Shoe style

kingQuez

I'm interested in knowing how folk here choose their runners.

I've done the specialist shop route for the past few pairs of shoes I got, and know my arches collapse like a little girl in a fit of giggles once I start to run. This has landed me in various stability shoes over the past few years.

I picked up a pair of brooks trance 9s really cheep recently for the sake of trying them out; they fit well, are comfortable (really cushy to run in), and have the right high-level biomechanics (stability shoe) for me. But I didn't get them in a specialist shop. I'm curious how much of a difference there is within the high-level categories once you know which you fall into.. can anyone comment on how much of a difference there is between one stability shoe and the next, and how you find this out?

I'm not at all looking to bypass the local stores, just interested in what it is they've been doing for me and how they tell when they've got you in the right footwear

kingQuez

Just realized this is probably meant to be in gear & equipment if a mod wants to move?

(done)

kingQuez

kingQuez wrote: »

I'm interested in knowing how folk here choose their runners.

I've done the specialist shop route for the past few pairs of shoes I got, and know my arches collapse like a little girl in a fit of giggles once I start to run. This has landed me in various stability shoes over the past few years.

I picked up a pair of brooks trance 9s really cheep recently for the sake of trying them out; they fit well, are comfortable (really cushy to run in), and have the right high-level biomechanics (stability shoe) for me. But I didn't get them in a specialist shop. I'm curious how much of a difference there is within the high-level categories once you know which you fall into.. can anyone comment on how much of a difference there is between one stability shoe and the next, and how you find this out?

I'm not at all looking to bypass the local stores, just interested in what it is they've been doing for me and how they tell when they've got you in the right footwear

if you know what type of shoe you need - neutral, stability etc you are safe enough in trying out other brands / types in the same type of shoe. However, that doesn't mean that they will suit you. Different brands and even within brands use different cushioning and support technologies and these will influence your perception of the shoe - e.g Asics gel vs mizuno wave. Another factor is the weight of a shoe. A shoe with a lot of support and cushioning is usually heavier than one with less. Lighter shoes tend to be more responsive (more "feel") which some people like.