Sneaker Q for Runners

L

lifeverlasting78

Cathlete
I'm trying to decide between New Balance 858 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8 running shoes. I recently got into walking (about 4 weeks ago) and have started the "Couch to 5K" program this week. I'd like to get into heavier running but need new shoes. My old New Balance walking sneakers are sooooo old. I consulted a specialist who said I'm a major over-pronator with flat feet. He recommended the Brooks Adrenaline but I've always used New Balance. The above sneakers are both made for over-pronators. Any suggestions on comparisions or experience with either shoe in general? Also, how many of you runners out there use custom made orthodics? They were recommended for me, but they're quite expensive.

Thanks for any and all input! :)
 
quality running shoes are the one thing you should invest in for successful running. you should definitely make an informed choice, especially if you over-pronate. don't worry about brands, makes, models, and what you've "always used" -- if you are a new runner, then it doesn't matter what you've always used, particularly for walking. you need stability, control and shock absorbtion when you run, which most walking shoes dont really have. i would listen to the specialist and go to a running store and try a pair of the brooks. brooks shoes are really good for flat feet and for overpronators. most running stores will let you try them out and some have treadmills where you can run and they can assess your gait, etc.

i have never needed orthodics, so i can't comment. and yes they are expensive, but if you need them to run successfully, then they are a good investment.

good luck!
 
lifeverlasting78 said:
I'm trying to decide between New Balance 858 and Brooks Adrenaline GTS 8 running shoes. I recently got into walking (about 4 weeks ago) and have started the "Couch to 5K" program this week. I'd like to get into heavier running but need new shoes. My old New Balance walking sneakers are sooooo old. I consulted a specialist who said I'm a major over-pronator with flat feet. He recommended the Brooks Adrenaline but I've always used New Balance. The above sneakers are both made for over-pronators. Any suggestions on comparisions or experience with either shoe in general? Also, how many of you runners out there use custom made orthodics? They were recommended for me, but they're quite expensive.

Thanks for any and all input! :)
Click to expand...

Me too, . .the flat feet overpronate thing. Thing is I tried the Brook Adrenaline and I would have to say and it was not the shoe for me. I run is Asics Gel Nimbus which I was told by the running store was the wrong shoe but you know it feels the best to me. So my advice would be to try them and run around, . . even then after a few miles you may not like them. It can be a sort of expensive trial and error thing so you may want to buy from a store that has a forgiving return policy. Once you find that shoe buy a ton of them because they always change and upgrade them sometime not for the better. I shop at a shoe outlet, . . and you would be surprise how cheap you can get running shoes on Amazon.com, . . thing is you first need to find the shoe that fits and it comfortable for you. I know shoes are a bit on the expensive side but considering that it is all you need for your workout, . . . and a running trail outside they are well worth the investment. Flat footers like us how to make sure we take care of our feet, . . .trust me you don't want to develop foot problems.
 
lifeverlasting78 said:
I recently got into walking (about 4 weeks ago) and have started the "Couch to 5K" program this week.

Thanks for any and all input! :)
Click to expand...

Good for you! I, too, just started the Couch to 5k program this week! I've done 2 of my runs so far! I hate running, but am trying to work my way up to doing at least one 5k with my husband who is a daily runner! Of course, he was a Marine, so he had not choice initially, but it stuck!

So, keep up the good work! I wish you success!

Good luck with finding shoes! I'm not going to get into all of that yet until I know whether I'm going to be successful or not and if it's something I'll keep doing!
 
I agree with everything that's been said. The right running shoe is absolutely critical to running successfully and injury free. Shortly after I started running, I developed tendonitis in the inside of my right ankle because of a bad shoe choice. After several weeks of physical therapy and a visit to my local running store, I ran injury free in several pairs of Brooks Adrenaline GTS. Then they changed the shoe a bit, and it no longer worked for me. I then ran in a Mizuno for years (two marathons, in fact). When I started noticing more knee issues two pairs of shoes ago, I changed (on the advice of a specialist at my local running store) to Asics Gel Nimbus. It really takes some time and effort to find the right shoe. You should go to a specialty store and let someone there watch you walk/run. You probably will have to pay full price the first time as you determine the best shoe; after that, you can find a better price at various places online.

It's also imperative that you replace your shoes periodically. I run around 400 miles in mine, but you can tell when it's time to change -- you'll feel it in your knees, feet, etc.

I priced hard custom orthotics years ago. Someone recommended a local vendor who made flexible custom orthotics for a significantly lower price. I used those for years, but in the last couple of years, I decided to try an over-the-counter insole. I use PowerStep Pinnacle -- again at the suggestion of a specialist at my local running store.

The bottom line is that you have to determine what works for you and make the necessary investment. It will help ensure that you run injury free. Good luck!

HTH!
 
Thank you everyone for the input, I really appreciate it!! :) I know I shouldn't stick with New Balance just because I've always used them, it's just that I've never had a problem with them. But then again, I never started running in them! It's true that the specialist I saw recommended the Brooks Adrenaline, he thinks they're perfect for my feet. Unfortunately he didn't have them in stock so I couldn't wear them and take a walk on his treadmill. I did find a cheap pair on EBAY though. Hmm... I may have to look into those Asics Gel Nimbus sneakers too. I guess it's all trial and error like you all said. I think I will also experiment with over the counter insoles if need be, before spending the $$ on orthodics. It's just too much $$ for me right now. Thanks for the ideas!

syzygy314, Good luck to you too with the Couch to 5K! I was never much into running myself but then I got burned out on just doing aerobics all the time. I started out just going for daily walks with my dog and each day we'd go a littler farther. Then I started thinking about running and the whole Couch to 5K thing came about! So far I love it! I wish you success too! :)

Thanks again so much to everyone for their replies!
 
Last edited:
Another vote for Asics Gel series. Used to hurt my hips to run on harder ground (if I had to hit the street vs the dirt) and I absolutely love them.

At least put on a pair to see how they feel. The websites for most of the high end running shoes have charts for you to see which shoe will work for you. Sounds like you know you need one for over-pronating.
 
OMG Katie! Thank you for the link! Those are the shoes I run in and was devestated to see that the new Mizuno Stability shoe is up to $140!!!:eek:
So I was going to hunt around the internet for the wave 8! Thank you!!!!!
Becky
 
I'll put my $.02 in, too. I have tried New Balance and Brooks and they just weren't for me (I also pronate and have flat-ish feet) even though the salespeople assured me they were. You just don't know until you try them, unfortunately. I just ordered my second pair of Saucony Progrid, I liked the first pair so well. When I got the first pair I went to several running stores first to see what they recommended (again -- I always go to the specialty stores for my shoes, particularly when I'm changing brands). Just because something is supposed to work for you doesn't mean they will.

At the same time I bought the first pair of Saucony I also bought the Superfeet brand of insoles and they have worked wonderfully. You try them on in the store with your shoes and they'll cut them to fit right there.

The annoying thing is that just when you find a shoe you really like, they'll go and change it in the new model year!

ETA: The Mizuno is another that was recommended for me and they just didn't feel right. Again, you really have to go with what feels the best to you.

Good luck!
 
I ran my first marathon without orthotics, and I ended up running the race with a torn patella tendon (didn't know it was torn and just ran through the pain). Now, I have the orthotics, and I LOVE them. Worth every sent I paid. It feels like I'm running on a pillow. I don't notice the jarring. I would never run without them. I would also recommend getting a pair of shoes that work for your feet. Do you pronate or overpronate? These are things you should know when buying shoes. A good running store can tell you that information.
 
Thanks everyone for the continued suggestions! I decided to take a day this week to go around to specialty stores and just try on all different brands to see what works best. I was just going to order a pair off of EBAY but I know that doesn't make sense, even though they're CHEAP! :p I need a new pair soon though because my older ones are starting to bother my toes and I think one of my nails may come off (that's another problem, I have long toes so I need extra room in the front)!! :confused:

Thanks again! :)
 
Hi Christine. I have one size 6.5 foot and one size 7. I definitely accomodate the bigger foot. You do not want your toes or toe nails pushing up against the shoe you'll end up getting that black toe nail thing that a lot of runners get. I make sure that there is some wiggle room with shoes when you run the longer distances your feet tend to swell. Good luck and happy running.
 
Christine,
It's often recommended that you buy a half size up in running shoes. I wear a 9 & 1/2 narrow in street shoes, but I ALWAYS buy a 10 & 1/2 in running shoes. In fact, when I wore Brooks, I would get an 11 (I can't remember if they didn't come in 10 & 1/2 or if they ran a little shorter than others). It's an embarrassingly large size, I know, but in running shoes, comfort is paramount -- especially if you intend to run further than about 3 miles.
Good luck!
 
just goes to show that you really need to try them on and make sure they are right for you. some folks here mention asics -- i've been a runner for many years but i can't run in asics because they feel heavy for my small feet. same with mizuno's. but adidas are perfect for me and i've been running in supernovas as long as i can remember.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top