Avid runners need a good pair of running shoes and should replace their shoes every 350-500 miles. The variables to the mileage you can get is weight of runner, shoe type, running terrain and your body (aches and pains). When choosing a new running shoe you need to consider your arch, weight, and miles per week you run. An excellent site for determining this is at Runningshoes.com/shoeadvisor.cfm. There you can enter your unique variables and see what they recommend in terms of running shoes. As a 170 lb male with no orthotics, an average arch, neutral pronation, and running 11-20 miles a week they say go with the Asics GEL Nimbus VII (Quicksilver) for $99.95, the Saucony GRID Triumph 3 for $102.95 or the Pearl Izumi Float at $87.95. If the current shoes you are using feel comfortable and work well, then stick with them. If you suffer from blisters, black toenails, or numbness a larger size or wider width might help. Always see a doctor if aches and pains don't go away from running. Keep reading below to see which shoes are the best sellers and get the highest ratings from consumers.
New Balance running shoes are our favorites and their newest shoes include the New Balance 2001 ($149.95) with cushioned stability, New Balance 2001 BK (Black) for $149.95, New Balance M 1222 WS ($119.95), New Balance M 1222 SG ($119.95), New Balance M 901 BW Lightweight Trainer ($89.95). Asics pretty much focuses only on running shoes and their line is consistent each year - top sellers are Asics GEL Kinsei (cushioned stability) for $159.95, Asics GEL Nimbus VIII (neutral) $114.95, Asics GEL Evolution II (motion control) $104.95, Asics GEL Ohana Racer (racing flat) $94.95. Nike can't be forgotten in this competitive field with their Air Zoom Plus ($100), Air Max 360 Men’s ($360), Air Vomero ($110), Air Pegasus 2006 ($80), and the Air Cesium ($120). Adidas has a new line of running shoes that will compete with any on the market - the Adidas 1.1 ($250), a3 Gigaride ($110), Supernova Cushion ($85) and the adiStar Control ($120). Although I've liked the look of them, Puma running shoes remain popular, especially in the track and field area. Their top sellers include the Puma Men's Complete Taranis ($79.99), Puma Men's Complete Phasis III ($89.99), and the Puma Men's Complete Tenos III ($59.99). All these shoes can be found at your local Footlocker or online (see below). RECOMMENDED - We suggest shopping online at Amazon.com since they carry all the leading brands and often have the lowest prices on the Internet. You can browse the top selling mens running shoes here - check out the womens running shoes here.
Buy Running Shoes - Best Running Shoes:
Once you know the style you want (cushioned, motion control, trail) then you can price compare online with dozens of online sites that sell running shoes. The best selection was found at Footlocker.com with all the major brands being found - New Balance, Nike, ASICS, Brooks, Saucony, Adidas, Puma, Mizuno, Reebok, Pearl Izumi, and The North face. All brands are available in womens running shoes or mens running shoes. Prices on shoes tend to be very competitive across the board. We searched lots of shoe sites to only find about a $2-$5 difference on the same pair listed at different Internet sites. That's why we say stay with the largest shoe store and choose from the broadest inventory online. The best deals we found were the Brooks Men's Trance 6 ($134.99), Brooks Men's Epiphany ($124.99), Mizuno Men's Wave Nirvana 2 ($129.99), Mizuno Men's Wave Renegade 3 ($109.99), Pearl Izumi Men's Guide ($109.99), Reebok Premier Road Plus III ($84.95), Reebok Prop-Jet ($79.95), Saucony Grid Triumph 1 ($100), Saucony 3D Grid Hurricane VII ($115). See all the New Balance running shoes here.
Trail Running Shoes:
There's no doubt that running on dirt trails is much easier on your feet than running on concrete or asphalt all the time. Extremely hard surfaces can give you shin splints over time or cause even worse injuries. The best surface to run on is grass which tends to be forgiving on the knees as well as the feet. We did some research on the top trail running shoes and came up with a short list of premiere shoes. The New Balance M 1100 OR Trail ($104.95), New Balance M 907 OR Trail ($92.95), Asics GEL Eagle Trail V for $94.95, Puma Men's Complete Trailfox ($69.99), and the Saucony Grid Shadow 7 OR ($80) - a supportive trainer with excellent cushion and water and abrasion resistant upper. RECOMMENDED - Browse the most popular trail running shoes online here
Discount Running Shoes:
Runbargains.com is the best place online to buy discount running shoes with brand names like New Balance, Brooks, and Solomon. They offer trail running shoes as well with some savings of up to 70% off. Their Pearl Izumi Men's Push Shoes were listed at $29.88 and the Asics Women's Gel-Legato Shoes was $39.88. If you run periodically then you can probably get away with a cheaper pair of running shoes, but don't skimp on quality or price if you are running 2-3 times a week.
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BUYING GUIDES
- check out the womens running shoes here
