What is the best brand of running shoe ?

leeland

Diamond Member
Dec 12, 2000
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I have used Nike shoes for running most of life and I have always seemed to be breaking the front air pocket of the shoe which renders them useless IMO. I walk predominantly on the balls of my feet I believe that is called pronated sp? So....I am in the market for a new brand...that are just for running support.


Thanks

Leeland
 

Homerboy

Lifer
Mar 1, 2000
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there is no "best"
its whatever one fits you best and feels best to you.

plain and simple you have to try on alot and be willing to make some mistakes before you find a make/model that works for you.
 

CraigRT

Lifer
Jun 16, 2000
31,440
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New Balance
Saucony
Asics

I like all of those, but I am not a real runner, I just wear those shoes sometimes, and also I hear from others they are good brands.
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
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i have a couple pairs of New Balance and I love them. FWIW, New Balance is "the official" running shoe of the US Army.

-=bmacd=-
 

Svnla

Lifer
Nov 10, 2003
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I like New Balance. No shoe will fit everyone. Just go out and try out a few of them.
 

DemonHunter

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Nov 12, 2003
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Yes like Homerboy said, it all depends on what brand fits your feet best. For me it's Addidas but I know others who swear by NB. Nike shoes tend to be on the narrow side. If you overpronated which is when your feet go inward when you strike the pavement you will want a shoe with less flexibility in the midsole. You can test this by taking the shoe with hands on both ends and twisting in opposity directions. THe less it flexes, the less flexibilty it will have.
 

Atomicus

Banned
May 20, 2004
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Don't buy shoes with those "air cushions" or "air pockets". A nice rubber w/ running soles is the trick. Since running is really demanding on the soles, you'll most likely go through at least 1 every 2 months.
 

bmacd

Lifer
Jan 15, 2001
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Originally posted by: DemonHunter
Nike shoes tend to be on the narrow side.

glad you mentioned that, b/c i'll vouch for it. I don't think i have wide feet (13d NB's), but the I always have to buy the next larger size of Nike's so my feet fit in width wise.

-=bmacd=-
 

tennisflip

Golden Member
Sep 25, 2003
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New Balance. I'm not sure where Nike makes its shoes but NB has 5 USA factories. If anything but em' to support em'.
 

RossMAN

Grand Nagus
Feb 24, 2000
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Originally posted by: Ilmater
Originally posted by: RossMAN
2004 Spring Running Shoe Review courtesy of City Sports NorthWest :)
WTF?!?! Not one shoe available in 18. F*ck this! Why can't I find a single shoe in my size? Do they think tall people just sit around all day happy they're not like "those runners/"

I wish I had smaller feet, 9 or 10 would be PERFECT.

Trying to find popular Nike or Adidas shoes in size 12 is almost impossible :(
 

leeland

Diamond Member
Dec 12, 2000
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Originally posted by: bmacd
Originally posted by: DemonHunter
Nike shoes tend to be on the narrow side.

glad you mentioned that, b/c i'll vouch for it. I don't think i have wide feet (13d NB's), but the I always have to buy the next larger size of Nike's so my feet fit in width wise.

-=bmacd=-

I am the same way, I have wide feet, and I used to wear only nike shoes since they had an outlet mall here with their store...could get great deals...

I walk mostly on the balls of my feet and it kills my feet to stand in one place for a period of time...to the point that when I am at work and I have to stand in place for say over 15 minutes I have to stand on the outside of the shoe ( kinda bending my ankles in and balancing on the edges of the shoe) to eleviate the pressure/pain...

I don't know if I have flat feet or what but just recently I get pain on the outside of my knee, on the lateral side after I run....I never get the pain unless I am running


So that is why I am in the market for a new brand...I think I am done with nike...

for the record I am lanky...about 6'1 and 190 lbs...so I don't think it is a wiegth issue with the knee pain


Leeland
 
Feb 10, 2000
30,029
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I strongly prefer Asics shoes, but that is due to a recurring twinge I get in the ball of one foot (I think it's a pinched nerve) - Asics have the best forefoot cushioning, at least for me. I recently stocked up on some NOS DS Trainers from 2000, because I'm not crazy about the newer designs.

This is highly individual-specific, and what works for me may not for you. IMO Asics, Saucony, and NB are probably the highest-quality shoes, but I have also had good luck with Mizuno.
 

cmdavid

Diamond Member
May 23, 2001
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make sure to take a look at some Mizuno's as well as Brooks, Saucony, and of course New Balance.
 

phantom309

Platinum Member
Jan 30, 2002
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Take your old running shoes to an athletic shoe store that specializes in running - not one of those places at the mall. Let the salesman see your shoes and tell him/her the problems you're experiencing - they'll be able to tell you what you need. Everybody has different biomechanics; no one shoe works for everybody. For me, New Balance makes the most durable and comfortable running shoes.
 

MrCodeDude

Lifer
Jun 23, 2001
13,674
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I loved my Puma Cellerators for running. So light and comfy.

I have some Ascics now and they're not that great.
 

Ilmater

Diamond Member
Jun 13, 2002
7,516
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Originally posted by: RossMAN
Originally posted by: Ilmater
Originally posted by: RossMAN
2004 Spring Running Shoe Review courtesy of City Sports NorthWest :)
WTF?!?! Not one shoe available in 18. F*ck this! Why can't I find a single shoe in my size? Do they think tall people just sit around all day happy they're not like "those runners/"

I wish I had smaller feet, 9 or 10 would be PERFECT.

Trying to find popular Nike or Adidas shoes in size 12 is almost impossible :(
Excuse me? What? 12's? You have to be kidding me. If I weren't so angered by this, I would start posting links to all the places that have dozens of shoes in that size. Try searching for 8 hours (one full day of work) only to find two pairs of shoes, both of which cost over $350. I'm a MAN! I don't PAY $350 for shoes!!!
 

austin316

Diamond Member
Dec 1, 2001
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new balance.

your best bet is to goto a small, local running shoe store. Here they will look at your feet and your running/walking form and suggest the best shoe for you.
 

shopbruin

Diamond Member
Jul 12, 2000
5,817
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i LOVE new balances. they're one of the few shoes i'd be trying on and they'd fit comfortably. i remember nike i always had a break in period.

adidas has also worked well for me, but lately i've been pulled towards new balance. haven't tried asics or saucony.