Best Running Shoes
in Workout Wear
I grew up running. I ran after school in elementary school, joined a track and field club by the age of 9, and spent most of my middle and high school years competing in the 400 and 800 meter sprints. I ended up quitting competitive racing, in grade 11, because of the pain and persistent injury and all-consuming all-outness of the sport, but it’s still what I fall back on. Nothing soothes me like a long, meandering run through sun-slanted forest leaves, past neat rows of houses and up leaf-covered trails. It’s just motivating myself to do it: while I’m immersed in it there’s no better feeling.
Running, for me, is the ultimate workout: if done everyday, you’re guaranteed to have lean legs, ripped arms, and a muscled stomach. And, the non-physical benefits are many: it’s free, and when you’re running hard there’s no room for worry, angst, or defeat. It’s just you, your beating heart, and the elements. And, of course, your running shoes.
When I ran competitive track, there was seemingly only one choice in running shoes: Nike Airs. Everyone on my team had them: they were thick, and loud, and painstakingly white and I donned them with glee.
But duuuude, they’re ugly. I don’t know what’s up with the white mesh and all the embellishments, but I now hate the way these shoes look. They’re semi-comfortable, but in adulthood I never felt my groove with them, and I started looking for alternatives.
RYKA makes athletic shoes geared for women: they claim to be narrower in the heel and wider in the forefoot to aid in your performance. I was given a pair to test-drive a year and a half ago and I have to say: they were way better than my Nike Airs. They disintegrated after a multitude of muddy trail runs, but I remember them with affection – and a little dismay for the mesh. Why all the white mesh, athletic shoe companies?
I went on the hunt for some semi-stylish shoes that could still perform – black ones maybe? I am 6 feet tall with size ten feet and the white just soaks up mud and makes my feet look like planks. How about these?
I bought these for just over a hundred bucks at the local Nike store – they’re men’s shoes, but the Very Smart Salesperson assured me my feet were big enough to be worn by them with pride. How excellent! A purpose for my gigantor feet! And I liked the green! It wouldn’t clash with my grey Lululemons and they felt kind of…sprockety.
But by my third run, they chafed on my ankles and gave me blood blisters. Not cool.
And so I went shoe shopping and found these:
New Balance running shoes have kind of a cult following among serious runners and for good reason: I soar on these things, and they look as good as they feel. Wearing these, a long tank top, a comfy hoodie, and extra tall lululemons — I am set to jet. I am pretty sure I’ll buy this brand of running shoes for as long as my limbs can flail.
What are your favorite running shoes?
Tags: athletics, running shoes, women's running
January 21st, 2009 at 5:02 am
Oooh, thanks for this post! I HATE my current sneakers (Nikes) because they never feel secure enough, but I have big feet from being tall (a size 11) and have a hard time finding any sneakers in that size, let alone one the “perfect” one. I’ll check these out.
January 21st, 2009 at 6:33 am
When I was training for the 3-Day last year (60 mile walk) I went to a running store to get fitted and it made a HUGE difference. My previous purchasing decisions were based on wearing the shoes around the store for about 3 seconds. At the specialty store I was properly fitted (think shoe shopping as a kid – foot measured 8 different ways, toes poked, someone watches you walk to check for gaps, etc), the sales person asked all kinds of questions about my usage, and as long as I only used them indoors I had 30 days to bring them back if I didn’t like them. I spent more on shoes then I ever thought I would (about $180) but they have close to 400 miles on them (walking and running/indoors and out) and are still going strong. I did buy some nice insoles for them after a few months when the ones they came with started to break down, but they have held up amazingly well. I think they are Asics.
I guess what I am saying is if you aren’t sure what shoes are for you, get a proper fitting and work with someone who can find the right shoe for your stride, type of wear and foot. It makes all the difference.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:17 am
That Nike Airs thing made me laugh, because everyone on MY track team wore them too. And I wore Nike Air Pegasus for YEARS even after that. Well played, Nike marketing team.
Anyway. Now I wear Sauconys. Kinda like the New Balance, they are popular with the Hardcore Running Crowd.
January 21st, 2009 at 7:48 am
I used to be a loyal nike wearer til I kept having to buy new shoes all the time. So I tried Saucony Progrid Triumph. Let me tell you, best pair of shoes I’ve ever owned…and I’ve now bought 3 of the same type!
January 21st, 2009 at 8:54 am
The only shoe I will ever buy to run in are Asics Gel Kayano. I got fitted at a running store back when I started running a while ago and they recommended the Kayanos. They’re expensive, but after trying to make do with cheaper shoes, I now know that there is no comparison. I definitely recommed gettting fitted at a running store- it makes ALL the difference.
January 21st, 2009 at 11:38 am
I’m all about my Nike Shox. Trendy, I know, but they work for me right now. The New Balance shoes had a cult following during my high school years but in a fashion way, and it never occurred to me that they could actually be used as running shoes. Maybe I’ll buy some when my current kicks fall apart.
January 21st, 2009 at 12:59 pm
No Reebok fans here? I’ve always worn Reeboks: years ago when I was running, and now more recently for going to the gym. They just fit comfortably for me, I guess I don’t have the analysis of whether they’re wider in the toe or whatever. But they do indeed have a LOT of mesh! They seem to hold together for a long time. I tried Rykas and they fell apart after not too long.
January 21st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I gave up NIKE’s years ago because they were expensive and didn’t hold up as well as other brands. For the past few years I’ve bought Asics exclusively. They’re comfortable, support my feet well, and last.
http://www.asicsamerica.com/
I usually buy all my athletic shoes at The Running Room. They offer clinics too. http://www.runningroom.com/
January 21st, 2009 at 2:12 pm
I second getting fitted at a running shoes store, best decision I ever made. I now will only buy the Brooks Adrenaline, best shoe for me….but getting fitted is important, we all walk/run differently and they will help find the best shoe for you!
January 23rd, 2009 at 8:34 am
The smartest thing I ever did was have a fitting at a real running store (not a chain). They watched me run, they asked questions about my usage and future running goals and found the perfect shoes for my tiny feet with high arches. I love my Asics gels! Now I need new shoes and I’m going back to my local running store for another fitting.
January 23rd, 2009 at 10:26 am
I hate Nike for a wide variety of reasons, so I was glad when my chiropractor and physical therapist said New Balance is one of the best brands out there. I will only buy New Balance sneakers–not too fugly and totally comfortable too!
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:00 pm
I love and swear by my Brooks Adrenaline running shoes. They are super comfy but yet the heel doesn’t move around too much and is more snug than a lot of heel-cups. I have a mad love for them – they require no breaking in when I get a new pair which is sweet.
January 23rd, 2009 at 1:18 pm
I definetly am of the camp to find a small running store in your area that offers run clinics etc. If they are worth their weight they will fit you properly. I tend to stay away from the large chains (except Running Room) as their staff are not always really into running.
I am personally a complete and utter Saucony fan now. Have been for years and haven’t found anything like them for me.
January 24th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Funny! I never knew this was a thing, but in high school most of us wore those Nike Air Pegs. When I finally branched out, I couldn’t believe how many better shoes were out there!In college I was all about New Balance.
Now I’m with Joan, above: Saucony Grids. I’ve tried just about every other kind, and I can’t find a better running shoe.
January 26th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Years ago I was fitted at a running specialty store and found the shoe that works for me – Adidas supernovas. Because I have such a high arch and tend to run on the outsides of my feet I needed a shoe that was not too rigid but didn’t have too much cushion either. I’ve worn these shoes for years, they are a little clunky so I’ve tried others but I always come back to the supernovas. The trick is to find the shoe for you – there’s so many different kinds out there!
February 1st, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I’m a Brooks Addiction girl. I need a stability shoe, and they give me support without being too huge and clunky. I’m on my third pair! I, too, went to a local running store and that was one they recommended and fit on me.
February 3rd, 2009 at 10:34 am
I haven’t worn Nike’s in years, but decided to buy a pair just recently. I have a very iffy/rare supination problem when running and needed something that had cush and support on the outer portion of my foot.
I have worn Asics, Brooks, and Saucony’s and never found what I wanted…Could’ve been the fact that I was never fitted into the right size until recently either!
February 13th, 2009 at 11:13 am
Brooks Adrenaline – I think I’m on my 7th pair
LOVE THE THINGS 
Size 10 Wide. Oh yeah
I have paddles – not feet!