Author Topic: Running shoes recommendations  (Read 3754 times)

Alchemisst

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Running shoes recommendations
« on: September 05, 2020, 03:19:45 AM »
Anyone have any recommendations on decent inexpensive runners?

Goldendog777

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #1 on: September 05, 2020, 06:44:11 PM »
I’d love to know too...my Brooks are usually $150.  If I’m really lucky, I can get a pair when they go on sale for about $90, just before the next model comes out but they are usually out of my size.

Accrual

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2020, 06:27:31 AM »
My recommendation is to go to a running store and get fitted for shoes. A good store will watch you run, analyze, and provide shoes that fit your running style.

nobody

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #3 on: September 30, 2020, 11:44:06 AM »
What @Accrual said, and then I price watch it on Amazon, and use https://camelcamelcamel.com/, an Amazon price tracker.  I've been able to get Brooks and Asics for $40-$60 this way.

cool7hand

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #4 on: October 02, 2020, 05:15:28 AM »
I also support going to a running shoes store that supports local runners. You'll know you're found the place when you walk into a shop to see some twitchy, ectomorph working the store who from the smell has clearly not showered since the last run and is nevertheless jonesing to get back on the pavement!

I must admit that I usually buy the first pair from the store, even if they are cheaper elsewhere. Everyone has to judge for themselves what works for them, but I feel better thanking the local shop for their expertise with a purchase. Of course, when the shoes wear out, I'll buy subsequent pairs online until the model is discontinued. Then back to the local store!

vand

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #5 on: October 02, 2020, 06:50:26 AM »
I suggest reading "Born to Run" before you decide to go splashing a lot of money on expensive runwear.

Fancier isn't better when it comes to running shoes, and don't fall for the "replace your shoes every 200miles" nonsense which is just a ploy to keep you spending.

I don't necessarily recommend "zero drop minimalist shoes" as was the rage 10 years ago or so, but I would encourage you to use a shoe that is as flat and less supportive as you feel comfortable and put more of the supportive work onto your actual foot.

Google "Maffetone foot fix" if you want to learn more

Junco

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #6 on: November 10, 2020, 02:11:46 PM »
I want to start paying attention to buying cheap shoes more. I run 50-80 miles per week so must replace my shoes frequently.

Here's what I do:

Try to buy last year's models. They are often 50% of the price of the current year and just as good.

Brooks, Adidas, and New Balance are all good brands that sell at a lower price point. You can often get their shoes for <$70 dollars new.

Avoid more expensive brands like Nike and Hoka unless you can get a very good deal.

I've bought lightly used shoes on eBay and Facebook marketplace before for like $30 and then ran in them hundreds of miles more. Going forward, I want to use this method more often.

habanero

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #7 on: November 10, 2020, 02:13:57 PM »
I have found 3-4 models that fits my feet and I buy new ones when one is worn out. I always buy last year's model which tends to be 50% or so off. I have a very common size but still aways manage to find a good deal.

If you run a lot, you should have a few models to rotate - it's one of the simpler tricks to reduce the risk of injuries.

Metalcat

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #8 on: November 10, 2020, 05:58:21 PM »
For me, I usually have to try on a good dozen pairs before I find the right fit and it's like night and day when I do.

Some people can do the minimalist shoe thing, some can't. I absolutely cannot. I've had New Balance, Saucony, Asics, Mizuno, and most recently Brooks, but only specific models of each of these brands, so it's not even like there's a brand that works for me.

In terms of how long they last, all of the above brands have basically lasted the same amount. I have multiple injuries, including lower spine and hip, so I wear my shoes rather unevenly, and this is usually what leads to needing replacement. If you have a beautifully perfect gait, your shoes might last longer. I usually get two years out of mine, no running, but daily wear and frequent walking.

mspym

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #9 on: November 10, 2020, 09:49:23 PM »
Another vote for going to a decent running store, getting advice and buying your first pair of shoes from them. After that, stalk that model online to buy at the end of the season when the colours change. Unless you are like me with weirdly shaped feet then you just resign yourself to paying full price for the model that works because it's still cheaper than the PT you would be paying for otherwise.

oneday

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #10 on: November 12, 2020, 02:09:29 AM »
Shoes are very personal; I advise to make one purchase from a running store, the buying end of season or used for subsequent pairs.

This year I got another pair of my New Balance 880v8 from 2018 on Poshmark for $45. These are the shoes I was recommended by the running shoe store salesman for $120 in 2018. They were great for two years, so I was happy to buy a slightly used pair for 60% off.

There was a second make/model I was recommended at the same time. I wasn't able to find the same year, but found a slightly newer one and took a chance. They also fit excellently, at similar savings. I will continue to buy both these brands/models as long as they remain comfortable, supportive and available. If they become a problem, I'll go back to the running store for new rec's.

Kris

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #11 on: November 12, 2020, 06:24:46 AM »
Another vote for going to a decent running store, getting advice and buying your first pair of shoes from them. After that, stalk that model online to buy at the end of the season when the colours change. Unless you are like me with weirdly shaped feet then you just resign yourself to paying full price for the model that works because it's still cheaper than the PT you would be paying for otherwise.

One more vote for this. I’m pissed at myself that for my last pair, I didn’t notice they were wearing out in time, and so didn’t stalk the interwebs for a new cheap pair at the end of the season before I had to buy again. But I might not have found them anyway — my shoe size is one of the first ones to sell out, so shoes are the one clothing item I have trouble finding at a discount.

jinga nation

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #12 on: November 12, 2020, 08:28:26 AM »
Try to buy last year's models. They are often 50% of the price of the current year and just as good.

^This.

Go to Runner's World or any running magazine. Look at their reviews for road/trail/track/etc. You'll see something like <Model> <Generation Number> e.g. Saucony Kinvara 11.

Then head to Amazon/Zappos/your fav shoe store and look for Kinvara 10 or 9.

And if you use Amazon, get the Camelizer browser extension to see product price history and optionally set price alerts.

lisabobisa

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #13 on: November 13, 2020, 05:56:51 AM »
I live pretty close to an Asics outlet.  My husband and I run together so our shoes usually wear out at the same time, so we can usually buy 1 pair and get one free/50% off.  We look for pairs under $90 so we can get both pairs for $45-$65 a pair.

foghorn

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #14 on: November 14, 2020, 05:35:53 AM »
I am a New Balance fan and I am fortunate that no matter the model from New Balance - I always get the same size.  This allows me to order online without the need to try on a shoe.

I recently came across this website - it may be useful for those of you that are New Balance fans as well.

https://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com/
« Last Edit: November 14, 2020, 11:09:41 AM by foghorn »

FLBiker

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #15 on: November 18, 2020, 07:29:03 AM »
This is one of the few areas that I don't try too hard to save money.  I have had plantar fasciitis off and on (never too bad, but I don't want it to get bad) and I over pronate a bit, so I tend to stick with Brooks motion control shoes.  Plus, I've got wide feet (4E).  Every so often I can get last year's model, but they often aren't available in my size.  Recently, I switched from Beast to Addiction, which made them cheaper and my feet feel fine so I'm going to keep doing that.  I also have been doing more off-road running (which is easier on my feet).  I may be looking for a waterproof trail runner soon, though.  We recently moved to Canada, and I would like to be able to keep running through the winter.

I'm pretty comfortable spending money on shoes, though.  I have Birkenstock house sandals and work shoes (I feel like this REALLY helps my plantar fasciitis) and I recently purchased some Birkenstock books for my around town shoe (now that I'm somewhere cold and wet).  I keep them forever, which helps.  And I've accepted that I can't do that with running shoes.  Oh well. :)

gary3411

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #16 on: December 02, 2020, 09:23:56 PM »
1.) As suggested, read Born to Run.

2.) Then, read some blogs about transitioning to barefoot running.

3.) Don't ever step inside a "running shoe" store. Ever.

4.) Get some decent non-supportive minimalist footwear from Vivobarefoot, xero, vibram, merrell, Altra etc. (but run barefoot as much as possible)

5.) Watch your running elevate to a higher level than in your entire life (yes, even if you're in your 60s)


  OR...get supportive name brand running shoes and continue to get injured for the rest of your life.

Kris

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #17 on: December 03, 2020, 05:36:04 AM »
1.) As suggested, read Born to Run.

2.) Then, read some blogs about transitioning to barefoot running.

3.) Don't ever step inside a "running shoe" store. Ever.

4.) Get some decent non-supportive minimalist footwear from Vivobarefoot, xero, vibram, merrell, Altra etc. (but run barefoot as much as possible)

5.) Watch your running elevate to a higher level than in your entire life (yes, even if you're in your 60s)


  OR...get supportive name brand running shoes and continue to get injured for the rest of your life.

What about winter?

SaucyAussie

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #18 on: December 03, 2020, 05:53:55 AM »
I was always a fan of ASICS but 2 out of the last 3 pairs have been duds so I switched to Brooks.  I found a pair of Brooks Ghost 12 on Amazon for $90 and so far I love them.  Time will tell.

joe189man

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #19 on: December 10, 2020, 04:13:15 PM »
go to a running shop and get fitted for shoes, run on their treadmill in several pairs, get the best one (support your local businesses), then for the next pairs buy last years model on line for less

ETA: i like Saucony, specifically the kinvara and the Perigrene for trail/hiking
« Last Edit: December 11, 2020, 09:43:19 AM by joe189man »

brooklynmoney

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #20 on: December 10, 2020, 07:40:29 PM »
Saucony
Ebay
Older models
I wear some mashup of what used to be called the ProGrid Triumph when I started running a decade ago

MaybeBabyMustache

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Re: Running shoes recommendations
« Reply #21 on: December 10, 2020, 07:45:40 PM »
I like Brooks Ghosts, & Asics Gel Kayano. I find a style & brand I like (and, typically, I buy two if I love them) & then buy them again when they are on sale & bringing out their newer model. I'm not super obsessed with price. My entire clothing/shoe budget for 2020 was $600, and I spent $400 of that on running shoes, so I'm not afraid to prioritize. :-)

 

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