Running Shoes - Best Brand

Right now I'm trying to run at least 3 5Ks each week. I've got a pair of Nike Free running shoes that don't do much good at cushioning my feet at all! After my runs my feet ache for days, sometimes up until my next run and this makes it difficult for me to exercise.

I have a neutral arch and I don't overpronate. I really just need a basic pair of running shoes so I can do my runs each week. I'm 6'3, 170 lbs, 20 yo Male if that matters.

What shoes do you all wear and can you make any recommendations?

I have not had any luck with Nike shoes.  They hurt my feet and are too narrow.  I have found New Ballance to be a good shoe.  Right now I just bought a pair of Rebocks, because I got them at a really good price, and I wanted to try out something new.  I would recomend replacing your running shoes every 500 miles or sooner if you buy a less expensive shoe.  Make sure not to get shoes that are too tight, I did this once and ended up loosing 3 toenails.  I have also found that you need to get good running socks as well as shoes.  To me socks are just as imporntant.  I got some from Amazon.com for 12.99 for 3 pairs, which is a good price, because sometimes they can be as much as 10 or more dollars for one pair.  Also remember that after you replace your shoes, you don't have to throw away your old ones.  If they still look ok you can wear them other places than running.  I have lots of old running shoes that I wear to work or to play basketball or whatever.  Another tip would be to not use your running shoes that you have not "retired" yet for anything but running.  Happy running.......

Yes that is about right,

I change shoes about every 4 - 5 months.  I never had any issues or serious injurys as well.  I can't say that is is becasue of the shoes but I feel It works so I am keeping on it. 

I know what its like to feel the pinch from the old wallet becasue I am shelling out 100.00 every 4 months for a pair of running shoes... Sometimes sooner, becasue I just start putting in 60 plus miles a week.  So.  I save a pair of fresh shoes for my Marathons and I run in my old but still firm shoes.  But I look at like this people have there hobbies or vices, and most hobbies and vices cost something, so this is my dues I guess.  I am in the military so I can offset the cost by saying it is my gym membership fee... since I get that free. 

It basicaly is how you wear out the shoe and the sole of the shoe along with the tread.  The insole is good to change out when you change your shoe, I say test it out keep doing what works... If the shoe and the sole is worn down alnog with the tread it is time to get a new shoe... the insole not going to make an impact... If you have a running store near by or some one to look at your shoe and they can shoe you how you are wearing your shoe down.... and when it is good to replace them. 

Insoles should be changed out about every 8 - 10 months for normal wear and tare, but how normal is a competive runner durability even that of a Marathoner.  I am not about speed or being fast.  I want to prolong my running life as long as I can.  I just started 3 1/2 years ago and I am 31 now so I want to run until I am in my 70's...  Hell make it to the 80's if I can...   

I agree with jsun, although I had heard change them every 500 miles. Asics definetly wear out on the sooner side of that. I've worn them for over 20 years, you'd think they'd improve this... I think they do it on purpose to make an extra $.

Nowadays I am a low-mileage runner but I also wear the same sneaks to walk in, so I will hit 500 miles easily within about 6 months. But I'm relatively light so if you're heavier you may need to change them even sooner.

It doesn't matter if they LOOk worn out either. Trust me on this... don't be stingy... your body will thank you!!  I am 41 and my body isn't what it used to be. As soon as my Asics had hit 500 miles, very little tread wear, but I started getting major aches and pains in my hips. Switched to new shoes and the pains all disappeared. And this was WITH inserts!! The inserts are still just fine,  by the way. Sturdy little things!

It's just not worth it, injuring yourself. Now I have these Saucony's - which I was told would last a bit longer - and there's barely 250 miles on them, but they are starting to feel worn out to me already....

I'm thinking I probably need two pairs, one for walking, one for running, and the alternating will give them time between outings to dry out and recover.

This is pretty enlightening.   I asked my wife about it all and she confirmed it all as well.   And for the record she has run a full marathon (in the DC metro area).

Funny thing, I looked at the bottom of my current running shoes and wow... the treads are getting worn down pretty quick.    I'll look into replacing them over the next few weeks.   Maybe this Saturday I'll visit our local hibbits sports and see what they offer for runners.   I tend not to buy the big name brand shoes.   I'm just not stuck on labels and I've never before made running such a big part of my life...  but since I've given up videogames (most of em anyway) I shouldn't feel too bad about spending the extra money.   Expecially since within 6 months i should easily be at my target weight and so on.   After that i can decide if I want to keep running for the fun of it or to taper off and just maintain my weight.

I appreciate all the advice put in here.

Now to figure out if my socks are good for running or if I really need some kind of specialized sock.   I haven't had a blister or anything in a long time now... nor have I ever had athletes foot or anything like that.

The lady at Hibbett was telling me that if you run, you should wear socks that contain 0% cotton...

0% cotton

That's anti-socks for me.

I wonder why they don't recommend regular cotton socks?

>>>>>>>>>

I went ahead and did some google searches.... it seems that a common thread is after around the 7 to 9 mile mark of running that they end up holding too much swea t and get uncomfortable.

Here's one thread I found on the subject:
http://forums.runnersworld.com/eve/forums/a/t pc/f/664106038/m/724104048

So it seems this is mostly for long distance runners and while it applies to those of us just running 3 or 4 miles or so ... it's not as big a deal if cotton feels good and doesn't give you blisters.

Interesting....

Well, I blew $11 on 2 pair of socks anyway lol...

Eh it can't hurt having those socks.   I'll probably give them a shot at some point as well (after getting some new shoes).

Something else interesting though was how some runners brought up that "You don't run in cotton t-shirts".... and I was thinking... um... yeah I do!   Heck one of the people in that thread did as well.   There are better shirt materials out there as well... I'd guess they help get rid of the sweat and dry faster.

In the grand scheme of things they are more for long distance runners... though they could be enjoyed by those of us running under 7 or 8 miles as well.   Expecially in the case of running a race and it rains.   Cotton would weigh you down a bit in those conditions... though I can't see much luck with any kind of socks if your shoes absorb a ton of water anyway.

Socks... I have a wide array. I do NOT run in cotton socks, because they absorb sweat, which makes your feet heavier and hotter, and you can wind up with blisters. I prefer something like Cool-Max - same high-tech material as a running shirt. I really love the type that have two layers, so you have no seams and no rubbing, but they can be hard to find and they are more expensive, but worth it. This is for summer. For winter I love the Smart-Wool socks. Nothing can beat them, if you are in a cold clime.

As for running in a cotton shirt, since you're a guy I have to warn you of potential issue ... nipplage problems!! When my ex ran a 10-miler with me - his very first run that was longer than 2 miles - he ended up with bleeding nipples from the friction of his wet cotton shirt. Not pleasant at all!!

Even fitness runners and just plain old "joggers" deserve a high-tech shirt!! Once you try one, you'll never want to run in cotton again...

Sorry I'm late with my response but I also love Asics.  I currently run 24 miles a week and my Ascis still feel brand new.   I currently own two pairs and alternate betwen them.  It saves me money from having to buy sneakers every six months.

Jen, Night - My husband has occasionally suffered from bleeding nipple syndrome as well.  He is a wildland firefighter in the summer and runs about five miles a day with his crew for conditioning.  He refused to spend money on a "running shirt" since he was saving money for a motorcycle.  He solved the problem by putting a thin layer of vaseline on his nipples. 

I myself don't have this problem being a woman and wearing a sports bra but I do prefer my cool max shirt to cotton because it does stay lighter and drier.  I haven't tried the socks yet but I also haven't been running any more than 3.5 miles at a time either.

jenmcc,

I've done 5 miles in my cotton shirts and never had any issues with my nipples.  Maybe your ex's shirts were 60/40 blend?   Or maybe there was something else going on there?  Maybe his nipples were oversized or he had manboobs?

I'm all for better cloths as my running increases... but I'll still keep my cotton t's around... atleast as long as they don't irritate  me.   I can imagine eventually I'll be running shirtless anyway.

I wear reebok premiere i love them unfortunatly for me they don't make that one any more so i am going to have to switch.  I am going to try one of the Nikes but as most have said before to each their own.  Whatever is comfy for you is what you should wear unfortunatly it is trial and error