Running Shoes Advice

**timappelgate** · 06-16-2010, 10:02 PM

I'm a state and Drake relays calibur runner and now run college track. The Nike free 5.0 v4 is the best shoe I've ever purchased. Just got them.

**Cyched** · 06-16-2010, 10:03 PM

Originally Posted by djcubby

This, this, and this. I wouldn't go anywhere else to find the right shoe for you.

Agreed. No one will do a better job of fitting you and helping you decide which shoe is best than the Fitness Sports employees

**alaskaguy** · 06-16-2010, 10:04 PM

I run quite a few miles and have done so for years. I try to stay away from a shoe that has a lot of support and cushion as they seem to increase my chances of running injuries. I've come to the conclusion that high end running shoes are mostly hype and marketing.

**motorCYcle** · 06-16-2010, 10:10 PM

I always got shin splints from 8th-11th grade during track season (we had no track, ran on the streets), but I bought a pair of brooks shoes my senior year and did not get them. Not as widely known, but very good shoes.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8

**KnappShack** · 06-16-2010, 10:13 PM

Originally Posted by jamesfnb

Anyone recommend a good pair of running shoes? I always hear Asics and New Balance are good. I've been happy with Asics in the past but it's been years since I've ran. Thanks!

Go to an actual running store and have your stride and foot shape analyzed. I can't tell you how many different shoes I tried and had mixed luck. Spend the bucks and get fitted. It doesn't matter what shoe others like. It's what shoe will work for you

**brianhos** · 06-16-2010, 10:13 PM

Go to fitness sports, tell them your goals and issues are and they will hook you up. Prices are no more than any where else, and they know their stuff. They are also a great resource for races, and are a sponsor of most events in the area. Really a class operation, run by runners and for runners. Don't go anywhere else, go there.

**CloneAbuse** · 06-16-2010, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by timappelgate

I'm a state and Drake relays calibur runner and now run college track. The Nike free 5.0 v4 is the best shoe I've ever purchased. Just got them.

I have some Frees as well...but you have to have correct form and strength. Not sure someone looking to start a running program would want to begin in them. They are great though. They will definitely build strength in the feet and calves.

I also love my Adidas Adizero RC for a racing/minimalist shoe.

**Cyched** · 06-16-2010, 10:21 PM

I remember when I shopped at Fitness Sports, at checkout if I mentioned I ran high school cross country we got a pretty decent discount

**LutherClone** · 06-16-2010, 10:27 PM

When I ran track and XC in high school, I only wore Nike or New Balance. However, in college I got a pair of Saucony's and have never looked back. Something in the fit works for me, so I'm a big fan. It really comes down to what you are comfortable in.

**jburke** · 06-16-2010, 10:48 PM

I have been running in Asics 2100 series for roughly 5 years, they have worked great. Just recently I have considered moving to Kayano's, which us a step up, basically more gel in the sole is all.
The way you run has a lot to do with whic model of ASICS u get, any shoestore can help with that I would suggest Harrisons in ANKENY, only because I work there PT....

**ajk4st8** · 06-16-2010, 10:48 PM

A standard answer is really impossible. It really depends on your foottype and running style.

Bhos advise is pretty much dead on.

**IcSyU** · 06-16-2010, 10:57 PM

Originally Posted by timappelgate

I'm a state and Drake relays calibur runner and now run college track. The Nike free 5.0 v4 is the best shoe I've ever purchased. Just got them.

I'd agree (and I do love my frees), but they're absolute garbage for anything other than long distance running. They suck for sprints because there's no support, and they suck for hills for the same reason. Long distance wise and road race wise, they're the best shoes I've ever had (I'm on my 4th? pair).

Originally Posted by CloneAbuse

I have some Frees as well...but you have to have correct form and strength. Not sure someone looking to start a running program would want to begin in them. They are great though. They will definitely build strength in the feet and calves.

I also love my Adidas Adizero RC for a racing/minimalist shoe.

I love my frees, but they definitely aren't for everyone. 95% of runners probably shouldn't wear them just because there literally isn't any support in them, and if you have crappy form, you're going to get hurt.

Originally Posted by Cyched

I remember when I shopped at Fitness Sports, at checkout if I mentioned I ran high school cross country we got a pretty decent discount

Speaking of this, if you know of any high school coaches, ask them about shoes. Fitness Sports gives a helluva discount to coaches (or at least they used to) on certain shoes.

**isubeatle** · 06-16-2010, 10:57 PM

i love my nike free runs.

**Cyched** · 06-16-2010, 10:59 PM

Originally Posted by LutherClone

When I ran track and XC in high school, I only wore Nike or New Balance. However, in college I got a pair of Saucony's and have never looked back. Something in the fit works for me, so I'm a big fan. It really comes down to what you are comfortable in.

Nikes were always my favorite brand for just regular running shoes. For my race spikes, I had Asics for sophomore and junior years, and had a pair of Saucony Kilkennys for senior year. Very comfortable and durable

**IcSyU** · 06-16-2010, 11:03 PM

Originally Posted by Cyched

Nikes were always my favorite brand for just regular running shoes. For my race spikes, I had Asics for sophomore and junior years, and had a pair of Saucony Kilkennys for senior year. Very comfortable and durable

Nike Kennedy XC with the flames FTW.

Too bad they aren't produced anymore. Ugliest shoes in history, but they were comfortable, and my second and third pairs were ridiculously cheap after Eastbay put them in the clearance shoes (probably due to their ugliness). $85 shoes for $20 = thumbs up.