RUNNING: Asics or Nike

That's not the question you want to ask before buying running shoes. The brand is not important at all; how you run, where you run, your foot shape -- that's what's important.

But if you must know, I run in either Nike Pegasus 28 or ASICS Gel Cumulus 14, I like the heavy duty ASICS model more. I feel it absorbs pounding better, I mostly run on the road.

My running shoes are Nike because that's what felt best when I went to a store and had them fit me for shoes. I knew nothing about running shoes when I walked into the store, but the Nike Pegasus shoes (no idea what number they are) felt the best when I tried them out, and I'm very happy with them now that I'm running regularly.

Can only speak from personal experience. I have wide feet. Nikes don't cater to my kind of people. I've had Asics, Brooks, and now Saucony's. I've been happy with all three. Personally I liked my Brooks the best for running. I think going and finding a running specialty store and getting fitted would be best if you're serious about running. Brand means nothing compared to a good fitting shoe with what you need from one (such as stability or "bare-footed" feel, etc.).

Same here. I'd also add New Balance.

I'm lucky, the ASICS and Nike shops are opposite each other, and indoors

My choices are the same as SadFaerie's. But I had fittings and gait analysis in both and went with the one that best fit with what I knew - I did the wet footprint test and really do know I have a fairly neutral gait. I bought both and think I prefer the ASICs - though I prefer Nike in Aerobic boots when I can get them!

Best advice from me is to buy one or two makes in a sale - last year's colours are usually cheaper - and road test them! Use the one you like least for wombling around rather than training.

http://www.amazon.com/ASICS-Womens-Gel-Forte-Running-Lightning/dp/B0088WXWQG/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_nC?ie=UTF8&colid=3JEDLO7L9SA0K&coliid=I37FG6M79PFGUI&psc=1

I use these Asics, great for my over pronation issues! I did, however, get these after a fitting and recommendation from my local specialty running store :-)

I'm an Asics girl all the way - not only do they fit nicer but I think they have cuter shoes (yes boys, that's important!). Nike do tend to fit narrower. Personally, I've tried Saucony but didn't like the feel. Again, as everyone has mentioned, if you're going to start seriously running you do want to get a gait analysis done before making a decision.

Neither - Brooks. Why? Because when I was fitted by a professional running store, and got to try several brands, they were the ones that were best for MY body and gait. You should throw brand out the window and do the same thing.

Through the many years of running and racing I still wear Brooks, so I really can't comment on the fit/feel difference of other brands. And since Brooks gives me a subsidy to wear their gear racing, I have no reason to switch. However, I would in a heartbeat if for some reason their shoes no longer worked for me.

Brand loyalty is not a bad thing, once you know the brand is right for you.

Neither - Brooks. Why? Because when I was fitted by a professional running store, and got to try several brands, they were the ones that were best for MY body and gait. You should throw brand out the window and do the same thing.

Through the many years of running and racing I still wear Brooks, so I really can't comment on the fit/feel difference of other brands. And since Brooks gives me a subsidy to wear their gear racing, I have no reason to switch. However, I would in a heartbeat if for some reason their shoes no longer worked for me.

Brand loyalty is not a bad thing, once you know the brand is right for you.

While I agree with your general point, it is important to realize that most companies make shoes with different fits/supports. So while the brooks adrenaline might be a great shoe for you, the brooks ghost might not be. Simply following a brand isn't enough.

Of course. I assumed that was obvious. Realize it may not be so your point is good. The "fitted by a professional running store" should cover the issue for the OP, however.

Instead of asking about what brand is better, go and actually get fitted and have your stride analyzed at a running shoe store.

For the record, Nikes tend to fluctuate a lot in how they size with their more affordable shoes and you don't tend to see any real consistency until you spend some money on their $150 and up shoes.

I love my Adidas ClimaCools, too.