How much do you pay for running shoes?

pianissimo on 11/02/2012 - 12:33

As the title says :)

I'm looking at getting new runners - do you guys find $150+ shoes are "better" (by which I mean more comfortable and help avoid injuries) as compared to say $100 shoes?

Or to put it another way, do you find that it's worth paying more for a higher-end shoe?

I'm only ever going to be a light/casual runner (maybe 5K a few times a week)…no injuries so far…so I know I don't need top of the range. I'm thinking any shoe that fits and feels comfortable should do, but would be willing to pay more if there was some benefit.

I'm comparing low-mid range Asics and Mizunos ($120 - $200 here) to low-end models of other brands such as Adidas, Reebok, New Balance (around the $100 mark…as cheap as $50 but those ones were heavy and I wouldn't get them).

And I know this is Ozbargain but my question is not where can I get these cheaper(answer: endless/eastbay) but whether the "higher-end" shoes are worth getting at all.

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • ESEMCE on 11/02/2012 - 13:26
    +1

    For a 5K run, I doubt the shoe really matters. As long as they're designed for running you'll be fine.
    Years ago (like 15-20 years ago), Choice magazine did a test of shoes with a range of Amateur athletes and found that Dunlop KT26 was the best shoe to everyone's surprise.

    • pianissimo on 12/02/2012 - 19:41

      Thanks scubacoles, that's the answer the Ozbargainer in me was looking for! :)

  • BuyoTheCat on 11/02/2012 - 14:12
    +2

    vibram fivefingers if you want fancy, or dunlop volley for on the cheap

  • neil on 11/02/2012 - 14:35
    +1

    I'd say it will all depends on the person. I'm lucky enough to not have any foot/leg issues so any shoes works for me. Currently have Asics from Amazon $50, tennis shoes from Aldi $20, and $15 dunlops that were posted on here. No problems with them. My partner on the other hand, has a few foot/ankle issues as she plays a lot of netball. She goes for the higher end shoes with orthodics (sp?).

    Not sure a different shoe will have an effect on a 5K run. There is a push by the running community into barefoot running which improves they way you are supposed to run. Shoes that emulate almost closer to barefoot may have a positive impact on long term running.

    • meong on 11/02/2012 - 15:52

      hmmm… i found out that i perform better running bare-footed. is this actually the healthiest way to run?

      as a teenager I grew up playing soccer bare-footed.

      • YadaYadaYada on 11/02/2012 - 17:26

        Doesn't that hurt your feet? Ah well, to each their own.

        • neil on 11/02/2012 - 19:39

          I don't do it personally or know much about it but the thinking is that shoes misbalance the way you walk where the weight is distributed to the front of your foot. Barefoot walking distributes the weight naturally between the front and the back. You don't just go straight to barefoot. You try a shoe with a thinner sole like a dunlop volley or try the vibram. Then try walking barefoot and eventually move up to a run. I'd imagine you'd have to find somewhere to run where there isn't much debri on the ground.

  • besmirched on 11/02/2012 - 14:39
    +1

    Ive bought a few pairs of asics running shoes from amazon.com and can't recommend them highly enough. You really need to try on a pair in a real store before you buy to be confident that the ordered shoes will fit.

    It was funny the other day when I took an elderly friend to the Sportsmans Warehouse to get his size. He needed a 4e width like I wear. He tried on a pair to find they were a tad small and asked to try the next size up, they were perfect. He asked how much and then said "oh no sorry $160 is too much". Picked up the same pair of 1160's from amazon.com for $70 delivered.

    • unity1 on 11/02/2012 - 14:51

      So how many people go to a local shoe store just for the purpose of getting the correct shoe measurement then buy the shoes overseas?

      I'd like to try one of the better named brand shoes just to see how much better they really are, but I don't want to pay local prices, nor do I feel comfortable going into a store for a free measurement.

      • YadaYadaYada on 11/02/2012 - 15:30

        That's an interesting idea. Are there any other good sites for getting shoes online other than amazon? I would have never thought of the idea til I saw this page! Thanks guys!

      • StewBalls on 11/02/2012 - 18:01

        So how many people go to a local shoe store just for the purpose of getting the correct shoe measurement then buy the shoes overseas?

        Somebody wearing AUD$28 Nike Lunarfly 2's puts his hand up! :D

        • pianissimo on 12/02/2012 - 19:44
          +1

          Probably will do this too…the difference in price is just too high to ignore.

          I also second Rebel Sport - I've never had any service from them so wouldn't feel bad about trying shoes on and then leaving.

    • realsniper09 on 12/02/2012 - 14:07

      IS there any other place than Amazon to get 2E or 4E Asics?
      I don't think Wiggle does the extra width.

      I'm after the Kayano's but most places only sell them at the original width.

  • undercut on 11/02/2012 - 15:21

    Last pair I got was Asics Kayano 17 from endless.com for $89.95 USD + free shipping. Tried them on for size at Rebel Sport first - didn't feel so bad about going in there for a free measurement cos you can just grab your size straight off the shelf.

    • kirasuran on 12/02/2012 - 01:22

      did that with some soccer boots too hahaha

  • Davo1111 on 11/02/2012 - 16:10
    +1

    no more than $100, but i never pay RRP

  • PlagueistheCheap on 12/02/2012 - 00:51

    I buy my shoes from USA they cost me $80-90 but in store over here they are over $200. I suffer from shin pain and after all the shoes I have tried, Mizuno worked best for me.

    • StewBalls on 12/02/2012 - 09:26

      I used to get shin splints from running, they suck big-time…simple solution however!

      Go see a podiatrist Expon, they can examine why you're getting them (excessive pronation, tight calf muscles etc) & offer gait correction or stretching/strengthening exercises (or referral to physio for same) that will help. Worst case scenario, maybe you'll need an orthotic insert, but these are cheap over the counter now! ;)

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