Comments on: Finding the Most Comfortable Running Shoe for You

By: Ruth

Ruth — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 17:54:46 +0000

The question “Which running shoe is the best?” is a strange question and I always find myself stammering for an answer because, really, I’m not sure if there is ONE correct answer. As this post mentions, and I completely agree with, this is very much a personal decision and one that is based on how you body feels and reacts when wearing a particular pair of shoe. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another, so the best advice would be to simply to do a trial run and see how your body fees.

By: Gwen

Gwen — Sat, 24 May 2014 17:04:14 +0000

“Choose a shoe that disappears on your feet when you run”

I’ve never heard it described like that before but I absolutely agree. Finding the right running shoe was a painful process for me, especially when I first started, and listening to “brand marketing” instead of listening to my body only led to more aches and pains.

Now I’m a little more deaf when it comes to marketing and I’m more paying more attention how my body responds when I’m using the shoe.

Right now I’m using a pair of Skechers GoRun Ride 3 and loving every second of it. Again, Skechers’ isn’t the brand that most people think of when think of running shoes, but my feet feel great during and after my run and that’s the most important thing!

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Tue, 18 Feb 2014 14:31:58 +0000

In reply to Dennis Timko. Thanks!

By: Dennis Timko

Dennis Timko — Sat, 15 Feb 2014 04:04:09 +0000

Love this blog for all my runner patients with foot pain. They all ask me which shoe should I buy and I always have a hard time answering that question. I will refer to your blog when the next patient ask me “What is the best running shoe?”

By: Rich

Rich — Fri, 14 Feb 2014 21:09:40 +0000

My Altra Olympus’s feel weird to stand and walk in, but once I ran in them my feet felt quite happy.

My 6’2″ 216 lb. frame loves the fact that my feet no longer prevent me from increasing distance.

By: Top 5 Racing Flats – The Bearded Runner

Top 5 Racing Flats – The Bearded Runner — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 22:48:11 +0000

[…] these guys who know EVERYTHING there is to know about what shoes to buy tell it best here – Runblogger / You Know, Running. They seem (sorta) to share the same sentiment of stick with what works. Be […]

By: Jack McPheron

Jack McPheron — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 17:22:23 +0000

Great post Pete, hit on a lot of really great points. I think it has become quite tough for a consumer to determine the best shoe for them with the emphasis placed on step in comfort and “cushion”. The general population has been told they need “cushion and support” and this seems to make a lot of sense to most customers. However, that is not necessarily what they need. Most running shoe companies have kind of hi-jacked the fit process by creating shoes that feel like you’re on clouds when you put them on. Customers can sell themselves pretty quickly on just that fact alone. Only the best stores really work a customers through a variety of shoes and feels to make sure they have a better idea of what to look for and what is out there.

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 11 Feb 2014 14:17:06 +0000

For myself, it’s always been a real hassle to find shoes wide and flat enough at the back of the midfoot. My arch (or lack of) sort of bulges out there when weight is applied and ends up getting banged up by any sort of arch support, or more often, a raised ridge where the sole meets the upper. I’ve run in and returned, or regretted keeping, many shoes, as I can’t really feel this until I’m 20 minutes in to a jog.

If anyone else suffers this particular aversion, the Guide 7 has been nearly perfect. My only qualm is that it is a little slappy and loud, but I still plan to stock up when the Guide 8 comes out or I see a sale.

My best suggestion to anyone trying on shoes is simply to remove the insole before taking them out for a trial run around the block. The insole can easily mask edges around the last that may aggravate your feet.

By: Nick

Nick — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 17:22:24 +0000

In reply to David Burns. I heard the same thing last fall about the MR00s when I was running in them. I did almost half of my training in one pair, and ran two full marathons in the another pair. My only beef with them is that the laces tore through the uppers after about 300 miles. Just gotta run in what works for you.

By: Jackson

Jackson — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 17:07:31 +0000

I still find that the shoes I enjoy wearing the most are the least restrictive ones like my Altra Adams and Samsons.
I may not be fastest in these types of shoes, but I have a much more fun run usually. I’m going to try a pair of the
Sensory Ventures by Xero shoes. I should have gotten those huarache style shoes long ago. There are some people who
manage to go fast and race in footwear like this.

By: Austin Bonds

Austin Bonds — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 15:22:00 +0000

This is some great stuff. As a Guest Advocate for Big Peach Running Company in Atlanta, I agree with everything Peter has to say – and would like to share some thoughts on some of his points.

1. When you have found a comfortable shoe in a store, go beyond walking around it and go out on the sidewalk and go for a short run. Running in a shoe is very different from walking in it.

2. At Big Peach I pull out the most appropriate shoes for a guest based on foot characteristics, biomechanics, injury history, and goals. In other words, I stay very neutral on brand preference. In fact, I don’t have any, but will point out important elements of a shoe if I’m asked.

3. I recommend having at least two pairs of shoes if for no other reason than having the ability to rotate them so the mileage is staggered. In fact, wearing different shoes will work muscles differently as your pace and cadence may vary. Consider a long run shoe and a lighter shoe for track or tempo runs.

4. As to older models, this is OK, but be mindful of what your biomechanics are as you could possibly buy a shoe at a place like TJ Maxx or DSW that may provide too much or too little stability for your feet. In other words, get to know the models better.

Happy Running,

Austin

By: Peter Larson

Peter Larson — Mon, 10 Feb 2014 14:07:52 +0000

In reply to Simon Porteous. Good point! I've seen this myself as I've had to size up way more often of late than when I first started running more minimal.