Best Running Shoes?

[RunningMan27]

Hello. I stay active throughout the year by skiing, snow shoeing, coaching / playing soccer and playing tennis / racquetball. Unfortunately, I trigger my plantar's foot far more often than I'd like. I could probably go "unactive" for a couple of months and let it heal, but there's really no way I can do that.

What shoes would anyone recommend that could help keep the foot pain down or away? I have been very impressed with Nike Shoks, but am open to any other suggestions...

Even beyond running shoes, how do people keep their plantar's foot from getting in the way?

[g_samsa]

The plantar issue is something that, depending on your arches, running style, pronation etc..., should be discussed with a doctor who can see an analyze what is causing the problem. Solutions can be as simple as wearing a brace at night or could be more complicated. Bottom line is that the source of the problem needs to be fixed before a solution can be found. But, usually I've heard people say that a ultra-cushioned shoe is best for that kind of thing, and something with lots of arch support.

I had a friend who used the Nike Shoks for a while. He really liked them. I've also heard from other people that they are too clunky in the heel, that they are too wide. But, if you're looking for something with a lot of bounce then the shoks are a great shoe for that. They rebound really well.

[zayyaz]

definitely agree with samsa, there a wide variety of shoes designed for different types of feet and running styles, I forget all the types and what they correct, but you should be able to find out (maybe someone else on EF).

As far as what I prefer, I have been wearing asics since 8th grade (now 27) and have only had problems once. That was way back when I picked a pair based on style versus how they felt on my foot, especially when running. Another common running brand that some swear by is New Balance.

[RunningMan27]

Thanks for the feedback.

I have thought about seeing a podiatrist about my options for therapy - the brace, his suggested running shoe, or possible insoles. I think the Shoks definitely feel great running, but based on the two pairs that I've bought over the last couple of years one of them is not holding up near as well as the other...which made me wonder if I should spend the money on another shoe.

Asics and New Balance have been recommended by friends, also. Which model holds up the best for trail and street running?

[its1]

I was told by my podiatrist to buy a shoe called Brooks. He said the were the best for arch support. I don't know about running shoes, I to have always worn New Balance. RM27, best of luck on your search, keep us posted on what works for you. : )

[hardcastle]

I would go with Brooks, Adidas, Nike, or Asics. My brother wears Asics and he loves them. I wear Nike. I don't like running shoes with air pockets or the Nike Shox. They seem to make my feet and legs hurt when the air pockets bust. I've been told that they can mess up your alignment and your running form when they do bust. They don't seem to hold up as nicely as shoes without them.

When I first started running in high school, I had New Balance shoes. I was probably running 5-15 miles a day 6 days a week. The inside of the heels wore out and cut up my heels. The same thing happened to another runner. I haven't had any New Balance shoes since then. It's usually Nikes or Adidas for me. I have inserts for my shoes because I have high arches. Brooks are suppose to be good for your feet though. I had some Adidas trail shoes to replace the New Balance and they were great. I wore Adidas spikes cross country and track races.

Runners World usually has some pretty good reviews about different kinds of shoes like new shoes and trail shoes and racing shoes and street shoes.

[varbo]

For my 2 cents, I'd stay away from Nike. I bought an $130 pair and the were shot in 6 months. I bought a $50 pair of Adidas and they are still in perfect condition about 8 months later.
I have some marathon running friends and they stay away from Nike too.

[pliny_2001]

For running I'm a fan of motion-control Mizuno's - at 215lbs, I'll just tear up anything that approaches light-weight. Big fan of Nike's for lifting/agility/whatever, but their running stuff never seemed to feel right. I really only wear Adidas for "sport casual" - don't really ever buy any of the other brands.

[RunningMan27]

My wife recently bought some Asics (Cumulus 9) and loves them. She had Adidas before - which unfortunately didn't relieve much of the foot to ground impact. She tried on Nike's, Asics, and Mizunos and felt the Asics provided the best comfort for absorbing impact and they also added a lot of "bounce" to her step compared to her previous shoe and the runs she tried on. The more I've inquired it seems the more I hear to stay away from some of the Nike's because they seem to be focusing on appearance more than function. The only soccer shoes I have ever worn and will ever wear are Adidas...great shoe. I like what I am reading about the Brooks, also.

[RunningMan27]

Has anyone ever been to the Brooks website? They have a pretty cool "Shoe Adivsor" feature that narrows done the ideal shoe for running on roads, trails, etc... and also depending on your body. I'd check it out if you haven't...I just went to it.

[Gastankerdriver]

[QUOTE=pliny_2001;668427]For running I'm a fan of motion-control Mizuno's - at 215lbs, I'll just tear up anything that approaches light-weight.

Thanks for the tip. The last pair of Asics I bought seemed really cheap and got holes in the front after only two weeks. I have worn the Asics for nearly 5 years, but will probably not buy that brand again. I am going to try on the Mizuno. I kind of like the waverider 10. Good price for my needs. I don't run frequently, but prefer to bike.

[OBE]

1st - what type of running do you do?
Treadmill, track, street, trail etc...
2nd - body type, weight do you pronate?
Do your feet turn outward, inward . . . do you
stride on your heels or balls of your feet?
What speed are you running at?
Now after all these questions, and your
ready to go to the store, they still won't
let you test run shoes for a week or day so
research best you can and good luck.
I wear New Balance 975's.

[RunningMan27]

I run a majority of the time on the street, but do spend time running on trails. When I travel I hit the treadmill. So I am looking for a shoe that can deal with all of those conditions.

I weigh about 140 and have no-to-mild pronation...it is something that I barely notice, but based on my footprint I do have a very small amount.

The running I do is usually very hard and at the highest speed I can maintain (~ 30 minutes a run / 3-4 miles per is my ideal run).

The research I have been doing online and through reading this thread has been very helpful in narrowing down some options. The Brooks Cascadia is at the top of my list right now...it is designed to run off trail, but will perform well on the street also. Has anyone given that shoe a try?

[skijumpbump]

I like the Asics GEL-Landreth. They are very light on the foot, like I am running barefooted. They are also find that they spare my knees. For walking around and day to day life I wear New Balance.

[naefanne]

Just a rookie runner but find Asics are the best!
I also use Saucony which as jst as good but heavier I find so I am using them as my main training shoe so when I use my Asics they feel like sandlas they are so light!

[wildstang]

everybodys feet are different requiring a little trial and error to what works best for them. i use saucony or asics and have liked newbalance also.

[iyell4]

Originally Posted by RunningMan27

Hello. I stay active throughout the year by skiing, snow shoeing, coaching / playing soccer and playing tennis / racquetball. Unfortunately, I trigger my plantar's foot far more often than I'd like. I could probably go "unactive" for a couple of months and let it heal, but there's really no way I can do that.

What shoes would anyone recommend that could help keep the foot pain down or away? I have been very impressed with Nike Shoks, but am open to any other suggestions...

Even beyond running shoes, how do people keep their plantar's foot from getting in the way?

i justed the miz waverider series and got plantar ... went away when i started buying runners 1/2-size larger and using asic 21xx.

[sleepyles]

Well if nothing you have tried is holding up, and you are spending about $100 per running shoe, why not invest in some Orthotics to help with the pain? They will be custom made to your foot, which will spread the weight throughout the entire foot. Some people have used acupuncture for this problem, and it has reduced the pain substantially. Also as you have mentioned is the sleave or night splint, where this will keep your tendons lengthened at night, thus assisting with stretching.

I like New Balance as per for a running shoe, and they tend to keep up and take a beating. But then again, I go through running shoes every 5-6 months. I just abuse them. . . .have you tried any cross trainers? I love them, as they are multi purpose in my opinion. For cross trainers I love Fila and K-Swiss.

[inthecircle]

Anyone deal with re-occuring heal spurs? Trying to find a shoe that has a real "soft" feel in the heel area?

[wildstang]

Originally Posted by inthecircle

Anyone deal with re-occuring heal spurs? Trying to find a shoe that has a real "soft" feel in the heel area?

i was also told the reoccuring heel spurs you mention are basically a small tear in the muscle lining the heel bone by our local podiatrist ususally from inadequte heel padding. my wife walks around sometimes bare foot at home outside at times to feel the grass under her feet and stepped on a rock and developed a spur as a result of it. doc basically said it will go away after the tissue heals inside, stating its basically calcium buildup surrounding the tear by the bone. bodys natural repair mechanism by spreading calcium around injury sights.