Runners: Asics, Saucony or Mizuno?

TinaDay1114
TinaDay1114 Posts: 1,328 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I've been running for a while, but just started increasing my distance in the past 6 months (from about 3 1/2 miles to 8) to try a half marathon.

I'm injured now, but can't wait to get back at it. I need arch and heel support, and like shoes that aren't too heavy. I've had good luck w/Asics and Saucony in the past, but usually just bought whatever felt good in the store and was on sale. Now I wanna get serious about picking a good shoe.

Which do you prefer -- Asics, Saucony (I heard they were bought out by another co. and might not be as good anymore?), or Mizuno? And which model of each do you like for long runs?
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Replies

  • chrissyh
    chrissyh Posts: 8,235 Member
    Brooks or Mizuno!
  • SheehyCFC
    SheehyCFC Posts: 529 Member
    Every person's foot is different, go to a specialty store and get fitted properly (for half-marathon running). I use asics but that is a matter of experience and personal preference. I may be switching to Brooks soon.

    **EDIT - You don't necessarily have to buy from said specialty store - I get mine online for a fraction of that price, and make SURE that you have a return policy that allows you to run in them outdoors at least a few times first!
  • amymeenieminymo
    amymeenieminymo Posts: 2,394 Member
    I'm not a huge runner, I mostly do treadmill but mine are New Balance and I love them. Do you have a Running Fit store near you? You can go in and they'll measure and watch you walk to determine the best type of shoe for your stride. Now when I need a new pair, I just take my old pair in and say "give me new ones of these", so easy.
  • cgd67
    cgd67 Posts: 188 Member
    Asics fit my feet best! On my fifth pair!
  • Rikki444
    Rikki444 Posts: 326 Member
    Asics....definitely. I love mine but I would like to see what others experience. :smile:
  • xAdrianax
    xAdrianax Posts: 269 Member
    ASICS
  • rider797
    rider797 Posts: 52
    MIZUNO all the way. I use Wave Runners and Wave Creation. I use the Wave Runners for shorter training runs that have good pace and strides in them, and I use the Wave Creations on my long controlled runs! Would not trade them for the world!
  • kasrentz
    kasrentz Posts: 16 Member
    Brooks!
  • lazatin
    lazatin Posts: 452 Member
    I just strated running/jogging and i bought Asics..can not imagine how i ever even walked before...LOVE THEM!
  • marathonmom72
    marathonmom72 Posts: 191 Member
    I run in asics, but recently learned a very valuable lesson...find the shoe that works for you, and when you find it don't mess with what works! I upgraded to a 'better' and more expensive shoe and have not been terribly happy with it. After several months, went back into the store to find something different and ended up back in the shoe I had before I switched. It's what works best for me and I should have just stuck with it. I won't change again until it either isn't working anymore, or they no longer make the shoe!
  • demery12371
    demery12371 Posts: 253 Member
    And to add to the OP questions... what about ones for those of us with wide feet (not something I liked inheriting!)

    I can't wear Nikes because they hurt too bad... Several of the Asics I haven't had luck with either.
  • onefuzzy
    onefuzzy Posts: 33 Member
    MIZUNO!
  • Beth720
    Beth720 Posts: 661 Member
    I'm a Brooks girl myself, but...

    The best shoe is the shoe that is best for YOU.

    You need to go to a local running store that does a gait analysis. NOT Foot Locker Run that tries to, but it's all for show. Most stores will use a treadmill and a camera to tape you running. Some (IMHO the better ones as your stride changes on the treadmill) will watch you walk, run, stand, squat, etc. and analyze your foot and gait to help find the best shoe for you. Try on several pair and give them a whirl - treadmill if that's what the store has...or some will let you run down the block outside. Make sure they measure your arch sitting AND standing because it likely will change. Go with what feels best on your feet and legs when you're running - not a specific brand or color. (I'm not joking...I have a friend who was so dead set on having pink shoes that she trained in and ran a half marathon in shoes that weren't right for her just because they were pink. She's been sidelined for a while because of injuries from wearing the wrong shoes for her and will probably end up walking a lot of the half marathon she has in a couple of weeks because she's not properly trained due to injury time off from the wrong shoes.)

    Good luck!
  • eresin
    eresin Posts: 104 Member
    I went to Run4it and got assessed, I have asics gt 2160 stability shoes because I over-pronate.
    If you really want to make sure you get the right shoes, get assessed. Otherwise it's just a guessing game.
    Run4it did my assessment for free, as I would imagine other specialist stores should do.
  • Erindipitous
    Erindipitous Posts: 1,234 Member
    I was recently fitted for shoes at a specialty store and they recommended (and I bought) a pair of Brooks.

    I haven't run long distances again yet, as I'm waiting for my shin splints to heal. But the walking and light jogging I've done has proven them to be much more comfortable than my previous Asics.

    I was close to purchasing the Saucony, but I liked the lightweight design of the Brooks.

    I strongly suggest getting properly fitted.. We ALL have different needs. :)


    (Edited to correct a typo. :P )
  • dreanance
    dreanance Posts: 246
    I love my Asics! That being said, my next pair will likely be New Balance.
  • Carlton_Banks
    Carlton_Banks Posts: 757 Member
    I think all of the shoe brands you mentioned have some really nice options on the high end. I wear Mizuno Nirvana 7, and I like them a little better than my old Asics Gel Keyano 16. They are a little lighter. I have a pair of Saucony Kinvara as well, which are super light, almost a little too light. For my longer runs and for races, I have a pair of Newton Sir Isaac. I may eventually switch to Newton's exclusively because I have more of a natural running style as a forefoot striker rather than heel strike. They say heel strikers incur more injuries.

    Also, a good pair of insoles, like the SuperFeet brand will probably make a big difference in whatever brand you decided to go with.
  • Beth720
    Beth720 Posts: 661 Member
    **EDIT - You don't necessarily have to buy from said specialty store - I get mine online for a fraction of that price, and make SURE that you have a return policy that allows you to run in them outdoors at least a few times first!

    I will just say with this that it's really pretty rude and tacky to use the services of a local running store and then go buy the shoes online. If you're going to use their services, do the right thing and buy at least the first pair from them. If everyone went in for "fitting services" but never bought the shoes, the local running store is going to quickly disappear as it won't be economically feasible. (Unless they start charging for the analysis - which I could see making some sense..."The fee for the fitting service is x. With purchase of shoes, the fee is waived." Might not keep them in business, but would at least keep people doing the right thing.)
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    It's all about fit, so regardless of what anyone here says, get what fits you the best.

    That said, Asics are generally considered to have some of the best support for higher arches. I've run in them in the past for this very reason and had great luck. This season I moved to a pair of New Balance 890s... they are lighter, cooler and better supporting than my old asics - couldn't be happier.
  • Nhendrickson86
    Nhendrickson86 Posts: 33 Member
    Bumping this for when I need to buy some REAL running shoes.

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