Best brand of runners/joggers?


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This is kind of Fat Bastid Comp related, but also just well overdue... I haven't bought a pair of runners in forever!... I know the final decision often comes down to what style of shoe you want, foot shape, whatnot... but what I'm looking for here is an indicator of best quality/value for money in the brands out there today.

Anytime I look, I find runners to be ridiculously overpriced, and often I can't commit to a purchase. 

The last, quite significant, purchase I made in this department was spending $20 on a pair of Dunlop Volleys at Kmart. :rotfl:

Got any advice?

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Edit: realized after the fact that I went full Millennial and thought "joggers" were mentioned, not running shoes.

Depends what you're going for, but I typically wear either Lululemon or Nike joggers when I'm running. Both are pretty light-weight and do the job. The lulu ones feel like they are built from slightly better materials but not 2x better, you're mainly paying up for the brand (similar to the Cohiba arguments around here).

https://www.nike.com/t/dri-fit-mens-training-pants-7l3Wqy/860369-010 

https://shop.lululemon.com/p/men-pants/Surge-Jogger/_/prod8470023

 

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17 minutes ago, JohnS said:

What, didn't you get some premium outlet shopping in the States last year? I just picked up some Under Armour, Nike and New Balance shoes myself at Grapevine, Dallas last month for cheap.

No. I totally blew that opportunity. Thanks for reminding me, John. :no:

(ha ha...)

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20 minutes ago, Derboesekoenig said:

Also as a rule of thumb, don't increase mileage more than 10 or 15% per week. I can almost guarantee an injury or injuries as a result.

I agree. I can almost guarantee an injury every time I get out of bed... :rotfl:

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1 minute ago, MoeFOH said:

I agree. I can almost guarantee an injury every time I get out of bed... :rotfl:

I was a very impatient person growing up, and remember increasing mileage 30-40% and beyond, and every single time, I ended up hurting myself. Of course back then I was running 60-70 miles per week at that point. No bueno

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Get the ones that feel the best on your feet. Like mentioned above go to a proper store that knows running.  I have made the mistake of brand chasing and it never works. Nike and Asics have different placement of the arch support so never worked for me.  

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2 minutes ago, rckymtn22 said:

Get the ones that feel the best on your feet. Like mentioned above go to a proper store that knows running.  I have made the mistake of brand chasing and it never works. Nike and Asics have different placement of the arch support so never worked for me.  

Yep, I'm not going to brand chase at the expense of suitability/fit/feel... but brands can waver in their manufacturing quality, durability, value for money, etc. 

Good to hear some of the recommended ones thus far. Gives me a place to start! : )

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Well for me it's New Balance if you want serious running shoes.   They've lead that market for some time and happen to be made in my home locale.  The offer different width's which is good for non-standard size feet.

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Wore New Balance exclusively for almost 20 years however about 3-4 years ago I noticed their quality fell off a cliff. They focused more on aesthetics and looks at the expense of the quality build they used to have. Switched to Brooks and am now onto my third pair and could not be happier. High quality,  well, built shoes...what New Balance used to be. I wear the Glycerin line and highly recommend them as the cushioning is like nothing I have experienced in a runner. Definitely try a bunch and see what works best for you.

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For lite running flat surfaces Asics worked for me.  For hard trail / rocky hill running Saucony never let me down.

These two brands are outstanding for either running or walking.  Worst running shoes were Brooks and Skechers.

The buttom of the Brooks (sole) blew out (brand new) after making my way up a 400 foot rocky ridge near my home.

They were called the "Beast" but they were a pussy cat.  Skechers are cheap and not what I'd ever use for running.

Nikes never worked for me rather a gimmick type of shoe that also feel cheap.

New Balance is a very well made, rugged running shoe.  But I needed a lighter shoe.  NB's are rather heavy but

worth the coin if you don't my the weight.  Enjoy and remember to put both shoes on and lace them up as if you are going to walk / run in them.

Walk arounf the store and test them see how the feel.  If they feel good on your feet then they are what you are looking for.

Enjoy!

 

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2 hours ago, MoeFOH said:

This is kind of Fat Bastid Comp related, but also just well overdue... I haven't bought a pair of runners in forever!... I know the final decision often comes down to what style of shoe you want, foot shape, whatnot... but what I'm looking for here is an indicator of best quality/value for money in the brands out there today.

Anytime I look, I find runners to be ridiculously overpriced, and often I can't commit to a purchase. 

The last, quite significant, purchase I made in this department was spending $20 on a pair of Dunlop Volleys at Kmart. :rotfl:

Got any advice?

Got to a athlete's foot store in a shopping center. They'll do all the measurements and testing and you'll get something specific for you. Doesn't cost anything extra.

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+1 On the suggestion to hit a running shoe specialist.  It's worth it.  And expect to pay the equivalent of US $100-$150 per pair.  It's worth the extra money, as you're likely to be more comfortable and avoid injuries.  It really does matter.

For me, Brooks are the best, as they seem to make good EE width shoes and I have gone through many pairs.  Saucony also great for me, but the Brooks are a little more comfortable for asphalt/concrete running for me.

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Go to Workscene and get yourself the heaviest steelcaps they have! :lol3: You'd be surprised how much walking I do in my steelcaps every day. I've even hopped on to the treadmill with them on because I'm so used to wearing them, I forgot to change shoes.

Seriously though, it doesn't matter which brand you buy. What really matters is the fit and comfort.

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Lot of the brands are from the MA region and other brands also have either corporate or design facilities around MA.  We are the sneaker capital of the States and before the WW2, we manufactured more shoes than Italy.

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100% agree on going to a specialist to get your feet and stride analyzed. You don't spend anymore money than normal and saves you a lot of frustration. I've had the best luck with Mizuno and Asics. If you can afford it buy 2 pairs and rotate them. It makes them last longer and keeps them from smelling bad by giving them time to air out. I would also invest in good moisture wicking socks. I'm an Exercise Physiologist so I spend a lot of time in running shoes at work and at play/exercising.

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11 minutes ago, Lomey said:

100% agree on going to a specialist to get your feet and stride analyzed. You don't spend anymore money than normal and saves you a lot of frustration. I've had the best luck with Mizuno and Asics. If you can afford it buy 2 pairs and rotate them. It makes them last longer and keeps them from smelling bad by giving them time to air out. I would also invest in good moisture wicking socks. I'm an Exercise Physiologist so I spend a lot of time in running shoes at work and at play/exercising.

You bring up a good point sock.  They are often overlooked.  

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