Running Shoes

you need to carry "AVIA" shoes

need AVIA shoes

Asics is a great brand.  I run about 20-30 miles a week and this brand has been the best fit.  Best to go to a running store and have them fit your foot to the proper shop.  I buy my sneakers online usually at shoebuy.com or zappos.com where they have free shipping.

improve the brands you carry...see other post for ez strider idea...Thom mcan sneakers should be pushed more.. do a co-brand on a sneaker line with a name sneaker company (ex; C9 / champion in target, tailwind and airwalk in payless etc) that can only be gotten at Kmart.

There is a reality to "you get what you pay for" when it comes to running shoes. As someone who has worked in the sporting goods business in the past, and an avid runner, I would recommen visiting a specialty store (don't go to a sporting goods store) to have the staff analyze your gait and establish your needs. This is really the most important step in finding the right shoe. Your gait could establsh a slight over pronation or other needs. The most important thing is to know if you need cushioning or stability or other ... this will help you keep healthy as you run. If you can't afford a shoe in the $80 range (there are plenty of great shoes in that range from Nike, Asics, etc), then take it down a notch, but expect that you'll lose the quality of comfort, durability, etc..

It's not about how expensive the shoes are, but rather having the right shoes for your walking/running style and body type.  Some people overpronate, some underpronate, some need more support etc.  The best is to have an expert analyzie your gait and then have them make a couple of recommendations and try them out.

 

As someone who has had feet and leg problems, I am a big believer in having the right pair of shoes to protect my feet.  I consider my feet one of my most "important assets" given all the other potential health problems that can arise from foot problems.

I'm with PeteSHLD. It depends on your foot and your body, not the price tag. My wife and I get New Balance 476 running shoes because they are comfortable based on our walking patterns and bodies. They're about $60 regular, and we always get them on sale, so they net about $40 a pair. Specialty shoe stores don't have other major sources of profit, so they try to jam you into the highest priced shoes, but your physical comfort and support are the most important factors. Sometimes, they will cost a bit more than you're used to, sometimes less. I suggest checking out newbalance .com as they are a very customer-based shoe company (and mostly American-made products, based in MA), and they provide lots of information about how to choose shoes. Then, it's a matter of applying that knowledge to your shoe shopping.

I love Converse, Reebok, New Balance and Nike. I have had wear issues with Converse, Reebok, and New Balance but all are comfortable.  I think it depends alot on what you are doing. If you weight train I recommend no gel packs. If you are crosstraining Nike. Nike is dependable durable and lightweight for running. Converse was very comfortable but the glue did not last in the toe. I have had the back of the heel exposed in both New Balance and Reebok. No problems like that with Nike. Anyone had experience with Adidas?

I've had my first pair of adidas for about a year the only real wear on them is the soles, but should be expected in a years worth of wear and tear. I recommend them for walking and casual wear, but not neccesary for the avid runner. I am with BlueCrewGuy with the New Balances. I think the key is to find something that fits well, and is lightweight. Not all shoe sizes are the same between brands so I definately don't recommend buying online. You can find great deals at Shoe Carnival, Kohls, Marshalls. Styles may be hard to find there but if you don't want to spend $80-$120 then that's your best bet.

The-Rock says... Pete is right, I overpronate --- so I went in for the motion-control shoes with some cushioning --- they're a bit pricey but well worth it... an easy test is to wet your feet and then stand on a plain white piece of paper so you can see if the footprint is much too wide (overpronate), or underpronate (heel and rest of the footprint is curving), or just normal...you can even do this while visiting the beach --- and look at your footprint in the sand.

Hmm.. What does it mean to overpronate?

From google.com using query "define:pronation" Pronation refers to the inward roll of the foot during normal motion and occurs as the outer edge of the heel strikes the ground and the foot rolls inward and flattens out. A moderate amount of pronation is required for the foot to function properly, however damage and injury can occur during excessive pronation. When excessive pronation does occur the foot arch flattens out and stretches the muscles, tendons and ligaments underneath the foot...."

A lot of running shoe websites will let you sort shoes by whether you under-pronate, over-pronate or are just about fine.

@bluecrewguyinMA - I'd argue that the selection at a specialty running store is different than a Sears or mall based store.  A good store won't "jam" you with a high price pair of shoes.  They know which shoes will not cause injuries for your body and running style.

@michelina - most people over-pronate somewhat, but some are nuetral and some under-pronate.  Follow @beejuice advice and have someone look for you.

I agree with PeteSHLD.  It isn't about what brand....I've had many different brands of sneakers and am a good runner in my area.  If you go to an expert to analyze your gait you are headed in the right direction.  You can also analyze your foot by stepping out of the shower and looking at how your foot lands.  You need to know your arch and your gait.  If you try on a shoe someone recommends and if feels aweful don't get it!  It is about how it feels also.  I've gotten a shoe and the store clerk said I had to 'break' it in.....with bloody ankles a week later I said no thank you.  Even the same brand you bought last year may have changed.....always try your shoe on and give it a test run.  :)

New Balance, all the way.

Nike for sure

I started out with a "running shoe" from WalMarts years ago, ran a week in them, got in a 10K, ended up in the emergency room from dehydration and had shin splints for a couple of weeks. I then bought a pair of Brooks that turned my toenails black and blue. I took them back another salesman told me I'd been given the wrong shoe which made my pronation worse. I then got the right shoe for my gait and 66,000 miles later still run in Asics, Nike, Rebok or Mizuno whichever I get on sale online. A running shoe should be a thumbs wide longer than your toe and fit and feel good from the moment you put them on or you have the wrong shoe. I looked at the "running" shoes at Sears years ago and though the name is a brand name they are terrible and may get your hurt. If you grab the heel and toe and flex it it should be easy, not stiff as a board or you'll probably end up with shin splints or worse. Buy from a local or online running store. Zappos has given me great service and took back shoes that didn't fit  right and they paid the shipping! I always check their prices first and also Final Score (East Bay's clearance store) too for great prices. I normally pay $19.99- $39.99 for shoes that origionally cost $65-85. Good luck.

You are so right, Busterm2! The fit of your shoe is one of the most important things for successful running! I've been running for years, so I have a pretty good sense of what fits and what doesn't, but I still go to a running store to get fitted for new shoes about once a year. The width of the shoe is important - if it feels tight around the arch, its probably too small. Your foot expands a bit after running for awhile making something that was a little too tight in the beginning way too small by the end - starting blisters or worse!

nike

I don't run half as much as I would like, but, have always used Nike, too, angelahsu.  I think that particular brand has such a solid repuation, I feel like I can't go wrong.