[fourrunner]

I'm a new runner, and I've read through out the forums and reviews about asics being one of the best running shoes to buy. Can anyone tell me why they are, I've read about the gait analysis, and to pick the best fit and feel, but a lot of runners still choose asics.

[Katten]

Hi

Asics are good, but there are several top brands with no real difference between them. It's just personal preference and whichever happens to fit your feet best.

I actually try to alternate between 2 brands, so that my feet get a bit of variety, this is supposed to reduce injury risk

[pedestrian]

Yeah, it's very much a personal thing. I rarely wear any other brand than Nike, but over the years I've run in most of the other major ones. Then eventually I found that all my favourite models were Nike ones, so I just ended up sticking with those. Other people on the forum have their own particular favourites too.

[Steve]

Ditto the above comments of Katten and Pedestrian

[Trinity]

Asics actually used to have quite a poor reputation at one time. Caused all kinds of problems to many a runner. But over the last few years they have really improved, seem to have worked out the problems, and become one of the key players in running shoes.

There was a time when I wouldn't go near them, from hearing all the bad press, but now I've been lured away from New Balance and have 3 pairs of Asics currently in use

[richardsimkiss]

I think I just gave virtually my exact response to this thread in another thread just a moment ago! I'll quote it anyhow

Originally Posted by richardsimkiss

It's far too easy to get caught up in 'which is best'... but really there's not a great deal of difference. We're not talking TV's or computers here where we have directly comparable stats - essentially your buying some material with some laces, bit of foam, bit of rubber... The best thing you can do is find out what type of trainer suits your gait, and decide which shoe feels most comfy with the budget you have available.

Asics, from what I can tell, just has a strong brand and a good marketing team that make Asics trainers very popular - I don't think it necessarily makes them the 'best' though. A wide product range also means they can cater for most runners needs in terms of fitment, support, cushioning, stability etc...

I'm an Asics man btw... though I'm keen to see if I can be lured away when I by some new trainers next month

[junkie_ball]

Originally Posted by Katten

Hi

Asics are good, but there are several top brands with no real difference between them. It's just personal preference and whichever happens to fit your feet best.

I actually try to alternate between 2 brands, so that my feet get a bit of variety, this is supposed to reduce injury risk

I agree with Kattan whilst asics are good it is a very personal choice to which shoe best suits you. I also try to vary i have a pair of Nikes for road, Adidas for cross country and asics for gym work. Not sure whether it psychological or not but i used to have one pair for all and have injuries far more common than i do now.

Like most of the other advice choose what best suits your gait and feels comfortable within your budget.

[Grant]

Originally Posted by fourrunner

I'm a new runner, and I've read through out the forums and reviews about asics being one of the best running shoes to buy. Can anyone tell me why they are, I've read about the gait analysis, and to pick the best fit and feel, but a lot of runners still choose asics.

I'd suggest going for a gait analysis in a well stocked running shop and find the right type of shoe for you The sales person should then be able to give you a selection of shoes from each brand. As everyone else has said, it's all down to which brand/model feels best for you. Don't just go with Asics, becasue they are "supposed" to be the best.

[fourrunner]

Thanks for the advice, been and had the gait analysis yesterday, found out I was neutral, they didn't have a great range of trainers though (at a nationwide running specialist shop), they had the mizuno's/asic's/New Balance etc., but didn't have any nike or adidas said they were fashion shoes? but in other posts/websites people run in adidas and nike, its all getting very confusing... I think I am giong to have to go from shop to shop trying them on, pity because it would be great to try on all the running shoes in one shop, feel the difference trainer to trainer.

[richardsimkiss]

Both Nike & adidas is that they offer a massive range of fashion/style shoes, and as a result I think it can mislead people slightly... Personally I prefer to stick with a company who's main market (currently) is running shoes. Though you'd be suprised by the number of people who I served in my days at JJB who assumed a shoe was suitable for sports/running purely because it was made by either Nike or adidas!

It may well not be the case but with adidas and Nike, you kind of get the impression that running shoes are a bit of an afterthought for them nowadays (particularly adidas?), and that they're more happy making loads of money selling fashion shoes. It's probably not the case in fact (baring in mind where the companies have come from) but interesting to consider brand perception - especially if it's at a point where a running shop won't stock their trainers as they're considered more of a fashion/style item!