Decent running shoes?

axisus

I want to get some running shoes that are light but with good quality shock absorption. I only run 5K a week now due to wearing out joints, just the Parkrun on a Saturday.

I find the whole running shoe industry frustrating, I did many years of running in the past and several times I came across great running shoes over the years, but they always got discontinued after a period and the 'equivalent' replacement were usually garbage. I wish they would just keep the same shoes going!

Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has recommendations for light weight trainers with good shock absorption?

munckee

You need to know your gait to know whether you over pronate etc so you can get the right running shoes.  You might get lucky buying general but I would bite the bullet and get measured in a shop.  I always get asics and you can enter on their website what trainers you had and they will tell you the direct replacement. 

Based on advice from running shops I get over pronaters and heel inserts each time.

fretmeister

Go to a proper running shop and have gait analysis done. Then try a few on.

i over pronate so I buy shoes for that. I like Saucony Omni. Comfy, not too expensive and last well.

joneve

Another vote for getting your gait analysed. That will help you then decide what type of shoe you need. I’ve always used ASICS but Brooks, Saucony and the like all make good shoes. Worth trying on some different pairs in an actual running shop. 

markslade07

Yep, I've just recently been through all of this...was getting lower leg pain after starting Couch to 5K (not run in years) so off I popped to a very good sports shop who did the whole gait analysis thing. Came out with a pair of Saucony Ride ISOs, which, although very bright orange, and comfy and have almost instantly cured the lower leg pain.

the_jaffa

If you order from Nike.com you have 30 days in which to return shoes, even ones you've worn and run in. Could be a good option. I've just bought a pair of Pegasus 35 to try out

sev112

axisus said:
 I did many years of running in the past and several times I came across great running shoes over the years, but they always got discontinued after a period and the 'equivalent' replacement were usually garbage. I wish they would just keep the same shoes going!

I used to think this too. 
I eventually realised I was getting older, creamier, and fatter and that was probably the real reason

benmurray85

Another recommendation for Saucomy. Good quality for a good price. 

BigBearKris

I went with Asics and was always happy with comfort and durability.  Not too expensive either.

Cols

ASICS or Brooks.  As other have suggested, best idea is to go to a specialist running store and have them check you out on a treadmill.  Don’t expect to get change out of £100 for starters (worth it though)

fretmeister

It's a shame the OP didn't post this in December.

Many of the sales start then as each maker wants to push the new seasons colours.
I replace my Saucony's in Dec / Jan and have managed to find the model I need for half price on several occasions.

Have to be a bit flexible on colours - but I'm not really fussed as I only really wear them for running and nothing else.

I tend to get mine from sportshoes.com and I just keep an eye out for the deals when they pop up.

Keiko

Picked up some Brooks Cascadia last year. Super light and loved them from the first time I put them on, no breaking in time required and no blisters. Do get your gait analysis done though.

monquixote

I've always used Brooks and found them to be great.

kennedydream1980

My favourite running trainers by far are the Adidas Ultra Boost. They are quite expensive at their full retail price (£150), but when I need a new pair I can shop around and find them for around £100.

VimFuego

I wait in the bushes about a mile from the finishing line until someone of a similar size runs past, then nab his. I figure that he must have good shoes if he's near the front, but so close to the line too knackered to fight back. 

Schnozz

Asics.

steven70

..

joneve

steven70 said:

If it's not possible to get a gait analysis, you can always take a look at the wear on an old pair of shoes.
I would also be concentrating on maintaining good form over the distance as much as anything else.
All good brands mentioned, Brooks, Asics, Saucony, steer clear of 'steetwear' brands,
I like Mizuno Wave rider, which are reasonably priced and do me for road running 35-40miles a week.
Also, it's a grey area (grey market?) , but I swear there are differences in the same pair of shoes ordered from (say) "A Well Known Online HighStreet retailer" - you know the big one - and a proper running shop. A pair should last a year on 5K a week so 100quid is good investment.  For online, I'd happily recommend, "up and running", they've been knocking around for a few years but there's no substitute for trying on a pair and worth the extra to visit a local store.
Cheers

Agreed with the above. 

Im up to nearly 500 miles in my current ASICS GT1000’s and they’ve still got a bit of life in them I think, and cost me £50...so 10p a mile so far.

I’m trying to eek them out as long as possible before switching over to my new GT2000s as I don’t want to have to replace them again before Ironman in Copenhagen in August. 

Johnnyseven

steven70 said:

I like Mizuno Wave rider, which are reasonably priced and do me for road running 35-40miles a week.

I have a pair of these too, I really like them as well.