Runners...best shoes?

For outdoor running, what’s the best brand of running shoes? I’ve only used Nike, but someone recommended Brooks to me recently. Have also seen serious runners with Saucony shoes...what do you recommend?
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Replies

  • Mona898989
    Mona898989 Posts: 18 Member
    I've only ever used Nike airmax . I feel like they're good running shoes
  • It depends on your feet and the way you run. Go to a Running store - not a big box sports store, but one that is focused on running. They will watch you run and recommend shoes that match your gait and usage. Some people pronate, some supinate, some need wide shoes, some need cushioned shoes, some like very light shoes that feel like being barefoot. A beginner runner won't need the same shoes as an ultra runner. I have wide feet with bunions, so what works for me might be all wrong for you. Take your time and try on several pairs. Go run in the parking lot and see which feel most comfortable when you're actually moving. A reputable store will usually give you 30 days trial.

    Super helpful...thank you
  • dewd2
    dewd2 Posts: 2,449 Member
    The best shoe for me may be the worst shoe for you. Take @spiriteagle99 advice. There's no 'best' shoe.

    Good luck.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    I hate Brooks, love love love New Balance...

    Get fit for shoes that are right for you.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,249 Member
    You'll see "serious runners" wearing every brand under the sun because no two of us have identical gaits, foot shapes etc. Getting fitted by a running store is the best advice. If you don't have access to a running store focus on finding shoes that fit really well and are comfortable, any time you change shoes keep it slow and short until you're sure you're happy with them.
  • deannalfisher
    deannalfisher Posts: 5,600 Member
    def running store if you have one near you - if the location in your profile is correct, then there is a fleet feet in the next town over (about 15 miles away)
  • scorpio516
    scorpio516 Posts: 955 Member
    Mona898989 wrote: »
    I've only ever used Nike airmax . I feel like they're good running shoes

    Nike destroy my feet.

    Go to a LRS and get fitted
  • def running store if you have one near you - if the location in your profile is correct, then there is a fleet feet in the next town over (about 15 miles away)

    It is accurate...thanks, Deanna!
  • sammidelvecchio
    sammidelvecchio Posts: 791 Member
    I went to Fleet Feet! They watched me walk, jog, jump and had me try on several brands so a lot of them could be a good fit for you. While I have Brooks, and I LOVE them, what made an even bigger difference for me was getting the right insoles too. The combo was expensive, but much worth it!
  • WynterDreaming
    WynterDreaming Posts: 83 Member
    I second everyone who is saying head to a running store and get fitted. It’s completely worth it. I still haven’t found a shoe that’s fits me as well as my NewBalance 990s which they helped me find. They also helped me realize I was wearing the wrong sized shoe and it was some of the best time I’ve ever spent buying shoes.
  • hesn92
    hesn92 Posts: 5,967 Member
    edited April 2019
    Go to a running store and they will watch you run and pick out the right type of shoe for you. They make shoes that are for people who over pronate, under pronate and neutral. They should give you a few options within those categories. My store let me try them on and go run around on the sidewalk outside to try them out. I used to wear brooks. This last time I chose new balance over the brooks because they were just more comfortable for me.
  • MikePfirrman
    MikePfirrman Posts: 3,307 Member
    edited April 2019
    Go to a running store for your first pair of shoes. Ask questions. My experience with a running store wasn't that great. The guy seemed rushed, put three options in front of my wife and I (after watching her and I's gait) and said, "choose from these". The one my wife picked out wasn't large enough in the toebox for her (none of them were). $125 for a shoe she couldn't wear.

    This was from the "number one Running store in the US" multiple times.

    Once you understand if you're a neutral runner, overpronate or underpronate, it's not rocket science. You can tell that most of the time by looking at old pairs of shoes and how they wore. If your inside of your soles wear faster, you overpronate. If the outside, you suprinate. If evenly, you're neutral. That's all the guy in the shoe store looks for. That will be double price now!

    Once I understood how I ran/walked, online reviews helped me so much more than the local shoe store. But you need to first know what your style of running or walking is. A shoe store can confirm that. Oh, and if you have flat arches (look for water marks in the middle when your feet are wet on concrete), you need a "supportive" shoe. If you have good arches, less support.
  • runnermom419
    runnermom419 Posts: 366 Member
    I'll also echo the recommendation for a running store to get fitted. The great thing about the good running stores is that they will have a liberal return policy. I've been fitted before, take the shoes home, go out for a few runs and realize they aren't for me. The store happily takes them back for credit and helps me find a pair that works for me.

    What works for me may not work for you. I LOVE my Saucony's right now.
  • estherdragonbat
    estherdragonbat Posts: 5,285 Member
    I suffer from overpronation. For me, I was wearing Saucony Stabils, which were discontinued when Saucony came out with the Redeemer. My local Running Room (Canadian chain) stopped carrying that model, though they do have other Saucony shoes. Now I'm wearing Brooks Arial 18s and they're slightly more comfortable than the Saucony's IMO. They're also slightly more expensive. If the Redeemers became available again, I might go back to them; it's not like they weren't comfortable. And the difference isn't necessarily worth the extra $20-30.
  • littlegreenparrot1
    littlegreenparrot1 Posts: 694 Member
    Just to add, you also need to think about what type of surface you will mostly be running on.

    I prefer trails to tarmac, so need more grip on the sole. The specialist running shops will also be able to advise you on this.
    I've always done well with asics.
  • chelny
    chelny Posts: 179 Member
    I hate Brooks, love love love New Balance...

    Get fit for shoes that are right for you.

    And I got my first pair of Brooks last December and I love them! You just gotta try them on to see what you like.

  • amandah3493
    amandah3493 Posts: 55 Member
    Brooks Ghost! Love them. Also love their levitate too. Try a couple out before you buy.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    chelny wrote: »
    I hate Brooks, love love love New Balance...

    Get fit for shoes that are right for you.

    And I got my first pair of Brooks last December and I love them! You just gotta try them on to see what you like.

    I have tried them... that's how I know I hate them :laugh:
  • autumnblade75
    autumnblade75 Posts: 1,660 Member
    Go to a running store for your first pair of shoes. Ask questions. My experience with a running store wasn't that great. The guy seemed rushed, put three options in front of my wife and I (after watching her and I's gait) and said, "choose from these". The one my wife picked out wasn't large enough in the toebox for her (none of them were). $125 for a shoe she couldn't wear.

    This was from the "number one Running store in the US" multiple times.

    Once you understand if you're a neutral runner, overpronate or underpronate, it's not rocket science. You can tell that most of the time by looking at old pairs of shoes and how they wore. If your inside of your soles wear faster, you overpronate. If the outside, you suprinate. If evenly, you're neutral. That's all the guy in the shoe store looks for. That will be double price now!

    Once I understood how I ran/walked, online reviews helped me so much more than the local shoe store. But you need to first know what your style of running or walking is. A shoe store can confirm that. Oh, and if you have flat arches (look for water marks in the middle when your feet are wet on concrete), you need a "supportive" shoe. If you have good arches, less support.

    I'm 50/50 in agreement here. The local running stores near me have absolutely nothing I want to run in. Or I haven't found the one that sells anything minimal, yet. I found shoes I love by comparing reviews online. They're discontinued, and I'm having to go through the whole process again to find something else - I'm not too unhappy with the Prio by Xero. I have fairly flat feet, and I've been told I overpronate. I have taken it under advisement, but I'm still not comfortable using cushioned shoes to correct either condition. I do not like New Balance or Brooks. They are both narrower in the toe than I would prefer. I'd try a men's shoe, but I take a 6.5 women's, so they don't tend to make them small enough. Apparently, kids are supposed to grow into adult sizes before they start taking running seriously, so that's out, too - but I bet they'd have more fun colors.