What running shoes are the best?

tlnurse

Have been challenged to start couch to 5 K.....am due for some new running shoes. What brand and/ or style do you runners think are the best?:happy:

doubglass

It depends on your weight, feet, surface you run on.

ylime412

I really reccomend to go to a speciality running store and have them measure your feet. The people there are experts and will analyze your gait and feet to make sure you wear a shoe that actually fits well. I got new running shoes last month from a running store and I couldn't be happier. I have no more pain or blisters and it has actually helped me run faster!

ikoiko33

It really depends on your feet … including bone structure, and the physical mechanics of how you walk/run and distribute your weight. Everyone has different preferences and issues with their feet … so what might be the right fit for someone else, may not be the right fit for you.

Saucony and New Balance, at least in my opinion, as well as my podiatrist, make the best running shoes. If there is a New Balance store near you, check them out and they can properly fit your feet on their computer. I was very impressed with them … they were able to recommend the same type of orthotic inserts that my doctor had prescribed for me, without telling them that he had. New shoes and inserts weren't cheap … however, I have been able to run & workout with NONE of the foot, ankle, knee & hip issues that used to plague me … simply because I was wearing the wrong type of shoe.

dbevisjr

It depends on your weight, feet, surface you run on.

And stride. If you have a good running shop nearby they will be able to help you pick an appropriate pair of running shoes.

jtslim42

I definitely recommend getting fitted for running. It will make running much better and keep you from getting all kinds of pain.

klbaierwalter

I went to a store that actually measured my gait and my stride and all that jazz and the shoes that they recommended have been KILLING my feet! I can't walk long distances in them, let alone run. When I do my Insanity workouts, I do them all barefoot. I have been doing more research on barefoot running, or running in the minimalist shoes (Vibrams 5 Fingers, or Skeletoes). I think I am going to look into these type of shoes. I also have seen quite a few people wear them to the gym and I know a lot more people are using them for walking/running.

Good luck to you!

Runner50266

I overpronate and wear Brooks and I never take them off (I sleep in them) j/k. But they wear like a dream. But they were fitted by professionals like mentioned above. That's the only way to go.

tlnurse

Weight 145. Surface will be roads/side walks, etc

tlnurse

Where do you get "Brooks" shoes?

tlnurse

Thanks.....will google a store!

fteale

It's totally individual. When I was heavier I liked Asics, but now I am better in Brooks. Asics are too heavy for me now, and I don't need serious cushioning. It's up to you and your running style.

MoreBean13

The best option would be to get fitted at a running specialty store. If you absolutely can't do that, check out this site:

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor

Most important, whatever shoe designed for your mechanics is best. Do not pay any mind to how it looks. Cool shoes are for people admiring their feet while sitting on a couch.

beccahummel423

I agree with the recommendations to have a professional fitting. There are some national chains like Fleet Feet, but if you don't have one in your area, you can contact a local running club for a store recommendation.

avasano

I love my minimus shoes. So awesome...

ChaseAlder

I got my shoes at a local running store. The measured me and all that jazz, and watched me walk. They had me try on Mizuno Wave Rider 15s and I think I'm going to be brand loyal for life. They feel amazing on my feet. I took 4 minutes off my 5 mile time the morning after I switched shoes. My old shoes had been holding me back because they weren't made for running.

Sox90716

I love my minimus shoes. So awesome...

^ This. Love my Trail Minimus shoes! But you should go to a running shoe store for a stride analysis to get a sure and comfortable pair. Good Luck!

honu18

Definitely depends on your preference and what you think you need. If you are going to be running on hard surfaces (sidewalks, pavement), ones with cushion are probably better than those that are more for support. I personally am a fan of asics, as is my boyfriend who is much more of a serious runner than I am. He ran in asics for multiple years, got a pair of Brooks that he said were much more lightweight, but switched back to asics (gel nimbus or cumulus) right before running a marathon and was so happy he did. But yeah, definitely go to a running store and ask them for help..or look up specific shoes that are what you're looking for (road vs trail running, cushion vs support, etc).

Runner50266

I got my Brooks at the fitness store in Iowa where I was fitted. Any good shop will recommend a few brands/models after they see you running (I got up on their treadmill and ran and they videotaped my running gait). It is truly individual and what works for you. Good luck!!

ipock

Well I'll just pile on and say to go ahead and get fitted. It changed everything about the way I run, especially how much I enjoy it.

emmae50

I just got Brooks, as well. Love them. I went to a running store and tried on a lot before picking them. They aren't cheap, but worth it. The other thing that is good about getting fitted is you might not pick the right size on your own. I usually wear an 8, and my running shoes are a 9. Crazy.

tlnurse

Thanks for all your input everyone! I googled running stores near me and wll be making a road trip soon. I've never actually been "fitted" for running shoes. Have always just used my Nike cross-trainers for everything...but feel if I'm gonna try to get serious in running, I will want the right "equipment" besides my heart to help me perform!!!

grapeape09

I went to a store that actually measured my gait and my stride and all that jazz and the shoes that they recommended have been KILLING my feet! I can't walk long distances in them, let alone run. When I do my Insanity workouts, I do them all barefoot. I have been doing more research on barefoot running, or running in the minimalist shoes (Vibrams 5 Fingers, or Skeletoes). I think I am going to look into these type of shoes. I also have seen quite a few people wear them to the gym and I know a lot more people are using them for walking/running.

Good luck to you!

I have been wearing Vibrams for over a year now and absolutely love them. I used to have all sorts of hip and knee pain and they have all gone away. Be sure to break them in. Your body isn't used to using a lot of these muscles. I tried to wear a regular sneaker after hurting my foot (not because of the shoes) and they were so uncomfortable. Make sure you actually try on a few different pairs as well. They all have a different feel.

AbacoRaveness

Firstly, I agree 100% with getting fitted at a running store if you're actually running quite a bit.

That said, having stated that you are starting a couch to 5k I think it begs the question: Have you ever run before?

If not, you might want to start with something a bit more inexpensive until you figure out whether or not you're going to like it. The way the C25K works you will absolutely not injure yourself running in relatively cheap shoes for the first few weeks. That's just my opinion, and the way I've approached everything I've ever done from running, to horseback riding, to motorcycles. When I started my C25K program I started in running shoes from Payless. Obviously they weren't ideal, but they weren't as bad as I thought they would be and they got me started until I figured out if I was gonna keep it up. It works for me so just wanted to make the suggestion.