by Natalie
It's been (ahem) awhile since I last bought running shoes, and the technology moves so freaking fast these days that I'm always completely stymied when I walk in to a shoe store because the options are ENDLESS. Cushioning for the heel! For the instep! For the sole! For people who pronate! For people who run on the balls of their feet! (For the record, those people concern me. It looks VERY TAXING.)
Anyway, I've been a Brooks fan in the past, but when I went in to find my old standby, they had changed it up and now it feels funny. So I'm in the market for a new brand/pair of running shoes.
I like these:
I mean, sure, they're freakishly bright, but that's half the charm, yes? These are Mizunos, and I've heard nothing but great things about their shoes. My husband swears by them, and the pair I tried were pretty comfortable.
I also like these Asics:
I have a soft spot for Asics, as they were my first ever running shoes, but I always feel about 15 years old when I wear them (see aforementioned "first pair of running shoes.") I'm pretty sure my original pair were NOT this colorful, so I think I'm safe going back to them.
Any tips on favorite shoes from our running readers? I realize everyone's feet and running styles are totally different, but I'd love to know if there's a brand I'm completely missing.
{Photo credits: zappos.com}
I went to a running store to get fitted for the right running shoes. I ended up with these Brooks ones - http://www.brooksrunning.com/Ravenna-3/120107,default,pd.html
My second choice was the Mizuno Wave. If you have the option to go to a store that will let you try some on and run in them, I'd do that. You can put one on one foot and another on the other foot and compare.
Posted by: Kristabella | April 30, 2012 at 11:33 AM
Go to a real running store and have them observe your gait, ideally on a treadmill or outside, and go with their recommendations. It's more expensive, but worth it long-run, and they usually have amazing service and a great return policy.
(FWIW - I run in Vibrams most days and some Japanese racing flat for long runs.)
Posted by: Elizabeth | April 30, 2012 at 11:34 AM
Agree with Elizabeth. After running for years in Asics, I went and had my gait analyzed and realized that almost all of my joint pain was because I was in bad shoes. (I roll on my ankle so severely it's almost taking all of the force directly on my ankle bone.)
As a result, they put me in some Mizunos (which I now SWEAR by), but those are just right for me. Most running stores offer an analysis, and it's TOTALLY worth the half hour.
Posted by: Sarah Lena | April 30, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I went to a running store for a gait review and it turned out that good old New Balance are perfect for my feet. Like the other commenters, I suggest going to a running store and have them look at how you run before you buy. They'll point you in the right direction.
Posted by: elz | April 30, 2012 at 11:38 AM
I echo the previous commenters by saying, find a local running shoe where they can watch you run/walk on a treadmill and make a recommendation and let you try on lots of different brands.
Posted by: Jess | April 30, 2012 at 11:54 AM
I just bought the New Balance Minimus (Vibram "technology" but looks like a real shoe) and I swear they make me run faster and longer and with less pain. Other brands also make a low...profile, I guess is what they're called?...shoe. Highly recommend.
Posted by: Home Sweet Sarah | April 30, 2012 at 12:38 PM
ditto everyone who said to get thee to a specialized running store (not a foot locker) and get your gait analyzed, etc for a proper shoe fit :)
Posted by: Andrea | April 30, 2012 at 01:35 PM
My husband decided last fall he wanted Vibrams and to run in them. He went months, yes, months! with blisters on his feet from them. Come to find out, he just needed good running shoes with support. We have a local store here that the owner says the average person tries on 4-6 pair of shoes. My hubby took both of our teenage daughters to get fitted because they are all running a half marathon in the next 9 months, both girls are in Mizunos and love them! I am going this week and get fitted too - although I don't run, I do walk close to 20 miles a week.
Posted by: Anita Thebo | April 30, 2012 at 08:49 PM
I agree with all commenters who say go get fitted and get fitted by a good running store every time. I have worn Asics and New Balance in the past and my husband loves his Mizunos. My last two pairs have been Saucony Rides (version three and four).http://www.zappos.com/saucony-progrid-ride-4-white-silver-blue
Posted by: Jessica | May 01, 2012 at 03:31 PM