Runners: training shoe recs?

epbrown · 05-12-2004, 02:40 PM

If you're a runner, you already know the story: I've got some great running shoes and the model has been discontinued by New Balance. I don't like the replacement series, and wondered if there are some runners on the group and what shoes they like. As a reference, I've been using NB 755s - I bought 4 pair a couple of years ago. I log ~20 miles/week.

Emanuel

JonT · 05-12-2004, 02:44 PM

Asics GT-2090 is a fantastic shoe. To make it even better get some Spenco Polysorb (green) insoles. Highly recommended.

Burnin' oil · 05-12-2004, 02:54 PM

I usually run in Nike air structure triax on the road and air steens on trails. I have tried almost every shoe made and Nike is the only shoe that does the trick. I suppose shoe choice depends on weight, mileage, foot strike pattern, etc. Try going to a Fleet Feet or similar store for advice. Shoe companies suck for changing and/or discontinuing great shoes.

JTO · 05-12-2004, 03:56 PM

Emanuel,
I like the Saucony Grid series. I'm a large runner (6' 4", 210) and like the support. I strike on the balls of my feet so needed some cushioning. The Grid shoes come in a variety of designs for differening weight and running styles.

Troy

beepbeep · 05-12-2004, 04:46 PM

I used Saucony Grid until they got too worn out...very good and light. Wear fast.

Now i'm using Adidas running shoes...

epbrown · 05-12-2004, 04:50 PM

Troy, I still fondly remember a pair of Sauconys I had years ago - fantastic shoes that practically ran for me. I don't see them around Chicago much though, especially in size 15. I'll try the Asics and Nike since I know we have specialty shops that cover each. I'm a 6' midfoot striker myself, but most shoes seems to have too much stride control built in lately, stiff rubber and posts in them - just want a solid, supportive trainer.

Emanuel

joeclarke · 05-12-2004, 06:04 PM

Asics I find to be unbeatable if you're looking for cushioning and motion control. As mentioned the 2090 is a great shoe, but the 10 series will do fine for less money depending on the amount of cushion/control you want/need.

I pony up for the 20 series - but I'm looking for all the cushion I can get after some orthoscopic work. Even though I'm down to 25 miles a week or so - I find the 20's worth the money = my knees appreciate them even for walking!

LeeH · 05-12-2004, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by beepbeep
I used Saucony Grid until they got too worn out...very good and light. Wear fast.

Now i'm using Adidas running shoes...

Ditto that! I have width problems with everything but Saucony and Adidas. I wore Saucony as every day shoes for years, but in 5-6 months I'd start getting sore knees and/or hip. The shoes usually still look new. Buy a new pair and the pain is gone. Soccer was fun as a kid, but I'm convinced my joints are toast at 40! I now wear Adidas trainers for everyday and Saucony only for excercise.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

The best shoe is one that works for you. Seriously. I've run four marathons in various brands and I'm training for a fifth. Most important thing is comfort, followed by durability. If you pronate, make DAMN sure you get stability or you WILL get injured. Good luck.

BTW I'm using Brooks right now and love 'em - but try as many as you can and don't let brand name or price (expensive or inexpensive) sway you.

RickC · 07:28 AM

I underpronate and just need cushioning, and have a pretty narrow/long foot.

In the last 10 years I've mostely used Saucony and Adidas. The Nike toe box always gave me blackened toenails. I've been using Adidas exclusively for some years now. Don't know any good running shops in Chicago now that Vertels closed. I usually use the Competitive Foot in Western Springs (Hinsdale area) - they sponsor the Tower Trot every Memorial Day. http://www.competitivefoot.com/

If you don't have a good local shop, try Road Runner Sports for a good selection. They let you return stuff if it's the wrong size, or you just don't like it. Using the Adidas Supernova Cushion right now. Will buy again for summer in a couple of weeks. Do short to medium triathlons with an Ironman distance every 5 years or so (last one in 1999).

http://www.roadrunnersports.com

JTO · 05-13-2004, 07:22 AM

For a while (actually two years) I used nothing but Brookes Beasts. A running store suggested I use these due to my size. Brookes continually changed these shoes to the point where they no longer worked for me. They wore out very quickly. These Grids are vastly better for me than the latest Beast.

I agree what Porsche-o-phile says.
Troy

GrindingGears · 05-13-2004, 07:34 AM

NB 991 where was this shoe all my life?

nut11 · 05-13-2004, 08:37 AM

Go with Saucony Hurricane 5. They are fantastic! 10 miles of break in and they are there. Good luck in you search.

beepbeep · 05-13-2004, 02:55 PM

Main problem with me is that shoes that really feel good and are instant-comfortable tend to age fast. They still look the bussines but cushion-material just gets flattened out leading to knee-problems.

It's a matter of finding a perfect spot between wear and comfortability regarding your mileage per week and how much you want to invest in shoes..

When I was really into it, Saucony Grid was good. But now I regard them as something like "soft slicks" for a car. Very good for short stints and maybe a marathone but nothing to do everyday jogging in.

Adidas are harder but age more gracefully and give you more mileage per dollar (krona). It's foot equvalent of Yokohama AVS ;-)

joeclarke · 05-14-2004, 06:59 AM

Quote:

Main problem with me is that shoes that really feel good and are instant-comfortable tend to age fast. They still look the bussines but cushion-material just gets flattened out leading to knee-problems.

Take it from an old-timer (Ok, middle-timer). Don't piss around letting shoes get old. I'm only 20-25 miles a week and I swap mine about twice per year (and that's probably not enough). Shoes can look nice and new and still have the cushioning all shot to hell.

I wish that I'd learned this lesson years ago - might have saved myself some knee work.

Youth- ya can't tell 'em nothin'.

The real keeners I know replace their shoes monthly.

epbrown · 05-17-2004, 08:28 PM

Just as a follow-up: I tried several brands and wound up with 2 pairs, Saucony Grids and Asics Gels. I like the running feel of the Grids and the cushioning of the Gels. Once I've seen how they do over time, I'll stock up on pairs of the winner.

Emanuel

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Digging this thread from the basement.

For Christmas I got a pair of Saucony ProGrid Triumph 4 and they are really nice. Got them from the outlet warehouse of RoadRunner (here in SD) for $45. Great cushion and motion control. I'm a heavy (195lbs) runner and average 16 miles a week on compacted walking trails and some blacktop. I've also had great luck with Adidas shoes. Without question the worst shoes for my feet are Nike. They just feel terrible.

I (my knees) love new running shoes - you can feel the difference immediately.

JavaBrewer · JavaBrewer's Garage

Here they are:

k9handler · 01-22-2008, 01:42 PM

Asics for shorter distances, New Balance for longer than 10 miles. Although I am not a fan of running, the military seems to think I am. lol

nut11 · 01-22-2008, 05:17 PM

Almost 4 years later for this thread, a new recommendation: Brooks Trance 6

The Trance 7 is out now so you can buy the 6 version for roughly $80 v. $135. Google search.

Same shoe, diff color.

After 32 yrs of running and many brands, it's the best I've worn. FWIW.

87 blk coupe