Moving on from Mizuno. Runner/gym recommendation.

[BrightonCorgi]

I must put a shout out to the other sneaker companies based in MA. MA used to be the shoe manufacturing capital of the world, but a lot has changed since the end of the war.

Sneaker Brands Headquartered in Massachusetts
1. New Balance — Boston, MA
2. Converse — Boston, MA
3. Saucony — Waltham, MA
4. Reebok — Boston, MA
5. PUMA North America — Somerville, MA
6. Rockport — Newton, MA
7. Topo Athletic — Framingham, MA
8. NOBULL — Boston, MA
9. OOFOS — Braintree, MA

[NYGuido]

On 1/31/2026 at 9:38 PM, bmac said:

Hoka Clifton 9’s are my go to.

Also the Bondi line. 

On 2/1/2026 at 5:38 AM, TheCigarSoldier said:

If you want to run, Hoka, Altra (zero drop style shoe), or Saucony. If you want to train in the gym, Under Armour (Reign), Nike (Metcon), or Born Primitive all make a fine training shoe. I've rotated between those brands for the last few years and have no complaints.

I run the Hoka Bondi/nike Metcon split and love it. 

[TheCigarSoldier]

4 hours ago, NYGuido said:

I run the Hoka Bondi/nike Metcon split and love it .

Yea I ran in Hoka Cliftons forever and switched to Saucony this year. Both feel great. Trained in Metcons for years, only switched recently because my size was out of stock, lol!

[Namisgr11]

I'm another long-time fan of New Balance. Thanks to overpronation I like the extra motion control rollbars and medial post found in the NB1540 series. I admit that the versions being produced over the past few years in Vietnam are not as rugged as the USA made versions that came before. But the fit and the comfort for both jogging and walking is still great, and they offer three widths (narrow, regular, and extra wide) for whichever suits you best.

[El Presidente]

I appreciate the feedback folks. 

Did a testing on Sunday morning on the way to lunch. NB/Saucony/OC/Hoka predominantly. 

I have ordered a couple of sets of Hoka (Clifton and Arahi). 40% sale helped make the decision but they felt great. Let's see how they go.