Saucony, Inc., a subsidiary of Collective Brands, Inc. (NYSE: PSS), and a leading global supplier of performance athletic footwear and apparel, was recognized as “Vendor of the Year” and the brand’s ProGrid Omni 6 named “Product of the Year” by the Independent Running Retailers Association (IRRA). The awards were presented to Saucony at The Running Event, an annual running conference and expo for independent specialty running retailers recently held in Austin, Texas.
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Need advice? Injured? Confused? Overwhelmed? Bored? ASK LARA!
ASK LARA is a free advice column to help you with all of your running, fitness and nutrition inquiries. To ASK LARA — simply fill out the form at the conclusion of the column.
Q. I am fairly new to running. What is the best brand of running shoes?
~Mike from Portland, ME
A. Every runner’s feet are unique, and thus each pair of feet requires not the best shoe, but the right shoe for his or her feet. Therefore, the real question here is not which brand is the best, but which type of shoe is best. Fortunately, there are many companies that manufacture high quality running shoes that are based on scientific research. All of these companies seem to have their own trademark style, materials, and basis for why they make their shoes the way they do. This is great, since we as runners will fit better in one type of shoe than another. Furthermore, one type of shoe may fit better from one brand than another. Basically, it’s best to keep an open mind about which brand you choose, and an overall focus on finding the right shoe for you.
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Product: New Balance 755
Price: $85.00
Shoe Type: Neutral / Neutral Cushioning
Fit: True to size
Weight: 11.1 oz (Men), 9.0 oz (Women)
Pronation Factor: Neutral to Slight Over-Pronation
Best for: Runners with a medium to large build and medium to high arches
As the newest update to New Balance’s 750 series, the 755 remains committed to delivering lightweight cushioning for neutral runners. Our reviewers logged serious mileage with this model and reported positive results throughout nearly every stage of the evaluating process.
Almost an ounce lighter than its predecessor, the 755 boasts a significant weight reduction without sacrificing support or cushioning. Ample and evenly distributed shock absorption made these shoes an instant hit with wear-testers who noted a flexible and smooth overall ride.
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Product: Reebok Pump Paris Trainers
Price: $100.00
Type: Stability Cushioning
Fit: Go up 1/2 a size
Pronation factor: Moderate Over-Pronation
Best for: Runners with flat to medium arches and small to medium frames.
Reebok made a big splash last November at the ING New York City Marathon when they unveiled their new newest running shoe, the Pump Paris Trainers. These stability and cushioning shoes, set for a February 2007 release, were designed by NASA and MIT-trained engineers. The Final Sprint had the opportunity to preview and test these stability and cushioning trainers. They feature an adjustable air bladder and chamber that Reebok claims will automatically adjust to a runner’s foot and allow for a custom fit. There is also an easy-to-use pump and release for manual control of the air bladder.
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Through an upgrade of the Adrenaline GTS 5’s, Brooks was actually able to successfully improve upon what was arguably the best stability shoe on the market.
Product: Brooks Adrenaline GTS 6
Price: $90.00
Type: Stability
Fit: True to size and width
Weight: 11.8 oz (Men); 9.75 oz (Women)
Pronation factor: Moderate Over-Pronation
Best for: Runners with a medium build and low to medium arches
This is one of, if not the, best choice for moderate over-pronators who want an amalgamation of stability and cushioning. Although we had some quams regarding breathability, the Adrenalines received exceptional reviews from our wear-testers; all of whom were very impressed.
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The Nike Air Pegasus 2006 took home the Shoe of the Year Award at the second annual International Editor’s Choice Awards. The awards were given at a special ceremony following the conclusion of the Runner’s World International Shoe Summit; the now annual four-day conference which features nine international editions of Runner’s World and manufactures of the world’s leading running shoes. These manufacturer’s also use the event as a time to announce and promote their upcoming product lines.
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Jim Fortner is a weekly, guest contributor to TFS. Make sure to also check out his own personal running and advice site: “Jim2’s Running Page”.
A word of caution about making too much of a sudden change to the type of shoes that you use. At least, I will offer my personal experiences, which may or may not apply to you.
In 1983, during the first year of my first running life, I developed a severe case of ITBS at my right knee which completely stopped me from running. A visit to a sports medicine center determined that it was caused by overpronation…..that was when I learned that I am a moderate overpronator, especially on the right side. Read the rest of this entry »
..but consider the following article first!
The weather has changed from cool to warm; and whether you are an experienced runner, or a beginner; summer is the time to put in the miles! Whether you are trying to get to the next level, or just begin a program to stay fit, here are some tips to consider before you get out the door.
Although over-training is a prime cause of running injuries, running in a worn out shoe or wearing the wrong shoe are also major contributing factors. So - if you are going to be running 100 miles a week, or even 15 miles a week; proper shoes are the most important tool a runner has.
There are a number of items to consider before buying a new pair of shoes. shoe mechanics, weight, life of the shoe, price, and the most important; foot type and fit.
There’s nothing like a fresh new pair of shoes, but how often do you need to get new ones? Replacing your running shoes depends largely on a number of factors; including weight, height, the surface you are running on, your running style, the type of shoe you are wearing, etc. Typically a shoe is good for 300-500 miles.
A good rule of thumb is to change your shoes when your legs and/or joints feel achy, or when you are not recovering as well as you should. Notice the wear on the shoes. If the soles are wearing down and the bottom of the shoe becomes very pliable, and/or the midsoles have a lot of wrinkles, toss them. Running with an old pair of shoes puts you in risk for injury.
It is important to wear a properly fitted running shoe. In addition, they should only be worn for running. After finding the right shoe, many runners buy a couple pairs at once and alternate them from day to day. Some runners, after putting about 300 miles or so on their shoes, begin wearing the old ones for short runs and the new ones for long distance runs. It is important to keep in mind that shoes do have a “shelf-life.” Eventually the midsoles will lose their ability to absorb shock, even if the shoes are barely worn or have not been worn for years.
So many miles…how do you keep track? Simply. Average the amount of miles you run per week and multiply by the number of months they have been used. You can also easily input numbers into an excel sheet. Not technologically savvy? Write them down on paper! If using more than one pair at a time it is wise to number the shoes with a permanent marker.
Buy the right shoe, track your miles, and run happy!
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