Hey Runners! What's Your Preferred Sneaker?

[Inkfreak]

I saw someone in another thread say that the sneakers don't matter. It's just a name. I actually found this untrue. I generally run about 22-26 miles a week. And have tried alot of various brands. The sneaker I have fallen in love with is Nike's Dual Shock. The mesh over the toes keeps my feet cool & comfy. And the cushion soles keep for some time. I'm a big guy. At 6 foot 4 inches, I need all the padding I can get or my knees & ankles feel it. Sound off with your faves please.

[PeaceNikki]

1. Brooks Ariel (men's version is the Beast) hands down. But I am a severe over-pronator.

They changed my life.

[Inkfreak]

4. I've never heard of that brand.

I will look them up. Thanks!

[PeaceNikki]

6. They aren't for everyone. It's a heavy shoe, but it is flat out impossible to over-pronate in them.

[sir pball]

18. Brooks is a small, specialized brand

Nothing like Nike or Adidas - all running all the time and they do it DAMN well. Never owned Brooks but run in a few pairs and they're brilliant.

[we can do it]

26. I have Brooks Ghost and Pureflow- they've helped me regain a balanced stride immensly

[polly7]

2. I don't run quite as much as I used to, but still

really like the last Nike Free I bought. They're light, comfy and the next best thing to being barefoot.

[Inkfreak]

7. See, I like that kinda sneaker.

I've tried a few that felt like blocks on my feet. That's why I love those dual shock sneaks. The less constricted my feet feel, the better I am able to keep my form. At least I think so. Sometimes I feel like I must look like I'm falling downhill the whole run. Especially on the treadmill. I envy the runners with a slight build. These long legs may help stride. But they also carry 206lbs.

[LeftofObama]

3. New Balance for me.

I've tried about every running shoe there is and for me nothing even comes close to New Balance. If you get a chance pick up some Dr. Scholl's Active inserts for your shoes. I've had problems with shin splints and runner's knee in the past and these inserts really absorb the shock. I haven't had any problems since I started using them.

[Inkfreak]

5. I'll be picking up those inserts.

Funny, I never thought to use those. But I've only been actively running for about 3yrs now. I never had shin splints, but a buddy did and he was in agony. Thanks!

[LeftofObama]

8. They're about $20, but well worth it.

Funny you posted this today. I just ran my first 5K of the season this morning. I finished 3rd in my age group and 23rd overall. Not bad for an old geezer.

[FreeState]

14. As a gay man I refuse to buy New Balance shoes

I just cant do it, regardless of how comfortable they may or may not be.

http://unicornbooty.com/blog/2011/08/10/new-balance-shoes-ceo-makes-500000-donation-to-anti-gay-super-pac/

New Balance Shoes CEO Makes $500,000 Donation to Anti-Gay Super PAC

Now that the mysterious Super PAC funding Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign has had the dirt dug up on it, many of the donors are doing their best to backtrack. Romney, as you may know, has already pledged to beat gay marriage to a pulp if elected president, so money being funneled into his campaign comes with a flat anti-gay judgement. Period.

So who has been funding Romney’s campaign? Lots of finance folks who most of us have likely never heard of for the most part. But a few household names do stick out.

Marriott Hotel owners J.W. and Richard Marriott contributed a cool million dollars between the two of them. And New Balance Athletic Shoes CEO, James Davis donated $500,000. Homos, Marriott and New Balance are officially on our shit list.
Immediately sensing the disastrous problem that having your chairman outed as a homophobe poses, New Balance has gone on the defense this morning, releasing a statement-apology hybrid.

- See more at: http://unicornbooty.com/blog/2011/08/10/new-balance-shoes-ceo-makes-500000-donation-to-anti-gay-super-pac/#sthash.VuIOLUUA.dpuf

[sir pball]

19. You need to inform the various Front Runners (pro-LGBT running club) teams of this

I saw a bunch of Front Runners NYC'ers wearing NBs today at the Brooklyn Half. I wear them myself (didn't know and I can't un-buy them) and am thinking about joining FR myself. Please let them know so they can spread the word!

[AllyCat]

24. That's a bummer. They are about the only running shoe made in the USA.

But hard to support that kind of money.

[we can do it]

27. If you look at their site, not many are made in USA anymore.

[AllyCat]

28. It's their trail runners and a couple road shoe models

that's about it.

[XVI_Eyes]

9. If you relearn how to step

and use your toes (like you do when on grass in bare feet), I highly recommend Vibram five fingers shoes. If you run heel toe in them though, there isn't enough padding. Plus, you can where them everywhere even when you aren't running and its like being in your socks.

[hrmjustin]

10. Welcome to DU my friend!

[XVI_Eyes]

12. Thanks!

Been a reader for years.

[Raffi Ella]

11. I have some Timberland trail runners.

I have very high arches. My feet roll out really easily and my favorite brand to help with that is Salomon. I couldn't find what I was looking for with them when I needed shoes though, so I went with Timberlands. They're actually more of a hiking shoe but they're flexible enough and conform to my feet enough that I can run in them. I added an arch insert and I am really happy with them. They're well made, they've taken a beating and still look and feel good after a year of use.

I have some Asics for street wear/indoor work outs. They're light weight, airy and super comfy. They have amazing arch support and a widish forefoot that help prevent roll out. I really like them and would wear them on the trail if they could take it.

[FreeState]

13. Asics Gel-Kayano 19 - but heres the big BUT

go get your feet analyzed! You need to know what shoes work best with how you run and the anatomy of your feet. Seriously, I did it after two injuries only to find out I was running in the wrong shoe.

Everyone is different, don't rely on trends, brands or looks.

I went to Road Runner Sorts. Its a free analysis and you don't have to buy shoes there. (But in my case they are the only store that stocks shoes in my size - 6 EE)

Here is a great shoe guide too: http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/2013-spring-shoe-guide

[Inkfreak]

15. That's a good thought. Thanks 4 info! n/t

[Phentex]

21. I'm wearing these now...

I've had good luck with Asics for many years. I don't over pronate but I have duck feet and I need the space in the front. I also have a narrow heel and these seem to work. I have tried a few different brands and found out the hard way that they didn't work for me, either with achy knees or hips.

I recently ordered custom orthotics and shoes from a local store. They recommended Brooks and took a look at my Asics and said the arch was wrong for my foot. They seem okay but I really feel best in my Asics. I don't understand how a shoe that lets me run without pain is wrong for my feet?

[FreeState]

22. "a shoe that lets me run without pain is wrong for my feet? "

What type of running are you doing? (Sprinting, distance, trail etc) How many miles do you typically run a week?

I got along great with cheap shoes that did not fit well at all when I was only "jogging" (running at a slow to mid pace at less than or around 2 miles a couple times a week). My issues began when I started to run 25 miles a week or more (street running, with a little grass and dirt too).

How do your orthotics work with the Asics? I have an appointment tomorrow to possibly get a lift (I have one leg that is anatomically longer by more than 1/2 an inch).

[Phentex]

23. I ran 8 miles with no pain just heatstroke!

My feet gave me no trouble. The humidity was awful. Otherwise I run about 3 or 4 miles a few times a week, slow to mid pace. I will run a 10K on the 4th so I'm running a longer distance of 7 to 8 miles once a week until then. I'd like to run a half marathon on Thanksgiving Day but I don't know if I'll get there.

I like to walk in the gel kahana and they have been pretty consistent over the last few years.

The orthotics are for the Brooks. I am not supposed to run in them yet. I am supposed to be slowly getting my feet used to them. I didn't go to the store to buy orthotics. I went to buy something to wear in the summer and found the most comfortable sandals I have ever put on my feet. But I was talked into the running shoes and orthotics so I am just wondering if I am going to feel some miracle the way other people describe orthotics.

[Raffi Ella]

25. As far as "miracles" -

I stopped falling/twisting my ankles once I started wearing the right shoes. My opinion is if your shoes were wrong for you? you'd know it. Wear what feels good to you.

[RedCappedBandit]

16. None, or vibrams.

[sir pball]

17. New Balance 890v2 and 1100RC, Asics Blur-33

Adidas Boosts...the list is almost infinite for any foot type, you just have to know your stride and what works for you.

Also Mizuno Wave Rider 15s. And, frankly, anything BUT Nike! (Trust me, I'm a very talented runner)

[AngryOldDem]

20. Nike.

When I first started a little more than three years ago, I was first fitted for Adidas. Did not work -- messed up my feet. Switched to Nike and have been very, very pleased. On my third pair.