Best shoes for running

I agree with CWolfman - you need to go to a good running store and have someone fit you for shoes that fit your feet and the way you move. I have wide feet, so what works for me might not work at all for you. I also like a lot of cushion, but that doesn't work for everyone. I have worn Brooks, Asics, Sauconny, and New Balance at different times. New models can change the fit so every year I have to try on shoes from scratch if I can't find any discontinued models.

Saro1909 wrote: »

I have been trying to get more cardio in and was wondering if anyone had suggestions for good running shoes. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

In terms of quality you can't go wrong with any of the major brads like Mizuno, Asics, New Balance, Nike, Adidas etc but each company's shoe can be very different in terms of suitability for your needs.

As has been previously suggested your best bet is to go to an actual running store if there's one available locally and have them analyze your gait.

If there's not a specialty store avoid the temptation of ordering shoes online (at least until you've found shoes that work for you). Go to your local sporting goods store and try on as many shoes as you can (buy at least your first pair there, I prefer to support local businesses) and base you selection on fit and comfort over everything else.


I've been using both Mizuno Wave Riders and Asics Gel Nimbus (injury free but I'm not running the same volumes I was 10 years ago) for over 15 years and ordered a pair of the newest iteration of the Gel Nimbus only to find that they'd changed the shape of the toe box slightly and I needed to go up a half size. FWIW my prefect show would be a Mizuno Wave Rider upper on an Asics Gel Nimbus sole.

All the major brands qualify as "good running shoes" these days.

@cwolfman13 gives great advice, which is to go to a smaller running store and get help with the selection process. Even with that, it may take some experimentation.

@rcdandridge gives very controversial advice. If I were a younger person, I might experiment with barefoot or minimal shoes. Now I find that I need good support and padding, which any standard running shoe provides. You have to decide these days if you want to regular or "extra-cushioned" shoes, as pioneered by Hoka (I think). I have both standard and "extra-cushioned," and I'm not sure which I like better.

It breaks the above advice, but I had good experience at Dick's with a very helpful salesperson a few years back (hit or miss, go on a weekday when it's not too crowded). Dick's (and many places) will take sneakers back with full refund even if used. It makes them happier if they look clean. You could try a new pair on a clean treadmill to see how it goes. They should be returnable even after that.

Example: I once bought a pair of top-rated Brooks running shoes that felt great in the store and even on the store treadmill. I took them home, ran a few miles, and found they rubbed on the tip of a toenail in a very uncomfortable way. I took them back and switched to ASICs, which have been my brand ever since.

Best of luck!

Another vote for a running store.

Mine had me run on a short track inside the store, analyzed my gait in slow motion and brought three or four different types of shoes for me to try, and suggested I go up a size from my normal shoe size to allow room in toebox for my big ole flat feet to spread out.

Made a world of difference. Toenails stopped falling off. Yep, you read that right.

I go once a year to be refitted and buy a pair or two. I buy additional of the same style on Amazon, choosing last season’s colors, which are usually half the price.

@Jthanmyfitnesspal i was just thinking mg about my socks this morning!

The first time I visited a running store, they sold me some Balega socks. They cost and arm and a leg and I was afraid to wear them, but wow!!!!! If any product I’ve ever owned is worth it’s weight in gold, it’s those Balega socks.

I bought them four and a half years ago and they still look good as new, and I rotate them so that I wear them weekly or more often. They don’t show any wear on the heels.

OTOH, I’ve gone through multiple sets of my cheaper cotton “cold feet at night” socks, and worn through at least a dozen pair of sneakers during the same period.

I buy Balegas whenever I can find them on sale and have half a drawer of backup pairs that I’ve never even had to bust out.

Consider this my love letter to Balega.