walking/running shoes...brand?

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Replies

  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    Nike. I started c25k in nikes, I trained a whole year to run a marathon in nikes..yeah they sponsored me, but I'd pay double for how awesome they are...and how well they worked for me.
  • thatjeffsmith
    thatjeffsmith Posts: 110 Member
    Brooks all the way!! I will never buy another brand after switching!

    On my 2nd pair now - love 'em!
  • kimr41
    kimr41 Posts: 219 Member
    I have never found a comfortable pair of shoes yet. Started with Asics because my boss is a runner & a friend of mine that runs both think they are great ... hurt my feet. I have seen on here a lot about Brooks so I now have a pair of Brooks, uncomfortable. No place in town does this "fitting" that everyone talks about using a treadmill. We have a ****s Sporting opening late summer, early fall & I have heard that they do the specialized fitting so I'm hoping they do and am hoping it makes a difference.
  • gimmecoffeeiv
    gimmecoffeeiv Posts: 20 Member
    I always buy Saucony. The just fit me the best. I bought some lighter weight running shoes last time and I love the way they feel. They have great support.

    Just want to add that getting fitted is really the best idea. I know what shoes and size I can wear now but I got fitted at Fleet Feet first. I am not an expert by any means, but I was told to buy shoes that are 1 size bigger than I normally wear to avoid hitting my toes against the ends while running. Some people have an issue with this for whatever reason (vanity?) but it really made a difference in how my shoes felt while I was running.
  • KPeelman1
    KPeelman1 Posts: 2
    Have you tried Ryka's yet? A nurse recommended them to me (because she is on her feet all day). Once I tried them, I've been hooked. They are the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn!
  • amraf1024
    amraf1024 Posts: 74
    Thank you to everyone! I think you all are right when you say get fitted. I have no idea why I have such a hard time going into a sports store and asking for help, I guess I feel the looks may be blah but who cares right!? At least I am doing something! So seeing as how most of you say fitted...i guess fitted it is...so far none of the stores anyone has posted is close to my home town i guess ill have to do some looking around for that!!!

    Thank you all!!!!
  • bio01979
    bio01979 Posts: 313
    Thank you to everyone! I think you all are right when you say get fitted. I have no idea why I have such a hard time going into a sports store and asking for help, I guess I feel the looks may be blah but who cares right!? At least I am doing something! So seeing as how most of you say fitted...i guess fitted it is...so far none of the stores anyone has posted is close to my home town i guess ill have to do some looking around for that!!!

    Thank you all!!!!

    damn right who cares :) I was looking for shoes this weekend (my 3rd trip looking for shoes) and still having no luck because every pair of shoes except like 2 pairs always looks like the 80s vomitted all over them lately 0.o and the sales people were very helpful and not judgy :) even if they were who cares at least I am getting back into shape :)

    and to be honest I used to be one of the uber fit people (elite athlete) and I never judged over-weight people :) so they might not be judging at all :)
  • laserturkey
    laserturkey Posts: 1,680 Member
    I have walking shoes from Earth shoes. They have the negative heel design, so it's more like walking in sand. They're comfortable, give good support, and they're holding up really well. The one drawback is that having your heels lower does shift your balance slightly, and than can make things like weighted squats extra-challenging, at least until you get used to them.
  • nobleammonite
    nobleammonite Posts: 64 Member
    I agree with everyone else that you should get a fitting done!

    I wear Merrell Barefoot shoes - they're sooooo comfy. My second choice was a pair of New Balance but the back was way too high; it would have given me a blister in no time (I have this problem with most shoes). The Merrells have a nice low back that I noticed for about one run and not since. They're even comfortable on gravel - I'd say I feel about 1.5 rocks per mile, which is about the same as my previous shoes. (Considering how thick the soles were on them, I shouldn't have felt ANY rocks.) I mostly run on sand/dirt, though. That said, find a shoe that works for your feet!
  • Gabrielm80
    Gabrielm80 Posts: 1,458 Member
    Asics are a good seller for runner. Go to a store that has long isle try them on walk in them for a while. Jump up and down.
  • weevil66
    weevil66 Posts: 600 Member
    I have some Asics Gel Contends at the moment and they are working out well.
  • mahanaibu
    mahanaibu Posts: 505 Member
    I happen to like New Balance because they're well made and come in widths. But a lot depends on the type and model shoe that you get. You might want a walking shoe, since it sounds like you're looking for more cushioning. I use a very cushioned, supportive walking shoe, but I use it for my aerobics dvd and everything except hiking. The higher the model number for New Balance, the more supportive and balanced the shoes are--and the more expensive. So try some on and see what feels good. Though all supportive new shoes will feel a little strange at first, when your feet aren't used to getting the support they need.
  • tehboxingkitteh
    tehboxingkitteh Posts: 1,574 Member
    I know Brooks Beast or Ariel are popular for runners.

    I went and got fitted for shoes. I would recommend that.
  • singingflutelady
    singingflutelady Posts: 8,736 Member
    I love my sauconies.
  • PeteWhoLikesToRunAlot
    PeteWhoLikesToRunAlot Posts: 596 Member
    I could be a marketing/ sales guy for Brooks. They're fantastic :)

    As others have mentioned, it'd be worthwhile to go to a running store and have them do a gait analysis on your stride for walking/running. They'll be able to match a shoe to your mechanics. People that work at those stores are usually very knowledgable and extremely helpful
  • MyJourney1960
    MyJourney1960 Posts: 1,133 Member
    i usually get new balance or saucony - up till now i've been very happy. my last pair (saucony) i don't like so much.

    my best friend swears by brooks - she won't buy another brand now.

    (tip - try on men's shoes also - it may be a better fit for you).

    and don't forget - you need to change out your shoes every now and then - some say every three months, or every six months.
  • gogoyubarino
    gogoyubarino Posts: 104 Member
    As someone who over-pronates I love my Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 and 9.
    I've heard Saucony er very good too but never tried them.
  • traceytwink
    traceytwink Posts: 538 Member
    I've tried all sorts of brands some of which were good some damaged my feet but the best ones I've ever had and I'm now on my 4th pair are lidl's they are comfy look great and the best bit is they only cost £12.99 result I say ????
  • johannypoo
    johannypoo Posts: 13
    What are some great running shoes for high arches?
  • justicer68
    justicer68 Posts: 1,223
    Brooks all the way!! I will never buy another brand after switching!

    On my 2nd pair now - love 'em!

    ^^This. Love them!
  • Sul3i
    Sul3i Posts: 553 Member
    I love asics
  • mattdsoares
    mattdsoares Posts: 13
    Oh boy, asking for favorite brands is risky. Brands carry very high loyalties in the community.

    In reality...it doesn't much matter. Saucony, Brooks, ASICS, Nike, New Balance, and Mizuno all make some great shoes...and some not to great shoes. Adidas, Puma, and Reebok also make them, though a lot of people look down on those brands for running, rightly or wrongly.

    IMO you shouldn't focus on the brand, but focus on the model how it fits your own gait. Don't go into a story thinking, "I need Nikes" or "I need Brooks". Find out whether you're a neutral runner or an overpronator or supinator. Do you have normal, low, or high arches? Are you heavy and want a lot of cushioning and durability or something light and minimalist. Once you know this, then take a look at the models that would work best for you. A dedicated running store is best if you have one in your area. Otherwise you can research and use something like the runnersworld.com shoe finder. http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor

    Narrow it down to a few models that are made for your gait and needs and then try them on. Don' get hung up on the brand. It really doesn't matter if you're rocking ASICS, Brooks, or Nike, as long as they support your feet the right way and are comfortable. These are all good manufacturers.

    Personally I run in ASICS Gel Kayano 19. I'm a big clydesdale (280lbs) but I don't really overpronate and my arches are normal to very slightly low. This shoe provides some stability but not too much, as I don't really need a real stability or motion control shoe. I really love them, but they might not be right for you. Maybe the Nike Lunar Glide +4, or Brooks Beast, or Mizuno Wave. Who knows?

    Don't get hung up on brand name. Get hung up on fit, comfort, and support to match your gait
  • roverdisc98
    roverdisc98 Posts: 78 Member
    Brooks all the way for me!

    STAY AWAY FROM THE BOX STORES!

    Find a local running store that can professionally help and fit you, not brand specific

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