Best Running Shoes?

I was not happy with my Brooks Beasts (I only bought them because the store didn't have my New Balance), but have loved my last 4 pairs of New Balances- walking and running shoes. You can do enough homework online to find out what kind of support you need and then go to the New Balance site to figure out which model. That's what has worked for me. Did not have a good experience with the "experts" at the local shop.
 
This one is easy. New Balance 990v3 http://www.newbalance.com/New-Balance-990v3/M990,default,pd.html

Made in the USA. Can you believe it? Pigskin, not faux suede. Comes in whatever width you need. The most comfortable running shoes I've ever owned. Lots of support for my 240 lbs. self. Total strangers stop me and point at their own feet to show me that we are wearing the same shoes. I have run several 5ks in them and walked and hiked all over.





Daft Slice 1986 said:
I've used my skate shoes for working out for the past 3 years and my feet don't enjoy it. I want to get some high end running shoes that are durable and comfortable with lots of arch support. What do you guys recommend? My price range is topped out at $170.

Thanks in advance guys!
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Yea, i wouldn't put too much faith in the "experts" at most retail stores. The internet could teach you more than they could. (not that the internet doesn't lie :-P )
 
That's another thing. Try on a lot of shoes until you find one that really feels great on your feet. Don't settle for a pair of shoes that feel alright because you won't be liking them a few miles down the road.

Go find a running shoe store. Most can have you run, and then pick a shoe that compliments your running style.
 
Over the last 20 years I've tried various from the following:
Nike Fee, Air, trail
Adidas Bounce
Reebok zigtech
New Balance
Aisics

The best ones (defines as: longest lasting sole without degredation in comfort and stability) were the Reebok and Adidas.
Nike shoes are cool, but they don't last very much, and seem to get mangled quite quickly. The Adidas running shoes are extremely comfortable, but have a narrow toe box, as do the Nike, and some Reebok. You need toe room in any shoe, is what I have been told by podiatrists. Beathability is important to prevent athletes foot and other forms of foot rot. The right socks help with comfort. I bought some Dr. Scholls orthotics for around $30 or so at the local Wallyworld and they help.

If you have high, low, or medium arches, there are various orthotic inserts you can use to help with support and to strengthen the muscles in your feel and even ankles, including stabilizer muscles. My choice lately has been the Reebok Zigtech shoes, they have lots of cushion, traction, breathability, and are light weight.
 
I'm making the transition to minimalist running so nike free here. Has held up fairly well, do most of my running on the road/sidewalk.
 
Strengthen your feet/lower legs with some form of minimalist shoe. Five fingers worked best for me. My feet shrunk a full size training in them and gaining arch strength. Or try Nike free
 
I am a high mileage runner. Have run > 75k miles in my lifetime

When the nike air max came out in the mid to late 80s i thought I had died and gone to heaven.

The last Nike shoe I could comfortably run in was circa 93. my father in law is a college football coach and can give me any Nike shoe I want. I have paid for the latest New Balance 99x for the last 7-8 years as they fit my foot best.

My wife is a serious marathon runner and has used asics since the early 90s

We both change shoes every 3-4 months

I would go to a local running store and get fitted. fleet feet franchises are usually decent. I would recommend a proper fitting, even if it cost a few more bucks
 
Daft Slice 1986 said:
I've used my skate shoes for working out for the past 3 years and my feet don't enjoy it. I want to get some high end running shoes that are durable and comfortable with lots of arch support. What do you guys recommend? My price range is topped out at $170.

Thanks in advance guys!
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Ok here is how it goes, first we need to know if you are flat footed, high arched , or regular, this dictates what type of shoe you need, believe it or not marking on the side of shoes dictate what type of shoe you need, what might feel good when you try on may not feel so great after a hour or four on your feet, you can do the wet foot test to see what type of feet you have.. If you know you have a high arch then you need arch support, but alot of people feel they need more arch support because their arches hurt, this doesnt mean that you have a high arch just means your wearing the wrong shoe,(example a flat footed person in shoes with alot of arch support will get sore arches..
 
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I have a high arch, weigh about 210 at 6' and have orthotics that work well with stability runners. I prefer nike structure as is is nice and firm and lasts a good while, about 6 months for me when I ran 50-60 miles a week. New Balance 990 series are good for me too but I find they run flat or lose their firmness sooner for me so I buy the structure for around $100. The NB 990 series usually go from $140-170 where I have found them. I occasionally find my structures at a nike outlet for around $70 and when available like that-I get 2 pair! :->
 
runninmike said:
I have a high arch, weigh about 210 at 6' and have orthotics that work well with stability runners. I prefer nike structure as is is nice and firm and lasts a good while, about 6 months for me when I ran 50-60 miles a week. New Balance 990 series are good for me too but I find they run flat or lose their firmness sooner for me so I buy the structure for around $100. The NB 990 series usually go from $140-170 where I have found them. I occasionally find my structures at a nike outlet for around $70 and when available like that-I get 2 pair! :->
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You sir, are well educated in the ways of the "sole"!!:thumbup::thumbup:
 
I enjoy new balance minimus trails. Or just barefoot. Less is more for me :).
 
If your a big guy def check out Brooks. I have the Diads I think their called - amazing stability and comfort. I just wish i could hike in them.
 
Go minimal! Vibrams are amazing but take getting used to. If I was more of a bad*$$, I'd go legit barefoot :)
 
I agree jbob! I have been using vibram fivefingers for years, doing every thing in them, from trail running to grocery shopping. They take time to get used to and building muscles that are not very used with normal shoes, take it real show. Also they are pointless if you do not walk in them correctly, no heel strikes!! A fun test to do is to walk around normally in your shoes and plug your ears with your fingers, you will hear the heel strikes, that is the sudden jolt that is traveling up your legs and knees, now try walking toe to heel. Sorry I could go on about barefoot walking and running for hours, but it is my bed time, check the vibrams out!
 
I agree with Bandaidman. I would suggest you go to a running specific store, not one like Famous Footwear, but one like Gary Gribble's (here in KC). They are a small chain who employ runners to help runners. You can seriously mess up your feet and legs without the proper footwear. There are too many types of running styles for one shoe to be a "one-size-fit-all". Your stride, footfall, and running habits like occurrence and terrain all influence the pair you need.

That being said, I've come to prefer Saucony with Asics being second. Also, I've come to realize I prefer shoes you need to "break in". Once they have been worn in, they are the best shoes I have. A word of advise though- if you do decide to buy a pair online, search for one model year older than the current run. They'll generally be offered at a substantial discount. I got my last pair at 40% off.
 
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