Running Shoes recommendations

[thendless]

So I've decided to start training again and I decided I want to get a really good pair of running shoes. What brands/models would you runners out there recommend? I've been using basketball shoes to run with for the last while so I think it would be nice to get footwear that will help improve my running.

[mself084]

So I've decided to start training again and I decided I want to get a really good pair of running shoes. What brands/models would you runners out there recommend? I've been using basketball shoes to run with for the last while so I think it would be nice to get footwear that will help improve my running.

Definitely recommend going into the Running Room - one of the sales people will get you to walk back and forth a few times to see how your foot lands (i.e. over/underpronating) and recommend you a few dif shoes based upon that.

Personally, i'm really flat-footed...and i wear Brooks Beasts (the name is funny, the shoe is nice! haha).

http://www.brooksrunning.ca/footwear/m_beast_detail.html

[bluetroll]

a shoe that works for me won't necessarily work for you. everyone's foot is different, some like a more plush ride, some don't... some need more support, while some need a more neutral shoe...

Running Room is great option for trying on new running kicks... it's even better if you can score a 20% off coupon when they have em on vector cereals or other things....

YES, they are overpriced there, however think of it as having a running examination included...

once you get a shoe that works, stick with it. you don't need to go back to RR to buy em again... but I also suggest trying different brands...

[DeimosBeros]

New Balance. A good, comfy pair of these babies starting around $100 will make those sessions seem like nothing on your feet.

[vee_one]

New Balance. A good, comfy pair of these babies starting around $100 will make those sessions seem like nothing on your feet.

+1

[dukmo]

Here's my 2 cents worth.

Running Room are GENERALLY very good, but be careful. I have gone there for years, several different locations. The people working in some of their stores don't really know much. In fact, I have had what I would call BAD ADVICE from some of them. I found one location with one person working there who I really do trust. In fact, I sent an e-mail to John Stanton commending her for her customer service. I also told John about my poor experiences. Anyway, it is quite out of my way now, but I always go back to the location (and person) where I have always had great service.

I swear by New Balance. Have experimented with several other brands:

Nike - never again.
Asics - only would consider the really high end models.
Brooks - I think of them as a poor man's New Balance.

Good luck.

[ghostryder]

New balance hands down. (feet down?)


And visaperks for a Running Room coupon.

[naxos98]

Asics are my favorite. I have ran in New Balance as well, they worked fairly well for me, but the Asics just felt a bit better.

In the end you will need to figure out what works for your feet, what may work for most people may not work for you.

[Fragle]

I second the Running Room, odds are you'll end up in the right type of shoe for you and their return policy is great(if you run in them a few times on a treadmill and aren't happy you can return/exchange them)

Currently I'm wearing Nike structure triax, nikes are generally too narrow for me but these are wider. Past shoe was New Balance!

[skewed]

+1 for Asics.

I currently have New Balance's which are great too however I still prefer my old Asics.

[roccco]

I need a good pair of running shoes too, is new balance still the best then? I am flat footed as well

[TeDoresc]

I need a good pair of running shoes too, is new balance still the best then? I am flat footed as well
If you're flat footed, then look for a pair of motion-control shoes. New Balance has them, but then so do most of the other shoe brands.

Try this (http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/shoelabshoefinder/0,,s6-240-325-329-0-0-0-0-0,00.html) as a starting point in your search.

[No Turbo Lag]

i also hear that the new asics have good running shoes. I've primarily been a nike guy but I might have to have to check out these new new balances and asics.

[Spidey]

New Balance all the way for me. Can be a bit pricey but they last and Ive had nothing but luck the 15 years Ive been running.

They put most of their money towards reserach, not advertising like Nike or Reebok

[new_vr]

I have had good luck with New Balance as well. currently I have a pair of Saucony's and those are great as well.
I also recommend going to the running room. They are overpriced, but you(I have at least) get someone who knows what they are talking about, and not just trying to sell you the latest shoe to come out

[tigger03]

I've tried:

- ASICS -- don't like the arches in the pair I had
- Saucony -- didn't like them (note: recommended by the Running Room)
- New Balance -- I've stuck with the cross-trainers for a while now
- Nike: I'm wearing the Shox, and it's surprisingly good even for running.

I have yet to buy a pair of New Balance running shoes, but their cross-trainers are AWESOME!!

[thezone]

Nike Shox <-- the models meant for running are ok for concrete and track but not good if your using them for cross country where the ground might not always be flat

Brooks <-- I like them they are pretty good have not complaints except I don't like the looks of them

New Balance <-- hands down the best footwear for running

[roccco]

I have had good luck with New Balance as well. currently I have a pair of Saucony's and those are great as well.
I also recommend going to the running room. They are overpriced, but you(I have at least) get someone who knows what they are talking about, and not just trying to sell you the latest shoe to come out


That is exactly what I did yesterday. I went to the running room, the store manager got me to walk back and forth, and based on that, he said the MIZUNO is what will fit the way my feet is shaped. I went in looking for Brooks beast, but he said that will be too much cushion for my feet.

The price of the Mizuno is $159

What do you guys think, is this justified and reasonable? I am going to be doing a lot of running over the next few months

[Fragle]

The price of the Mizuno is $159

What do you guys think, is this justified and reasonable? I am going to be doing a lot of running over the next few months

Think you just answered your own question. ;)

[izzyzz]

I use a pair of Adidas Megabounce+ running shoes. Excellent all-around running shoe, very comfortable.
http://www.amazon.com/adidas-Megabounce%2B-Running-Metallic-Silver/dp/B000M3EKKG/ref=pd_bbs_6?ie=UTF8&s=apparel&qid=1212043149&sr=8-6

[KDS35]

Run only in proper running shoes. I use NB due to the wide shoe box. (Wide foot)
I have have great luck with Sport check, they let me take a few pairs home to try on the tread mill. If you have any pain running, knee, shin ect.try diffrent shoes as you should never be in pain. Don't just grab shoes on random. Cushion for normal, Motion control or Stability as required. I only run in cushioned normal shoes in the mid price zone around $125. But diffrent shoes in the same cat can really feel diffrent after an hour or so.

[Stock R]

I would suggest going to a running shoe store for your first pair of shoes. I went shoe shopping w/ my GF this week so she could get some new runners.

New Balance Store - Spent 1 hr there with a sales rep. Explained pronation to her. Tried on about 5-6 different pairs of runners in that time. Checked for toe box volume, etc. The sales guy was able to explain and show different ways for the GF to tie her shoelaces in order to help with specific complaints.

Sportschek - I was trying on some runners. I put on some Sauconys. "Those are nice shoes." I put on some Asics. "Asics are the best we have." The kid couldn't help me with squat.

Let the dedicated runners store earn their $ for your first pair of shoes (sometimes older models are on clearance for a decent price). From that point on, just order online.

Cost comparison (for my gf).
NB 768 in Canada: $129
NB 768 from any US online store: $95
NB 768 from some US online storse w/ readily available coupon codes: $84
NB 767 (last year's model) from some US online stores: $43
NB 767 from some US online stores w/ coupon code: $36.

We bought the 768's from NB Ottawa store... but from now on, online it is.

[mself084]

Stock - care to share some of these websites?

[thendless]

Thanks for the advice guys, all of it has been very useful...

I think since this is my first pair of real running shoes I'm going to go to the running room and get advice... Plus I have that 20% coupon from the Vector box so i don't mind spending a little more than usual

[Stock R]

Stock - care to share some of these websites?

NP.

Btw, I ship everything to the states so depending on your circumstances, they may or may not work for you.

Sierratradingpost.com is my favourite. They sell almost everything and the site is very easy to use. Big discounts. Find additional coupons on slickdeals.net.

Finishline.com also has pretty good prices. Coupon codes are available on SD.net as above. Only problem is they only accept US based credit cards so you may need to find a workaround.

You might get lucky on Zappos.com or Eastbay.com too. Zappos has a HUGE selection of shoes and a good number of reviews. Eastbay has a lot of shoes and decent deals too.

These are the best sites for shoes I've found so far.

[faken]

I find that New Balance shoes are for people with wider feet. If you have a wide foot go with NB!

[roccco]

I would suggest going to a running shoe store for your first pair of shoes. I went shoe shopping w/ my GF this week so she could get some new runners.

New Balance Store - Spent 1 hr there with a sales rep. Explained pronation to her. Tried on about 5-6 different pairs of runners in that time. Checked for toe box volume, etc. The sales guy was able to explain and show different ways for the GF to tie her shoelaces in order to help with specific complaints.

Sportschek - I was trying on some runners. I put on some Sauconys. "Those are nice shoes." I put on some Asics. "Asics are the best we have." The kid couldn't help me with squat.

Let the dedicated runners store earn their $ for your first pair of shoes (sometimes older models are on clearance for a decent price). From that point on, just order online.

Cost comparison (for my gf).
NB 768 in Canada: $129
NB 768 from any US online store: $95
NB 768 from some US online storse w/ readily available coupon codes: $84
NB 767 (last year's model) from some US online stores: $43
NB 767 from some US online stores w/ coupon code: $36.

We bought the 768's from NB Ottawa store... but from now on, online it is.


Am looking at getting the new balance MR858. You could have got 20% off with the coupon on the back of the VECTOR cereal box if you bought from the running room.

[TeDoresc]

Btw, I ship everything to the states so depending on your circumstances, they may or may not work for you.
Watch your costs if you're shipping your shoes into Canada. Duty is something like 18% + usual taxes if the shoe is made outside North America (true for most running shoes these days).

[JeffTaylor1985]

Nike Shox are my favorite, but Nike's tend to run a little narrow for some people. I would recommend getting shoes on ebay because they are much cheaper than retail. Just make sure they are from a brand that you have tried before (sizing/fit can vary)

[TeDoresc]

I find that New Balance shoes are for people with wider feet. If you have a wide foot go with NB!
NB is really the leader in width sizing, but other shoe brands also offer them. For example, Nike and adidas. They are probably more difficult to find though.

[bly]

I have had my NB shoes for exactly a year now and it was great during the first summer. However, this summer, my pinky toe on my right foot started to hurt when I ran with my shoes.

I checked the inside my shoe and there was nothing there blocking. I asked my brother to wear them and he noticed something strange in the right shoe. I guess it could be wear and tear. I jog about 3 times a week outside except during winter.

[Stock R]

Watch your costs if you're shipping your shoes into Canada. Duty is something like 18% + usual taxes if the shoe is made outside North America (true for most running shoes these days).

No worries. I'm an expert at cross-border shopping :D I have everything shipped to the states so no duties for me.

[narrow88]

New Balance.

I had 1222 and now have 1223. My podiatrist recommended new balance.
Since I have flat feet, she said to stay away from Nike Shox.

[tvwatcher]

I've read so many great things about the Running Room - unfortunately I found them totally useless. I like New Balance - and I take a ladies in a wide width - only to be told "we don't sell ladies' shoes in a wide width". period. end of story. So I won't be going back there.

So I went to J. Seigel Footwear in London

Have a problem, though, and hope someone can help - I measure for a size 10 (D width) but when I try on any size 10, my heel slips up and down - love the toe room though - so I went with a 9 1/2, and while my heel doesn't slip up and down, my toes jam into the end of the shoe

I'm going back to get a size 10 - don't have much choice, as my toes hate me right now - but what can I do about my heels that will undoubtedly slip up and down?

I only walk, and I plan to get the 926s

[Stock R]

but what can I do about my heels that will undoubtedly slip up and down?


Funny you should mention that. My gf had the exact same problem while trying on shoes at the NB store. The sales rep showed her how to tie her toes in a different manner.

You'll notice on the NB shoes there's 2 lace holes really close together at the very end of the tongue. What you do is thread the lace through the two holes on the SAME SIDE (don't cross over) to form an extra loops. Once you've made those loops, then use those as an additional lace hole. The GF found that additional loop hole made a HUGE difference for the heel lifting.

I know the description is very meh at best, but if you google ways to tie shoes laces, I'm sure you'll find a picture or better description. Not sure if the sales rep was BS-ing us or not, but he said all NB shoes have those lace holes for that very purpose. Try it out.

[tvwatcher]

thanks, I'll try that - I hope it works, because it's so frustrating - it seems my only choices are toes jamming into the end of the shoe, or heels slipping up and down!

I've read that you should buy walking shoes 1/2 - 1 size larger than you normally wear - I would think that shoes a whole size larger would be flip flopping all over the place, no matter how you tied them!

[gr8dlr]

Here's a link for that suggestion about the loose heel.

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12334-0,00.html

It's the last video.

[tvwatcher]

thanks for the link! it's nice to actually be able to see someone demonstrating a lacing technique!

[thendless]

So i went to the running room and after trying a few brands I ended up with these Asics: http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240008493&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001542

With the 20% off coupon I ended up paying 117... wondering if i should look for a better deal online or just eat the cost...

[thendless]

Meh... I really want the black version of the shoes I bought but they are nowhere to be found in any Running Room stores...

I've found it on zappos, but on the canadian site of zappos they say they cannot ship asics products to canada....

If anyone can help me find any online retailer that sells the Asics GT-2310 in Black let me know!

[Fragle]

So i went to the running room and after trying a few brands I ended up with these Asics: http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240008493&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001542

With the 20% off coupon I ended up paying 117... wondering if i should look for a better deal online or just eat the cost...

Good shoe..you may find last years model, the 2120 at some stores for ~$99, maybe at the RR outlet store, otherwise $117 is a good price!

[tigger03]

New Balance.

I had 1222 and now have 1223. My podiatrist recommended new balance.
Since I have flat feet, she said to stay away from Nike Shox.

That's funny ... I have flat feet as well, but the Shox fit me perfectly! Haven't tried the NB ones yet, though .. that'll be my next purchase.

[stephen1]

Here's my 2 cents worth.

Running Room are GENERALLY very good, but be careful. I have gone there for years, several different locations. The people working in some of their stores don't really know much. In fact, I have had what I would call BAD ADVICE from some of them. I found one location with one person working there who I really do trust. In fact, I sent an e-mail to John Stanton commending her for her customer service. I also told John about my poor experiences. Anyway, it is quite out of my way now, but I always go back to the location (and person) where I have always had great service.

I swear by New Balance. Have experimented with several other brands:

Nike - never again.
Asics - only would consider the really high end models.
Brooks - I think of them as a poor man's New Balance.

Good luck.


Agreed. Nike shoes are so crap in comparison to the others. You're feet will never feel comfortable and are barely have any cushioning. I was drawn to the Nike+ feature.

[JT111]

So i went to the running room and after trying a few brands I ended up with these Asics: http://www.asicsamerica.com/products/product.aspx?PRODUCT_ID=240008493&TITLE_CATEGORY_ID=250001542

With the 20% off coupon I ended up paying 117... wondering if i should look for a better deal online or just eat the cost...

Nice choice by the way and unless you're planning to go to the states anytime soon that's probably the best price you can get.. if you are planning to go to the states ... well i got my 2130s for 100 in buffalo

[Eyies]

Leaning towards Mizuno or Asics 'stability' shoes. These running shoes should be good for indoor gym activities too?.. specifically Volleyball and Squash.

Also, anyone know if Vector cereal boxes still have the 20% off Running Room coupons?

edit: Visaperks 20% off sounds good actually http://www.visaperks.ca/visaperks/offer.cfm?cat=all&offertype=all&merch=10869&clear=y&CFID=1260915&CFTOKEN=21320784

edit2: supposedly I'm normal ball for feet, and seems to need 'stability' shoes.. any thoughts between these two?
http://www.shop.runningroom.com/product_info.php?cPath=261_90_94&language_id=1&products_id=3260
http://www.shop.runningroom.com/product_info.php?cPath=261_91_95&language_id=1&products_id=3327

[jjoaquin23]

I never bought running shoes and always used my bball shoes when running on the treadmill. I bought a pair of asics and they are totally different. I never knew that they would make such a difference but they do. Asics running shoes are very comfortable for running

[Stock R]

So I've had my NB 846's for about 4 months now and... I don't like em.

I put on about 5-10kms a week so I've had an ok amount of mileage in them.

P: The shoe laces NEVER come undone. I don't have to double knot or tie them tight.

P: The shoes are very well ventilated.

C: The heels are stiff as heck! The first week I got them, they were so uncomfortable, I couldn't even walk around town in them. Now they are just stiff.

C: Blisters. During my last 10k jog, I got a blister around the ball area of my left foot. I have NEVER gotten a blister in a running shoe before (except that time i forgot to tie my laces).

I bought my GF a pair of NB 767 (she got matched to the 767/768 @ the NB store). She has been having problems with them as well.

The shoe is uncomfortable, and has a few hot spots in the arch areas. Blisters are unavoidable unless she wears double layered running socks.

As a result, both of us are turned off NB. We'll wear the current pairs till they're worn out, and then we're moving on to another brand.

If we can barely run a 10k race in them, there's no chance we'd last for a marathon.

[Eyies]

Is Running room still considered "expensive" with the 20% off?.. Where else should I be looking to buy running shoes.. looking mainly for Asics NB or Mizuno