Running Shoe question

[cahlersmeyer]

Hello all!

Shopping around for some new running shoes and wanted some opinions. I do around 50-80 miles per week. I have normal arches and neutral pronation. I am 5'5" and 145 pounds with an athletic frame.

I have a pair of Nike Pre's now that work well but I am annoyed with the Nike Air system, it seems I always develop a small hole in the air pocket and they are pretty much useless after that.

I tried New Balance in my earlier running career but found them to be too stiff.

I tried on the Brooks Adrenaline GTS and found it to be very comfortable.

Does anyone have any opinions/experiences? Good or bad? I like to do research before I plop down +$100 on running shoes that can't be returned after the break in period!!

Thank you all!!

 

[gastarbeider]

no runner's store in your area?

 

[giraffe lookout]

There is no way you can get good advice about this online. You need to try shoes on and see what works for you. Also, most running shoes should be good to go out of the box and don't really need to be broken in.

 

[Working Stiff]

I believe the adrenalines are for over-pronators. But there should be a similar, neutral shoe from Brooks. I have run in lots of Brooks shoes, and they're fine (if they fit well).

Edit: 145 is pretty light, you'd probably be OK in a lightweight trainer - for example, the Brooks Launch

 

[razl]

At 20-25 miles a week, I'm nowhere near your regimen - but I noticed you didn't mention asics. I've had great success with a number of their shoes (my current is the cumulus).

But I agree with others here - online info like mine should just be considered prelim research. You need to go try on a bunch of stuff and figure out what works for you. Yes, that means that you'll end up with some $100 mistakes in your closet, but that's the only way to find the right one. In fact, if you're doing 50-80 a week, I thought you'd already know that.

 

[akatsuki]

I was a big fan of Mizunos for a long time and did similar distance.

Now I use Frees and am much happier with a more Pose oriented run.

 

[cahlersmeyer]

Originally Posted by razl

In fact, if you're doing 50-80 a week, I thought you'd already know that.

I know all too well. If I buy a crappy pair, I use them as shoes to wear to PT in the morning, or at the weight gym to lift in. I'm looking to get into the more high end (brooks, asics, etc) that are engineered for certain strides, arches, etc. not a mass marketed shoe like I have been doing. My mileage is getting quite high and I know my risk of injury is going up so I'd like to treat my feet right.... and save some money in the process lol

 

[Unregistered]

How do you know you are a neutral gaited runner? 70% pronate to some extent and only a trained eye can really see it.

My part time job is with a high end sports store (gotta get myself through university somehow) and I do fit running shoes at a highly technical level.

Most of my experience is with Asics, Mizuno, New Balance, Newton and Zoot (from my triathlon days!). I'm personally not a fan of the feeling of Brooks. Something about the roll just doesn't sit right with me.

What kind of stride are you doing? I'd imagine a regular heel strike stride?

It is important to try the shoes on if at all possible. I can easily tell you which models in each brand are for neutral runners (cushioned or not) or light stability.... but each will fit differently in terms of the toebox/midfoot width and more importantly, the heel width. You definitely do need something that provides the right amount of hold on your heel, otherwise slippage will occur and...that's not pleasant.

 

[Uncle Ernie]

Saucony?

 

[ubc121]

Vibram Five Fingers

 

[antirabbit]

Get yourself some Saucony Pro-grid Kinvara's.
They are minimal drop, extremely light, and yet have enough cushioning for long runs (marathon + distances) and remain very comfortable.
Oh, they also can be had for around $65 dollars.
Prior to this, I wore Mizuno Wave Precision and Ronin's.
The Kinvara is much more comfortable than anything else I have put on, with the added bonus of a shoe that doesnt "correct" the foot.
So, if you have an efficient gait with your neutral foot, this shoe would work perfectly for you.

 

[Stewbone]

no shoes are the best shoes.