADE!

Apparently I need a cushion shoe, and they recommended Brooks Glycerin 9 for me! They were $130 which was a bit out of my price range, but I found them at another store, and got them for half price, and Im loving THEM!!!!!!!

Get fitted, its totally worth the time!

Behavioral

My Mizunos are GREAT. I completed a marathon in September in them. Still had some pain, but that is mainly due to just being overweight and going WAY over what I should have. I do wear inserts in them, but even without the inserts, they are the best I've found so far. My Asics Gels were a close second and I still wear them occasionally to work out (although they are now too short :-( ).. My advice....try, try, try...go to the store and try on shoes until you find "the one". Look online at reviews (Runner's World is great), etc.

skylark94

I have found that my stride changes over time, so getting professionally fitted is extremely important. Last year, I loved a pair of Brooks Glycerins. This year, I can't even walk in them without pain and am now in love with the Nike Free 2. Next time around, I may be in something completely different.

Jw9576

This was the first time I ever bought shoes where I didnt point at a pair on display and ask them if they had it in my size. The speciality store spent 15 mins measuring and watching me walk barefoot before they ever brought out the first box(es) of shoes. Tried on many brands, models, and sizes. I will not go shoe shopping again to buy a paticular kind of athletic shoe, i will go to find the one that is right for me.

I TOTALLY agree with that statement and I used to do the same thing. Ask 20 different people what shoes to recommend and you will get many different answers - not necessary right for YOU.....
I paid $89.00 for my Asics and with all of the personal attention and professional fitting - was totally worth it!

sjtreely

Thanks all! The one time I got fitted for shoes I think they did a half a** job because they didn't watch me run or anything. I'll tray again at a different store (I have two running-specific stores by me!) and see what they say. But, I'll keep in mind the types you listed here for sure!

Happy running to you all!

Keep in mind these stores are not typically located in the mall. They may me independently owned. Don't confuse volume of sales with the perfect fit.

You may pay a little more for the shoe. However, I feel it's worth it because it's those types of stores that support the local runs in your community, often give school athletes discounts, have employees (or owners) who coach TNT, etc.

They are vital to the running/fitness community. Our support for them is our way of thanking them for their expertise.

missikay1970

i love my brooks

Hoakiebs

I love Nike air. Used to be the Pegasus, then the Triax. Don't know what they'd be called today, but go to a specialty running store, not Foot Locker or ****'s and get them to analyze your gait. Then they can make a proper recommendation.

Hoakiebs

I love Nike air. Used to be the Pegasus, then the Triax. Don't know what they'd be called today, but go to a specialty running store, not Foot Locker or ****'s and get them to analyze your gait. Then they can make a proper recommendation.

em9371

another vote for a proper running store who will watch you run in different shoes and see how they suit your running style, sounds like the last one you went to wasnt too good so try another store, i find the smaller, independent type stores usually know their stuff a lot more than the 'chain' sport stores. they do cost a little more, but if everyone trys in the store and buy on the internet, the stores will go out of business and then who will recommend the shoes?!

its not really possible to find a style that fits and then keep buying the same ones - shoes are generally updated every year, and the tiniest change can cause problems if its not right for your feet, and your feet can change over time too.
I run in brooks GTS and my first pair gave me terrible blisters, a few years later i was recommended the same model which obviously had me worried, but as they have slightly changed the position of the strips up the side of the shoe, it now misses where the old shoe rubbed and they are perfect

missjones93

I have some kind of nikes (super cute!) BUTTTTT.. It's taking a super long time to break them in - my ankles are tore up from running on the treadmill.

EthanJeremiahsMama

Nike Free Runs! I really love them.. ever since wearing these, it has tremendously helped me jog/run longer compared to some other running shoes I had!!

thepetiterunner

I love my Nike Pegasus - in fact, I love them so much I have 6 pairs of them, all the same model, just different colors (yes I realize I'm nuts).

I really recommend though, that you go to a running specialty store and try some there and run in them. I started out in New Balances and ended up in Nikes and my running world has just exploded with joyful strides.

oharabears

I hate shoes (except the cute, high-heeled ones that I can only wear for 10 minutes...but that's another story), so I LOVE my Vibrams and Nike Free runners. I started running in Asics (on running store's recommendations) and developed a bunion pretty quickly. Switched to Mizunos and got a hammer toe... Thought, "Well, if SHOES are giving me foot problems, what will "non-shoes' do?" Since I've been running in my Vibrams, I've had no problems with my feet/knees/back/hips. I'm sold, but understand they're not for everyone. It just made sense to me that letting the bones, tendons, and ligaments in my feet do what they were designed to do was the answer. Your mileage may vary...

Raiders666

My 2 cents. Like many people suggested, I would go to a local runners shop and get fitted. I ran for years in asics only ( gt series ) and swore to only wear them, until a running " expert " told me to try the Bowerman series Nike's. He said they will offer the same support as my asics. He was right, and I loved them. I am now back to my asics. I guess in short that there are many brands that offer up the same promise of support or whatever. Trial and error I guess. Good luck.