What running shoes are the best?

It depends on your weight, feet, surface you run on.

It really depends on your feet … including bone structure, and the physical mechanics of how you walk/run and distribute your weight. Everyone has different preferences and issues with their feet … so what might be the right fit for someone else, may not be the right fit for you.

Saucony and New Balance, at least in my opinion, as well as my podiatrist, make the best running shoes. If there is a New Balance store near you, check them out and they can properly fit your feet on their computer. I was very impressed with them … they were able to recommend the same type of orthotic inserts that my doctor had prescribed for me, without telling them that he had. New shoes and inserts weren't cheap … however, I have been able to run & workout with NONE of the foot, ankle, knee & hip issues that used to plague me … simply because I was wearing the wrong type of shoe.

I definitely recommend getting fitted for running. It will make running much better and keep you from getting all kinds of pain.

I overpronate and wear Brooks and I never take them off (I sleep in them) j/k. But they wear like a dream. But they were fitted by professionals like mentioned above. That's the only way to go.

It's totally individual. When I was heavier I liked Asics, but now I am better in Brooks. Asics are too heavy for me now, and I don't need serious cushioning. It's up to you and your running style.

I agree with the recommendations to have a professional fitting. There are some national chains like Fleet Feet, but if you don't have one in your area, you can contact a local running club for a store recommendation.

I got my shoes at a local running store. The measured me and all that jazz, and watched me walk. They had me try on Mizuno Wave Rider 15s and I think I'm going to be brand loyal for life. They feel amazing on my feet. I took 4 minutes off my 5 mile time the morning after I switched shoes. My old shoes had been holding me back because they weren't made for running.

Definitely depends on your preference and what you think you need. If you are going to be running on hard surfaces (sidewalks, pavement), ones with cushion are probably better than those that are more for support. I personally am a fan of asics, as is my boyfriend who is much more of a serious runner than I am. He ran in asics for multiple years, got a pair of Brooks that he said were much more lightweight, but switched back to asics (gel nimbus or cumulus) right before running a marathon and was so happy he did. But yeah, definitely go to a running store and ask them for help..or look up specific shoes that are what you're looking for (road vs trail running, cushion vs support, etc).

Well I'll just pile on and say to go ahead and get fitted. It changed everything about the way I run, especially how much I enjoy it.

Firstly, I agree 100% with getting fitted at a running store if you're actually running quite a bit.

That said, having stated that you are starting a couch to 5k I think it begs the question: Have you ever run before?

If not, you might want to start with something a bit more inexpensive until you figure out whether or not you're going to like it. The way the C25K works you will absolutely not injure yourself running in relatively cheap shoes for the first few weeks. That's just my opinion, and the way I've approached everything I've ever done from running, to horseback riding, to motorcycles. When I started my C25K program I started in running shoes from Payless. Obviously they weren't ideal, but they weren't as bad as I thought they would be and they got me started until I figured out if I was gonna keep it up. It works for me so just wanted to make the suggestion.