Running Shoes

[Groove]

What are the best ones? I need to buy some new shoes. In the past have gone with asics and havent had any problems but would like some reccomendations.

 

[TheWackedYak]

No brand is better than the other - each produces good shoes, each produces crap.

Go and have your stride looked at to discover whether you pronate (in) or supinate (out) - Athlete's Foot have a fit program, or maybe see a podiatrist. Very few sales staff in sports stores will know just by looking at you walk. Once you've discovered your gait/stride pattern/footstrike you're bombarded for choice. Try on anything that corresponds with your stride and go with what feels best. Try on a minimum of about 3-4 pairs ACROSS DIFFERENT BRANDS.

Or simply believe the schmuck in the store who's never run more than 3K in his/her life and says that the $260 Asics Kayano/Nimbus or Brooks Trance/Glycerin is "the best shoe on the market".

Tips:
*Once you know what you need - go to factory outlets or buy superseded models. You should NEVER have to pay full price for runners.
*Buy something that corresponds with your body shape/weight. If you're a skinny person who doesn't need much support in a shoe, go lightweight. Or if you're a big fella, buy something with a bit of bulk and support/cushioning.

As soon as someone says "Brand X make the best running shoes" and proceeds to hand you their flagship model, ask them how they know or alternatively, hit them over the head with said shoe repeatedly and never return to the store again

Sorry for the long winded rant which has probably helped jack shit!

 

[Groove]

nah thats all good advice mate, I do actually have some specifics that were reccomended by my physio, so Il be taking them into consideration when I buy them.

 

[seanoff]

I wear Kayanos, but I pronate and I'm 193cm and 90+ Kgs so I need a strong supportive shoe. I've worn them for so long I can't remember anything else.

I find they fit me well, are bloody well made and last.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[JKCeagle]

Nike has a decent range of running shoes and accessories (eg. their Vapor sports headphones are really useful because the Apple ones that come with iPods tend to fall out when running).

A few months ago I bought Nike Air N'Sights II's, they are cross-trainers geared towards running...they retail pretty pricey but they were heavily on sale at the time (about $65) so I had to have a go. They are great, fit like a second skin and are super comfortable...recently I travelled around South-East Asia for almost 2 months and they stood up really well to running on the rural dusty dirt roads, and they are even better on the well-maintained surfaces here in Australia.

http://www.nike.com/index.jhtml?l=n...6008+4294967198/ip-100/pn-1&re=US&co=US&la=EN

I think you wouldn't want to just go for the cheapest pair you can find, but obviously many brand-name shoes are overpriced so look for a deal...overall your feet will thank you later if you get a reliable brand that fits well and is well-designed.

 

[Korn]

Nike don't make good running shoes, and that pair above certainly isn't, espeically when it only cost $65.

Good running shoes has got a very thick sole underneath and it is very tough and hard that you shouldn't be able to bend it.

stick with Brooks or Asics.

 

[Underdog]

Nike don't make good running shoes, and that pair above certainly isn't, espeically when it only cost $65.

Good running shoes has got a very thick sole underneath and it is very tough and hard that you shouldn't be able to bend it.

stick with Brooks or Asics.

Bingo

I usually stick with Asics...very supportive and they generally have pretty good arch support

 

[Jeffers]

Yeah definitely Asics for me. Very good brand for running shoes.
Paid $160 for them which is the most i've ever paid for a pair of shoes but they support my feet very well.

 

[Dan Moody]

Nike don't make good running shoes, and that pair above certainly isn't, espeically when it only cost $65.

Good running shoes has got a very thick sole underneath and it is very tough and hard that you shouldn't be able to bend it.

stick with Brooks or Asics.

this is incorrect, if you cant bend the sole of a shoe then your shins and ankles take the brunt of the foot strike. this is an old wives tale, ask a podiatrist. nothing could be further from the truth.

I wear Kayanos, but I pronate and I'm 193cm and 90+ Kgs so I need a strong supportive shoe. I've worn them for so long I can't remember anything else.

I find they fit me well, are bloody well made and last.

Your mileage may vary.

kayano's are the top of the tree and are suitable for all foot types.

Bingo

I usually stick with Asics...very supportive and they generally have pretty good arch support

imo, nike have 2 good running shoes. the pegasus (app $160) and the nike free ($170). the pegasus have been around in many stages for 20 years and seasoned runners will attest to it's performance. the free is a revolutionary shoe that mimics barefoot running. if you have knee or ankle problems or get shin splints then go and buy this shoe.
i have been in the industry and heard all the bullshit from the suppliers.
conclusion, brooks shoes take a long time to wear in and are unforgiving on your feet if you select the wrong style, new balance runners are not worth it - their cross trainers are the best in the business though, puma and adidas are behind in the tech department, saucony have incredibly comfortable shoes that you will see a lot of triathletes wear, mizuno is used by the serious runner and you will not get a more cushioned ride, nike see above but asics are still the leader. i train in asics nimbus and nike free's and i race in the kayanos. credentials? i have completed 5 marathons, never won one, but have run under 3 hours 3 times.

 

[JKCeagle]

Nike don't make good running shoes, and that pair above certainly isn't, espeically when it only cost $65.

Good running shoes has got a very thick sole underneath and it is very tough and hard that you shouldn't be able to bend it.

stick with Brooks or Asics.

Like I said, they were heavily discounted, retailed for closer to $150-odd...also, not sure about a shoe needing to have a sole so thick that it isn't bendable in order for the shoe to be good for running.

Personally I've always run in Nikes and I've found them to be fine, I especially like the pair I've got now, but to each his own I guess.

 

[carntheroos4eva]

New Balance.

Go to the Athletes Foot to go and buy your runners.

 

[Mofra]

I've worn Asics for years - however don't just go for Kayanos, try a few. I've found the 2030s suit my running style slightly better - I have very high arches & push off almost entirly on my big toe (heavy roll of the foot).

 

[TheWackedYak]

Ferris - Nike's Bowerman line (which includes the Pegasus) is their running line, and the models compare favourably with similar shoes from Asics, Brooks, Mizunos. Shit like the Shox, Air Max 360/180, Turbulence etc etc are classified as running shoes but are rubbish. I'm breaking in a pair of Free 3.0's as well as pairs of the Air Zoom Elite and Air Structure Triax. I run shorter, faster stuff in two Asics racing models.

I think you've come damn close to nailing on the head the whole "brand" thing. Nike, Adidas, Reebok and Puma all have a core line of solid shoes - it's just their statement $220 shoes and budget $80 shoes are so friggin crap with gimmick technology (or none at all) and they're sold in suburban shopping centres where many people buy their shoes (EG Sportsco, Footlocker), that people come to the ignorant conclusion that "brand X" is crap.

So you race in a heavier, more stable shoe than you train in (Nimbus vs Kayano) - what's with that?. Congrats on the 3 sub 3's - I'm doing my 4th Marathon in April (to hopefully beat Lance Armstrong - there, I've said it)

 

[Underdog]

this is incorrect, if you cant bend the sole of a shoe then your shins and ankles take the brunt of the foot strike. this is an old wives tale, ask a podiatrist. nothing could be further from the truth.

My podiatrist is the one who told me about this

Perhaps it depends in the individuals foot

Ive been told to get shoes with strong arch support which don't bend easily

 

[matera_goal]

I run barefoot, except when I have to wear boots to play footy. (when I go for a few ks run on the pavement I still don't wear shoes, should though considering the amount of glass around my area )

Works well for me (do I ever wear shoes though? maybe to peoples houses and restaurants but not many other places)

MG

 

[borgy]

Ive got the new Brooks Trance. They are great although i havent been able to really test them out because of a dodgy hammy. I have no complaints with them. I see shoes as an investment much like jeans to some extent so i go all out.

 

[Korn]

this is incorrect, if you cant bend the sole of a shoe then your shins and ankles take the brunt of the foot strike. this is an old wives tale, ask a podiatrist. nothing could be further from the truth.

You can bend the toe section of the shoe. But the large grey bit is very solid and it is not bendable.

But it really depends on your feet type, if you have neutral feet the you probably don't need arch support like that.

 

[Nic]

I've got neutral feet and I'm a big fan of Brooks' Adrenalines.

 

[Jeffers]

You can bend the toe section of the shoe. But the large grey bit is very solid and it is not bendable.

But it really depends on your feet type, if you have neutral feet the you probably don't need arch support like that.

Exact same ones i have i think.

 

[carntheroos4eva]

My podiatrist is the one who told me about this

Perhaps it depends in the individuals foot

Ive been told to get shoes with strong arch support which don't bend easily

Ok mate then why don't you take your podiatrist's advice instead of coming on here and rudly responding to some people's posts.

 

[GFCats07]

Asics.

I have had 3 pairs of asics and loved them all.
at the moment i have the 2007 Kayano which are fantastic.

But its all up to you.. and what type of foot you have.

 

[Altum Volantes]

yep, all down to your foot type. Asics are the market leader but not for everyone. Brooks make great shoes. Mizuno are very popular at the moment, they are the lightest weight runners out there. Nike and Adidas are alright, not the greatest though. Reebok a bit further back. New Balance are alright if you've got feet like an elephant but I don't care for them personally.

I wear Adidas Supernova Controls atm, mostly because I got them free through work (TAF man you see..) but they have done me alright thus far, suit my foot type anyway (bit of rolling in). Probably get back into Asics soon, 2130s are nice shoes, as are the 3000s.

But yeah, get yourself into a TAF and try and grab a 'Master Fit Technician', guys who've been fitting for a fair while rather than some kid whacking you in anything you like the colour of. It's worth getting fitted. Oh and, towing the company line, if you're going to buy superseded models, be aware the life of the shoe is reduced due to the perishing of the rubbers in the midsole (or so they tell me!). Oh and don't come into TAF, get fitted, pretend you are going to go to the ATM or whatever (the things people bother to make up...) and then go to Amart or Rebel, at least be thankful for good service in this day and age!

out of interest, anybody running with the Kinsei 2 at the moment? Thoughts?

Too neutral a shoe for myself but the industry is 'abuzz'.....apparantly.

 

[utility]

Asics. I have worn them for 15 years and unless they completely drop in quality will not consider swapping.

Kayano's are great but not necessarily best suited to your feet. There is another model (2130 or something like that, different number for women - I think 2120) that was recommended to me by a podiatrist when I was having foot soreness, and are the only running shoe with some fancy accreditation (which I can't remember now).

Anyway, Asics rock.

 

[Altum Volantes]

Asics. I have worn them for 15 years and unless they completely drop in quality will not consider swapping.

Kayano's are great but not necessarily best suited to your feet. There is another model (2130 or something like that, different number for women - I think 2120) that was recommended to me by a podiatrist when I was having foot soreness, and are the only running shoe with some fancy accreditation (which I can't remember now).

Anyway, Asics rock.

2130s are the newer model of 2120s (same for 1130s and 1120s). It's the same for men and women. They've got some sport medicine association (or the like) accreditation IIRC - but yeah, top shoes.

Try the 3000 though too aye.

 

[Crow Chick]

out of interest, anybody running with the Kinsei 2 at the moment? Thoughts?

Too neutral a shoe for myself but the industry is 'abuzz'.....apparantly.

Nup, but if they are anything like the Kinsei 1 they should be awesome!!! Fantastic shoe, haven't heard anything bad about them, except the price!!

Don't get Nimbus if you overpronate as they are a neutral shoe and your legs will cain!!

I've found asics have changed a bit recently, I tend to go for something like Asics foundation or evolution as I need the support. But haven't liked the newer models. My current shoes are NB 1223. Pretty impressed!