Asics for me as well, used some Nikes once and destroyed my feet. For a reasonable £40-£50 you can pick up a wicked pair of Asics which will weigh bollocks all and last for a long time whilst being really comfortable. Of course, as has already been mentiones, if you can afford it, get yuour feet measured and get custom fitted ones :D

Running shoes are a very personal choice. As already stated, go to a good (proper) running shop, the sort that specialises in kitting people out for running marathons and are staffed by people who are into running themselves (stay away from generalist sports shops). Any of these places should be able to watch you run and recommend shoes accordingly. The brands that you will inevitably end up considering include Asics, Brookes, Saucony, Mizuno, etc. While there are some OK Nike running shoes, they tend to be over priced, don't last very well and (certainly in my case) do not provide sufficient support. I have never tried (or been recommended) New Balance, although I understand they suit some runners.

I currently have a pair of Saucony and a pair of Brooks!!

STILTS

I have a pair of Nikes for the Gym because lets face it, most of the turds down your local gym are getting by wearing Toms anyway and I either buy New Balance or Asics for outside because Nikes just don't seem to compare on cross terrain.

Salomon speedcross all the way. If you are anyway half serious about running for army fitness get out on the hills and trails. The ultimate shoe for me is Salomon hands down. I used a pair in the 220km Jungle marathon in the amazon last year and they held up superbly.

Originally Posted by brave-coward

Running shoes are a very personal choice. As already stated, go to a good (proper) running shop, the sort that specialises in kitting people out for running marathons and are staffed by people who are into running themselves (stay away from generalist sports shops). Any of these places should be able to watch you run and recommend shoes accordingly. The brands that you will inevitably end up considering include Asics, Brookes, Saucony, Mizuno, etc. While there are some OK Nike running shoes, they tend to be over priced, don't last very well and (certainly in my case) do not provide sufficient support. I have never tried (or been recommended) New Balance, although I understand they suit some runners.

Give that man a medal.


Beats coming onto a forum that's non ruinning specific, not telling them what you're training for, how often you run and any gait issues you may have and asking "Nike or Asics then?".

FFS someone could recommend a pair of spikes at this rate.

Adidas have some good running trainers. But asics will be my next buy in the future. Hopfully the not to distant future mind you

What part of the country is the OP in, perhaps someone can recommend a shop. I typically go to runners need.

I had a fantastic pair of gel kayano 17s which lasted me only around 500miles of trail running last summer while I was in France. When they had worn out though and I was back in the UK, the 17s had very limited stock due to the 18s being launched.

Good Asics shoes tend to have a higher relative price though than the nikes designed for the same purpose but then they are also muuuuuuuuch better in my experience with the only advantage of the nikes being that they seem to last me longer.

I did order a pair of 17s which were going to take too long to arrive as I had a race two weeks after so thought I would get a cheapish pair of new balance which were not as good as the Asics in the end but still very good.


All of that aside, never buy runners based only on brand. Go and have a gait analysis done at a running shop (some high street shops are now offering this service too but my experience is that they normally have mongs in attendance) and try several types of shoes out.
Work out which shoes work best in your price bracket.

In general, Asics tend to be better for wider feet with lower arches.

Enjoy!

I have a pair of Brooks Summons, as they fit my flipper like feet. Nike I have always found wear out dead quick, where as Brooks last longer. I also went for gait analysis which helped a great deal. Nike in my opinion are overpriced for what they are.