Which running shoes do you wear?

[Duanerice]

Hi All,
I tried to search for the answer, but couldn't find anything.

Since I am in the market for a new pair of running shoes, I am curious, what brand and model of shoes do you wear? I know it is a personal decision, but I see people talking about Asics, Brooks, New Balance, etc. I know there are probably many good shoes, but figure there are only 4 or 5 that are considered top "over the counter" shoes by runners. I posted this message here versus the main WISH board because I am really just interested in what the runners wear. Walking shoes I'm sure would be different.

I just started running about a year ago. Pretty much just doing 2 - 3 miles inside on the treadmill. In the last few months, I started running outside and run from 5 - 7 miles every other day. Just depends on time available. I would like to eventually get up around 10 miles on one of my weekend runs.

I used to run in New Balance 766. I needed a new pair and when I went to buy a pair of Rockport dress shoes, I had the chance to get Reebok at 1/2 price. I bit and bought their Premier Road King (I think that's the name). It is a nice shoe but the toe box is a bit tight for me. Mistake on my part.

So, to make a long story short I am looking at a new pair of shoes. Looking at the New Balance 767 (replaced the 766). But, am open to other shoes. I have a normal stride so I don't need any special shoe. The only reason I am thinking about switching from New Balance is I have read many threads about people that used to use a specific shoe then found others that were just great and they are glad they switched.

Thanks,
Duane

 

[scuba diver]

Hi All,
I tried to search for the answer, but couldn't find anything.

Since I am in the market for a new pair of running shoes, I am curious, what brand and model of shoes do you wear? I know it is a personal decision, but I see people talking about Asics, Brooks, New Balance, etc. I know there are probably many good shoes, but figure there are only 4 or 5 that are considered top "over the counter" shoes by runners. I posted this message here versus the main WISH board because I am really just interested in what the runners wear. Walking shoes I'm sure would be different.

I just started running about a year ago. Pretty much just doing 2 - 3 miles inside on the treadmill. In the last few months, I started running outside and run from 5 - 7 miles every other day. Just depends on time available. I would like to eventually get up around 10 miles on one of my weekend runs.

I used to run in New Balance 766. I needed a new pair and when I went to buy a pair of Rockport dress shoes, I had the chance to get Reebok at 1/2 price. I bit and bought their Premier Road King (I think that's the name). It is a nice shoe but the toe box is a bit tight for me. Mistake on my part.

So, to make a long story short I am looking at a new pair of shoes. Looking at the New Balance 767 (replaced the 766). But, am open to other shoes. I have a normal stride so I don't need any special shoe. The only reason I am thinking about switching from New Balance is I have read many threads about people that used to use a specific shoe then found others that were just great and they are glad they switched.

Thanks,
Duane

The best pair is the pair that is right for your feet.

My suggestion is to go to a local specialized running store that have shoe experts that will fit your feet. Take in your current pair. They will want to look at the treadwear. It will take some time to get fitted, but they will be able to fit your running style and feet to the correct pair of shoes.

On way to find a store is to look at the sponsors of your local 5Ks. There is usually a running store as a sponsor.

Go to the experts and let them help you. You will not be sorry.

 

[dmensing]

I totally agree with Jim's advice on getting a shoe that is designed for your feet and assistance from a knowledgeable source. You can do some of your own research online by checking out www.runnersworld.com. Go to the shoes & gear section. There is information on your foot type and how you run and how to pick the right shoe.

HTH,
Dan.

 

[tiberius]

You may not believe how helpful a good running store can be to advise you. Bring in your old running shoes so they can see the wear pattern on them to help determine what are the best shoes for you. They should also watch you walk with shoes on to observe your stride--my local store has a treadmill to let them watsch your stride while you test out the shoes at various speeds.
Getting the right shoes makes all the difference.

As for me, I have done best with Asics (those made for supinating feet, i.e. greater wear on the outer portion off the soles), but the best shoe could be any brand.

 

[Minnie]

The advise given to you here is spot on. Go to a "real" running store that will check your stride and your old shoes to help determine the best shoe for you. I don't mean a mall or box store but rather a real runners store. My local one is called Running Wild. These stores are run by individuals that are actually runners that will be able to help.

I used to love Nike but I can't run in them. I now run only in Asics Kayano and there are many on the Wish run/walk training group that love these shoes as well. But there are those that have tried them and they don't work for them.

Good luck!

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

As an employee at one of those small running stores, I would highly recommend going to one (not that I am biased or anything!! )

The store I work at is Endurance Athletics, and it is only myself and the owner. We are both certified athletic trainers, and so we also do injury screenings and prevention tips.

I second what everyone else has said about taking in your old shoes to check tread patterns. Also bring any orthotics that you may have, and wear the same kind of socks that you would wear to run in. We always do a gait analysis on a treadmill first, and then do the actual shoe fitting.

Be prepared to give as much info as possible to the person fitting you- the more info we have, the easier it is to find the correct shoe for you. I always ask lots of questions like what is your training like (miles, surfaces, etc), do you have any pain anywhere, do you run hills, etc.

The person fitting you will first decide whether you need a cushion shoe, stability shoe, or motion control shoe, but then there are a lot of options inside each category. Different brands also have different features which may help. For example, the Saucony Grid cushion is great for a heavy heel striker, or someone with heel spurs, but the low profile of Asics is great for a runner that wants a faster transition time. The people at the store will be able to help you make those kinds of decisions.

My best advice though, is that NO SHOE requires a "break-in" period if it is truly a perfect fit for you!!! Good luck, and let us know what you decide on!

 

[Duanerice]

Thanks everyone. When I originally purchased the shoes I went to our only "running" store which is family owned. Other than Sports Authority, etc that is it for our town.

I was not impressed. I went in expecting everything you guys told me. Not once did they ask me to walk nor did they ask what surfaces I was going to run on, how far, etc. Once I brought up these topics he said oh, we'll let me look at your shoe. I was a bit disappointed as I went to them for this reason. I could have went anywhere and received the kind of help I got here. I think I ended up with the New Balance because when the sales guy came over I was standing in front of New Balance I do love them though.

I'll go back and try again and maybe the next guy will be good.
Thanks,
Duane

 

[westcliffemom]

Also, you may need to gradually break in to a new pair, esp. if it some sort of correction for you. For example, I went to a running shoe store. They watched me walk on the treadmill, showed how my right foot was turning out kinda. Showed me what kind of shoes would help correct it. I bought them, started using them, and had terrible problems with sciatica. $72 later (2 chiropractor visits) I realized the shoes may be the problem. Went back to my old shoes, helped. Finally, I feel better, but I'm slowly weaning myself into the new pair. It think they'll work great, it was just too much too soon. Does that make sense?

 

[Minnie]

Actually yes it makes a lot of sense and now I wonder if my shoes might not be part of the problem that has caused my bulging disk/sciatica

Hmmmm I'm going to take them in to the "running store" next time I get and find out.

 

[westcliffemom]

When I went to the chiropractor (forgot to mention this in my post) he said that my hip was turned in an odd way, which is kinda what the shoes were correcting (foot rolled outward some). I'm able now to use them, so far I'm up to 4 miles without pain. I hope you get your problem resolved, it's very painful!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Figure on spending $80-$100+ on a good pair of running shoes.

If there is nothing wrong with your feet and your feet will work in a neutral--then you can luck out and purchase neutral running shoes most anywhere.

For someone like me who requires a stability or motion control shoe, I just do not have that luxury.


What works for one person's foot may not work for another and my suggestion is to go to a real running store (not a footlocker or Sports Authority). They can check your feet and make recommendations. My running store even has a treadmill so that you can test them in a run....and they have a liberal return policy b/c sometimes you just cannot tell you made a bad choice until you are out on the road.

One thing I discovered....I cannot wear any orthotics--my feet cannot be any more arched than what the shoe provides or I will cramp up in my foot something fierce.

Poor shoe choice can cause many problems--trying to remember what mine was and I can't..I think I was getting excrutiating calf pain or something once I got up to 6 miles.

Lastly--for my feet....

Until I bought "REAL" running shoes...I had never experienced a shoe where my feet didn't collapse the side wall EVER. All my sneakers were collapsed by the time I needed a new shoe...never knew why.

That doesn't happen with my "REAL" running shoes.