Hi all. Any recommendations? Been looking at Nike, Hoka and Asics and would like to hear some opinions. At one point was running much more than I am currently, got back into it and can feel it in my knees. So something with a bit of bounce for a couple of 5ks a week and the odd longer one at the moment. Ta!

Recent convert to Hoka.Use the Bondi for roads but trails, or a combination of trail and road I run in the speedgoat. Seriously comfortable. A honorable mention to Asics Novablast if you find the Hokas a bit too cumbersome.

Thanks, exactly the sort of response I was looking for. Seen a lot of Hokas around recently!

I swear by Asics Gel Nimbus for cushioning Pickles. I’m currently on the 24’s and have plenty of miles left in them yet as I’ve not been doing as much like you. The 25’s are a new design & look like clouds!!

I’ve tried all sorts over the years but have never found anything better for cushioning and always ended up with calf/knee injuries.

Pricey but you can usually get last years model on sportsshoes.com if you look around.

I go for Brooks Adrenaline as I need support previously gone with ASICS GT 1000s

Pickles wrote: ↑

Mon May 29, 2023 1:42 pm

can feel it in my knees.

If you can already feel it in your knees, look for something different, your future self will be EXTREMELY grateful. If you wait until it becomes too painful to run any more you will ALWAYS suffer from (severe) knee pain and possibly end up with having to get replacement knees. It won't be fun or comfortable.

Another strong vote here for Asics Gel Nimbus. I usually try to do 3k a day in the summer holidays and they've been brilliant for my knees and shins.

Another thumbs up for Asics Nimbus. Asics outlet at Boundary Mill. Also New Balance 1080. Both good for cushioning/plantar fascitis.

I have a pair of hoka bondi and a pair of ASICS Kayano on the go (the latter are on the way out). The kayano are firmer but actually at the end of the run and the day after I do feel less aches in my knees. They also feel less clumpy.

I’ve previously tried Mizuno, nike and saucony and the ASICS Kayano are my favourite with the Hoka second.

As you probably already realise Pickles, the choice of running shoes on the market is off the scale. Different types of shoes for different surfaces etc. If you have any sort of idea which model you fancy then review sites such as Run/ repeat are a good place to start. There is very little really bad gear out there these days although I'd probably avoid the sports direct own brand ( Karrimor?). Those are very much entry level. I've tried most of the brands out there over my 30 year running " career " and hardly any have been rubbish . One thing I have noticed is the pretty sharp upturn in price over the last couple of years. A bit like everything else really. From your post you probably don't need the carbon plated ones which suit more tempo/speed. Plus they blooming expensive.

I personally wear Inov-8 shoes. I've got big feet and I always struggle to find shoes that don't rub, but every pair of Inov-8's I've had I've been able to wear out of the box with no issues. The cushioning is excellent and I've found the grip in all conditions (except maybe deep mud) to be great too. I think they're only available online which isn't ideal if you want to try them on before buying, but I've returned orders to them in the past and it's a hassle free process.

Best piece of advice I've been given is that once you find a shoe you like, buy as many pairs as you can afford!

Before you decide I’d recommend having a gait analysis carried out to check whether you need a neutral shoe or something with more support, especially if you’ve had some pain in your knees….as far as choices are concerned, it’s simply a personal choice, I have Saucony and Inov-8 for road and La Sportiva for trail/fell but as I said, each to there own

Thanks all!

Asics for me but Lambo's advice is spot on regarding shoe fitting.

Vaporflys, they’re magnificent. Couple that with a custom insole (really recommend Zoe Wilson in Kirby Lonsdale) and future you is going to think you were a genius.

On-running are very good.

Gait assessment is well worth it

The Nike Pegasus Trail are the comfiest I’ve ever worn. If there’s
an outlet store near they’re not too pricy.

It is a long time since I went running but I used to swear by ASICS and New Balance for it, I would suggest going to a shop that tests your running style so you get a proper trainer fit whichever make you choose.

Another for Asics, presently using Gel Kayano 28. Wouldn't wear any other brand.

Take the advice on gait analysis before committing to a specific brand or shoe. I did it recently and wish I'd done it months ago, would have saved myself a lot of discomfort!

ASICS GT 1000 (for roads)

Not had any problems injury-wise, with them in four years and have run 4-5000 miles in them. Always find a good deal online but also like to support ‘Complete Runner’ in Ilkley. I’d be reluctant to move whilst not getting injured.

No runners!

Agree on asics. Being on the slightly heavy side I need cushioning in the shoe. Have used asics cumulus for last 20 years or so and never had any issues.

I’ve had a lot of calf trouble in the past and find that nike works better for me

Alphafly or Vapourfly for racing

Invincible 3 for steady mileage

Thanks everyone, some really interesting info and great recommendations. I've gone for the Asics GT 1000, partly because I could get it down to £52 on the Asics outlet site!