What are your favorite running shoes? - YouLookFab Forum

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What are your favorite running shoes?

Jem

Veteran

I've recently realized that my running shoes are worn out and I need to get some new ones ASAP. I was first looking at Saucony, but then tried on some Asics. Both felt alot better than what I've been wearing, but I thought I'd ask what any of you runners like. I realize that alot of it is personal preference, but it will help narrowing it down.

Shopping

26 replies

Latest reply was from Elly

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

I personally have had 3 pairs of New Balance runners and have loved them all!

I think they have very good arch support and there is enough room in the toe box for my fat piggies

Mo

(website)

Veteran

Fellow Asics girl. For restaurant work/walking I've always happily worn Reebok, but for running, it's Asics Kayanos. I have a high arch and somewhat narrow foot with short toes, for reference

kellygirl

Veteran

Saucony. I love them. Same model, updated version whenever I need to replace them. They aren't the prettiest shoes out there though.

Jem

Veteran

Thanks Lynn, I haven't looked at New Balance. I'll check it out.
Mo, I'll look at the Kayanos. I need a neutral shoe, so I'll have to see it that's one.
Kelly, which Saucony model do you like? There are so many to pick from, it's hard to narrow it down!

I have to say though, that once I tried them on, I never want to wear my old shoes again!

kellygirl

Veteran

I wear the Omni. They work well for my average arch, wideish feet and narrow heels. Can you go to a running store and have your feet fit? They can probably help you narrow down the best shoes.

Jem

Veteran

Thanks Kelly, I'll head over there tomorrow.

Mo

(website)

Veteran

I believe the Kayanos are neutral. At first I thought I had to get a shoe for supination due to the 'wet test' etc but I found I did not wear my shoes down in odd patterns despite my very high arches. So I'm pretty sure I got neutral. I will say they were expensive. Even on sale. But OH so comfortable, even years later long after I should have replaced them.

Jem

Veteran

Thanks! I just looked on Zappos site and they say they are a "stability" shoe. I'm not really sure what that means, just that the guy told me today I need a "neutral" shoe because I already have orthotics. I'm going to have to check more on that tomorrow. Btw , the one's i really like are: http://www.zappos.com/asics-ge.....te-magenta. But as the guy pointed out today, it shouldn't matter that they are pretty. haha Anyway, those are super expensive here in Canada!

Mo

(website)

Veteran

you might try a guide like this http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor

Jem

Veteran

Ooh, thanks! Off to check it out...

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

I was gong to suggest going to a Running Room or similar store. I have been wearing Saucony Hurricanes for about 4-5 years. I had a pair of Asics too but the Saucony was better for my feet. I have flat skinny feet and need a stability shoe though. I'm just getting back into running after a break (I had stress fractures in both legs) and am thinking i might go get fitted again since I am on about 5 versions higher than when I first started wearing hurricanes.

Sarah A

Veteran

getting fit at a good running store is highly recommended in my book... Esp if they have a treadmill and video gait analysis they can do in the shoe before you walk out the door. Before switching to minimal shoes (I.e. Vibram 5 fingers and nb minimus) I was in some brooks pro guide and mizuno wave rider which are both considered structured neutral shoes. If you want the wave riders (less than 30 miles on them) send me a pm. Size 9.5 but the run a bit small I am 9 in dress shoes.

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

I'm a moderate pronator and was fitted at the Running Room about 6 years ago for the Asics gel series. I'm on my 6th pair of these - twice I changed and tried both the Saucony and New Balance but ended up going back to Asics. Both the Saucony and New Balance put my toes to sleep because the arch support was in the wrong spot for me. I highly recommend getting fitted by Running Room because wearing the wrong shoes can cause all sorts of issues with your knees.

Anonymous

My DH, 2 daughters and I all have wide feet and swear by New Balance. My other daughter, who has narrow feet, sticks to Nike.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I've been wearing Brooks ever since I started running a little over a year ago, and I'm happy with them. I echo Sarah A's recommendation to go to a running store and get fitted by a pro.

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Thanks for this thread; I am reading with interest! I used to wear New Balance and I've also worn Asics. Can't remember the style numbers. But I'm not really a serious runner; I do other stuff much more and only run about 5 k at a time (and generally do a few minutes of intervals followed by a slow jog). And, for the past year or more, I've actually been wearing an Ecco walking shoe for this! It's worked great for me. There is a lot less padding so it changes one's style of running.

Jem

Veteran

Wow, I must have had a bad experience with Running Room last time. They were no help at all. I"m wondering if it's because I have the custom orthotics already, so they don't really want to deal with foot issues. They basically said to just get some neutral shoes and that would work. The guy at Sport Check yesterday was similar, but a bit more help. He was really sold on the Asics, but that's what he was wearing. I"m going to pop into RR later today to see if it's any different. Thank everyone for your help and suggestions!!!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I'm not familiar with those stores -- are they chains? I find that the small local shops where serious runners gear up are the best for knowledgeable sales people. Here in my area we have a couple of very good ones (Charm City Run is my favorite). I was intimidated the first time I walked in, but quickly felt comfortable since they want to make sure you are fitted for your best safety and performance, no matter whether you are a beginner or not.

My running shoes are a full size up from my usual shoes -- don't be surprised if that is recommended to you.

Jem

Veteran

Hmmm, Running Room is a Cdn. chain, but is a bunch of small stores. They are strictly a running store (and walking) and seem to be the "go to" place for all things running. I wouldn't even know any others. Maybe I just got a bad salesperson. I will try again. Thanks for the info on the sizing. Aren't you doing a race soon? I seem to remember some mention of that somewhere.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Yep, tomorrow! Citygirldc and I will both be racing. I am feeling jittery today, which seems silly since this is my second half-marathon. But I want very much to beat my time from last year, and I've had a little hip discomfort lately, so I guess I'm just feeling a little nervous. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself. Plus I am now realizing this is a BIG race and I'm not wild abut crowds. The two events I ran last year were pretty small. Wish me luck!

Good luck with your shoe search!

Jem

Veteran

Woohoo! I wish I could be there cheering you two on! The farthest I've done is 10K. I'm not sure if I want to do a half one of these days or not. I can run pretty far, but I'm super slow so it takes a long time. We'll see how this summer goes. Good luck with beating your time! I hope your hip holds out!!

Makrame

Veteran

I have Brooks Ghost 3 (it's a neutral shoe). I was fitted at a local running store and bought a pair from them and then another online at half price. I actually bought the first pair, ran in it a couple of times, brought it back into the store because they were uncomfortable, tried a different brand, and then came back to pick up the original shoes. They turned out to be a good pick in the end.

I know RunningRoom by name because I did a couple of half-marathons in Canada even though I live in the US.

Janet and Citygirdc, good luck to you! I have come to realize I actually like relatively big races, with people cheering and such. Otherwise it just takes too long to run a half at my speed and I get bored.

rachylou

Veteran

New Balance for me. Nike's have always cut me in the instep, ever since I was little when they first came out. LOL. Boy, that was a long time ago...

Meredith1953

Veteran

Here is my favorite (I own a pair in this color also)
http://www.zappos.com/pearl-iz.....ey-black~2

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krishnidoux

Veteran

New Balance and Adidas for me. I used to be a serious runner, and always had to try out many pairs before I found the one. New Balance however was more of a sure bet.

Elly

Veteran

I find that the brand isn't important to me, so much as the structure/type. I am a under-pronator (I've been doing PT and now have some normal pronation motion in one foot, but not really in the other-- I have some issues that stem from an old injury and some brain damage that only affects one side of my body, but that unbalances the other side).

My PT actually recommended a minimalist-type shoe with a lot of flex that allows my arches to flex as much as possible. However, my left foot isn't coming along enough for it to absorb enough shock, so I still am wearing a cushion or neutral shoe.

I also wear orthotics, and I find that running stores cannot access my gait because it is complex and I am going to add something to the shoe that changes it (and we have a world class small independent running store in my town, only the owner who has been in the business for 30 years does a good job on me). Usually I come in and tell them what I want (trail shoe, sole the same footprint of the shoe, not wider or narrower in places, amount of support in the upper, cushioning, neutral, ect) and they let me try the options-- I studied human locomotion a bit in school, so I am pretty good at gait analysis myself. They are also great there because if something doesn't perform they want to know about it, and will often replace a pair. Plus, they have an area where you can run in the shoe to get a feel. This is really important to me since I have reduced circulation and therefore try to avoid rubs/blisters, ect.

I really like a trail shoe-- even if I am running on pavement or a treadmill. I do "run light" though--- not everyone does and therefore they need the extra cushion not to beat their joints up. http://www.zappos.com/product/.....r/315276-- those are my favorite, although I also have a I pearl Zumi pair (a colorado manufacturer) that is essentially the same shoe/style, but with a bit less give in the upper.

Asics and Brooks are both really good brands.