This site is closed to new comments and posts.

Notice: This site uses cookies to function.
If you are not comfortable with cookies then please don't browse this website.

What's the best running sneaker? — Brooklynian

What's the best running sneaker?

Subject: What's the best running sneaker?

Hey everyone, as someone is seems to virtually always be combating some kind of ankle or knee or tendon or muscle pain, I'm curious as to what people think is the best running shoe. Long ago I used to wear Nike, but in my experience they suck as a running shoe. A trainer recommended Asics to me, but after trying those and Saucony, Saucony is my favorite. What does everyone else wear?
«1

Comments

  • I've never had a pair (NB always seem best for my over-pronated running style), but aren't Mizuno running shoes supposed to be awesome? I'm adding that to the poll.

    http://www.mizunousa.com/home04.nsf/running?OpenForm

    EDIT: DAMN! I just realized I can't add poll options because I'm not a mod on the new forums yet! :(
    ANDY!!! :lol::lol::lol:

    If you're thinking of voting for Mizuno, don't vote yet! The option will be added.

    EDIT #2: With my new expanded mod status, I've just added the poll option. Vote away!
  • Asics is probably the most popular shoe among experienced runners, the nimbus in particular, though I also wear their ds-trainers.
  • Thanks! I'll check out Mizuno's next time around.
  • I really like my Mizunos.
  • there's no option for 'Brooks'...
  • As a former employee of a running store, this is really a tougher question than you'd think. The selection can be narrowed down to a few choices, based on an individual's foot structure, unique biomechanics and personal preference. Personally I love Brooks and Mizuno and have had little success with Asics and New Balance, but have friends who loathe my choices and swear by Asics etc.

    It used to be that New Balance were acclaimed for having shoes that fit a wider foot, but now virtually all brands have shoes that fit narrow and wide feet.

    Not for nothing, but a decent running specialty store will assess your personal needs (the old "over-pronation/neutral/supination" question) and give you a number of possible good choices for your biomechanical needs and running profile - that's really as far as they can take you. Beyond that, it's up to you to decide how the shoe feels, preferably after having run for at least a few minutes in it.

    Even then, having found the shoe of your dreams, you can't guarantee that the shoe vendors won't tweak it and do something that screws it up for you, but maybe works for others. If I find a shoe I really love, I usually buy as many pairs as I can afford, and stash them in the closet, just in case.

    Just my 2 cents.
  • Brooks has been added as a poll option.
  • Carnivore wrote: Brooks has been added as a poll option.
    i just voted. guess for who? :-#
  • quijibo wrote: [quote=Carnivore]Brooks has been added as a poll option.
    i just voted. guess for who? :-#
    You probably run in Diesel sneakers, you fucking hipster! :twisted:
  • nah. man. i'm old school
    i run in blue suede pony's
    image
  • Really happy with Mizuno. New Balance comes in #2.
  • Young Hovacraft wrote: Puma
    Added to the pol (although there's no way in hell it's gonna win)l.
  • FurryGreyBOy wrote: As a former employee of a running store, this is really a tougher question than you'd think. The selection can be narrowed down to a few choices, based on an individual's foot structure, unique biomechanics and personal preference. Personally I love Brooks and Mizuno and have had little success with Asics and New Balance, but have friends who loathe my choices and swear by Asics etc.

    It used to be that New Balance were acclaimed for having shoes that fit a wider foot, but now virtually all brands have shoes that fit narrow and wide feet.

    Not for nothing, but a decent running specialty store will assess your personal needs (the old "over-pronation/neutral/supination" question) and give you a number of possible good choices for your biomechanical needs and running profile - that's really as far as they can take you. Beyond that, it's up to you to decide how the shoe feels, preferably after having run for at least a few minutes in it.

    Even then, having found the shoe of your dreams, you can't guarantee that the shoe vendors won't tweak it and do something that screws it up for you, but maybe works for others. If I find a shoe I really love, I usually buy as many pairs as I can afford, and stash them in the closet, just in case.

    Just my 2 cents.
    Agree completely. Also have worked in a running shoe store, and was a collegiate runner and coach. Too many people go on word of mouth to find their shoes. And, as mentioned above, a legit running store will try to find the shoe that fits your foot and gait -- not the shoe that they like the most. Foot Locker does not qualify as a legit running store, by the way.

    Once you have found a shoe you like, be sure to pay attention to the MODEL of the shoe. Meaning, do not purchase a Nike simply because Nike has worked for you in the past. Find out which Nike worked for you in the past.

    I've had success in Brooks, Nike, Etonic, and Asics. My needs have changed as my running, my feet, and my weight have changed, and my shoes have changed at the same rate.
  • Sounds like good advice. So that being said, where is a legit running store? I don't know of that many.
  • Locally... JackRabbit (7th Ave btw Garfield & Carroll)
    Slope Sports (7th Ave btw Berkeley & Lincoln)

    Manhattan
    - Urban Athletic - (World Financial Center @ Battery Park, Madison Ave & 80-something?)
    SuperRunners - (Grand Central Station, 89th/Lex, Madison/72?)
    JackRabbit - (W.14th St - btw 5th & 6th Ave)

    ALSO - you could check out the NYC Marathon Expo this week.....

    Good luck :D
  • Awesome. Thanks a lot.
  • anyone remember these by Adidas? They were awesome. The "Marathon Trainer" was the name back in the 80's. I've seen some newer versions, but these were the real deal.

    image

    Also, the saucony jazz was a great pair.

    image
  • But remember, opinions are SO subjective, and with a running shoe, what works for you might not work for someone else. We all have different feet, biomechanics, etc. etc.

    The best running shoe is what's best *for you*. Good luck!
  • You should check out the Adidas store on Houston and Broadway. They will custom fit running shoes for you. I have one foot that is a size 10 1/2, the other is 11. They custom fit each shoe to the specific foot and had me try different thickness levels on the cushion along with different arches. They feel great.
  • Some basics on shoes from Runner's World

    To use the Runner's World ShoeFinder effectively and find the best shoes for you, you must first know your Shoe Type. The short article below will help you make the right choice. Also, at the end of the article, we explain Pronation--a biomechanics term that often confuses runners.

    Cushioned Shoes

    You should wear cushioned shoes if you are a runner who needs maximum midsole cushioning and minimum medial (arch-side) support. These shoes are best suited for biomechanically efficient runners (you don't overpronate), and midfoot or forefoot strikers. Runners who do best in cushioned shoes often have moderate to high arches.

    Motion Control Shoes

    You should wear motion-control shoes if you are a runner who overpronates moderately to severely. Motion-control shoes will give you maximum rearfoot control and extra support on the medial (arch) side of the foot. Motion-control shoes are also best suited for big or heavy runners who need plenty of support and durability. These runners often have low arches (flat feet).

    Performance Training Shoes

    You should wear performance-training shoes if you are a runner who wants a light, well-balanced shoe suitable for racing, speedwork, or daily training. These shoes are best-suited for fast, efficient runners who want to train in them. Moderate overpronators can also train and race in some of these shoes.

    Racing Shoes

    You should wear racing shoes if you have a biomechanically efficient stride, don't have any current injuries, and want an exceptionally fast, lightweight shoe for races. Many runners use performance training shoes or their regular training shoes for races.

    Stability Shoes

    You should wear stability shoes if you are a runner who needs medial (arch-side) support and good midsole cushioning. These shoes are best suited for runners who are mild to moderate overpronators, and/or need added support and durability.

    Trail Shoes

    You should wear trail shoes if you are a runner who frequently runs off-road, and are looking for rugged shoes with great outsole traction and some weather- and water-resistant qualities. Many trail shoes are built low-to-the-ground for added stability on rough trails.

    Pronation Explained

    When you run or walk, you land on the outside edge of your foot and roll inward. This entirely normal inward rolling is called pronation. For most runners, the pronation stops at a healthy point. However, some runners roll inward too much. This excessive inward rolling is called overpronation. Runners who overpronate should wear motion-control shoes, which contain special foams and devices that are designed to limit overpronation.

    How can you tell if you overpronate? Here's the easiest way. Take off your shoes, whether your normal work-a-day shoes or your running shoes, and put them on a table with the heels facing out toward you. Now study the heels. If they are fairly straight and tall, you do not have an overpronation
    problem. If the heels tilt inward (toward the arches), on the other hand, you are probably an overpronator, and should try motion-control shoes. Many (but not all) overpronators are bigger, heavier runners with flat feet.
  • I was a New Balance loyalist until I tried Asics and absolutely loved them. I feel like both brands wear out too quickly. My first pair of shoes were Sauconys and I wore them until there were holes in the toes. I might go back to them. Mizunos are good, solid no bs shoes as well. As for Nikes and Adidas, I've had a few pairs of each and haven't liked either bran.d

    I am a mild overpronator, but I want something both well cushioned and fairly stiff. Is that even possible?
  • erikka wrote: I was a New Balance loyalist until I tried Asics and absolutely loved them. I feel like both brands wear out too quickly. My first pair of shoes were Sauconys and I wore them until there were holes in the toes. I might go back to them. Mizunos are good, solid no bs shoes as well. As for Nikes and Adidas, I've had a few pairs of each and haven't liked either bran.d

    I am a mild overpronator, but I want something both well cushioned and fairly stiff. Is that even possible?
    Sounds like the Asics Nimbus or the Brooks Glycerin would be good chooices. As for wearing them until they have holes, that's way too long. Somewhere between 150-300 miles is about all you should really expect. I usually wear mine for around 200 miles and then consign them to something secondary.

    Most of my running sneakers end up ditched near a beach somewhere towards the end of a vacation. I like to run on the waterline and a week or so of that on an old pair pretty much ensures I won't bring them home
  • steve wrote: [quote=erikka]I was a New Balance loyalist until I tried Asics and absolutely loved them. I feel like both brands wear out too quickly. My first pair of shoes were Sauconys and I wore them until there were holes in the toes. I might go back to them. Mizunos are good, solid no bs shoes as well. As for Nikes and Adidas, I've had a few pairs of each and haven't liked either bran.d

    I am a mild overpronator, but I want something both well cushioned and fairly stiff. Is that even possible?
    Sounds like the Asics Nimbus or the Brooks Glycerin would be good chooices. As for wearing them until they have holes, that's way too long. Somewhere between 150-300 miles is about all you should really expect. I usually wear mine for around 200 miles and then consign them to something secondary.

    Most of my running sneakers end up ditched near a beach somewhere towards the end of a vacation. I like to run on the waterline and a week or so of that on an old pair pretty much ensures I won't bring them home

    Thanks for the recommendations. Went back and looked at my old shoes--one pair of Kayanos and one Nimbus. Serious overpronator (who really out to be wearing her inserts but doesn't) so maybe I'll try the Brooks.

    Don't worry, haven't worn out a pair of shoes since high school. My feet are too picky for that now :wink:

    Another question--I have EXTREMELY big feet--a size 12 in women's running shoes. Almost no one carries it, and I don't want to buy something online that I haven't tried on. Anyone know of a running store with extended women's sizes?
  • erikka wrote: [quote=steve][quote=erikka]I was a New Balance loyalist until I tried Asics and absolutely loved them. I feel like both brands wear out too quickly. My first pair of shoes were Sauconys and I wore them until there were holes in the toes. I might go back to them. Mizunos are good, solid no bs shoes as well. As for Nikes and Adidas, I've had a few pairs of each and haven't liked either bran.d

    I am a mild overpronator, but I want something both well cushioned and fairly stiff. Is that even possible?
    Sounds like the Asics Nimbus or the Brooks Glycerin would be good chooices. As for wearing them until they have holes, that's way too long. Somewhere between 150-300 miles is about all you should really expect. I usually wear mine for around 200 miles and then consign them to something secondary.

    Most of my running sneakers end up ditched near a beach somewhere towards the end of a vacation. I like to run on the waterline and a week or so of that on an old pair pretty much ensures I won't bring them home

    Thanks for the recommendations. Went back and looked at my old shoes--one pair of Kayanos and one Nimbus. Serious overpronator (who really out to be wearing her inserts but doesn't) so maybe I'll try the Brooks.

    Don't worry, haven't worn out a pair of shoes since high school. My feet are too picky for that now :wink:

    Another question--I have EXTREMELY big feet--a size 12 in women's running shoes. Almost no one carries it, and I don't want to buy something online that I haven't tried on. Anyone know of a running store with extended women's sizes?

    Hey Errikka...that recommendation was made b/c you said you were a mild overpronator in your previous post. In any case, Jack Rabbit is where I would go if I were you, if nothing else they will order the 12s I imageine.
  • steve wrote: [quote=erikka][quote=steve][quote=erikka]I was a New Balance loyalist until I tried Asics and absolutely loved them. I feel like both brands wear out too quickly. My first pair of shoes were Sauconys and I wore them until there were holes in the toes. I might go back to them. Mizunos are good, solid no bs shoes as well. As for Nikes and Adidas, I've had a few pairs of each and haven't liked either bran.d

    I am a mild overpronator, but I want something both well cushioned and fairly stiff. Is that even possible?
    Sounds like the Asics Nimbus or the Brooks Glycerin would be good chooices. As for wearing them until they have holes, that's way too long. Somewhere between 150-300 miles is about all you should really expect. I usually wear mine for around 200 miles and then consign them to something secondary.

    Most of my running sneakers end up ditched near a beach somewhere towards the end of a vacation. I like to run on the waterline and a week or so of that on an old pair pretty much ensures I won't bring them home

    Thanks for the recommendations. Went back and looked at my old shoes--one pair of Kayanos and one Nimbus. Serious overpronator (who really out to be wearing her inserts but doesn't) so maybe I'll try the Brooks.

    Don't worry, haven't worn out a pair of shoes since high school. My feet are too picky for that now :wink:

    Another question--I have EXTREMELY big feet--a size 12 in women's running shoes. Almost no one carries it, and I don't want to buy something online that I haven't tried on. Anyone know of a running store with extended women's sizes?

    Hey Errikka...that recommendation was made b/c you said you were a mild overpronator in your previous post. In any case, Jack Rabbit is where I would go if I were you, if nothing else they will order the 12s I imageine.

    I looked at my old shoes and realized "mild" was being too generous. It looks like a shark bit the outside! Mild with orthodics. Severe without.

    jackrabbit usually puts me in men's shoes, which are too wide for me (mostly in the heel) and make my feet look larger than they really are. Otherwise, they're great and I'd totally recommend them to anyone who doesn't have monster feet.
  • Well, Super Runners is another possibility. There's a guy with an afro at the UES who is really good...if he's still there. You might want to go to Jackrabbit and tell them exactly what you're saying here. The guy who manages the bk location is pretty damn good.
  • everyone will have a different best running shoe because it's a very personal thing based on foot shape and running style. i wear asic gel foundation 6s because i have a flat arch, overpronate, and have a wide foot and they're perfect for me but would be.

    seriously... listen to me and other folks on here. GO TO JACKRABBIT! they're one of the best stores i've ever been to as far as service goes. super friendly, super helpful, and they want you to buy what is best for you.
  • pearl izumi !!!
  • people should also check out the new newton running shoe. it's designed to promote forefoot runnning. it's pricey though - around $150 i think - and there's just one model which isn't the most attractive thing ever.

    http://www.newtonrunning.com/
Sign In or Register to comment.