90 Comments

why are companies constantly changing the shoes! every year i stress because they've always made some sort of "improvement". would be nice to consistently be able to get the shoe that works for you.

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Honestly, I wish I knew more about the mechanics of shoes. Toebox. Drop. Neutral. I'd love to *really* know what all that *really* means.

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There are myriad options out there, and frankly it's dizzying. I prefer the New Balance brand and have had good luck with them. I'm a big dude with a wide toe box and NB has a more comfortable fit. I keep 2-3 pairs of different models on rotation. What works for me is the v1080 for weekly training and the Beacon for runs longer than 5 miles. I also wear a Fuel Cell version for 5Ks as they are a little stiffer and more responsive (read: faster).

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't lured by the siren song of Hoka and the ON Cloud shoes. I've yet to purchase a pair, but might some day grab a pair of Hokas. All the run buddies at the office wear them and swear by them.

Anymore it's probably really a matter of personal preference. However, based on experience I do firmly believe you get what you pay for.

Visiting an established running store to get analyzed and fitted by someone who knows what the are talking about is probably the best advice for someone wanting to take their running to a higher level.

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The shoe you choose has to do with fit. Because a shoe works for you does not mean it will work for me. I purchase Asics Nimbus and it was great in training until I hit longer runs. Then I felt all kinds of issues.

I switched to Adrenaline 19 and now 20 and I love them.

Everyone is different!!!

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When I started doing half marathons 12 years ago, I ran in cheap shoes ... I’m actually a jogger/walker! ... after I wore out a pair Nike’s, the running store recommended Brooks Dyads for my archless (flat) feet. It’s been Dyads and no Adrenalines that have provided the best / most comfortable fit fo me.

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I started with what I had that time, which were New Balance and I liked them. But I needed to change them eventually, roughly after 4 months. Was running in Brooks for 2 years (Levitate, Ghost 10, and then 11), Launch 5 and 6 - I was using more than one pair for my runs, Ghost for longer ones, Launch - for speed work. Would be great to know more about how to keep that rotation.

Last year though I switched to Nike Epic React fly knit and felt like they were created for me. I try to buy them on sale (whatever color) and don't care about new models - I hope they don't make significant changes to it. I still use my Brooks, but prefer run races in Nike Epic React that works for me the best.

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I would like to learn more about which shoes are appropriate for various types of runs. I recall Hollie Sick writing that utilizing more than one pair could really help training. I would like to learn more about this. For example, would a lighter shoe work best for interval training and sprinting?

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The yearly changes are extremely frustrating. Second the motion that visiting an established running store is, at minimum, a good way to get started in terms of what type of shoe you need, whether you should consider inserts, etc.

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I rotate 3 pair of shoes. I have heard that it helps prevent injuries. I also like to rotate so that I can add to my running shoe addiction! :-) I try to put around 400 miles on each pair before I retire them. What does the group think about rotating? My current 3 are Saucony, New Balance, and Nike ... for what its worth.

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I'd love to know how long to hang on to running shoes. Is 400 miles reasonable? Can you then still use them as emergency shoes if another pair is wet? BTW I love my Hoka Bondies. I'm on my 4th pair already

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Road races or trail races I'm wearing lightweight shoes. Roads I go with Brook's Hyperion (6.5) oz. Trail races New Balance MT 10 v1 Minimus shoes (7.3) oz. I have run 50'k races with the Hyperion. Seems they will be coming out with new Hyperion models in February.

These shoes are light, they work for me for a several reasons. First I'm a lightweight runner. Also my feet barely leave the ground. I employ a very quick, short stride. I use a running cadence or stp of 208.

By using basically a shuffle stride I'm able to run pretty high weekly running total (98 last week). Also it's been many years since I have had even a minor injury.

It's often beneficial to get off the pavement couple times a week via trails or treadmill. I have tried super light shoes like the Mizuno Wave and there is not enough support there- actually run slower times. I have put on a heavier shoe- over 8 oz and it feel like I'm running in quicksand. I'm working much harder to run same pace as I do with the lighter shoes. Guess one needs to find a balance with regards to shoe support. What works for one runner may not work at all for another. I typically buy new shoes every 6 weeks, when appreciable wear is becoming evident (usually 375-390 miles).

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I have 3 pairs of shoes I rotate depending on the weather and the conditions. This morning, I wore my trusty Addidas and as I got going I realized that the blacktop has a thin layer of ice in spots. I backed off and tried to stick to the gutters as they were cement. I have a pair of Addidas Terex shoes that I wear when there is snow or ice (should have had these on this morning) because they have a little more gripping soles. I have now signed up for a trail series and purchased New Balance Trail shoes. I did wear them a couple of times when we had some snow on the ground and they seemed to work well. Can't wait to try them out on the trails but for now, training for a half marathon so will most likely use them for one of my off-run days and take a trek through out local park that has trails. I used to wear Brooks and still do for some of my walking and occasionally when I am having an arthritis flare. Right now, my go to is Addidas but I am willing to try new styles if I hear good things. I too tried Hoka and I tried one run and found that I felt like I was going to roll my ankle and back they went. Happy Running Everyone!

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Changing running shoes is almost traumatic for me. I was training and switched from new balance fresh foam to brooks (because both of my sisters love them) and It seemed to trigger plantar fasciitis. I ended up going back to my beat up sneakers (after using a bike for training while I healed) to finish my first half marathon. Since then I’m afraid of experimenting with other brands that seem to provide different supports in the arch. I would like to understand more about arch composition and how different shoes may be suitable to different shapes of arches.

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I would like to learn more about which shoes are appropriate for various types of workouts. I recall Hollie Sick writing that utilizing more than one pair of shoes might be beneficial for training. I am wondering which types of shoes I should use for different types of runs. For example, would a lighter shoe be better for sprinting and/or interval training?

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Years ago like 1989 Roger Soler in San Antonio would let me go back to their supply area and try on all the shoes to my hearts delight That’s how I found the perfect “angels singing shoe And believe me when I say All brands. Problem is asic changed to narrow toe box to them it was a Design improvement looks good can’t run in them With other sports Cycling they depend on equipment Hey we need good shoes to run For new runners I hope they are getting the right shoe Deb Stuart Running Happy in Texas

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Great topic. I bought the latest model of Nike Vomero and had to send them back as they were super uncomfortable. I also bought Saucony Triumph (regrettably online) and the size I had always worn ended up being too small. I guess I learned my lesson and will now only buy from my local shoe store!

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This is kind of related to shoes... but I have gotten mixed feedback on running with inserts. How important are they really? Does it make that big of a difference?

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I’ve been using the Nike Pegasus. They work great for me, I am in need of a new pair. So I may look into Brooks. I’ve seen lots of people wear the Hokas. I’m not sure about those. They seem like they would be heavy to run in. I appreciate everyone’s feed On this. Have a great day.

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After the Asics Nimbus 18, they went to hell in a hand basket.. Switched to the Brooks Ghost 10 and it was LOVE at the first mile... Unless they decide to improve their shoes like Asics did, I'll stick with them...

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I have worn Brooks Ghost for years. Some models I have liked more than others. I tried Hokas with moderate success this summer, but am back to Ghost. It’s diificult for me to judge a great fit in the store. Any tips on that would be appreciated. Our local fitness does bring in vendor reps from time to time and also allows returns, even after the shoes are worn. That defines great customer service for me.

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I'm going to mix two different thread topics to comment.

Since we talked about reading Running with Sherman, I decided to reread Born to Run. He discusses running shoes at length and he makes it sound like the entire industry is a huge hoax only out to make money. He discusses barefoot running, which is not something I am willing to try, but I was wondering what others think about this topic. Not just barefoot running, but the idea that running shoes do nothing and may even hurt.

Having said that, when I decided to train for a marathon, I did go to a local running shoe store and bought some NB there that I LOVE!

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Does anybody know of an open toed running shoe? Is this strange to ask? 😊 I just feel like I want a shoe with an open toe box.

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Forgot to add that I tried Hoka, but after one mile I felt numbness in both feet. Switched to walking - fine. Started running - again, numbness on the bottom of my feet. Weird. Was able to return/exchange them for Brooks that time. While I see a lot of people run in Hoka and love them, apparently they are not for me. And I tried them at the store, they did fit fine but nope, simply not for me.

With that said, I would also like to know what checkpoints might be useful to know that shoes fit someone's feet. Or may be what movements are recommended to try to see that the shoe fit - I did run 5 minutes on a treadmill in Hoka, was fine. But couldn't run after mile 2 in real life.

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i know nothing of shoes.! I find one i like and pray they dont change it! Everyone LOVES Brooks or Asics, but neither work for me. Both gave me issues.

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Why do I always have part of the cushion worn off, small hole, of my right heel mainly After a couple of months?

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I’m struggling to find new running shoes. I wear ASICS Kayano due to the way I plant my feet. I don’t find these the best but have no options as I wear a size 12.5 Narrow width. Currently I’be searches online to find any without success.

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I love my Salomons. Between running 5k's to half marathons and doing OCR I love that they have regular running shoes and trail shoes. The added bonus is that I don't have to worry about them coming untied in a race.

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I picked up a pair of ASICS Contend 4’s for the gym when I joined last winter. They were cheap. I didn’t plan to take up running but it happened and I was out there in my $40 shoes. I did a spring/summer of training and my first half marathon. Trusty little things saw me through but when it was time to replace I went to a specialty run store to get analyzed and I was lucky to learn I was in the right kind of shoe but if I wanted to go ‘better’ (I did), the Nimbus 21 was up the chain in the same family as the Contend. Seemed like a no-brainer but I have been having issues ever since. Shin splints, heel pain, ankle stuff, and what feels like PF since I ran my second half last weekend. Very frustrated and disappointed. I’m tempted to go back to the Contend 4 but I wanted a little more cushion as my heels would get sore following longer runs (though I really don’t believe I am a heel striker).

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I've always replaced shoes every six months, regardless of the tread wear. I'm a 160lb female half marathon walker, so I'm pounding the payment heavily. I also wear a custom orthotic. I switched to Hoka (from Brooks) and they seem to be fine. Any other thoughts on shoes for heavier women?

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Brooks are for people like me. I'm an older runner who has running issues. I need the guide rails. I liked the older ASICS with the wide toe box. Are there any others that are better for my pronation?

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In South Dakota and then Colorado I used s great pair of $175 Newton Running Shoes that were so great to run in ( finally wore them out after few years good use

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The "big" question that keeps me awake at night is .... for several years I was a heel striker that overpronated so I wore only support shoes. Now I have changed to a mid-foot strike, for a little over a year, can I switch to a neutral shoe or stick with a support shoe???? Any suggestions would be appreciated... within reason...😊

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I used to love my Asics 'Nimbus' but each year they change and now I can't trust them! I'm doing Ghosts now.

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