Question:
Who has a good review or comparison
of the top-level running shoe brands
out there right now?
Answer:
The following is my personal ranking
of shoes by manufacturers. Remember
that there are various shoe types
in each brand for various people
and it is always a good idea to
go to your local running store to
find which may be best for you.
Again this is my rankings, not necessarily
that of the staff or management
of the following shoe companies.
1. Adidas
The best shoes on the market, whether
you're talking road, track or trail.
They have a great line and one to
fit/feel for all.
Comments: Adidas lost focus in their
running shoes in the early to mid
80's. Then rebounded in the late
80's to become the best running
shoe again. Now with their world
wide success's in fussball and basketball
shoes lets hope they remain/continue
focused on running.
2. Asics
Plus - Great shoes, nice fit, decent
cushioning. Light weights available.
Minus - Some may not have cushioning
desired.
Comments: Asics is dedicated to
runners. Nice shoes.
3. Saucony
Plus - All around good shoes, nice
cushioning and support.
Minus - Can feel floppy, stiff in
some models.
Comments: Like Saucony, a good shoe.
Also dedicated to running.
4. Reebok
+ May have the best R&D
department going. Decent shoes,
focused on runners.
Minus - Questions on cushioning,
support, feel and life of shoe.
Comments: Caught for the second
time early last Fall for human rights
violations and child labor in the
Far East. Has said to responded
quickly and corrected this. Current
investigations find no recent incidents.
5. Nike
Plus -Decent cushioning
Minus - Very narrow width and small
toe box, injuries include, blister,
black toes,
etc.. Not for all runners.
Comments: Nike is currently under
boycott for child labor and human
rights violations in their factories
in the Far East.
6. New Balance
Plus - Various widths
Minus - Too many to mention but
good for a very few runners.
Comments: How has this company stayed
in business with these shoes (my
opinion)?
7. Brooks
Plus - Decent shoes
Minus - Break down to fast
Comments: Brooks was the leader
20 years ago but haven't kept pace
recently.
