Who makes excellent running shoes?

[rasputin]

I've tried Reebok, Nike and Adidas and none of them feel particularly comfortable after about a mile (sometimes less) of jogging. I don't feel like I have enough support. What do the runners on these forums wear that give good support and are comfortable to run in? I've heard good things about New Balance. Thanks.

[sc`]

I have always bought Brooks.

[Cent]

New Balance. I would buy a pair for running, but I'm too cheap for an extra set of shoes.

[Fivestar]

New Balance works the best for me. I have a few different pair, but I use my 574s the most when I go running or play tennis. Very good cushioning, especially needed for tennis.

[Telos]

I like New Balance, and my roomate who has run several marathons swears by them. Your best bet however is to go and try shoes on and see whats comfortable. Make sure you lace them tight, like they will be when you run. Depending on how much you want to spend, or how serious you are going to be, go to a running store and ask them. Usually they will look at how you walk, or ask you to bring in an old pair of running shoes. They can usually tell when you have an eversion or inversion and recommend a pair that will be better for you. Be careful though, because they might end up recommending an expensive pair. All depends on the employees and how much you are willing to spend.

edit: I jsut ran a 5k in Nike cross trainers because I left my running shoes at home :( They ended up being pretty comfortable and I didn't notice a slow down on my final time, but that might have also been because I ran it on a bum ankle...

[BlackThoughT]

I've been getting new balance for running shoes for a while, also used to wear them for straigth sneakers for a bit, but I switched to adidas and merrill for just casual wear, still like the NB's for running though

[Mulchman MM]

Brand doesn't matter at all. It's all about the right type of shoe for your degree of under/over pronation. Make sure to get a proper size too (avoid stupid things like cramming your foot into a 13 because you don't want to wear a 14, aha).

Go to a real running store where they'll watch you walk/run and try and pick out an appropriate shoe for you. I've even been to one store where you could take the shoe home and run in it for a bit (provided you kept it really clean/new) and they would take it back if you didn't like it.

I really loved a pair of Mizuno's but they've changed styles or something and now that same exact shoe is way too tight on my foot. I think I'm still wearing Mizunos but I've stopped caring about brand. It's all about a shoe with good arch support or my arches get abused and plantar facisitis kicks back in.

Also, I can't stress this enough... don't overtrain (and if you're going for a lot of distance day in/day out you're going to have to do some weights/odd ball shit to keep your muscles up and avoid injuries).

And... lacing the shoe can also have an impact. There are a lot of different lacing patterns you might want to consider based on how the shoe fits certain areas. I often feel like one of my feet is bigger-around than the other so for a while I laced a weird way and the shoe would feel tons better. But now I'm back to standard lacing. I also don't lace them tight (like someone above mentioned) since as you run your foot is going to expand a little so you need some room (especially for distance runners).

And... another and... if you're putting in a lot of mileage the shoe is going to "run out" before you think you should be done with it. Believe it or not there's a certain mileage for shoes before they start losing some of their support (I've typically heard ~100 miles) so make sure you're not running in old un-supportive shoes even if they still look great/clean.

And... aha, again... socks can play a big role too. You don't want cotton socks.

And... maybe finally... keep your toenails trimmed but not too trimmed.

I think I'm done?

[Hellz-Angel01]

Aasics makes some really good ones too and I've never been disappointed with a pair. Go for something comfortable and LIGHT.

[schwaBAM]

Brand doesn't matter at all. It's all about the right type of shoe for your degree of under/over pronation. Make sure to get a proper size too (avoid stupid things like cramming your foot into a 13 because you don't want to wear a 14, aha).

Go to a real running store where they'll watch you walk/run and try and pick out an appropriate shoe for you. I've even been to one store where you could take the shoe home and run in it for a bit (provided you kept it really clean/new) and they would take it back if you didn't like it.

I really loved a pair of Mizuno's but they've changed styles or something and now that same exact shoe is way too tight on my foot. I think I'm still wearing Mizunos but I've stopped caring about brand. It's all about a shoe with good arch support or my arches get abused and plantar facisitis kicks back in.

Also, I can't stress this enough... don't overtrain (and if you're going for a lot of distance day in/day out you're going to have to do some weights/odd ball shit to keep your muscles up and avoid injuries).

And... lacing the shoe can also have an impact. There are a lot of different lacing patterns you might want to consider based on how the shoe fits certain areas. I often feel like one of my feet is bigger-around than the other so for a while I laced a weird way and the shoe would feel tons better. But now I'm back to standard lacing. I also don't lace them tight (like someone above mentioned) since as you run your foot is going to expand a little so you need some room (especially for distance runners).

And... another and... if you're putting in a lot of mileage the shoe is going to "run out" before you think you should be done with it. Believe it or not there's a certain mileage for shoes before they start losing some of their support (I've typically heard ~100 miles) so make sure you're not running in old un-supportive shoes even if they still look great/clean.

And... aha, again... socks can play a big role too. You don't want cotton socks.

And... maybe finally... keep your toenails trimmed but not too trimmed.

I think I'm done?
Cheetos. YOU. FORGOT. CHEETOS.

I'm gonna try that advice out. Seems legit. Didn't you use to run marathons? That is.. until you hurt your wittle toe..?

[ALieN]

New Balance or asics. I hate all things nike. Adidas running shoes are comfortable for everyday use but they still hurt my feet some for running.

[Lucas]

i've been a new balance fan for a while now but i recently got a pair of brooks and i love them

[rasputin]

Mulch, I've been trying to find a running shoe store that lets you run on a track inside testing shoes out but haven't been able to track any down. There was one on the other side of town at one point years ago, but it moved, and I can't even remember the name.

[Sutterkane]

I'm not sure about running shoes, but Johnston & Murphy makes absolutely the best dress shoes EVER.

They make sandals and other stuff as well, but I've never tried them. I'm sure they're as comfortable if not more than their dress shoes. I have a pair of new balance running shoes and my J&M dress shoes are honestly 10x more comfortable.

[Pritz]

For pure running I always go Asics.

[Bp-2X]

For jogging, best is new balance.

[Mercenary-VD]

I have two pairs of Mizuno's, they rock.

[choco]

I actually work at a shoe store, holy crap, that is embarrassing!

We just got a new shoe in, I totally love, called the Adidas Response Light - not the most durable shoe ever, but holy shit is it light. Its like wearing a pair of socks. Aside from that, they are not your plebeian 'running' shoe, they are actually made for running - I wouldnt wear them at all if I werent running. I used to play tons of soccer in various countries and always, always, always wanted a running shoe like this one for the f'n marathons they had us running.

Asics GT-2120 are also a staple with the runners. very, very durable. asics tend to have high arches so if you have a flat foot, id stay away (blisters, soreness). They also make a special 'pronation' vers. of this shoe, but it only comes in some terrible ass color, black and neon green if I recall. If you want the top of the line, go with the Asics Gel Kayano or however the hell you spell it. Asics also have the 2nd highest 'mileage' rating right behind NB

'Doctors' would recommend NB shoes, as they have the most rigid support, and are generally great for the avg runner. Stay away from Nike, ouch. Brooks we dont even carry, so I cannot speak for them at all, my dad loves them though, they are a bit clunky.

[sani]

My New Balance's have been great to me for running/jogging. I

[dakine`]

saucony?

[tice]

new balance

[Mulchman MM]

Mulch, I've been trying to find a running shoe store that lets you run on a track inside testing shoes out but haven't been able to track any down. There was one on the other side of town at one point years ago, but it moved, and I can't even remember the name.

Any of the stores have treadmills?

[Vr_]

when searching for a good running shoe i spare no expense

[Mulchman MM]

Yeah, cause good ones run you like $90 easy.

[rasputin]

Any of the stores have treadmills?

Heh probably, but I'm not sure if they allow you to test them like that. I guess it would't hurt to ask, or just do.

[car]

new balance feels great, but all new balance shoes wear out really really fast. i personally have adidas and pumas at the moment, but that's because i don't like to keep switching out shoes every few months because they wear out. i've had the pumas for 1.5 years and the adidas for about 6 months and they're both still great. however, if you're looking for pure comfort and are willing to buy new shoes every 3-4 months, new balance is your best bet.

[bergenhell]

nike free 5.0

[AntioK]

nike free 5.0


I run in these, i absolutely love them.

[Naufragus]

Asics > all.

[jav]

asics are far better than new balance, adidas, nike, or any other running shoe.

that is all.

[bayz]

i too am quite partial to asics.

[Suicidal Anomaly]

On the topic of running any recommendations as far as building up your distance and bettering your time? I started running to get into better shape and after the first week of thinking my legs were going to fall off they're only a little sore towards the end of the run but this is only week 2. Just got running shoes yesterday because I was using basketball shoes since they're the only shoes I had that would suffice. Also, is there such a thing as running too much like there is lifting? I'd like to get up to 4 miles a day eventually running 5-6 days a week. Right now I'm slowly doing 2.5 miles a day.

[Mulchman MM]

Yeah, you can certainly overtrain especially when starting out when you just want to go and go and fell like you can. Typically, books/articles say to do a couple weeks then an easy week and repeat.

If you're going to be going for a lot of distance be sure to do some weight/strengthening exercies for your quads, hamstrings, and hips or after a while you're just going to be so beat down that stupid injuries will crop up. The muscles really help to protect the key areas - like your knees - so keeping quads strong (and hamstrings so there's no imbalance throwing off your stride) is really important.

Be sure to stretch well afterwards. I couldn't touch my toes until I started running, heh.

[Vanquish]

New Balance did me well when I was in the military. I still have 2 of my old pairs, which, while not in any shape for a run, still make good daily farting-around shoes, and they're years old.

[enek]

guys guys, the clear answer here of course is taiwanese/chinese children. thread over.

[illskillz]

Hey Mulch,

What was that site you posted.. maybe a few years ago, where you can click out a route on like a google map and it would show you the distance?


I started runnning last year and did it for about 6 months, when I started I followed this program here:

http://www.teamoregon.com/publications/begwk1.html

It starts off really slow, which was just fine for me, I felt like I could do more but I just followed the program, after a month and a half, running 3 miles was pretty easy.

I stopped running, then turned 21 and started drinking a lot of beer, I weigh more now than I ever have, I'm going to start this running jive again, especially since the highschool by my house just redid their track and its got that nice spoungy surface to run on

[Vanquish]

Google Earth allows you to track the distance of your route. It's under tools -> ruler. I used it today to map out my daily bike route (15k)

[Mulchman MM]

gmaps pedometer or something
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/

[[MsA]Led.se]

http://www.mapmyrun.com/

[dylan]

http://www.flywalk.co.uk/heelys.jpg

[lb_]

I AM A SHOE SALESMAN so I can vouch for what Mulch said!

It completely depends on your feet. Nike does make a few models that help a lot with support for pronating, but to be honest, there are other solutions for that. If you DO have pronating problems, buy one of these: http://www.superfeet.com/ . They completely correct your alignment. We get a free pair at work and good God are they awesome. I havn't had knee problems at all since I started wearing mine. There are standard ones and athletic ones. Athletics you just swap them with the shoes sockliner.

As for brands, I love my asics. I have two pairs of Onitsuka Tigers that are incredible. We sell a ton of 2120's and GEL-Kinsei's. The Kinseis especially are cool because they last significantly longer in my experience and the Gel always stays cool to stop your feet from getting too nasty. Its all on taste, really. If you can find a store that lets you run around in them and are smart enough to watch for pronation habits, do it. Nordstrom has an awesome return policy (or lack thereof) where you can buy anything and return it in any condition. Their selection is pretty good too, and they only carry high quality shoes!

edit: Choco said the Kayano too, those are good too. I'm still partial to the Kinsei though.

[cryptopsy]

I wear the Asic Gel-Kinsei. Greatest running shoe I've ever had. I run atleast 3 miles a day, sometimes up to 10. I also work at a shoe store and the kinsei and kayano are the top of the line. Then again personal preference is what it is.

Gel-Kinsei RED
http://stuff.tv/csfiles/blogs/sport/asics-gel-kinsei.jpg
I have the blue.
http://www.davideckoff.com/asics-gel-kinsei.jpg
One designed for The Ironman Triathlon
http://www.stefan-holzner.de/img/misc/asics/asics_gel_kinsei.jpg

[Fusion^cB]

While we're on this topic, anyone know any good throwing shoes? (SP, discus shoes)