[Aditya]

The Running Shoes Thread - Posts moved to a new thread.

[Chinmayd]

Originally Posted by MadinMumbai

Too much has been made of brands of running shoes. My learning, from 12 years of running half marathons, don't worry about the brand. Look for something that feels comfortable.

Totally agree.. recently got Nike Downshifters specifically for running and still in the run in period
Somehow I still prefer my old well used Adidas walking shoes mainly due to better comfort. Changed the laces for a tighter fit and added compression for running purposes which helped.

[throttlehead]

Originally Posted by Chinmayd

Totally agree.. recently got Nike Downshifters specifically for running and still in the run in period
Somehow I still prefer my old well used Adidas walking shoes mainly due to better comfort. Changed the laces for a tighter fit and added compression for running purposes which helped.

+1 on this. I've had pegasus, nimbus 25 and currently on GTS 22, I bought a pair of downshifters only for kicks (and since they were on sale) and while they aren't as comfortable as the GTS 22, they are so much more bang per buck. They've become my go to pair for a quick run.

[Jeroen]

Just for thoughts a bit of science about running shoes:

The design of most running shoes does not match the available science, and understanding this will help you know What to Look for in Running Shoes. The commonly held beliefs follow this logic: Runners get injured due to impact and excessive Pronation, running shoes reduce impact and pronation, and therefore running shoes reduce injury. Unfortunately, every part of this rationale seems to be flawed. There are other aspects of shoe design, such as the raise heel or arch support that have even less evidence to support them.

https://fellrnr.com/wiki/The_Science_of_Running_Shoes

Spoiler alert; there isn’t all that much evidence, if any, that certain shoes prevent injuries.

I used to run a lot and have run a number of half marathons. The best advice is probably to find shoes that feel comfortable.

Jeroen

[dailydriver]

Will not be able to input anything of substance on this thread as my experience of running in the last few years is limited to just jogging.

One strange experience for me is that Decathlon footwear designated as running shoes suit me best for my fast walks and those that claim to be walking shoes serve me best when I jog wearing them. Could be a quirk with my feet, stance or stride.

As I need to keep buying newer pairs every couple of months, I do limit myself to the lesser thousands in terms of cost.

While on the topic, could I please get recommendations on some good quality running/walking/sports socks: ones that wouldn't sweat much but also last a while.

[mobike008]

Oops! I never knew about this thread.

I have a bit of a shoe fetish. I buy quite a lot of them on whim and fancy and keep changing pretty often.

Also, I don't buy super expensive ones. Rather, I buy when I see a deal that is irresistible.

A couple of weeks ago, we were at a Premium Outlet Mall (Yup, lucky to live close to one where you get some amazing deals that is mostly jaw dropping).

We normally drop in once every couple of months to check out if there are deals from any of the top brands that is worth buying.

Just to give you a couple of examples :

1. Aeropostle or American Eagle Hoodies are typically $45-$60 bucks. But, if you are lucky and any sale is going on, you can get it for $5/piece.

2. Nike outlet have crazy sales on and off. A $150 shoe drops to $49.99 or a $120 shoe drops to $29.99.

There are many brand examples I can give where the deals are simply unreal.

We were at this mall a couple of weeks ago and checked out the Nike store.

I liked both. Left shoe more than right one. But, it was not comfortable due to the sole design. Right shoe was super comfortable.

Left - $49.99 and Right-$29.99





Finally got this one due to the comfort factor.

[motorpsycho]

I swear by Asics, I have ACL issues with my knee and need all the cushioning I can get. My first pair was GEL FLUX 2 and my latest which is on its last leg, is the Cumulus 24. I gifted my dad a pair of Saucony, but they did not last long.

I will be buying my next pair shortly, however I am surprised by how expensive these shoes are now!

[DaiusPitar]

Originally Posted by RaviDBLR

.

Many friends wanting to go barefoot have used cheap Decathlon Aqua shoes to help them transition. If any of you want to get the barefoot feel, it will just cost you Rs 500-600/- to try. BTW, once you get used to zero drop, ultra light, barely-they’re sole shoes, it is hard to get back into the cushioned beauties.

Wow, doesn’t the material in the aqua shoes chafe the skin despite wearing socks? Let alone hurting your legs during the adjustment period. I have used them as water shoes but never thought of using them this way

[ashlil]

I run about 3000 kms a year (last year I ran more than 3300 kms) and I am very careful about my shoes. What I look for in my running shoes are:

1. Comfort: Any minor discomfort becomes a major nightmare after about 2 hours of running. I like a flexible upper with lots of room since I have wide feet. Seamless and knitted uppers are my favourite.
2. Weight: The shoe has to be light for me. I do not prefer shoes that are more than 250 gms. With heavier shoes, I feel like an Alto logging a trailer full of bricks.
3. Longevity: I rotate two pairs of shoes. I like it if each pair lasts for 1700kms.
4. Price: I hate expensive shoes. I wait for sale and then buy my shoes at the cheapest possible rates. At any given time, I am using two pair of shoes and I have two new pairs of shoes for the next year.

What I have learnt over the years is that:

1. To each his/her own. The shoes that suit me may not suit you. So, try out the shoes and then select one.
2. Lacing has to be proper for good comfort. I usually prefer heel-lock lacing, but there too I try out some variations when I see a need.
3. Brands do not matter. I have gone through so many brands over the last 21 years.

My current shoes are:

Skechers Speed 3: Very narrow. I wear it without socks. Even a thin sock makes it as tight as three well fed adults in the rear seat of a Honda Elevate. Loose lacing towards the forefoot and heal-lock towards the top makes it comfortable. (Bought for Rs 4000)
New Balance Fresh Foam Pursuit: One of the most comfortable shoes. Wide feet friendly. Loved New Balance Fresh Foam Beacon v1 too when I used them. (Bought for Rs 2700)
Nike Vaporfly Next % 2: I use it only for race day since I doubt its longevity. Very narrow. My usual size is UK 8.5. But for Nike Vaporfly I am wearing a size UK 10.5 with tight lacing and it is super comfortable. (Rs 14000, my most expensive yet but great during timed races.)

In storage and to be used after this rainy season is over: Puma Deviate Nitro and Puma Deviate Nitro 2. Puma deviate nitros are very comfortable and I used them heavily last year.

[Neomobile]

As many others said, to each his own, so do try out. For me the Adidas Terrex and Zoom were very comfortable in the showroom, but after using them for over an hour, both clasp my big toe. Now I have found the Skechers slip in D’lux Walker very comfortable for a combination of running and walking. Not for long runs though. I like the soft sole, not the hard ones by Goodyear on the new Skechers.

[GTO]

Am a total sneakerhead! I spend at least 10 hours a day in sneakers and have like a dozen pairs. Different styles, different colours. Am biased toward Nikes, followed by Adidas.

Used to love Reeboks at one time, but they really lost their way here. Of course, the famous Reebok scam by Subhinder Singh Prem didn't help either - here's a recommended read on the scam.

[Sandy Damodaran]

As a lot of people have mentioned, shoes are extremely individualistic!

For the ametuers like me, Asics have these studio shops where they can take analyse your gait running style etc and then recommend shoes.
Worked wonders for me, as I have 1 flat foot and 1 normal one, with soze 12.5/13.5.
Usually a nightmare buying shoes for me, this studio thing of Asics helped me a lot.They didnt charge either.

[Red Liner]

Originally Posted by Sandy Damodaran

As a lot of people have mentioned, shoes are extremely individualistic!

For the ametuers like me, Asics have these studio shops where they can take analyse your gait running style etc and then recommend shoes.
Worked wonders for me, as I have 1 flat foot and 1 normal one, with soze 12.5/13.5.
Usually a nightmare buying shoes for me, this studio thing of Asics helped me a lot.They didnt charge either.

I had recurring knee issues thanks to wearing the wrong boots for weeks at a time hiking up and down trails carrying bags that weighed over 20 kgs. Finally my knees went so bad I had to get into treatment mode, avoided walking altogether so they would heal. All this while I always thought it was the hiking with load that did me in.

Finally a brain wave and someone around here pointed out the Aasics gait tech machine. Headed to Indiranagar and did it. The tech there was shocked beyond belief when we saw the video together. My feet were so over pronated (heel turning inwards) that he swore this was the worst case he had ever seen in his life. He immediately suggested the best stability shoes rated for over pronation from aasics.

I have not looked back since. I use these shoes for everything now, hiking and walking included. Knee issues disappeared over night. I am finally enjoying my blissful walks again.

Thank you Aasics!

[Vid6639]

I am not really into running or sports sneakers but crazy fan of retro design sneakers. I have a bunch of them and amongst my favourite is the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66. Added my 3rd colour way last week that I picked up from Singapore.

I have 3 Onitsuka tigers now which are my absolute favourite and most comfy sneakers:









Last month also added a pair of Nike Dunks in a unique canvas weave vs the usual leather material. These are far more comfortable than the leather which Nike has been skimping on recently in their iconic sneaker models like Air Jordan 1, Air Force 1 and Dunks.







Wishlist for next few months is Adidas Samba OG

[MotoBlip]

Originally Posted by Red Liner

Finally a brain wave and someone around here pointed out the Asics gait tech machine. Headed to Indiranagar and did it.

Wow!! I didn't know they had something like this. Out of curiosity, were you suggested the Kayano series? They seem to be very popular stability shoes.

Like some people have mentioned here, I too swear by my Nike Pegasus shoes. I have a neutral foot strike and these are excellent shoes for basically any scenario and also very beginner-friendly too. Currently in it's 40th iteration, am waiting for the next one since I heard a rumor that there are going to be significant design changes.

I also recently got a max cushioned shoe, New Balance More v4 for about 6.5k on Flipkart. These are my current favorites and great when I want to do a long relaxed run, very easy on the knees and super comfy too. I highly recommend these shoes.