running shoes?

Brooks, then Saucony then Asics

Get to a running store, and have them analyse your gait - it's the best way to get good recommendations, as everyone moves differently. What's the best shoe for me, might be the absolute worst shoe for you.

Brooks..for walking and running

I took up running when rehabbing from ACL surgery. My PT, along with the local running store Fleet Feet, recommended Asics Gel-Nimbus because of the cushioning, as well as it fit whatever my foot type/running style was (I can't remember). I've gone through several pair now, and I love them.

I'm a Pearl Izumi fan all the way. But recently got Mizuno Wave Rider 16s. So far, not bad :-)

New Balance. I'm flat footed and need the support.

Yes, we all know the running shop/store story, I was gait measured and plonked in the most stupid stability shoes for overpronation (used to wear new balance and saucony). I suffered shin splints, achilles tendonitis, all sorts of injuries on and off for many years. Also had to have sports massage to straighten out the horrible aches and pains in my calves. I then tried to run with no stability, strengthen my feet, ankles and calves by running "barefoot". I have had no injuries this whole year of running this way. I also run faster and longer too : )

So....you need to experiment a little and don't necessarily take what the running shops/stores to heart or as truth. Running free of injury is what made the decision for me. I know this is probably a costly way to do things...

Just my story, there may be many who are happy/injury free with their running shop recommended footwear ; )

This^
I went for gait analysis as I get shin splints - the ones the girl sold me have made it ten times worse - my £11 jjb ones weren't half as bad :S

The poster did say a *good* running shop. I've never been 'plonked' in anything at the shop I go to. I try several shoes, on the mill, and they have a fair returns policy.



And more importantly, Shin splints are far more likely caused by overuse, than by bad shoes....

I went to the best running shop in my city. And I have never overused my shoes or my legs...the injuries were caused by the good stability shoes recommended by the best running shop in my city after having gait measured by running on a treadmill. I could not return the shoes as fair use was well done by the time I had recurring shin splints. Heel strike running is not suited to my legs or body as I found out and with stability shoes there is no way you can run on your forefoot...

I said this was my story...not everyone does well in even the best shoe shop recommendations... ; )

Asics Kanao

Brooks PURE minimalists. Love them as does my wife.

You need to get to a running specialty shop and have them analyze your gait. Everyone has their favorites, but different brands work for different shaped feet. I finally went to a specialty shop after running for a year in my old shoes, and it truly makes all the difference in the world! Just make sure you give yourself enough time to get used to the new shoes before your race, though.

Saucony is the only shoe that I can run in.
Go to two or three running stores and get a gait analysis done. Hopefully, they will all agree on what type of runner you are. Also, get your feet measured. You may be surprised at the size! I wore a 9.5 standard, off the shelf shoe for most of my adult life. The size I wear now is 10.5 4E! In some instances, a size 11 shoe.
Try on a bunch of shoes and write down the ones you like. Tell the shop that you need to think about it.

Go online to Zappos and order the shoes you want. Zappos has free, fast shipping both ways, and a 365 day return policy. Sign up for the VIP club and you get preferred shipping. I don't know how they do it, but I order a pair of shoes on Thursday and they are here in SoFla by Friday!

They also have a good selection and large sizes. I wear a 10.5 4E shoe, which isn't the easiest size to find.

The other thing you may want to try is inserts. There are a whole bunch out there and you can try those with your shoes to get the most comfort.

I used to buy Nikes but now I LOVE my Asics and buy a new pair every year. But don't get the cheaper ones, it's the ones closer to $100 with the thick gel in the heel that are great. I also have been itching for the new balance minimus shoes but haven't quite gotten myself to buy them because I'm nervous of switching to a more barefoot type shoe.

Just make sure to break them in before your 5k!

I now have 3 pair of Asics Kayano collecting dust since I got the NB Minimus. My experience with the shoe has been A+. Durability is disappointing (I got the trail shoe though Im a road runner)

I might try the Minimus Road shoe next or probably the Merrell Road Glove. http://www.merrell.com/US/en-US/Product.mvc.aspx/26342M/69118/Mens/Barefoot-Run-Road-Glove

Go get fitted. I got Brooks and will be getting another pair after I eat through these ones

Get to a running store, and have them analyse your gait - it's the best way to get good recommendations, as everyone moves differently. What's the best shoe for me, might be the absolute worst shoe for you.

Agreed.