Running shoe opinions?!

OSU_Sarah
OSU_Sarah Posts: 107 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I have started running 5-6 days a week in the last month. I mainly either run around a track or around an outdoor path. Usually do 2-4 miles per day. I need opinions on good shoes! I like the new lightweight shoes, like Nike Free. I am a huge Nike fan but I'm open to other brands if they are better!
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Replies

  • secretlobster
    secretlobster Posts: 3,566 Member
    I like the Nike free.

    BUT

    I suggest you go to a reputable shoe store (we have some specialty running shops in my area) and get fitted. It won't cost you anything extra. The right shoe for you is not one that other people really like... It's the shoe that fits your feet, corrects any alignment problems (if you have any), and feels "like wearing a slipper" (as the store rep told me)

    I really like my Nike Free Runs but I find I run best wearing the New Balance W880GS I got fitted for.
  • reforberg
    reforberg Posts: 4 Member
    When I started running 2+ years ago, I started out with Nikes. Last year I started to have knee issues, I made the switch to Sauconys (mine are not stability shoes in any way) and I have not had issues. I love my Sauconys.
  • itsafrappe
    itsafrappe Posts: 162 Member
    i love my assics but would also reccomend brooks
  • bluefox9er
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
    Nike *kitten* here, too..at least they send me free shoes to use in return for feedback.
  • itsafrappe
    itsafrappe Posts: 162 Member
    I like the Nike free.

    BUT

    I suggest you go to a reputable shoe store (we have some specialty running shops in my area) and get fitted. It won't cost you anything extra. The right shoe for you is not one that other people really like... It's the shoe that fits your feet, corrects any alignment problems (if you have any), and feels "like wearing a slipper" (as the store rep told me)

    I really like my Nike Free Runs but I find I run best wearing the New Balance W880GS I got fitted for.

    totally agree. i found mine by going to a apecialty store called "runners retreat" they watched me walk barefoot and looked for any arch/alignment issues. then they suggested shoes and let me run in them. some places will even record you running so you can see how to improve your form if necessary
  • dare2love81
    dare2love81 Posts: 928 Member
    Definitely get to a running store and get properly fitted. It's definitely worth it. Running in the wrong shoes can cause injury after injury and teaches your muscles wrong running form.

    I'm a fan of Brooks (they have multiple options out there) - they hold up really well.
  • lauleipop
    lauleipop Posts: 260 Member
    I went to a specialty running store and got fitted.
    I was given Brooks Adrenaline. (good shoe; stability)
    I started cross-training in Merrell PaceGloves. (good shoe; minimalist)

    Training in the minis changed my stride and strike. so I got fitted again.

    I switched to Saucony Kinvara 2. (good shoe; performance neutral - advertised as minimalist, but it's really not)
    I added in the Brooks Launch. (good shoe; being discontinued)

    I'm going to try Nike Free soon, simply because I'm curious.
  • lewench
    lewench Posts: 4 Member
    I like the Nike free.

    BUT

    I suggest you go to a reputable shoe store (we have some specialty running shops in my area) and get fitted. It won't cost you anything extra. The right shoe for you is not one that other people really like... It's the shoe that fits your feet, corrects any alignment problems (if you have any), and feels "like wearing a slipper" (as the store rep told me)

    I really like my Nike Free Runs but I find I run best wearing the New Balance W880GS I got fitted for.

    She has a fantastic idea!!

    Not only will the staff at the specialty running shops be more likely to address your running specific concerns but they usually have a treadmill for you to try out the shoes you are deciding between on. Also look for the specialty shops that have the machines that can tell you what your arches are doing and if your feet are turning inward or outward. Places like Good Feet or here in San Antonio we have Run On .

    Good Luck!!
  • OSU_Sarah
    OSU_Sarah Posts: 107 Member
    Thanks everyone. The nearest specialty shoe store is about an hour drive for me so I guess I need to plan a trip. The shoes I have been wearing are just some Nike running shoes that are a couple years old and have never really been ran in much, but they are giving me blisters on the outside of my big toe. It's not comfortable...
  • okremix
    okremix Posts: 38 Member
    I just went to fleet feet on yale across from lafortune park and the fitted me for over pronation. I tried on three pair and I picked the ones that felt like a dream. It was definately worth it!
  • dougii
    dougii Posts: 679 Member
    I love my Sauconys.
    Ditto
  • OSU_Sarah
    OSU_Sarah Posts: 107 Member
    Yeah I googled specialty shoe stores in OKC and Tulsa and saw that one. I may have to give it a go soon!



    I just went to fleet feet on yale across from lafortune park and the fitted me for over pronation. I tried on three pair and I picked the ones that felt like a dream. It was definately worth it!
  • sandrajune72
    sandrajune72 Posts: 492 Member
    Gotta be a Nike! Not that I run :laugh: but I do wear them for cardio and they're great!!
  • MissFit0101
    MissFit0101 Posts: 2,382
    Forget about anyone's opinions or preferences. Take yourself down to the local running store, and they will help get you into the right pair of shoes for you!
  • kgprice11
    kgprice11 Posts: 749 Member
    I would go to a running shoe that has employees that run and specialize in selecting shoes that best fit your gate and running style. They will watch you run and jog for a little then they will take some measurements. After that they will suggest a type of shoe that will let you have a comfortable run according to terrain.
  • PrincessMissDee
    PrincessMissDee Posts: 183 Member
    I have always been a Nike girl but really rate ASICS - the brand is a real innovator in new shoe technology. However I am about to start running properly and am going to a speciality runner's store where they will film my alignment and pick the best shoe for me. Think it's the best idea.
  • macpatti
    macpatti Posts: 4,280 Member
    I've always run in ASICS, but that was after a fitting/consultation at a specialty running store. One thing I found interesting once I became a "serious" runner, is that you usually need a bigger size because you need toe room, especially if you're going to do long runs. I found that when I was fitted properly, I didn't have the same blisters and pains as when I just tried on and bought my own shoes. Also, keep track of how many miles you're putting on your shoes. Ask the sales person how many miles you'll get out of the pair you buy.
  • thepetiterunner
    thepetiterunner Posts: 1,238 Member

    I suggest you go to a reputable shoe store (we have some specialty running shops in my area) and get fitted. It won't cost you anything extra. The right shoe for you is not one that other people really like... It's the shoe that fits your feet, corrects any alignment problems (if you have any), and feels "like wearing a slipper" (as the store rep told me)

    ^ This. I can't tell you what's good for YOU particularly, as I don't know your arch, gait, pattern of running.

    I am, however, a fellow Nike fan, though I've recently also been turned on to Montrail trail running shoes. I've tried Brooks, Saucony, Asics, and New Balance, but Nikes fit me the best. I love my Nike Pegasus road shoe. They're awesome! :) For the record, I'm a neutral runner with a low arch and a preference for a wider, roomy toe box.
  • MtnKat
    MtnKat Posts: 714
    Asics gal here :-) I love my Asics gels!!

    I've tried Nike and New Balance.

    I may try Brooks but I'm pretty sure my next pair of shoes will be Asics. I am an over pronator so I buy stability shoes.
  • josiereside
    josiereside Posts: 720 Member
    I love my Brooks Ravenna but also sometimes run short distances on treadmill in my Vibrams to work on running form.
  • mmarin81
    mmarin81 Posts: 241
    I personally feel reebok reeflex are the best. Tried a couple but I think I will be staying with these for a bit.
  • billsica
    billsica Posts: 4,741 Member
    I was dead set on getting a pair of new balance minimals.
    I went to a running store and ended up with a pair of brooks. They kid (after I had to basically beat him to help me) really did a good job in figuring out that I had collapsing arches. it was a 45 min drive, so I wasn't going to make a second trip.

    so +1 on going to a good running store.
  • KimertRuns13_1
    KimertRuns13_1 Posts: 702 Member
    Forget about anyone's opinions or preferences. Take yourself down to the local running store, and they will help get you into the right pair of shoes for you!
    This, always.
  • jabdye
    jabdye Posts: 4,059 Member
    Mizuno fan!!! check out their website -- they have the best fitting advice.
  • artbkward
    artbkward Posts: 238 Member
    Thanks everyone. The nearest specialty shoe store is about an hour drive for me so I guess I need to plan a trip. The shoes I have been wearing are just some Nike running shoes that are a couple years old and have never really been ran in much, but they are giving me blisters on the outside of my big toe. It's not comfortable...

    They are probably the wrong size. As everyone else suggested, you should go to a running specialty store. They will be able to find exactly the right shoes for you, any quality running store will let you take the shoes for a test run that day as well. Prepare to spend at least $100.

    Also, once you get them ONLY use them for running. Don't use them for weight traning, kickboxing class or everyday use, you'll only have to replace them faster.
  • mlewon
    mlewon Posts: 343 Member
    Brooks!! I loooove mine!
  • sweetsarahj
    sweetsarahj Posts: 701 Member
    I just bought a new pair of New Balance runners, which I love. The best part is, if you shop at the New Balance store, they encourage you to go out and run in them, and if you don't like them, you can still return them :)
  • lunatikchik
    lunatikchik Posts: 30 Member
    What if there are no running specialty stores within 200 miles of your location?
    (i live in the boonies) we have shoe stores but the clerks in there are high schoolers, or college students at best...
  • Jazzyrose77
    Jazzyrose77 Posts: 153 Member
    I have Brooks Adrenaline. They work well if you have a high arch.
  • feltlikesound
    feltlikesound Posts: 326 Member
    I think you really just need to go somewhere knowledgable, and try on different brands. What's good for the goose is NOT good for the gander. My spouse and I are both runners, but she gets a PERFECT fit from Asics, while I find them incredibly uncomfortable. I (admittedly skeptically) have fallen in love with my New Balance runners, and am not sure i'll ever go back to anything else!

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