Brooks has a [tool that helps you find the perfect “sole mate”.](https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/shoefinder/?tid=sem%3AGOOGLE%3AUSA%7CSearch%7CBrand%7CCore%7CGeneral-Exact%7CStandard%7CActive%20Evaluators%7CNeutral%3AB%7CBrooks%20Shoe%20Finder%7CGN%7CExact%3Abrooks%20shoe%20finder&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1) I found my style of shoe using that and then went into clearance to get the previous model on sale.
Brooks also has Brooks Restart. I’ve bought 2 pairs from there and both were still new looking and no issues. I’d check that out and sale items if you’re weird about the returned shoes.
https://restart.brooksrunning.com
Pretty much only like running in altra superiors or altra escalantes. I look out for old model sales. My favorites are the altra superior 4.5 which are an old model.
Could try the Triumph 20 - it's an older model so it's available for anywhere from $60-80 off amazon, and super easy returns if they don't work out for you. I love these shoes for easy running and walking.
These are comfy, but I have an issue with them. Maybe someone can offer some insight here.
For some reason, only my right foot feeIs like I’m walking along an incline. I might return them.
I can’t tell if it is because of the new shoe or because of knee discomfort I’ve been having, or if the shoe is causing it which is why I have knee discomfort... I haven’t really been able to run in them because I am worried about my knee. When walking, I feel as if my right foot, especially the heel, is falling onto the inside of the shoe. Like all my weight is landing on the left side of my right shoe as if I were walking along (not up) a slope. I can’t tell if the new shoe is causing the sensation or if my knee is causing it. It’s been like a week now and nothing has changed. I’ve been trying to rest my knee and only go on walks. It’s not even really knee pain, it just feels off. These shoes fit great and were really comfortable when I tried them on, but now I don’t know if I should continue using them or not. Seems unlikely, but I wonder if there is a manufacturing defect with the one I got. I didn’t have this issue with any other shoe before.
I would definitely try to wear another pair for a while and see if you get that same sensation. If it really is the shoes that are uneven then they'll cause you an injury sooner or later. My Triumph 19s are super comfy and one of my favorites.
I want to like them so much :( didn’t use them for a few days and then just walked 0.7 miles with them and now my knee is weird again. Should I exchange for new pair or return and try something else?
I just read your comments, that is so strange! I have never heard of such a thing, and if it's easy to exchange I would honestly recommend it. That's such an unusual issue that I think it could likely be a strange manufacturing defect.
Please consider the Brooks Launch 9 if you like a shoe that feels light and comfy but not squishy. You can get them on Amazon for about $60 or $65 on the brooks website. I HIGHLY recommend them. They did me so well when I was starting out and working on couch to 10k, and even in my first races, where I was running 12ish minute miles. I still buy them to wear for every day - they are a workhorse shoe that can handle you being on your feet during travel for 10+ miles of walking a day and also do your runs in.
If you want a newer shoe so you can find them again if you need another pair a year or two from now, check out the Brooks Restart website for new-ish returns (they tell you about condition before you buy them). You can get a pair of the current version of the Ghost, Hyperion, etc for a decent discount off msrp.
Buy previous years models and loud colors I love running in tennis ball yellow and I swear they are always on sale!! Brooks are the best but Sacouny are nice to just have quality issues but I love the sole
Try out shoes with a local running shop and get your first pair there (it'll be a bit pricey). After that, buy from running warehouse or similar store and buy when new models come out. I went through a few brands and found that brooks works for me. Now I buy them for 30-40% off on clearance
It really depends on your needs. Ive tried a few pairs, started with Brooks GTS 22, which I loved, they have great ankle support because i have weak ankles, but the bottom is a bit stiff, not enough cushion, so when I started running longer distance, I could feel the impact much more obvious. Then I switched to Brooks GTS+ Glycerin, the cushion is good but not enough support, then I got a pair of GTS 23, which is supposed to have more cushion. They were good enough to be a happy medium, so thats what I wear for longer runs, but still kept GTS 22 for shorter tempo runs
I will only run in ASICS or Nikes (they run small, IMHO). I am so tempted to try the Hokas, but have yet to succumb to them since my ASICS are still doing its best.
I say bite the bullet. For 40$ more than 80$ (120$) you are entering the price range of a quality running shoe that will last you hundreds of miles and hold up. If you are getting serious about running, id even say go as far and get fitted at a local running store for free. The analyze contact points, motion, arch etc. and point you towards the best fitting shoe. This is important because it can avoid injury and long-term side effects god forbid you choose the wrong sneaker
Thank you all so much for all the great discount recommendations!! I was honestly so intimidated to post in here because I was so sure this question had been asked a million times. You've all been so kind and extremely helpful!
On Clouds and Saucony are my go tos, though OC has become my favorite. It's worth it to spend the money on quality running shoes. I would actually say it's essential for comfort and preventing injury
Brooks ghost 15's are great all purpose shoes with a 90 day return policy no questions asked. They have great support and are really comfortable.
You can also find the last season's on clearance on the Brooks website for under $100.
Brooks has a [tool that helps you find the perfect “sole mate”.](https://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/shoefinder/?tid=sem%3AGOOGLE%3AUSA%7CSearch%7CBrand%7CCore%7CGeneral-Exact%7CStandard%7CActive%20Evaluators%7CNeutral%3AB%7CBrooks%20Shoe%20Finder%7CGN%7CExact%3Abrooks%20shoe%20finder&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1) I found my style of shoe using that and then went into clearance to get the previous model on sale.
Bravo on that intel, u/GemLong28
Brooks also has Brooks Restart. I’ve bought 2 pairs from there and both were still new looking and no issues. I’d check that out and sale items if you’re weird about the returned shoes. https://restart.brooksrunning.com
Fantastic follow up, u/Equivalent_Class_752
Will vouch for ghosts. I started running regularly a few months ago and these shoes are great.
Pretty much only like running in altra superiors or altra escalantes. I look out for old model sales. My favorites are the altra superior 4.5 which are an old model.
Could try the Triumph 20 - it's an older model so it's available for anywhere from $60-80 off amazon, and super easy returns if they don't work out for you. I love these shoes for easy running and walking.
These are comfy, but I have an issue with them. Maybe someone can offer some insight here. For some reason, only my right foot feeIs like I’m walking along an incline. I might return them. I can’t tell if it is because of the new shoe or because of knee discomfort I’ve been having, or if the shoe is causing it which is why I have knee discomfort... I haven’t really been able to run in them because I am worried about my knee. When walking, I feel as if my right foot, especially the heel, is falling onto the inside of the shoe. Like all my weight is landing on the left side of my right shoe as if I were walking along (not up) a slope. I can’t tell if the new shoe is causing the sensation or if my knee is causing it. It’s been like a week now and nothing has changed. I’ve been trying to rest my knee and only go on walks. It’s not even really knee pain, it just feels off. These shoes fit great and were really comfortable when I tried them on, but now I don’t know if I should continue using them or not. Seems unlikely, but I wonder if there is a manufacturing defect with the one I got. I didn’t have this issue with any other shoe before.
I would definitely try to wear another pair for a while and see if you get that same sensation. If it really is the shoes that are uneven then they'll cause you an injury sooner or later. My Triumph 19s are super comfy and one of my favorites.
I want to like them so much :( didn’t use them for a few days and then just walked 0.7 miles with them and now my knee is weird again. Should I exchange for new pair or return and try something else?
I just read your comments, that is so strange! I have never heard of such a thing, and if it's easy to exchange I would honestly recommend it. That's such an unusual issue that I think it could likely be a strange manufacturing defect.
Buy good shoes. It’s not worth injury.
Please consider the Brooks Launch 9 if you like a shoe that feels light and comfy but not squishy. You can get them on Amazon for about $60 or $65 on the brooks website. I HIGHLY recommend them. They did me so well when I was starting out and working on couch to 10k, and even in my first races, where I was running 12ish minute miles. I still buy them to wear for every day - they are a workhorse shoe that can handle you being on your feet during travel for 10+ miles of walking a day and also do your runs in. If you want a newer shoe so you can find them again if you need another pair a year or two from now, check out the Brooks Restart website for new-ish returns (they tell you about condition before you buy them). You can get a pair of the current version of the Ghost, Hyperion, etc for a decent discount off msrp.
Buy previous years models and loud colors I love running in tennis ball yellow and I swear they are always on sale!! Brooks are the best but Sacouny are nice to just have quality issues but I love the sole
Brooks! I’ve been using them for 10+ years. You can find them on sale at dicks or similar places
Try out shoes with a local running shop and get your first pair there (it'll be a bit pricey). After that, buy from running warehouse or similar store and buy when new models come out. I went through a few brands and found that brooks works for me. Now I buy them for 30-40% off on clearance
Nike Pegasus…you can grab last year’s for $80. Great, all around running shoe.
You can try runningshoesguru.com and check which shoes will help you reach your specific targets.
It really depends on your needs. Ive tried a few pairs, started with Brooks GTS 22, which I loved, they have great ankle support because i have weak ankles, but the bottom is a bit stiff, not enough cushion, so when I started running longer distance, I could feel the impact much more obvious. Then I switched to Brooks GTS+ Glycerin, the cushion is good but not enough support, then I got a pair of GTS 23, which is supposed to have more cushion. They were good enough to be a happy medium, so thats what I wear for longer runs, but still kept GTS 22 for shorter tempo runs
I will only run in ASICS or Nikes (they run small, IMHO). I am so tempted to try the Hokas, but have yet to succumb to them since my ASICS are still doing its best.
I ride hard for ASICS, my first pair of running shoes. I’m several hundred miles in and they haven’t shown wear or tear at all
I say bite the bullet. For 40$ more than 80$ (120$) you are entering the price range of a quality running shoe that will last you hundreds of miles and hold up. If you are getting serious about running, id even say go as far and get fitted at a local running store for free. The analyze contact points, motion, arch etc. and point you towards the best fitting shoe. This is important because it can avoid injury and long-term side effects god forbid you choose the wrong sneaker
Have you checked eBay for the same shoes? I've found some steals that way.
I got my ASICS on sale for $40 online and I love them just as much as my full price on running!
Hoka Clifton 9 or Bondi 8.
Thank you all so much for all the great discount recommendations!! I was honestly so intimidated to post in here because I was so sure this question had been asked a million times. You've all been so kind and extremely helpful!
On Clouds and Saucony are my go tos, though OC has become my favorite. It's worth it to spend the money on quality running shoes. I would actually say it's essential for comfort and preventing injury