I need new running shoes, can you help?
I used to be a huge Asics fan until foot surgery sidelined me for awhile. After I recovered they just didn’t feel right anymore. They didn’t have much cushion and seemed “heavy” so I switched to Saucony.
I loved the Triumph 5s which I wore during my recent pregnancy. I bought a new pair (which are now the Triumph 6s) for the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon and I have grown to hate them. They are uncomfy and almost too tight on my feet. Did the shoe change that much or just my feet? Who knows.
I got a pair of New Balance walking shoes at Fitbloggin which are very comfy and roomy. I haven’t branched out to their running shoes yet. Are they they same?
When I posted this question on my Facebook fan page (are you a fan yet?), it seemed like everyone agreed that Nike’s are NOT a favorite. Interesting considering I think they are the leading brand of shoes when it comes to running.
Okay, maybe I’m making that up but I was surprised that so many people have told me they don’t like Nikes. (In fact, I have never met a person who DOES like Nike as a running shoe!)
So please help me out if you can. Recommend a shoe that is roomy for my poor decrepit feet. 
As you can see, I don’t want to spend another $100+ on more shoes that just don’t measure up!
PS: if you are looking for a regular everyday comfy shoe, you must check out Kuru Footwear. I LOVE mine! They are a small company that just welcomed their first child, so I’m sure they could use your support. Your feet won’t be disappointed! (no, they didn’t pay me to say that. I really love them!)
{ 27 comments }
asics
Mizunos are the only way to go.
Earlier this year I switched from Asics (b/c they didn’t have the newer model of my usual shoe in my size) to Brooks. I love them! They have a roomy toe box. With my Asics my feet would fall asleep on longer runs (and my shoes were not that tight), but I no longer have that problem. Check them out!
I personally LOVE my Mizuno’s. I recommend that you go to a professional running store, let them measure your feet, put you in different shoes with different combinations of insoles and have you run in them… then pick your favorite…
I used to buy and buy shoes, then I got fitted for the right shoe, ahhhh heaven!
.-= Carrie´s last blog ..Perspective… =-.
Have you gone to the Running Store? They are really knowledgable about shoes and have a wide selection. I’ve gotten a couple of pairs from them and have been happy. (Also, they sell sneaks for the kiddos at 25% off…BONUS!)
.-= Slacker Mama´s last blog ..it’s been a while…get used to it =-.
I’ve tried a ton of brands but always return to Asics. However it seems with each new model year I have to switch models. I have tried Nikes and found that they wore out faster than any other shoe.
@Slacker Mama:
Slacker Mama–Yes! I should have added that i did go to a professional running store where I was fitted for the Sauconys. (at the time though they were not selling Asics yet)
I should definitely go back and try again. Thanks!
I have always worn Asics or New Balance – right now it is Asics. But I do agree with the others – go to Running store and try on a bunch of different styles and brands. Let them evaluate your stride and make recommendations. You may find that you just need inserts to get that perfect fit.
.-= Char´s last blog ..Notes from My First Golf Day in 2010 =-.
I agree with the running store…
I was a NB girl for a long time, but I almost always bought them at Sears. In my latest incarnation of running, I went to the running store and they fitted me into Mizunos. LOVE THEM!
.-= Thea @ I’m a Drama Mama´s last blog ..Unfinished business =-.
Guess I will be the first to tell you…I.HEART.NIKE SHOX! (They MUST be the running Shox…so worth the $120!)
I have 13 pair of running shoes. (Shox, Asics, Brooks & Saucony)I know what you’re thinking, why? I have had two knee surgeries (soccer injury) and a lower back surgery. BOTH of my surgeons recommended Shox due to the cushioning on my heel. PLUS I have big WIDE feet…10 wide!
I’ve tried Asics several times. I currently have two pair. They are great for walking, or treadmill running of only a few miles. BUT if I’m going to log my miles or train for my marathons my body HATES me if I don’t run in Shox. I’ve run quite a few half and full marathons in Shox…and my feet and knees are NOT barking at me afterwards like they used to with other brands (Asics & Brooks)
My running partner used to make fun of me, telling me she would never run in Shox (had never tried either)…then one day she bought a pair since they were on sale for $99. Her Asics are now reserved for her elliptical too!
With all this praise towards Nike in my post…I am not a huge fan of their “other” running shoes.
.-= Frosty´s last blog ..God Bless America =-.
I thought I would be the first, but Frosty beat me to it – I LOVE my Nike SHOX!! They are my first pair of Nikes for running – before that, I was very loyal to Saucony and Ryka.
.-= Sarahviz´s last blog ..A Night of Unicorns Farting Rainbows in the Trenches =-.
I LOVE my Brooks for running – I have to get a men’s shoe because my feet are so big, so they don’t have pretty colors, but that is my only complaint. They are the most comfy shoes I’ve ever owned for running.
DO you have a specialty running store anywhere near you? I highly recommend going to one and having them fit you for the perfect shoe for you. In Dallas I go to Run On Sports. I’ve heard great things about Fleet Feet in Chicago.
I think it’s well worth it to have the experts look at your feet and find a shoe that works for you based on your unique foot (high arch? flat feet? etc.)
Good luck!
Ok, I am a PT. Hard for me to give you a great answer w/o assessing you…but…I used to run in the Asics 2100 series, but recently switched to Saucony Progrid Omni 8. I LOVE them, they are definitely more cushy. I also stopped wearing my custom orthotics and that seemed more comfy. Now, with the history of hallux rigidis surgery, you are going to want more room in the toe-box, which automatically rules out Nike (although professionally, I would never recommend them anyways…and especially SHOX…Ugh…don’t even get me started!!). That being said, NB tends to be a wider shoe, you may do well in them…but I definitely would recommend either hitting up a sports PT or a good running store to make sure you only need a neutral shoe, and not something with more support, like a motion control.
.-= michgal18´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday =-.
For the gym and overall working out, I love Asiscs Nimbus and Kayanos. But, I just switched my running shoe to the Newtons AND LOVE THEM. They are designed for a mid-sole strike, so I had to change my technique. However, all my chronic knee pain is GONE. They are as light as air, I’m not exaggerating, I don’t have to wear socks and I feel like I’m running on a trampoline. Check out Newton’s website — No they don’t pay me or anything, just the science behind the shoe and the chi running make total sense to me.
i’m not a runner, but my cousin who is and was at fitbloggin’ said you can tell a “real” runner by their shoes. she said most never wear nike’s. i LOVE my new balances… but she swears by her Brooks.:)
.-= shelley´s last blog ..Just Do It!:) =-.
First, that photo of all the running shoes brought such a smile to my face- what a collection! Second, you mention liking a shoe and then having them not work. I am at that point with Asics. I recently purchased another Keyano (don’t have them near me) pair and they have different lopsided laces and I hate them. I have done NB and Saucony in the past. A couple running friends swear my brooks, that would be my suggestion. Love the blog!
.-= Lauren Slayton´s last blog ..Organic Apology =-.
My last pair were Brooks. They seemed roomier than asics, but I went back to asics. I went with the trail running shoe this time and have been happy with it. http://www.rei.com/product/747158
.-= Flossip´s last blog ..Gyro shack Florence Mall =-.
I’ve worn the Asics Kayano for years, but, when I went to buy another pair this year, I found that I didn’t like the feel. They seemed bulky.
So, I went with Brooks. Can’t remember the model right this second, but so far I kinda like them.
I like Ryka’s. Happy Exploring~!
I LOVE my Brooks for running – I have to get a men’s shoe because my feet are so big, so they don’t have pretty colors, but that is my only complaint. They are the most comfy shoes I’ve ever owned for running.
DO you have a specialty running store anywhere near you? I highly recommend going to one and having them fit you for the perfect shoe for you. In Dallas I go to Run On Sports. I’ve heard great things about Fleet Feet in Chicago.
I think it’s well worth it to have the experts look at your feet and find a shoe that works for you based on your unique foot (high arch? flat feet? etc.)
Good luck!
Thanks for this post! I’ve been looking for some shoe recommendations. It seems that getting fitted is the way to go. I’ll have to look for a local shoe store that can help me out.
Seeing as I’m an asics girl all the way, my best advice would be to go to a running store and get fitted. Try on everything in the store! (While your kids tear apart their display cases – that’s our fave activity;))
.-= charlotte´s last blog ..Your Insurance Company is Trying to Kill You… With Fast Food =-.
hi lisa! i’m a huge salomon fan…haven’t worn anything else in over 8 years. j
I love my Asics gels and my Mizunos.
.-= Stephanie´s last blog ..4 Road Trip Tips =-.
New Balance all the way!!!!
Thanks for this post! I’ve been looking for some shoe recommendations. It seems that getting fitted is the way to go. I’ll have to look for a local shoe store that can help me out.
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