Hey all,

This question has probably been asked many times before, so apologies for any repetition I'm a long time runner who is a CoolRunning virgin, I've actually never posted on any forum ever so this is all new to me!

Anyways, I've been on the lookout for a new pair of runners for a while now and would like some shoe testimonials from happy/ disgruntled shoe owners I've been wearing the same pair of Mizuno Wave Inspire 2's for almost 2 years now (eek!), they've been the best pair of runners I've ever worn... no blisters, shin splits or Achilles problems (which all plagued me before my Mizunos saved me!). But time to move on to something fresh...

A friend of mine who is a footwear sales whiz at Rebel Sport constantly sings the praises of Kayanos, and I'll admit they're comfy... does anyone have any experiences with them, are they worth it? Also, I recently stumbled upon the Nike Free at the Nike store on Chapel St and instantly fell in love with them. They're designed to emulate barefoot running but I'm unsure as to whether this may cause problems and pain whilst running. Has anyone bought and run in Frees, both 3.0 and 5.0? I'm seriously coveting those Frees but I'm not convinced they're the best choice for someone who runs exclusively on concrete (ranging from 30-50kms a week) and with a history of foot/leg problems

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

If you are getting good results with Mizuno Wave Inspires, stick with Mizuno Wave Inspires.

Both the Inspires and the Kayano's are support shoes, the free's aren't. I'm not sure but I think the Inspires are mild support, the Kayano's a bit more. Alot of posters on this forum run in free's-some love them, some don't. I haven't tried them myself.
Other support shoes that may work are the Brooks Adrenaline, Brooks Trance, Asics 2140, Nike Structure Triax, New Balance 769, Saucony Omni-the list is endless. Personally I like the Nike Structure Triax. Most Rebels don't stock them, but the Nike store should.
If you want to try the free's, have a look at the Nike factory outlet in Smith St Collingwood. You might save a few bucks-lots of other shoes there to try as well. There are also factory outlets for New Balance, Brooks, Adidas, Saucony (in with Converse) and a couple of other sports stores.
However like Brewer said if the Inspires work for you then stick to them.
My suggestion would be to go to a running shoe specialist who will put you on a treadmill and fit you properly. Shoe Logic, Active Feet, Complete Feet, Runners World-any of these should be able to help you.
There are lots of people on here who know alot more than I do-hopefully they'll add their pearls of wisdom!
Welcome to coolrunning.

Mate, same pair of shoes for two years doing 30-50kms a week?

Tightarse.

See a specialist shop (like Running Science - Rozelle, Sydney) where they may be able to analyse your gait and recommend suitable footwear.

Oh-I was assuming you're in Melbourne when I put in those links-mainly because you'd been to the Nike outlet on Chapel St. If not I'm sure others will point you in the right direction.

It's not clear to me why you want to move from 'the best pair of runners' you've ever worn because it's 'time to move on to something fresh".

Why?

It's not broke. Don't try to fix it.

I'm on my 19th pair of Mizuno Wave Riders. Why would I change if they work for me?



Sigh. Someone has to say it, and I guess it falls on my shoulders. Noblesse oblige and all that. A 'footwear sales whiz at Rebel Sport' would be the last person from whom I would seek running shoe advice. He would be driven entirely by what generates the highest commissions. And guess which shoe would do that?

As for Nike Frees ... many swear by them, just search this forum. No interest to me, for obvious reasons. The shoes I wear work well for me. I run, they keep the nails and gravel from ripping my feet. That's all I ask.

Thanks for all the replies thus far, its interesting to see everyone's opinions! As for why I'm looking to move on from my Mizunos, I'm simply trying to gauge what other great runners have come onto the market since I bought mine. Who knows, I may choose to buy another pair of Wave Inspires, but there's no harm in asking my fellow runners what they think about a broad scope of shoes. Sure, Mizunos work for me right now, but I think it's pretty normal to find out what else is out there before I commit to buying. All in the name of research!

Oh, and regarding my footwear saleperson friend.... I used to work at Rebel Sport at the time my friend was singing the praises of Kayanos, so purchasing them at the highly-reduced staff price probably wouldn't have a huge impact on my friend's sales figures or commissions... probably should have clarified that