running shoes?

I'm a Brooks girl. They're pricey but they have a slightly wider toe box and they have always been my go to. Nikes were too slim for me and irritated the top of my foot, New Balance felt bulky and and just 'okay'. Saucony about ruined my inner ankle and I regret that purchase big time. Other brands haven't worked well for me haha. That said, if there's any way you could get sized even by going to another town, do it! I found out that one of my feet is half a size bigger than the other and the size I had been 'told' I was by my mother in high school was actually the wrong size (too big). If you can't get sized, try them on in the store and 'run' around on them to get a good feel. Don't worry about looking weird or annoying the salespeople- it's your money and your feet!

I work at shoe department when someone comes in for running shoes we go straight an ascic or brook with an insole. Even if you spend 160 bucks on good running shoe the insole is still a joke

The best shoes are the ones that fit well and suit your bio-mechanics. The brand or cost is neither here nor there. When I first got fitted last year I set out with a budget of £150. The shoes that worked the best for me personally cost about half that amount. A decent shop will care as much about getting you the right shoes than upselling.

Try this website to get an idea of the type of shoe that may be suitable (neutral, motion control etc):

My Precision Fit

Then go to a store and find shoes of a similar nature (doesn't have to be Mizuno) and try out a number of pairs to see how they feel. Check out their policy on returns as you may find that what you initially thought was right isn't.

unfortunately, you must find a place where they analyse your stride

everyone can recommend you their favourite, but it'll be based on their individual bodies so info useless for you and the way you run

for sure, don't save money on shoes

generallyme2 wrote: »

I'm a Brooks girl. They're pricey but they have a slightly wider toe box

+1 for the Brooks fit. On my 4th pair of Glycerins.

I went through various types of shoes and have recently settled on the Brooks Pure line. I really like the Pure Flow for training and Pure Connect for races.

ActiveApril wrote: »

I went through various types of shoes and have recently settled on the Brooks Pure line. I really like the Pure Flow for training and Pure Connect for races.

Yep. I'm a huge fan of my Brooks PureCadence.

jacksonpt wrote: »

Any of the big brands make good shoes, and many of them offer both neutral and stability shoes, so suggesting a single brand is better than another is kinda ridiculous.

I've had really good shoes from Brooks, Nike, New Balance, and Saucony. I wouldn't say one is better than the other but I think some are better for me. Personally I would go with a shoe brand that makes running shoes. You're less likely to have issues from them. Buy a 1/2 size bigger than you typically wear for walking around.

If you're not thinking about the shoe when you're running, then it's a good shoe. That's my motto and what I go by.

SchweddyGirl wrote: »

If you don't have a place to be fitted then head over to Runner's World and use their shoe finder tool. There is a reason why there are 100s of different models of shoes. What works for me might not work for you. Shoes are your tools, and you need the right tool for the right job. For example, if you have overpronation in your step then you will probably need a stability shoe. If you underpronate you will need a shoe that has good flexibility. Are you a maximalist or a minimalist? As that will determine how much drop you want/need. Is the shoe for general running, long runs, speed work, etc...? All things you should ask yourself when finding the right shoe.

Also, where ever you order your shoe from or buy it, make sure there is a return policy even if the shoe has been worn once or twice, as it may take a run or two before you really determine if the shoe is right for you.

^^ This. How you land on your feet when you run (pronate, supinate, neutral gait), if you land heavily on your heel, are you running long distances, etc. If you have to travel a while to get to a specialised running store, it's worth the trip.

I'm a relatively extreme supinator (I wear out the outside edges of my shoes), so the majority of running shoes aren't good for me as they're made to fit pronators (who do the opposite!), so the shoes that I wear won't necessarily suit you. Also, I still weigh quite a bit, so lighter, cheaper shoes don't last that long on my feet.

That being said, I have worn Brooks Glycerins and am currently using two different styles of Mizuno's. I switched away from the glycerins because I managed to collapse the gel pockets in the heels twice (thankfully, I no longer run in a way that puts that much pressure on the heels), and switched to Mizuno instead. Mizuno's are expensive, but I find them really comfortable and long lasting.

AllonsYtotheTardis wrote: »

kerbeya1 wrote: »

I work at shoe department when someone comes in for running shoes we go straight an ascic or brook with an insole. Even if you spend 160 bucks on good running shoe the insole is still a joke

that's a load of upselling BS

if it's the right shoe for you, you don't need to buy an additional insole

*nods*
I've owned dozens of pairs of running shoes and never bought an additional insole.

I hated Asics. The brand itself is fine, they just don't feel good on my feet. I know others who love them. I've never tried Brooks.
They are both good brands but the other brands are just as good. I stick with Saucony now. I also tried Mizunos which I liked but not as much as my Sauconys.

Bottom line, to reiterate, shoes are very individual. Just because I prefer Saucony doesn't mean you are going to like them too. A brand that is perfect for one person may not be the best for another. It comes down to personal fit.

I'm a pronator, so Saucony serves me best.

My first running shoe were an Asics, and they worked so well I barely noticed them.

AllonsYtotheTardis wrote: »

kerbeya1 wrote: »

I work at shoe department when someone comes in for running shoes we go straight an ascic or brook with an insole. Even if you spend 160 bucks on good running shoe the insole is still a joke

that's a load of upselling BS

if it's the right shoe for you, you don't need to buy an additional insole

^^^^ Yup

Interestingly with the "advancements" in running shoes over the last 30 or 40 years rates of injuries among runners haven't changed much. The most important thing is that the shoes fit you properly which is why you need to try them on before you buy (gait analysis is useful but, I suspect, over-hyped)

Runners World has some useful tools but you don't need to buy the newest/most expensive shoes.

I had Asics because everyone said they were the best running shoe. I freaking hated them! They killed my feet. I was always in pain after running. I switched to Brooks Glycerins and its been heaven. Kind of a repeat of what everyone else said, don't settle on a shoe cause someone else uses them. Try on as many pairs as you can, talk to someone who knows what they are talking about, go to a store that specializes in running, not just shoes.