Running Shoe Recommendations

[Ron Burgundy]

Looking for some men's running shoe recommendations for a casual runner. Criteria listed in order of decreasing priority below.


1. Comfort
- ...and I don't just mean when I slip them on comfy (all though that's probably necessary). I mean I don't want to feel like my feet are slamming on the pavement each step. A good bounce sounds like it would be nice.

2. Durability
-I don't mind dishing out some dough, 'cause I know a good pair can be pricey. That being said, if I do pay a high price, I want them to last - not fall apart in 6 months.

3. Weight
-Don't want anything heavy (but again, I need some sort of cushioning!).

4. Breath-ability
-My feet are gonna sweat - no biggie. But I'd like them to be able to breath, while still maintaining a nice tight fit.


I know very little on this subject, so shoot anything and everything!

Thanks!

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

Nike Free-runs. Best shoe I've ever ran in. I've done three 10k's in them, I run about 30 miles a week, and I've had this pair for about 4 months.

[dasoupdude]

Nike Free-runs.

^This. I just picked up a pair, easily the best running shoe I've ever owned next to the zigtechs

[frapjap]

Looking for some men's running shoe recommendations for a casual runner. Criteria listed in order of decreasing priority below.


1. Comfort
- ...and I don't just mean when I slip them on comfy (all though that's probably necessary). I mean I don't want to feel like my feet are slamming on the pavement each step. A good bounce sounds like it would be nice.

2. Durability
-I don't mind dishing out some dough, 'cause I know a good pair can be pricey. That being said, if I do pay a high price, I want them to last - not fall apart in 6 months.

3. Weight
-Don't want anything heavy (but again, I need some sort of cushioning!).

4. Breath-ability
-My feet are gonna sweat - no biggie. But I'd like them to be able to breath, while still maintaining a nice tight fit.


I know very little on this subject, so shoot anything and everything!

Thanks!

Almost any higher quality running shoe will give you all of the above. Go to a proper running store (not d!ck or Sports Authority) and take a spin in a few of their brands and models. Some shoes will fit your feet better than others- IE I can't wear Nike, they're too narrow for my feet. After lots of trial and error, my preference is Saucony. Another perk to going to a store specific to running is that they may put you on a treadmill, too. They'll be able to identify if you pronate or have any oddities in your stride. Their $10-$20 more for the cost of shoe vs. online is worth their expertise and your ability to 'test drive' the shoes while you're there.
Pop in, make some friends with the folks and find something you like. Mot of them even have a 10 day period where you can return/exchange the shoe if you don't like them.

[szh]

I agree that Nike is too narrow ... for my foot for sure!

So, I like the New Balance running shoes - they fit my wider EEE foot better ... so my last two pairs have been NB. They also have a properly designed wider heel rubber that prevents me rolling my feet and spraining my ankles in the process.

Currently,I have the New Balance 1012 ... bought them from here: http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpag ... 1012M.html in a 4E width and like them a lot.

Z

[driverdriver]

I do a lot of long distance running, try the ASICS Gel line, the shoes are affordable, comfortable, light, super breathable and can log many, many hundreds of miles and still feel like new.

[orangeNblue]

I have the reebok realflex now and I haven't really put that much use in them, but so far I'm definitely satisfied with them. Before that I had the Nike Lunarglides. They were a really great running shoe and definitely put up with all my abuse. I do run quite a bit, but realistically do more cross training/lifting/etc.....

[BusyBadger]

So, I like the New Balance running shoes - they fit my wider EEE foot better ... so my last two pairs have been NB. They also have a properly designed wider heel rubber that prevents me rolling my feet and spraining my ankles in the process.

I do a lot of long distance running, try the ASICS Gel line, the shoes are affordable, comfortable, light, super breathable and can log many, many hundreds of miles and still feel like new.

My two preferred brands of runners. Although, to tell the truth, it's been a while since I've considered myself such. New Balance have always been comfortable and held up like champs for me even when I was logging 50-60 mile weeks. If you're looking for something lighter I'd steer towards the Asics Gels, but I've always seemed to tear them up far faster than I do NB's. And Z is right on about the NB heels, they'll keep your ankles (and knees) happy.

I'll also echo what Frap said about actually getting fitted for your running shoes, especially if it's been a while since you've had some good runners on your dogs. What feels fine and comfy walking around d!ck, or some other store for a couple minutes will likely not feel the same on after some pavement pounding.

[skydragoness]

Saucony FTW.

I race/drive/work/trail run in their 'retro' Saucony Bullet (6oz), I have a few pairs. I am done with clunky heavy shoes on the trails (I ran in their Peregrine trail runners for a few months and they actually make knee/ankles hurt due to their clunkiness). I'm actually going to try the minimalist running shoe thing as I feel it will help me a lot, my Vibram 5 finger trail runners came in the mail today so I'm going to test it out.

I'd also check out Merrell, they make great stuff.

[szh]

I agree that for many people, lightweight shoes are very good for running. So, your 6 oz shoes (or the Vibram) may do very well for you and others!

My problem is that I have a tendency to twist my ankle easily if I misstep (particularly when not on a flat track) on anything that might causes the inside or outside edge of my foot to land first.

It is here where the wider stance of the NB heels has saved me ... so I put up with it's 14 oz weight. Also, it's deep heel (32mm) and forefoot (19mm) make for a much more comfortable run on trails, and they last a long time.

Having said all that, I have not done much running recently - gained too much damn weight, and I also have to watch over-stressing my heart since my surgery about 10 years ago.

Z

[szh]

BTW, I should mention that the women's version of the New Balance 1012 (model WR1012 instead of the men's MR1012) is spec'ed at 12 oz rather than 14 oz. Not sure if this is due to a smaller size used for the measurement or what.

Both of which are still heavier than your 6 oz Saucony Bullet though.

Z

[s0m3th1ngAZ]

Just be careful when switching to a barefoot-mimicking shoe, it'll take about a month for your feet to get used to it. It'll hurt like hell until then.

[skydragoness]

I agree that for many people, lightweight shoes are very good for running. So, your 6 oz shoes (or the Vibram) may do very well for you and others!

My problem is that I have a tendency to twist my ankle easily if I misstep (particularly when not on a flat track) on anything that might causes the inside or outside edge of my foot to land first.

I have some weak ankles and I actually found I was more surefooted in the light retro Sauconys than the slightly heavier (but much wider and thicker soled) Peregrines.
I feel like they deaden the feeling so I'd find myself putting my foot down in places that are not secure and almost twisted my ankle several times last time I ran (I run on really narrow trails that have a combination of roots, rocks, dead trees to jump over, etc). I think the reason why is with the light shoes since I felt everything, I was more conscious of where I was placing my feet as I ran and would be forced to slow down and tip-toe around the rough parts. I suppose with the trail runners I was extra confident because of the traction, so I ran faster but was in more pain and slipped more often...if that makes any sense.

Just be careful when switching to a barefoot-mimicking shoe, it'll take about a month for your feet to get used to it. It'll hurt like hell until then.

Well yeah, only bad stuff I read about VFFs were people who seriously tried running on the first day they wore them (they're so light and make you feel springy that you're tempted to) and then they'd not be able to walk for a week. They specifically come with instructions for first-timers to wear them an hour a day and not to run in them.
I walked an hour in them today, plan to only walk in them for at least a month before attempting to run.