Recommend me some running shoes

[Rocket Man]

It's new year resolution time!

I've been told that the Japanese brands like Mitzuno or Asics are much better than the American ones (like Nike and New Balance).

Anybody care to recommend a particular brand or model?

[walkerwek1958]

The following factors need to be considered:

your weight, and your weight relative to the ideal weight for your build.

foot posture and potential pronation problems.

any other foot issues (mortons foot, weak arches, width ....)

terrain you intend to run on

amount if running you untend to do.

Forget about one brand versus another, get yourself along to a specialist running shop and take advice. You don’t need to buy the dearest shoes in the shop but you will probably pay a premium for the advice. Remember, if they don’t fel right in the shop they don’t improve, the ideal shoe will be based on advice but it gas to feel right too.

People start running to get fit, my advice is to get to a basic fitness level before running! Brisk strenuous walks, building up to a few stretches of light jogging, is the best way to start. Forget what you’ve been capable of in the past, be honest aboutyour starting point. The worst thing to do is incur injuries by doing too much too soon. Look after your achilles tendons and calves............I wish I’d taken that advice back in the day when I was good at it!

[Gerald Genta]

Have a search for your local running shop and they will be able to recommend the best type of running shoe based on your feet and running style along with the type of running you intend to do. Sweatshop is a running shoe chain in the UK that other that service but I haven't personally used them.

There's an independent running shop near me based in Portsmouth which i've used for years and they are fantastic. Maybe a good place to start is search for local running groups near you and ask there for recommendations of places that provide such a service.

[ernestrome]

Forget about the pronation nonsense. Ignore Nathan and his two second pseudoscience video of your foot moving this way and that on the treadmill in the shop. Forget about brands.

Buy middle of range neutral (not motion control) shoes from any brand that are comfortable for your feet. Avoid minimalist shoes too. Do core and leg strengthening exercises in addition to your running. Build up distance gradually.

[JGJG]

My local Indy put me on a treadmill and video’d my footfall while running, then ordered me up a pair of New Balance. Can’t say they’re much better or worse than years of whatever Adidas were cheap...

[will128small]

I'd say a good pair of running socks is almost as important as the shoes. More mile do some good ones. On the shoes, I've always worn asics and Ben happy with them.

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[Stuno1]

My local Indy put me on a treadmill and video’d my footfall while running, then ordered me up a pair of New Balance. Can’t say they’re much better or worse than years of whatever Adidas were cheap...

This. It’s more important to get the shoes you need assessed by a professional as opposed to randomly choosing a brand. I ended up with a pair of altrac zero drop shoes as they best fit my running style.

[Christian]

I think some people can get away running in any shoes, some need a certain type of shoe. Much of it comes down to the individual.

I’ve run regularly for the last twenty years, generally 10k but up to half marathon and find I need a stability shoe...so I always run in ASICS GT-1000/2000 or Nike Zoom Structure (whatever I can find on offer). I’m pretty sure that stability shoes cater for the largest numbers of runners as we are statistically more likely to slightly over-pronate than not. Unlike the comments above, I couldn’t give a monkeys what socks I’m wearing...they make no difference to me.

I found myself getting running injuries in the first 5 or so years of my running (shin splints, runners knee etc) and touchwood, for the last 5-10 years, I’ve run trouble free so I just stick to what I know.

[Snowdon]

I think some people can get away running in any shoes, some need a certain type of shoe. Much of it comes down to the individual.

I’ve run regularly for the last twenty years, generally 10k but up to half marathon and find I need a stability shoe...so I always run in ASICS GT-1000/2000 or Nike Zoom Structure (whatever I can find on offer). I’m pretty sure that stability shoes cater for the largest numbers of runners as we are statistically more likely to slightly over-pronate than not. Unlike the comments above, I couldn’t give a monkeys what socks I’m wearing...they make no difference to me.

I found myself getting running injuries in the first 5 or so years of my running (shin splints, runners knee etc) and touchwood, for the last 5-10 years, I’ve run trouble free so I just stick to what I know.

As a fairly serious runner, how often do you replace your shoes? After how many hundreds of km/miles?

[djacks42]

Saucony ISO Guide (mild stability) or Ride if you just want neutral. Nice wide toebox, good cushioning - not as soft as Hurricane which was also nice. I've had a few of the Asics but they seem to keep screwing around with the fit and feel between each model year. Check out Solereview.com for anything running shoe related.

[walkerwek1958]

Certainly worth considering some leg strengthening work, for some it’s almost essential to minimise injury risk but for others it makes no difference. I’d treat it as an insurance policy, doing some leg strengthening and mobility/flexibility work is likely to be benefitial and it’ll do no harm.

Agree with the comments regarding minimal/racing shoes, best avoided IMO. Cushioning is far more important. Peronally I avoid the ‘stability’ shoes, they do me more harm than good, but I have a long history of achilles/calf problems going back 40+ years!

Surprising how complex running can be.....considering the simplicity of it.

[djacks42]

As a fairly serious runner, how often do you replace your shoes? After how many hundreds of km/miles?

I replace mine around 450miles - it's the midsole foam that goes dead well before the soles or upper mesh wear through. You can feel they reduce in 'bounciness'.

[Wallasey Runner]

As a fairly serious runner, how often do you replace your shoes? After how many hundreds of km/miles?

They recommend every 6 months or every 500 miles. That is about the average life of the shoe, then they get relegated for everyday use.



I buy two pairs a year, both New Balance and usually 1080 or 1260 - always 2E width.

[Christian]

I replace mine around 450miles - it's the midsole foam that goes dead well before the soles or upper mesh wear through. You can feel they reduce in 'bounciness'.

Probably similar for me. I also alternate between a clean pair of shoes for dry weather/pavement (that i can also get away with on a treadmill) and a dirty pair for the wet/muddy tracks.

[Waxman]

if you want the best it's asics nimbus or kayano for me.
I wear the former as have a neutral gate to choose a cushioning bias shoe

[ernestrome]

This. It’s more important to get the shoes you need assessed by a professional as opposed to randomly choosing a brand. I ended up with a pair of altrac zero drop shoes as they best fit my running style.

Define professional.

- - - Updated - - -

This. It’s more important to get the shoes you need assessed by a professional as opposed to randomly choosing a brand. I ended up with a pair of altrac zero drop shoes as they best fit my running style.

Define professional.

[Rocket Man]

Plenty of helpful advice so far, thanks! This is going to be more complicated than I thought.

I used to run regularly but that was over ten years ago, back then I just bought the cheapest shoes that I could find.

Has anyone tried 'Runnersneed' and were they any good?

https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-a...-analysis.html

[djacks42]

Has anyone tried 'Runnersneed' and were they any good?

https://www.runnersneed.com/expert-a...-analysis.html

Yes. Used them for my first decent pair a few years ago and they will show you on the video why a stability shoe might be appropriate.

[Cornholio]

Without wanting to state the obvious, the best shoes are the ones that fit.

I visited our local 'Up and Running' shop. They measured me with variety of gadgets, but I still had to try on lots of pairs before I found the right ones.

[demonloop]

I'm a moderate over pronator, as a lot of people are.

Adidas Ultraboost Stability (ST) worked well for me, but they are borderline too soft.

Asics Kayano are what I'm using currently, and they seem just about perfect.

Also tried...
Nike (not enough support for me)
Brooks (good but a bit heavy)
ON Running (grip on soles was rubbish, borderline dangerous in the wet)

[yumma]

Your best bet is go to a specialist running shop, get fitted and have a proper gait analysis done, have no preconceived idea on brand, colour, cost and buy the right shoes for your feet/gait which they recommend.

[Liner33]

Your best bet is go to a specialist running shop, get fitted and have a proper gait analysis done, have no preconceived idea on brand, colour, cost and buy the right shoes for your feet/gait which they recommend.

This 100% , I went to a specialist in Cardiff as I'm doing the couch to 5k thing , my dodgy left knee was actually more to do with a dodgy right hip clearly shown on the gait analysis , the aasics that I have worn for years were not helping , trying some different shoes however made a dramatic difference and the knee doesn't complain half as much

[walkerwek1958]

Slightly off topic, but it pays to wear good everyday shoes too! Looking after your feet/legs is a full- time affair, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. I learned that lesson in my early 30s, but my feet/ankles were already damaged by then.

[Rocket Man]

Thanks for all the helpful replies so far.

I'll be heading into central London soon to buy my shoes and have signed up for the Royal Parks half marathon!

Does anyone have any views on whether 'natural gait analysis' is better than treadmill gait analysis?

https://www.runandbecome.com/natural-gait-analysis

The natural gait analysis suggested above seems to make sense because I will be running on streets not a treadmill.

[Ironmonk3y]

Natural is always better than treadmill although I do not know how they analyse you. My running gait definitely changes on a treadmill compared to outside. Although I would take all this analysis with a pinch of salt. I pronate but choose to wear neutral shoes with 4mm drop or lower. It's worth reading born to run, which will open your eyes to how the trainer industry came about and how we don't need all this technology within a shoe. Saying that, don't jump into minimalist footwear straight away as you'll get injured.

[Andrzej]

I'll be heading into central London soon to buy my shoes and have signed up for the Royal Parks half marathon! Does anyone have any views on whether 'natural gait analysis' is better than treadmill gait analysis?

https://www.runandbecome.com/natural-gait-analysis

The natural gait analysis suggested above seems to make sense because I will be running on streets not a treadmill.

If you are based in London quite a few of our club members have used, and been impressed by these people. Not cheap, but they consider worth it https://www.runningschool.co.uk/

[Jon Kenney]

ON Running (grip on soles was rubbish, borderline dangerous in the wet)

If you don't mind me asking, which model?

I have a vested interest and would appreciate your comments.

[RD200]

Forget about the pronation nonsense. Ignore Nathan and his two second pseudoscience video of your foot moving this way and that on the treadmill in the shop. Forget about brands.

I used to spout the same rubbish about supination and over pronation but now believe it's just that, rubbish.

I used to get injured a lot despite changing my shoes regularly and buying what i thought was the best.

One physio i went to said ditch Nike so i did and the problem with my calf went, for years.

I preferred Saucony btw.

[Mj2k]

I really wanted ON Running shoes, love the style, but they are so narrow, even up 1.5 sizes and my toes were cramped & unable to wiggle.

Ended up with some ASICS gel 360 things that are bloody lovely. Comfy & the way they lace allows you to tighten / loosen different parts of the shoe


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[yumma]

I used to spout the same rubbish about supination and over pronation but now believe it's just that, rubbish.

I used to get injured a lot despite changing my shoes regularly and buying what i thought was the best.

One physio i went to said ditch Nike so i did and the problem with my calf went, for years.

I preferred Saucony btw.

No disrespect but I used to run in Saucony Grid Omni’s, but now feel happier and more comfortable in Nike Vomeros. It really isn’t a one brand suits all. Nike do so many shite fashion trainers, but they do sell some superb running shoes too. Over the years I’ve tried ASICS, Saucony, New Balance, Innov8’s, Adidas, but for me; on road/firm terrain it’s Nike Vomero/Pegasus every time. PS. I’m a neutral gait runner up to marathon distance.

[Jon Kenney]

I really wanted ON Running shoes, love the style, but they are so narrow, even up 1.5 sizes and my toes were cramped & unable to wiggle.

Ended up with some ASICS gel 360 things that are bloody lovely. Comfy & the way they lace allows you to tighten / loosen different parts of the shoe


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They've recently increased the girth on many of the lasts and are now a better fit across the range.

[Wolfie]

I’ve resisted commenting on this thread

I only buy Brooks…. Adrenaline for road and another pair for off road…

I wouldn’t dream of swapping brands as they 100% do the trick for ME! The styling is beyond shite though!

Try a pair that you think are ok and move on if they’re not…. A bit of trial and error…

Would love to own a pair of the Hi Tec trainers that transported me to a 42 min 10km 29 years ago!

[RD200]

No disrespect but I used to run in Saucony Grid Omni’s, but now feel happier and more comfortable in Nike Vomeros. It really isn’t a one brand suits all. Nike do so many shite fashion trainers, but they do sell some superb running shoes too. Over the years I’ve tried ASICS, Saucony, New Balance, Innov8’s, Adidas, but for me; on road/firm terrain it’s Nike Vomero/Pegasus every time. PS. I’m a neutral gait runner up to marathon distance.

I was in Florida in 1996 and bought some lightweight Saucony with the same sole as the Grid but with shallower lugs. They were real flying machines and knocked minutes of my times.
The real problem with the Nikes was that they were half a size too small, nothing to do with the shoe, don't know why the physio said that.

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[RD200]

Slightly off topic, but it pays to wear good everyday shoes too! Looking after your feet/legs is a full- time affair, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. I learned that lesson in my early 30s, but my feet/ankles were already damaged by then.

I agree 100%.

I used to change my shoes every few hundred miles and do all the stretches but still get calf pulls. One bloke who i worked with who was a real life Alf Tupper only wore old pumps to run in and used to laugh at me binning my shoes when they were only a few months old.

I was out running when i got the first twinge in my groin which turned out to be arthritis in my hip. I couldn't believe it and near enough went into depression.
I had the replacement in 2008 and recovered very quickly but now need a new knee which i put down to working on factory shop floors for nearly 45 years, stood up all shift.

[Mj2k]

They've recently increased the girth on many of the lasts and are now a better fit across the range.

Interesting, the ones I wanted were the cloud flyer waterproof but just couldn’t get the fit. They are amazing quality and build though.


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[Jon Kenney]

Interesting, the ones I wanted were the cloud flyer waterproof but just couldn’t get the fit. They are amazing quality and build though.


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Cloudflyer WP are more a trail/approach shoe, and quite rigid. I'd recommend Cloud X for an out and out runner.

Or you could wait a short while for some exciting new releases...

[Mj2k]

Or you could wait a short while for some exciting new releases...

Interesting...will keep my eye out.




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[Rocket Man]

Update for anyone who might be in need of new running shoes:

I went to Run and Become near Victoria station where I received the best customer service I have ever experienced in a store. Not only do they watch you run outside in a pair of neutral shoes first to assess your gait, they then bring out dozens of options in different sizes then watch you run outside in every single pair that you are considering. It's then a process of elimination until you find the perfect fit. I was in the store for well over an hour and ended up with a pair of Saucony Omni Iso's. So far they have been superb. I cannot praise this store highly enough!