Good running shoe?
- Thread starter WY11
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If you are a big guy, check out the Brooks Beast.
Asics are good for flat feet, so are Brooks.
But you need to try them and figure out which are best for you.
If there is a specialty running store near you, they are of more assistance than the big chain stores.
But you need to try them and figure out which are best for you.
If there is a specialty running store near you, they are of more assistance than the big chain stores.
I have wide flat feet, I had the Asics gel nimbus, they were great, but too narrow. Now I have the Saucony Hurricane and they work quite well and come in 2 different width. But best thing to do is go to a running shoe store and talk to the salespeople and try a bunch on
The New Balance 993 Running Shoe is the best there is at $140 a pair.
Man, that is a question with a lot of answers -- depends on your foot, how you strike the ground, pronate/supinate/neutral, etc.
The best thing you can do is go to a running shoe store and let the pros check it out and get you sorted out.....it'll make a world of difference.
The best thing you can do is go to a running shoe store and let the pros check it out and get you sorted out.....it'll make a world of difference.
I run 3x / week for exercise (not competitively, if that matters), around 4-5 miles each time. I buy the USA-made New Balance running shoes, which are available in seemingly unlimited quantities at the Nordstrom Rack in King of Prussia, PA for <$50. I really like them, and don't have any problems with injuries, like I've had with some other shoes. I have very high arches though, so I'm the opposite of you.
Exactly what I was thinking, go to a running store and they'll watch you run and give you feedback on which is the right shoe for you. One of the stores in my area video tape you while you run and take you through the video to point out different things. If you're a serious or semi-serious runner, you need to change you shoes fairly often. I usually find the model that is best for me and then buy the next pair at a cheaper price online.
Ascics are slip-lasted shoes and aren't recommended for flat feet. I have this problem and found NB's to be good choices. I finally went to a podiatrist, got some orthotics, and that helped a lot.
+1 on the Brooks Beast, regardless of whether you are a big guy.
I agree with the folks who say you should go to a running store and get them to assist.
The Beast is great for both control and cushion.
Go to a running shoe shop. That way you can speak so someone who knows what they are doing and try some on. Its very much a personal thing.
Bit like asking what is the best soap/cream, brush, razor and blade for me
You'll get loads of conflicting answers and be none the wiser.
Bit like asking what is the best soap/cream, brush, razor and blade for me
You'll get loads of conflicting answers and be none the wiser.
Ditto on going to a running store. Also, you may want to try Superfeet inserts if you can't get orthotics.
Superfeet website: http://www.superfeet.com/
Superfeet website: http://www.superfeet.com/
- Thread starter
- #14
I agree with going to an actual running shoe store.
Also...check into Vibram 5-Fingers.
The only way I can really think to mention about them is: Amazing.
Also...check into Vibram 5-Fingers.
The only way I can really think to mention about them is: Amazing.
Visiting a speciality store is the way to go. I went to one last year for a new pair of shoes and they watched me walk, watched me run, told me I had a neutral gait and brought out shoes that were far more comfortable than anything I'd ever found on my own. I ended up with a pair of Mizunos -- something I never would have thought to check out -- and they're incredible (for me).
I also have flat feet. I have been running in Brook's Beasts for years and every time I try another shoe, I quickly come back to the Beast.
You might also look into a pair of orthotics fitted by a good podiatrist. I was first fitted for a pair when I was in the Army and have never been without since then. I use them for running and general every day wear.
Lou
You might also look into a pair of orthotics fitted by a good podiatrist. I was first fitted for a pair when I was in the Army and have never been without since then. I use them for running and general every day wear.
Lou
Brooks makes the best running shoes hands down. Go find a high end store and they will fit you for the model thats best for your foot/gait.
I already saw somebody say go to a running shop. Let a pro look at your gait. Get fitted in the right shoes. I have gotten in to marathoning. The right shoes can make a big difference.
I am by no means an expert. I've got two marathons and all of the training that led to them under my belt and 29 years of running nearly every day. You've been getting some good advice already; but please let me make some clarifications.
Brand names don't mean much until you know what type of shoe you need for your foot and running gait. There are three basic groups of running shoes:
View attachment 96738
1. Motion Control -- for the over-pronator. Typically flexible arch (flat footed) who wear out the inside of sole quickly.
2. Cushioning -- for the under-pronator. Typically a high rigid arch runner who wears out the outside of the sole quickly.
3. Neutral or Stability -- in between the two above.
Good article which explains this.
Each of the major shoe companies makes shoes of each type and saying "Brooks shoes works for me" is, while possible accurate, it is a particular model and style of shoe from Brooks that works for that runner. The major differences between the manufacturers seems to actually be in the lasts (shape of the foot) they use. ASICS and New Balances fit completely differently. One company's lasts might work better for your shape of foot.
The best way (and incidentally the cheapest) to figure this all out, other than trial and error is to go to a real running store. BTW, they're not usually at the mall. If they don't watch you run on a tread mill and don't want to see your current worn shoes, turn around. A good running store will cost you a little more to get that first pair of shoes; it's worth that extra $10-20 to get some expert advice and they've likely earned it. Once you know which model works for you then you can find a good source to buy them as cheap as possible.
Another way is a little less trial and error but still relies on your input and thus you have more chance for error is the shoe dog at Roadrunnersports.com That's how I found my first pair of ASICS 1040's over 12 years ago; they've updated the model many times and the number is now the 1150. I've owned 20 pairs of the same shoe since then.
Where are you located? One of us might be able to recommend a good running store. Or go to Runnersworld.com's Store Finder.
Good luck.
Brand names don't mean much until you know what type of shoe you need for your foot and running gait. There are three basic groups of running shoes:
View attachment 96738
1. Motion Control -- for the over-pronator. Typically flexible arch (flat footed) who wear out the inside of sole quickly.
2. Cushioning -- for the under-pronator. Typically a high rigid arch runner who wears out the outside of the sole quickly.
3. Neutral or Stability -- in between the two above.
Good article which explains this.
Each of the major shoe companies makes shoes of each type and saying "Brooks shoes works for me" is, while possible accurate, it is a particular model and style of shoe from Brooks that works for that runner. The major differences between the manufacturers seems to actually be in the lasts (shape of the foot) they use. ASICS and New Balances fit completely differently. One company's lasts might work better for your shape of foot.
The best way (and incidentally the cheapest) to figure this all out, other than trial and error is to go to a real running store. BTW, they're not usually at the mall. If they don't watch you run on a tread mill and don't want to see your current worn shoes, turn around. A good running store will cost you a little more to get that first pair of shoes; it's worth that extra $10-20 to get some expert advice and they've likely earned it. Once you know which model works for you then you can find a good source to buy them as cheap as possible.
Another way is a little less trial and error but still relies on your input and thus you have more chance for error is the shoe dog at Roadrunnersports.com That's how I found my first pair of ASICS 1040's over 12 years ago; they've updated the model many times and the number is now the 1150. I've owned 20 pairs of the same shoe since then.
Where are you located? One of us might be able to recommend a good running store. Or go to Runnersworld.com's Store Finder.
Good luck.
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