What's a good brand of running shoe?
- Thread starter friskyrn
- Start date
Sure Nike and Saucony are fine.
But what you really need to do is get the shoe that fits your foot.
Go to a running store and get a pro to fit you with a decent running shoe. Your feet will thank you
But what you really need to do is get the shoe that fits your foot.
Go to a running store and get a pro to fit you with a decent running shoe. Your feet will thank you
Yeah, thanks for clarifying that, there, love. Always a good choice, though I personally measured my size and alignment (extra extra wide, but otherwise normal) and simply bought the shoe with the right fit that came most highly recommended. Worked out pretty well for me. Having a good pair of shoes makes an AMAZING difference.
I would add, just don't actually buy it from the running place, as they tend to charge 3 to 4 times what you would pay for the same shoe from a discount distributor. At least here in Canada. I understand in civilized lands they don't charge you double for the great effort of having to cross an open border and the amazing service of eyeballing your tread wear, observing your (lack of?) gait and measuring your foot.
I would add, just don't actually buy it from the running place, as they tend to charge 3 to 4 times what you would pay for the same shoe from a discount distributor. At least here in Canada. I understand in civilized lands they don't charge you double for the great effort of having to cross an open border and the amazing service of eyeballing your tread wear, observing your (lack of?) gait and measuring your foot.
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Oh yeah, that goes without saying, Focus. We're seriously ripped off here. Buying online is the only way to purchase gear in Canada.
You can't get a decent running shoe here under $200-$300 retail. But online, they're much cheaper
You can't get a decent running shoe here under $200-$300 retail. But online, they're much cheaper
Yup yup.
Asics Cumulus 10 @ "The Running Room": $240, before tax and such, iirc.
Asics Cumulus 9 on ebay: $40.
I bought 4 different pairs on ebay (11.5 2E, 12 2E, 12.5 2E, 13 2E) and even with shipping paid less than I would've paid here for a single pair. Vive le Canuckia! :canadaf:
Oh, btw, turns out the best fit is actually 12 2E (for short runs) and 13 2E (for long - due to the fearsome foot-region pumpitude), despite what about.com would claim re: my feet being size 10.5 super-wide (which they are clearly not, 10.5, that is). So, keep that in mind, if you decide to go that route.
Asics Cumulus 10 @ "The Running Room": $240, before tax and such, iirc.
Asics Cumulus 9 on ebay: $40.
I bought 4 different pairs on ebay (11.5 2E, 12 2E, 12.5 2E, 13 2E) and even with shipping paid less than I would've paid here for a single pair. Vive le Canuckia! :canadaf:
Oh, btw, turns out the best fit is actually 12 2E (for short runs) and 13 2E (for long - due to the fearsome foot-region pumpitude), despite what about.com would claim re: my feet being size 10.5 super-wide (which they are clearly not, 10.5, that is). So, keep that in mind, if you decide to go that route.
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I agree, you should get a shoe that fits YOUR foot well, and is comfortable to you.
I have gone and gotten fit for shoes, and then like these guys, head online to find a better deal -- I have gotten my $98 shoes for less than $40 shipped, new, from ebay.
Personally, I liked Saucony but I have been wearing Brooks Adrenaline or Addiction -- contrary to Focus I am super narrow and long (10AA) and also pronate!!! I have had issue with New Balance. DH likes Ascics as well - says they are very comfortable....too bad they don't have narrows!
Good luck.
I have gone and gotten fit for shoes, and then like these guys, head online to find a better deal -- I have gotten my $98 shoes for less than $40 shipped, new, from ebay.
Personally, I liked Saucony but I have been wearing Brooks Adrenaline or Addiction -- contrary to Focus I am super narrow and long (10AA) and also pronate!!! I have had issue with New Balance. DH likes Ascics as well - says they are very comfortable....too bad they don't have narrows!
Good luck.
Yeah, that's why I did it myself. Seems pretty obnoxious, doesn't it? Particularly if selling is what you do for a living.
But then my ruthlessness kicks in and I think to myself, 'Well, whose fault is it the prices are so ridiculously high in these sorts of shops? Learn to compete, imo. Sell the shoes at or near competitive price, charge for the service separately. And reasonably.'
Thing to do if you really want advice from the pros and don't mind the expense is go to a running injury clinic and get a full-on assessment. There just happens to be a badass one here in Calgary (at the UofC, in the kinesiology complex, homeslice is legit fo reezy my neezy).
Didn't realize they had a guide on the site! Excellent.
I always buy my first pair from the place that fits me....it's addtional pairs down the road that I search online for...
Most of the sneaker websites will have that kind of guide. I know Asics, New Balance, Nike, and Brooks all have it.
Yup yup.
Asics Cumulus 10 @ "The Running Room": $240, before tax and such, iirc.
Asics Cumulus 9 on ebay: $40.
I bought 4 different pairs on ebay (11.5 2E, 12 2E, 12.5 2E, 13 2E) and even with shipping paid less than I would've paid here for a single pair. Vive le Canuckia! :canadaf:
Oh, btw, turns out the best fit is actually 12 2E (for short runs) and 13 2E (for long - due to the fearsome foot-region pumpitude), despite what about.com would claim re: my feet being size 10.5 super-wide (which they are clearly not, 10.5, that is). So, keep that in mind, if you decide to go that route.
I got cumulus 10s at DSW on clearance for $50:action10:
I wear Mizuno. I've tried on Asics, Brooks, Adidas, and Nike. Everyone likes something different. Get your foot fitted, and try on as many pairs as they have that fit your foot's profile.
New Balance. Unlike MANY shoe companies out there, running is their focus. They literally have a shoe that will fit your foot. I don't care the shape, size, pronated, overpronated, seeking stability or whatever. They have a TON of money that goes into development with things as simple as the effects of recycled pieces have on the same shoe using new materials. Everything from water based glue, to resins, to things as simple as changing the eyelets types on the same shoe. There are literally MILLIONS of hours of research and feedback from New Balance tests.
I can't go into detail, but I'm speaking from experience on this one.
I can't go into detail, but I'm speaking from experience on this one.
I strongly recommend New Balance. As do all my doctors and podiatrists. New balance was the brand I was recommended to try, along with a custom insole, back when I had tendonitis.
But, shoes might not be your problem.
You'll notice more difference in cushioning and support from a better pair of insoles than you ever will through a new shoe.
With this said, my feet live and die by these
These insoles have been unbelievable for me. They've turned good fitting shoes and boots into footwear that wore like a second skin. They can eliminate virtually ANY remote sliding movements in the shoe. Best of all, they are VERY well designed for performance. I HIGHLY recommend their thickest padded sports model.
I have worn the same pair of these for 2 years, and honestly, they show no signs of wear, or tear. You can kinda see an outline of my foot. But from 2 years of everyday constant use, the fact that the fabric hasn't worn at all tells me these are very well made, and will likely last 10+ years.
Best of all, when I bought them they came with a lifetime 100% satisfaction guarantee. If I EVER at ANY point in time decide I'm not satisfied with these insoles for whatever reason, I can return them to Mark's Work Wearhouse.
Just so you know what to expect when you put them on. First, they will take up additional space in your shoe. This can be good at helping them fit better, or bad, making them unwearable. The heel is a well formed cup which firmly holds your ankle in place to eliminate sliding completely if fit properly. The arch support is very noticeable in these insoles. In fact, there will probably be a gap of airspace between the floor of your shoe and the arch support in your insole. This allows for a LOT of shock absorption. The overall cushioning is excellent. When you heat the insoles and mold them to your feet, the density of the material changes to form more cushioning and support around your foot based on where your feet are distributing pressure. It's very likely that these insoles will hurt before you mold them. They may even cause a little discomfort for the first week of regular wear. Your foot will adjust, I guarantee this. Afterwards, I also guarantee you will never go back to a normal pair of insoles again.
This company does not advertise, they rely purely on word of mouth. They have very strong support from not only athletes, but military personnel and emergency response teams alike. If you read their testimonials, there are dozens, if not hundreds of reports from Infantry, police, and SWAT who all credit these insoles for the benefits they provided in training and service.
I would take a pair of well fitting bargain bin sneakers with these insoles over a custom made/fit running shoe any day.
So that's my opinion. I know I'm giving this product a lot of support, but as I said, they rely on word of mouth, and for everything I've experienced in footwear, I feel that this product has honestly earned every compliment I've given it, and I highly encourage everybody to at least TRY these insoles, whether you're having problems or not. They come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee so there's nothing to lose, and I promise that you will like them.
I know that they are available to the US, Canada, and the UK. If you're having problems finding a supplier for where you live, I suggest you contact their customer support by e-mail. They respond very quickly, and they are very helpful and cooperative.
In fact, when I placed my order, they were in the middle of moving office locations and my order got lost and wasn't processed for a month or two. The customer support was VERY prompt at addressing the problem and threw in a free pair of anti-blister socks (which I don't see on their website anymore, discontinued?) for my troubles. Which surprised. I hadn't even complained or anything, I was merely asking if they still had my order, and just like that, they tell me they're throwing in a free pair of socks. I really like this company
But, shoes might not be your problem.
You'll notice more difference in cushioning and support from a better pair of insoles than you ever will through a new shoe.
With this said, my feet live and die by these
These insoles have been unbelievable for me. They've turned good fitting shoes and boots into footwear that wore like a second skin. They can eliminate virtually ANY remote sliding movements in the shoe. Best of all, they are VERY well designed for performance. I HIGHLY recommend their thickest padded sports model.
I have worn the same pair of these for 2 years, and honestly, they show no signs of wear, or tear. You can kinda see an outline of my foot. But from 2 years of everyday constant use, the fact that the fabric hasn't worn at all tells me these are very well made, and will likely last 10+ years.
Best of all, when I bought them they came with a lifetime 100% satisfaction guarantee. If I EVER at ANY point in time decide I'm not satisfied with these insoles for whatever reason, I can return them to Mark's Work Wearhouse.
Just so you know what to expect when you put them on. First, they will take up additional space in your shoe. This can be good at helping them fit better, or bad, making them unwearable. The heel is a well formed cup which firmly holds your ankle in place to eliminate sliding completely if fit properly. The arch support is very noticeable in these insoles. In fact, there will probably be a gap of airspace between the floor of your shoe and the arch support in your insole. This allows for a LOT of shock absorption. The overall cushioning is excellent. When you heat the insoles and mold them to your feet, the density of the material changes to form more cushioning and support around your foot based on where your feet are distributing pressure. It's very likely that these insoles will hurt before you mold them. They may even cause a little discomfort for the first week of regular wear. Your foot will adjust, I guarantee this. Afterwards, I also guarantee you will never go back to a normal pair of insoles again.
This company does not advertise, they rely purely on word of mouth. They have very strong support from not only athletes, but military personnel and emergency response teams alike. If you read their testimonials, there are dozens, if not hundreds of reports from Infantry, police, and SWAT who all credit these insoles for the benefits they provided in training and service.
I would take a pair of well fitting bargain bin sneakers with these insoles over a custom made/fit running shoe any day.
So that's my opinion. I know I'm giving this product a lot of support, but as I said, they rely on word of mouth, and for everything I've experienced in footwear, I feel that this product has honestly earned every compliment I've given it, and I highly encourage everybody to at least TRY these insoles, whether you're having problems or not. They come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee so there's nothing to lose, and I promise that you will like them.
I know that they are available to the US, Canada, and the UK. If you're having problems finding a supplier for where you live, I suggest you contact their customer support by e-mail. They respond very quickly, and they are very helpful and cooperative.
In fact, when I placed my order, they were in the middle of moving office locations and my order got lost and wasn't processed for a month or two. The customer support was VERY prompt at addressing the problem and threw in a free pair of anti-blister socks (which I don't see on their website anymore, discontinued?) for my troubles. Which surprised. I hadn't even complained or anything, I was merely asking if they still had my order, and just like that, they tell me they're throwing in a free pair of socks. I really like this company