To All runners...what's Your Favorite Running Shoe???

I love my Asics. I have tried Ryka, Nike and New Balance and know people who swear by all three of those. But I have wasted so much money trying what other people recommended before I figured out that it has to work for ME! Everyone is different, walks different, runs different has different issues.

I have a lot off feet and lower back issues, (years of floor nursing) and Asics are the best for me.

God Luck

1 mom found this helpful

I was watching channel 4 the other day and they were talking about New Balance - about the great quality and that they are the ONLY shoes MADE IN THE USA. That is the brand of shoe me and everyone in my family will be buying from now on. =) I am a nurse and have owned them in the past and they are very comfortable when your on your feet a lot.

Hi L T!

I'll say up front that I am NOT a runner, BUT my brother is a marathoner and triathlete and keeps roughly six pairs of his "go to" shoes around at all times! He always runs in Mizuno's because they've been the best fit for his feet. The last time I shopped for tennis shoes, I bought a pair of Mizuno's since he recommended them. Although I am about 5% active compared to him, they have always been very comfortable and supportive from the get go. The bonus is that DSW will have them on their sale racks periodically. I got my Mizuno's for $35!!! The best price my brother has found is online at $70/pair. I do know your foot shape and physical needs play a big role in the decision too! So there's an extra two cents for you!

God's Grace to you,

Lisa :)

I'm not from Texas, but it sounds like this store has knowledgeable sales associates who will observe your gait, strike pattern, and then recommend a shoe based upon your individual needs.

I will say, however, that New Balance shoes are outstanding. If you have a New Balance store, they also have trained staff who can help you identify which model would be best for you. You can find out which one you want and then shop around online for a better price.

Personally, I wear Asics. I over-pronate and have flat feet and I found a shoe that gives me the proper support that I need. I've been buying/wearing the same model for over 4 years now. Of course, they update with a new version from time to time (I'm wearing the 2140 now and the 2150s are already out, but they're essentially the same shoe).

If you're a runner you definitely need to know what brand and model suits your feet and running style best. What works for one person could be completely wrong for another. Going to a store that has trained staff who can identify your needs is, in my opinion, worth the money. If you don't know which one is the best choice for you, then skip Kohls, DSW, or mall stores whose employees haven't the faintest clue about running.

Asics are for serious runners. I had to quit running due to aging and an old knee injury, but clocked 3-5 miles a day for years. I still only wear Asics and frequently get asked by other if I am a runner as they point to my shoes.

I love Mizunos, but they are $100+. They are absolutely worth the money as they protect my feet. Some shoes are better for your feet depending on their needs. We have running shoe stores that look at your feet, watch you run, and tell you what type of shoe you need. I used to run in Asics but they just didn't work for my foot type. You can always go and try the shoe on and then look for it on-line.

I have been wearing Saucony for years! They just work for my feet. My advice to you is to go to Luke's or Run On to get properly fitted. You will probably spend $100. However, after that you will know what to buy the next time you need shoes and then you can look for a bargain. I would go ahead and invest the money initially though, because it's so much cheaper than doctor's visits, physical therapy, etc.

I've been running for over 20 years and have done over12 marathons. I'm only in my mid 30s. I haven't tried Nike in a while simply because about 10 years ago they fell apart on me. Nike's are still expensive and I don't plan on trying them out again. I've heard great things about Saucony and New Balance, but never tried them since I got a pair of Reeboks years ago and have kept buying the same type time after time. Buy them actually at their outlet.
When you run the brand and look should not matter. What matters is how the shoes fit your feet. Do you need arch support or wide widths or do you pronate one way? I find it is best to visit a running store to see what type of shoe you need, but beyond that go buy where you want. There is absolutely no reason to spend $75+ for any running shoe. As a runner I will not spend less than $50 since likely that means it doesn't have the needed support I need. Remember, if you buy the wrong shoes for you it can impact your knees, back, etc. It is very important you wear shoes that are comfortable and if you do have aches consider if the shoes are creating them. Also, ensure you also consider getting a couple of pair of good socks. Get some that minimize wet feet as that can cause blisters. Run Girl Run :)

I had done tons of research looking for new running shoes and had narrowed it down to Asics and Saucony's. I went and tried them both,without looking at any prices and loved the Saucony's in the store, so after wearing both shoes around the store for almost an hour, I went and got the Saucony's and found that they were only $39.95!! an added bonus! I have worn them for about 3 months now and ABSOLUTELY LOVE THEM! They are so light and comfy and have worn really well. I run an average of 3 miles per day, so they have quite a few miles on them now and still are as comfy as ever!

When I went to Luke's Locker. I told them I was going to train for a Marathon. They had me walk and run around a little track set up in the store. When you step, they are able to see how you place your foot. Depending on that, is how they determine what type of running shoe you need. If you can remember what was the brand you bought from them before, maybe you can find it online.

I thought going to Luke's was worth the price.

My husband trained for and ran the White Rock marathon, and his shoes were Brooks. He got them from Run On in McKinney. He thinks that they are definitely worth the cost. Good luck!

I am a runner myself. I run 10K's through half marathons. I have always worn New Balance and I will never change. My orthopedist recommends NB shoes for all of his patients with any knee/hip/foot problems. I get fitted at the New Balance store next to Target in Frisco. They will find you the right shoe for your foot. Good luck!

I love my Sauconys... I run on roads and trails, and the shoes I prefer are their trail running shoes. I generally get them at Academy. Get something that feels comfortable (don't worry about the look); if I feel like I float in them when I walk, I know I'm good to go also for long runs. Good luck!

i always go to Luke's. There are a bunch around now: Dallas, Shops of Legacy, Watter's Crossing...somehow I always get fit in different shoes, but they are always great. I went after I delivered both my kids and was surprised at how much my feet had changed. If nothing else, go in there, have them size you and give you a few options. If you don't want to pay their prices (which i think are not terrible), you can always go online to try and shop the price down.

I'm not a runner but I went to Luke's Locker because I was having some issues with my feet. I've worn Rykas for ages but I wanted something different. They recommended Saucony and I've been really pleased. They have a wide range of prices so you might mention to them you would like something more affordable. Their prices are really not out of line but once you find a style that works for you, you can bargain shop elsewhere.

Personally, my favorites are Asics. I have tried Nikes and I only buy that brand for looks! I cannot run in them. If you already know what type of shoe you need for your style you could try an online store. I use Road Runner Sports (http://www.roadrunnersports.com). I just got my new ones (and they are the latest model for the style) from them for about $25 less than a retail store. Last years models are discounted even more.They have a VIP program which is free and it gets you free shipping and additional percentage off. Shipping is pretty quick, too.

A good running store (I don't know Luke's locker), but here in Indy, we have the Running Company (http://www.erunningcompany.com/analysis/) that will actually video tape you running on a tread mill, spot weaknesses in your gait and will recommend shoes accordingly.

I have to go with non-stability shoes because I have orthotics. So, instead of the design of the shoe correcting my gait, my orthotics do.

Everyone who works there is an avid runner and well-versed on the shoes. I personally do well in Asics Nimbus, currently have Brooks Glycerine. I've run the gamut over the years, and small changes in a brand from one design to the next have made me look at a different shoe despite doing well in the previous design.

Good luck - my best advice is to find a place that specializes in running and go from there.

Try one of the Run On stores. My family doesn't run but we've all bought shoes there. They watch you walk & make suggestions according to your feet, stride, etc.

I am not a runner but do a lot of walking, I have always gone to Run On and prefer them to someplace like DSW, Academy, etc. They will look at your foot and your gait and tell you what shoe works best for your foot. I have wasted money in the past on box stores to get trainers and end up with blisters because they don't fit right. I'm needing new ones now and waiting to get over to Run On to get shoes that fit me properly.

Champion is the only running shoe i have stuck with and they aren't expensive!

I LOVE LOVE LOVE the Reebok Zigtech line! They are kinda fun looking ,SO light weight and comfy as can be. I run about 15-20 miles a week outdoors and they are holding up very well. Check them out :)

The shoe bed to make the different brands of shoes varies a lot. So the Keens that feel great on my feet, don't on my good friend's feet.

I trained for a marathon a while back. I started in Asics and went to the shoe store for a new pair of shoes. They talked me into New Balance. I ended up with blisters so bad after just 9 miles I bled all over the shoes, so back to the store they went. I bought more Asics and completed the marathon with no issues whatsoever....my husband however, swears by New Balance.

The best advice, you've already received, is to go to a good shoe store, try on a bunch of different brands and see which feels the best. Once you have the brand which suits your feet and you've worn them a while, then you can bargain shop for the next pair. GL!