RUNNING SHOES- I NEED HELP/ADVICE!

Get fitted is the best advice. I alternate between Nike Free Runs for short distance and Asics Gel Nimbus for long runs. I love the Nikes but since they mirror barefoot running and there like no cushion - it is a bit of a challenge to get used to. I did an 8 mile run in them and could barely walk for a week. Also, they would be a bad idea if your feet/ankles pronate. Oh and dont work out in them! Running only cause they have no support at all...So do urself a favor and get a gait analysis done. That will def help out with potential for injuries.

Girl... I had the SAME problem! I actually took yrs to find something I like. The thing is, NO ONE on here can tell you what feels comfortable to YOU! I know ppl who swear by Nike, who prefer Adidas, or would rather stick with New Balance.

It depends on why you need them. Are you gunna be wearing them all the time? Are you a runner? I went to a store that specializes in this. I was looking for a good running shoe. I preferred the Mizuno's over EVERYTHING else I tried on times like, 10! They're light, let my feet breathe and move, and didn't feel uncomfortable. HOWEVER I have flat feet... so what I find perfect isn't what someone with a high arch would feel perfect in.

Best thing to do is get measured. When I went for my shoes they even asked me to stand up to see how I balance my weight on my feet.

Going there was the best decision I made and now I have running shoes I love... that don't hurt, rub on the sides of my feet or give me blisters.

Good luck with your search!

I'm not a runner. But here's some food for thought.
New Balance is the "only" American shoe manufacturer that makes 70% of their products in the U.S.A.

I've been running off and on for 15 years or so and am a shoe geek, so here's my take.

1) I get injured fairly easily from running, so my shoes are really important to me. I have a friend who can run in anything and does and never has a problem. Which type of person are you?

2) Yeah, go to a running store and ask for help. They will do a couple of things, look at your arches and watch how you run to see to what degree you pronate (roll to the inside of your foot). Then they'll suggest a type of shoe that's appropriate for you and fit you professionally. Here's the catch, I find that running stores tend to have a bias towards stability shoes and probably that's okay for most people. I'm a neutral runner and stability shoes actually cause me problems. I know enough now to push back and/or walk out and go somewhere else if I think they're working from a playbook and not trying to fit me. It sounds like you don't, so beware. There is a home test, get out of the shower or pool or whatever and step down on something that will leave a footprint. If it's one solid footprint you've got a low arch, if it's a forefoot print and heel print, you've got a high arch and if the front and back are joined by a little bridge you're in the middle. In broad terms, low arch= motion control shoe, high arch=neutral cushion shoe, medium=moderate stability. www.roadrunnersports.com has a little wizard to take you through this and suggest models. www.runnersworld.com does as well I think.

3) There is a trend of "barefoot" shoes. Vibrium Five Fingers are the boldest example, Nike Frees less dramatic, almost everyone has a model at this point. This is either for you or it's not. You have to change the way you run and don't believe that you can't be injured just because you're barefoot. People still do. The friends I have pretty much go through a cycle of preaching the evils of shoes and they are responsible for all of our injuries and thank heavens for the barefoot craze, then they get injured, but swear it's not because of barefoot running and I back out of the conversation because it's not going anywhere. People have run and won marathons in them, don't rule it out, but it's a complete change and don't let anyone tell you that results are guaranteed. If you're interested, there is a ton of information on-line about it, if it starts feeling cultish...it sort of is, but it also works for some people, you have to make up your own mind. I'm seeing more moderate positions on them now which makes me happy. Suggested for speed days or certain types of training, but not as your milage shoes. Decide for yourself or just ignore the whole movement, it's apples to oranges from your question, in my opinion, but as I type this, I'm certain someone will push back on my statements. Decide for yourself.

4) Once you have a type and a budget, then you get to brand and model. What fits me is not necessarily going to be relevant to you. I've had the best luck personally with Brooks and ASICS. I love Saucony, but they change their models a lot and I haven't embraced a new one. Great shoes if you can find the right model for you, though they fit some people better than others. I've tried really hard to like New Balance, but they just don't feel right to me. Mizunos are too stiff for my tastes, but I think they're great shoes, for people who like them. I have a bias for companies that specialize in running shoes vs general shoes (though ASICS are the later and I like them). Adidas, Nike, Rebok, Puma, K_Swiss, etc I haven't really given a fair chance to on that basis, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't.

As I said, I am a shoe geek, I've tried a lot of things, subscribe to Runners World and read every shoe review current and archived and go through a couple of pairs a year. That doesn't mean I'm a good runner, but hopefully my font of normally useless knowledge helps you a little in this case.

By the way, I don't think it's that relevant, but I'm a neutral runner currently running in Brooks Defyance. I'm very happy with them, but that should only mean so much to you.

Alright I'm gonna go to "Big Peach Running Co" this week! Thanks guys!

So you're near Atlanta? You have lots of options then, as you also have Fleet Feet and Phidippides there. Atlanta is just a hotbed of running!