Running Shoes.... - Fullerton,CA

I LOVE Brooks. By far my fav shoe. They fit me best. If you talk to runners everyone has a different favorite brand. Go with what fits well, DO NOT care about color or brand. And always go to a store that specializes in running shoes.

I have a high arch too. I absolutely looove, Saucony! I am running again (gently) and that is with buldging discs! around 90. bucks.

As an avid runner, I will tell you to trust the shoe recommendations. As long as you went to a running store, the advice they can give is pretty solid. Feet are so different, so what works for you may not work for someone else. Shoes are designed to support various types of gaits and width of feet. Take the advice of a running store over our opinions.

Hi. I just ran the Houston marathon in New Balance. I've tried Asics, Saucony, Brooks... you name it. The important thing is to size up one whole size from what you normally wear. As for asking everyones advice... everyone's foot is different so what works well for me might not work well for you. It's just finding out. Good socks make a huge difference, too, so invest in a good pair of running socks. Good for you for setting your first goal!!

oooH! Running shoes! FUN!

Here's the deal: It doesn't matter what any of our experiences are with Brooks. :) It matters how the fit *your* feet. It sounds like you went to a running store and got properly fitted. That's exactly what you should do! You got it girl! If the shoes are fitted to you and they feel good? Get them!

I personally hate brooks. They don't fit on my feet. But I have a good friend who adores them. They fit her so well! I love my sauconys, but she hates them because her feet are a different shape than mine.

Get what works for you. Brooks are a great quality shoe. If they fit you and feel good? Get them! :)

And good luck with your run!

Did you go to a running specialty store? If not try to find one. My sons are huge runners and they go to a running store. All the staff are trained to help them get the right shoe. They look at the wear pattern on your current shoe. They look at how you stand and walk with no shoes on. They put you on a treadmill and watch you run to see how your gait is or if there is any pronation. They'll know if you need a neutral shoe or not. They know how to check the shoe's fit as well. If you have a good store like that, you can trust their advice.

I went to the Running Lab in old towne Orange, CA and they do custom fittings based on your stability, arch, etc. I was pretty sceptical, but am really happy with the shoe they recommended. I have the Brooks Ariel shoe and LOVE it! I used to wear pretty extreme orthotic inserts in my shoes and the Ariels make me not need them. My feet don't hurt when I run or wear my shoes anywhere. They're spendy (about $140), but it's worth it to not need my insoles and to have happy feet!

I am running in an Asics Gel GT-2160... I picked them up on sale immediately after Xmas, so they may not be available any longer (last year's model?) and it MAY be the previous model to the 2170 that you are referring to in your post. My shoe looks very similar to the 2170. Anyway, the one I have is the most comfortable shoe I have ever worn. HOWEVER, I do NOT have a high arch. I tried wearing some NewBalance about 2 years ago, and they made my feet incredibly tired because of the extra arch support. If I am not mistaken they tend to work better for those with high arches. My husband runs in NewBalance. So maybe try some of theirs?

I know that Brooks and Asics both are supposed to be good quality running shoes, but have never worn a Brooks so I can't speak to them specifically.

Been running for 23 years and have tried many a shoe. I wore Nikes for years but as I get older I find I need more cushion. I really like Saucony and they wear well over time. Going to a running store to get fitted is crucial but they can be very expensive in buying your shoes. I go online and find what I've been fitted for. Also, going with the last years model of the shoe you pick will save you some bucks as well. If money isn't an issue then go ahead and purchase them at the running store.
For what it's worth......

I love Asics! I've worn them for years. They're a little pricier, but I think they're worth every penny. I buy a half-size larger than my usual shoe size.

I suggest you walk around the store in both pairs. Wear the socks that you will wear when you're running.

I have med/high arches and thin feet. I wore Asics for years for other athletic events and I loved them. Never tried on their running shoes though, I just use my Sketchers for that, but I'm not a huge runner either. I'm sure you can read lots of reviews online.

After trying them all...I've been loyal to the Asics Gel Kayano for many years now. They seem to come out with a new version of this particular shoe every year but I can't tell the difference. So if I see an older model on sale...I'll buy a couple of pairs. Running shoes are expensive but SO worth finding the right pair. onlineshoes.com, zappos are good for discounts - once you know what you need. First, make sure you're being properly fitted for a shoe based on YOUR foot type, weight, running style, etc. (I'm an overpronater). And you should be able to take them for a little run around the parking lot before you buy them.

I have had a couple of Brooks Adrenaline shoes (two different women's version, and one men's). They are for people with overpronation, which it turns out I really don't have (after a video analysis and a lot of pain after only 150 or so miles - shoes should last longer than that). I did like them at the beginning, but they have a lot of support, which isn't always necessary. Now I have two Saucony pairs, the Kinvara for racing and speed training, and the Ride 4 for training, both neutral shoes. If you can, try to go to another running store for a second opinion on your feet. The first I went to told me I overpronated, two store told me I am neutral (which I do think I am now), which is how I ended up with the non Brooks. Also, they should let you try the shoe on and run with it a little, that is how you know if a shoe will work for you, once they have chosen the right kind.

I also have high arches and have tried many shoes. Personally, the New Balance have never felt comfortable but if they fot for you, then go for it! I like Asics or Saucony, but it seems like my feet change so what works one year might not work the next. It looks like you have gone to a running store to be fit so that's perfect. Lots of places have a 30 day return policy so take it out for a few runs and then if it doesn't fit quite right, return it. I've felt funny at first doing this but got over it!! Good luck and enjoy running!!

I LOVE Brooks. I have run in the Brooks Adrenaline, it's a support shoe designed for runners who over-pronate, meaning your ankle rolls in a bit when you run. Too much of that can lead to injuries for some people. While it's a great shoe, it ended up being too much support for me and I now run in the Brooks Ravenna 2. I actually got the Ravenna at a running specialty store where I was able to run in it first before purchasing, it offers just a touch of stability which worked well for me. I've run several races from 5K-marathon in them. I've also worn the Brooks Launch and the Ghost, both neutral shoes and have liked them as well but favor the Ravenna.

You said you also tried on the Asics 2170's. In my experience, I would go with what feels best to YOU. I usually can always tell right off after running around the block which model the salesperson recommends is going to work just by how they feel on my feet. Also, most specialty running stores will allow you to return/exchange the shoes if after a week or two you find they are just not for you. Goodluck and you are definitely off to a good start by going to a specialty store where the sales people know what they're talking about!

i agree with melissa, a running store with experts, and hopefully a treadmill with a video cam to give detailed data to them about how your feet fall when you run is your best resource.
i have nike lunarglide 2s, but my husband is so ecstatic with his brooks adrenalines that i'm going to check them out when my nikes wear out. which should be soon, i'm hoping! but they got me through my first half marathon.
i'm jonesing on a pair of vibram five fingers but mostly cuz i love the way they look<G>. but when it comes to keeping your hoofs in galloping order, trust 'em to a pro!
khairete
S.