77 Comments

Terrell,

Thanks for your reply. I am not sure if this is appropriate, but I wanted to ask your opinion. I have recently joined Substack, as I mentioned before, and I recently submitted my first post. It is in a completely different area than running, but I was curios if you would have any interest in reading it and making suggestions or any type of constructive criticism? I will paste the link below. Thank you.

https://waprice.substack.com/p/an-essential-life?r=1f2h3m&utm_campaign=post&utm_source=An%20Essential%20Life&utm_medium=ios

Thanks,

Westin Price

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Apr 1, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Funny this is the first thing that popped up on this blog! I'm in need of new running shoes this weekend! I have a very high instep so ASICS tend to feel better on my feet, I really can't wear Nike running shoes (even though they are so cute!). However, I go through ASICS every six months. I'm going for the Gel Nimbus line next, see how that goes

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This is my first time commenting on a blog. I really enjoy distance running and have been at it for 20 years. I have found Altra’s to be the best brand for me. I am sold on the zero drop, the wide toe box, and their durability. I have tried several of their shoes and my personal preference is the Lone Peak trail runners. They are great for distance and they are a solid cross training shoe for a gym workout.

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Mar 29, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I echo all the comments about going to a running store. I started that way 5 years when I began running seriously. I went through 3 ASICS in short order and was really not pleased. (At the time, the mesh covering toes was not well built. They may have changed) I switched to Saucony and loved them for 3 or 4 in a row. For some reason I switched to Nike React Milers and have loved 2 pair. Current need replaced fairly soon. Not for sure what I will get.

I generally go for light weight and proper style. I wear neutrals and that has worked perfect for me. I make sure any mesh design is going to wear well, unlike to old Asics. Last summer during my training for AF 1/2 I got my first case of PF. I put some Dr Scholl’s pf inserts in the Nikes and it worked very well and was able to keep running.

Not sure if this has ever been mentioned here but I found out something weird as I got into running. After my first year I went to get fitted as we have discussed at a running store. I found that my feet had gotten longer. I wore 10-1/2 my whole life from 14-51. Around 52, after 6-9 months or running regularly, when I got fitted they measured me at 11-1/2 & recommended 12 for running. It was worked well to use 12’s ever since. Not sure if that was age or the running.

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Mar 28, 2022·edited Mar 28, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Hello! I’m relatively new to commenting on blogs, I’m 65, and I’ve only been running since 2011. My favorite distance is the half marathon (I have 27 beautiful medals on my wall). :) In the beginning, I bought like 4 different brands of shoes because, what did I know? I learned about barefoot running, Vibram 5-fingers, and then Xeroshoes, which I ran in for a long time. Today I can’t run with barely any sole, as I realized three years ago, when my plantar’s warts got worse, and my feet just hurt more. When looking for new shoes, I made a list of what was important to me. 1) The sole had to be a little thicker but still not the “norm.” I like feeling the ground, like when I was a kid, and I believe my muscles are healthier because of it. 2) The toe box had to be wide—not a wide shoe—just the toe box, because I did not want my toes crunched. 3) The sole MUST be grippy, so I don’t slip and fall. 4) The shoes HAD to be zero drop, because it most closely imitates natural. The search took awhile, but I finally found my Altra Superior 4’s, which checked off all my boxes. They were replaced by the Superior 5’s, and I like the shorter shoe strings. The overall fit is the same. Altra includes a rock guard that you put under your insole (get an insole for runners—not the one the shoes come with). The rock guard helps distribute the pressure evenly around the bottom of the foot, should you step on a rock. Very useful, since I live in the Texas Hill country, and rocks are just a part of life up here.

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I have no advice at all. Just here to commiserate. Buying shoes, ANY shoes, gives me anxiety! Never mind running shoes. UGH! Thanks for the topic. I read everyone and at least I know I'm not alone.

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Mar 26, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

At my age (61), and after decades of running more intensely than I should, my shoes of choice are Hoka One Ones. At least they keep me walking and hiking. Running isn't much of an option anymore, but I still am able to run a bit during my walks & hikes.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

The most important thing for me is that the shoe helps with my pronation or my knee starts acting up. Also that the size is large enough so my toes don’t start hitting the front of the shoe on long runs. I’d like to say I like one brand over another but it seems every time I settle on a brand and style the company changes it!! I do think shoes do not last like they used to years ago!!

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I have yet to find a bad pair of shoes but I can say I'm always seeking more comfort. Most recent purchase was Hoka Cliftons. I do rotate all my sneakers and probably should rotate some out, but if my feet don't hurt I don't get rid of the sneakers. Right now I'm rotating my Brooks Ghosts, Brooks Adrenalines and the Hokas will be for my long runs. Now I need to find super padded socks because I have neuropathy in the ball of my right foot and that is what bothers me most usually at the end of any run with any sneaker. Great discussion!!

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Mar 25, 2022·edited Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Unfortunately, experience is the best teacher. Your chances of getting the right shoe for your running program are best at a specialized and reputable running shoe store. But even the best stores can’t guarantee that your choice is going to meet your needs. Be prepared to go through a few trials before you finally find what’s best for you. It took me about six pairs before I finally found that the Hoka fit, toe box, and cushioning are best for me.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I always recommend a gait analysis and proper fitting. I ran for years in stability shoes until a gait analysis showed that they were no longer correcting my over pronation—which eventually led to plantar fasciitis. I am now running in neutral shoes with custom orthotics. I alternate Brooks Ghosts and NB 840s. It may be helpful to bring in your old shoes so that store staff can analyze the wear pattern. Share your injury history, current training load and goals with store staff. Once they steer you to a type (neutral, stability, cushioned) of shoe try on as many pairs from as many brands as they will let you to find what is most comfortable for you. Buying the second most comfortable shoe from another brand will give you two similar shoes to use on alternate running days which may lower your risk of injury. Finally, track the mileage on your new shoes and aim to replace them after 500 miles or 800 K.

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Everyone is bringing up very good points... get properly sized, how do you pronate? Look at an old pair of shoes. I started off with cheap shoes and paid the price. Planters HURTS! and I plan to never get it again... When it comes to my feet, money is no object.. I loved Aspics Gel Nimbus until they started making changes every year... runners buy shoes that fit and are comfortable to run in. I like a lot of people switched to the Brooks Ghost but went back to Aspics Gel Nimbus Lite...I use them and my Brooks Ghost on my daily runs... HOWEVER and I do mean HOWEVER, I purchased a pair of Nike Air Zoom Alphafly... I felt like I was 20 again. The kickback it produces should be banned in competition it is so awesome ... It drastically cut my times in both long and short runs. I agree with those who said, they wear out fast! They do... but, I'm on my second pair and when they wear out, I'll buy a third... I'm a Nike Club Member and wait until they go on sale... $275.00 for a running shoe is obscene even for me. They're not for everyday runs but when you are in a 5 or 10K they make all the difference in the world... I'll have them on tomorrow when I do my next 5K...

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No one can tell you what will work.......going to a reputable store with people that can measure and fit your foot properly.............I love Brooks Ghost......but felt they did not hold up.........300 miles and they felt like they needed to be replaced. I replaced them with Altra's which I also loved .........I happened to put on my Ghost for a long Day of working at an event and was amazed how great my legs and back felt after a 12 hour day of continued activity...........I guess they were not as broken down as I thought..........will be buying a new pair here shortly!!!!

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I agree with also give the advice to go get fitted. However in my own life, I don’t practice what I preach. I got fitted once and wore those shoes right into an overuse injury. Do I blame those shoes? No. But I won’t wear them again either. Through a lot of reading, experimentation and a few failures, I have learned what works for me. It’s not one specific shoe but a set of attributes. I am now comfortable buying shoes without expert guidance but I wouldn’t recommend it. It took a fair amount of time and money.

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Most of the advice is good.See a REAL running store. One point I don’t see is heel to toe drop. Look at wear pattern etc. My first visit to a “running store “ was not good. Gave me 12 mm drop when should have been about 4. Resulted in major hamstring injury

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founding
Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

It depends on the distance and surface I am running on. I like a firm cushion and a cross between stiff and flexible.

My favorites are adidas adios Boston 10 and Saucony shift. They are good on multiple surfaces and medium to long runs. If its a 5k I found older model adidas adistar boost esm online.

Basically it's been trial and error. Everyone's feet and likes are different.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I finally had to ignore all the advice and find what felt comfortable--as my running instructor said, find something that is as comfortable on your feet as a bedroom slipper! Believe me, your feet will tell you! Advice lead me to New Balance , a "reputable" running store talked me into, and a 4th toe on my right foot that no longer (after 12 years) has a toenail. Too tight, too narrow. . . . oh well, live and learn.

I run in barefoot shoes, unlike most people. VaporGloves, by Merrell are my favorite. Since I took on trail running, and Half Marathons, I moved on to Merrell Trail Gloves. The last ones I got were Trail Glove 5s--I bought 3 pairs because they fit! Sadly, they are no longer made, so I'm sort of in the same boat as you. Fortunately, I'm light on my feet, so they last for years. . .

I don't expect anyone to like what I like. Feet and perceptions of running are all different. Comfort, for me is the key. That is what counts after 13 or more miles! :)

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

It's important to find a trustworthy running

store to help get you into the type of

running shoes for your feet. Also

important to know that a lot of shoes are

carbon plated, while good for push off,

speed & help take the load off- shouldn't

be worn more than 50% during training to

keep your feet strong.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Great topic, have tried multiple brands and still not sold on any one. looking forward to a good read...

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

First, you need to get an gait analysis which will help determine what type of runner’s you are. Whether you under or over pronate when you run. From there, it should help to determine which type of shoes are suitable for you (neutral or stability). Also depends on how much you pronate and there are diff level of stability shoes to choose from. It’s important to have the right kind of shoes especially for us runners to avoid injuries overall.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Don't get lost in the noise... stick with the tried and true PF Flyers... they make you run faster and jump higher.... OR, go to a reputable running store and take your old shoes with you so they can see how you wear on them. Have a serious conversation about your running. Let them measure your feet and if possible, have a gait analysis done, even if you have to pay for it.

Ultimately you have to get a shoe that is comfortable and will support you as a runner and fits into your BUDGET... expensive doesn't always mean better for you.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

i used to wear asics gel nimbus for years and then they started pressing on my big toe and i lost it! that will get you to change shoes in a hurry! now i wear brooks launch and levitate. they are really lightweight and don't cause me much issue.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I got my first running shoes a few years ago from a running store. They were Saucony shoes which ended up too tight on the midfoot causing numbness in my feet on longer runs, and the fabric started to tear within a year (and I’m not a high mileage runner). For my next shoes I just read reviews online and educated myself about differences in shoe specs. I ended up ordering Brooks Ghosts and they have been perfect. I was born with a clubbed left foot so I have significant discrepancy in size and shape between my left and right. This makes it very hard for me to find shoes that are comfortable for both feet, but the Ghosts are great. They are a little heavier than “elite” running shoes but with my personal goal of finishing races in the top 50% and without the aid of an ambulance the slightly higher weight of the shoe is not a factor. The trade off is they are more durable and have good cushion which is comfortable and helps when you have 52 year old joints.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I'm on my 5th pair of Altra Torins. I get around 350 miles out of them. I may switch back to Topos, which I really liked through a couple pairs prior to switching to Altra. Zero drops are the best for me, along with a foot box shaped like a real foot.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I agree with others and go to Fleet Feet and get your feet measured. You might be surprised as to what you find out. I personally prefer Brooks and my "long" distance shoe has been the Glycerin for a number of years. Excited about the new version coming out. Also have a couple Ghosts which are very nice. Have a pair of New Balance, Hoka and Asics in my rotation.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I definitely echo the advice on going to a running specialty store for a fitting. It was one of the best things I did when I started running. I started out in a Saucony stability shoe, which worked great for me until I got custom orthotics for some foot issues. I had a shoe rep who happened to be at the running store where I was looking to purchase new shoes recommend Hoka to me (not the brand he was repping!). Now I am in a Hoka neutral shoe and it works great! The cushioning of the Hoka is good for my old bones and the orthotic takes care of the support that I needed from a stability shoe. Turns out that the orthotic on top of the stability shoe was just too much support and it was causing me a lot of foot/ankle pain during really long runs. Just wanted to mention this in case anyone else if having issues with custom orthotics + stability shoes.

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For me it depends on the distance and terrain that I am running. For trails I use Altra's, I have a left over pair of Torin's but since they moved all to pushes I might have to replace them with Escalante's. For short road/path runs (under 8 miles) I use New Balance, I had a set of More's V2 but I am giving Rebels's v2 a try for a few months. For longer runs (over 8 miles) I use Hoka One One Bondi's which seem to work for me but I am looking to change them up maybe

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Frank's advice is good. For the first 4 or so years of running, I shopped in the outlets and expos and bought whatever felt the best after a very brief jog. This spring I went to Fleet Feet and got the advice of a professional. They imaged my feet, asked lots of questions, and brought out three pairs to try. The one that fit best (they were all very close) was the most comfortable running shoe I've ever worn, and I love it: Saucony Triumph 19, size 11.5 EE if you're curious - but it's the process that's important, not this model.

Also, these shoes are the first ones that have actually been wide enough for me!

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I've been working in the sports industry for several years now at both Nike & adidas & really it all depends on what you're after; shorter vs longer distances, speed vs longevity, endurance vs performance. The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% Flyknit recommendation below is very much for someone trying to win the next Boston marathon, running sub 3 minute/km times. If you aren't at that level, you can seriously hurt yourself as the cushioning is several mm above anything your muscles & tendons have trained for.

For the average 10-20km runner out there I would say the best I have found for a mix of all attributes is the adidas Solarboost. It's cushioned protecting the foot, quite wide for stability & not too stiff, so glides nicely through the stride.

Each to their own though & it's always best to go to a store that allows you to try & test on a treadmill before buying. I also recommend getting a professional analysis of your running gait before investing & definitely get your feet measured! It's amazing how many people run in shoes that are too big or small for them!

Enjoy the weekend!

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

I've been in Brooks Ghosts since the 5. I'm currently in the 13. My next pair will likely be 14s. Once when they were temporarily out of Ghosts in my size, my running store put me in Adrenalines- Brooks' best-selling shoe- and they wrecked my feet. I had to get rid of them on vacation in Vancouver (shout-out to the running sore there that hooked me up with Ghosts!).

That said, I always cringe when I see people ask for suggestions on which shoe they should wear [like on Facebook, for example]. People simply have to go get fitted for the right shoe. Like I said above, the Adrenaline GTS is Brooks' best-selling shoe but they were brutal on my feet. Further, I run in Ghosts but I prefer Asics Cumulus as an everyday walking shoe. That's simply what I tell especially newer runners- not to listen to anyone about shoes and just go get fitted for what is right for them.

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Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly NEXT% Flyknit

Whether or not you agree that they give one an unfair advantage, they are just balls out fun - like the kid in Dandelion Wine, you feel like you can jump/run over trees.

You’ll be lucky if they last more than 500 miles but they’ll make you happy for each mile.

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Mar 25, 2022·edited Mar 25, 2022Liked by Terrell Johnson

Great question. My first piece of advice is to ignore most of the advice you get here, except for this: Go to a reputable running store with knowledgeable staff, get them to look at (even record) your gait, and hopefully they'll ask a lot of questions about your training habits, your injuries, your goals, etc. Then, try on as many different pair as you can that feel right for YOU, and go home with 2 pair. If you don't want to buy 2, return the one pair that doesn't feel perfect for you after a couple or three runs.

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