could be. Mine are U.S.

I went to the running place above. They were not happy that we hadn't brought a pair of shoes with us. They watched us walk and run and put us on the machine that showed the weight distribution of each foot and between the feet. They only sold Mizuno shoes which may or may not have been a good thing. It probably would have been better if there had been a wider selection. I apparently have very neutral normal feet which doesn't surprise me. The shoes that I went with feel great. They did spend quite a while watching my wife and I walk and run and trying different stuff. So if we didn't get good shoes, it wasn't for lack of effort. Thanks all for the advice.

I think we'll take my stepson next.

Again, I'm pretty sure that you can buy the same brand and even shoes that look the same, but get two very different shoes based on where you buy them.

I've read an article that confirmed that the stuff that you buy from Walmart or HD is not necessarily the same as the same brand that you'd buy at a specialty store. John Deer tractors for instance. The HD John Deers are made to a different quality/price than the ones that you'd purchase at an independent John Deer dealer. I don't think that shoes are any different.

Some of the top-tier NBs are made in the USA, the others are not.

As some have said, it's more important to get a shoe that fits your foot than a certain brand.

NB, Saucony, Asics, Mizuno and many others all make excellent shoes.

I have to had to buy and wear shoes out before I have figured out what works best.

I slightly over-pronate and carry about 185 pounds, so I have had good luck with the NB 993, Asics GEL-Kayano and the Mizuno Wave Nirvana.

Cushion and support works on my peds.

FWIW.

Brooks Trance 6. In over 30 years of regular running, never had a better shoe and I've tried them all. Cushion, support and corrective pronation - it's all there. You will not be disappointed. Internet pricing around $80 discounted from $130. Good luck.

87 blk coupe

Nike Elvis's here.

Blue, suede, nice.

Only problem is the little woman: Honey, lay off of my shoes:cool:

New Balance 1223s are what I wear with custom orthotics for my neuroma. I'm not supposed to be running anymore but I need variety. I ride and run but still I'm fat. Must be all the nachos.

thumbnails sketch

pronated=heel turned out->flat foot

supinated=heel turned in->higher arched foot

As you walk, your foot does both

NB are not all that good for over pronation last I investigated.

Scott, there is a good runners' store in Belmont Shore. Maybe Jeff knows the name.

Looks like you already have plenty of good feedback.

I always go with Saucony now. Going to a running store with a good rep, knowledgable employees and a variety to consider based on what you need will make it worth the money.

Thanks all!

I've apparently got neutral feet and ended up with Mizuno Wave Rider 12.

That's Runner's High. They supposedly are a more serious store that caters to people that are actually running competitively, semi-competitively, etc. but honestly I'm not super familiar with them.

I'm in the market for a new pair soon so I may go in there and "put them to the test" by playing dumb and seeing if they identify my particular overpronation issue and recommend suitable shoes. If they can do that and pass that little test they're probably okay for general use.

I know that's true with the Honda Craftsman mowers. The local mower shop told me the "Honda" engine on Craftsman was something that I'd be better off getting parts from Sears. They didn't have ANY and they are Honda dealers.

Jeff, thanks. Yes, Runners High. They will just get you to stand on the machine, they aren't going to video you on a treadmill. You have to watch out for yourself even at a specialty store. Often times the owner is really sharp, but the young help are just young help.

Try Run With US in Pasadena or Runner's Circle on Las Feliz Blvd outside of griffith park. I usually buy from them whem I use to run.

If you know exactly what you want, RNJ Sports in Bethesda, MD probably hs the best prices around and free shipping.

As you can see, asking the "what are the best shoes" is like asking what oil to put in your 911........ :D Everybody has their favorite flavor.

As others said, most important thing is to have the people who actually know fitment of shoes and mechanics of running to fit you in something right. I finally did this after MANY years of buying my own shoes based on what felt right to me, the completely oblivious shoe fitment moron, and I was shocked at how the right shoe feels so............. well, right!

I do mostly trail running and I have to say NEW BALANCE are the best. They have the best response+foot feel, there also really low to the ground which I love.... not jacked up like most running shoes.

Try on the "Nike Struture Triax" (Bowerman Series)

A great shoe... Very good support and inpact resistant when the foot meets the ground.