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What's Most Important When Buying New Sneaks?

September 10, 2009

I recently went shopping for new sneakers. Fit was definitely my number one priority when I picked up a pair of these New Balance 769. While running on the treadmill in the store, these sneaks offered stability and cushioning and were lightweight — exactly what I was looking for.

I know you probably take a few things into consideration when buying new sneaks, but what's the most important?

20 Comments

christielove76 3 years 34 weeks

I buy sneakers according to my foot issues. I'm an overpronator in need of stability. And yes, the color is important too. Love my hot pink and silver Adidas and New Balance 769s.

sparklestar 3 years 35 weeks

I buy trainers for over-pronators and it has made a MASSIVE difference. Colour is also important - I buy pink accented trainers if I can so they match my running kit. :p

Spectra 3 years 35 weeks

Yep, I have wide feet too and I need to have supportive shoes or I get problems with my tendonitis. I also factor price into things, but I generally try to get the shoes that are the best0fitting for the lowest price. Who the heck buys running shoes based on how they LOOK??

tlsgirl 3 years 35 weeks

A combination of fit/comfort and price. I want shoes that will fit my feet and my stride, but I will never pay $150 for a pair of running shoes. Ever.

lydialee_home 3 years 35 weeks

runningesq / glowing - My running shoe size is bigger too. I wear size 7 on all my regular shoes, but size 8.5 on my running shoes [ Mizuno - Alchemy series runs a little bit small, and I need to order 1.5 size bigger for running shoes ] I still wish I purchase a couple of them when I find the one that I like and fit me. The one in the new series is not as comfy compare to the older model.

runningesq 3 years 35 weeks

Glowing, that's not uncommon! I wear a size 6 in my 'regular' shoes (heels, sandles, flats) but a 7 in my running shoes (I wonder what size my bike shoes are... I can't remember)

GlowingMoon 3 years 35 weeks

Fit/comfort. I have wide feet. Apparently, when I workout, my feet gets warm, and they get even wider! For me, I have to buy brands that come in wide sizes. Also, because my feet do get bigger when I exercise, I have to buy a one size up.

runningesq 3 years 35 weeks

Asics Gel Nimbus 11. it's painful to shell out $100+ every 3-4 months... but worth it

BeautifulHealth 3 years 35 weeks

I could care less how they look or the brand, just as long as they fit correctly and help keep me injury free (as much as shoes, themselves, can). I have found that Asics and Saucony sneakers fit me the best. I'm limited as to what colors I can get due to having long, narrow feet. So, whatever feels the best between the two brands, I go with!

ellenp1214 3 years 35 weeks

love love love my mizunos. they're so comfortable, and it doesn't hurt that they're sexy silver & hot pink ;) i usually go to a really good running store and have them look at my stride and make recommendations. i have troublesome feet (pronate inward, left foot is a half size smaller than right, and they're wide!) they will throw in inserts for my left foot for free as needed, let me run around the block to test them, and even bring them back in a few weeks if things aren't working out! such amazing customer service is well worth any higher price i've incurred by not searching out the deals.

chloe bella 3 years 35 weeks

Definitely quality and fit/comfort because I have to have stability shoes for my overpronation. I had a running injury last year and had to go to the doctor after it wasn't getting any better (even after weeks of not running at all). My insurance didn't cover the x-rays, and the bill was several hundred dollars. So, quality running shoes may be expensive, but they're still cheaper than an hour long trip to the doctor!

mondaymoos 3 years 35 weeks

I have severe overpronation issues, so I buy the same pair of shoes every single time.... just whatever the new year is. Lord knows I WISH price were something I could worry about. They're $140 every time. :( New Balances all the way.

Retro23 3 years 35 weeks

I heart my Mizunos!

kia 3 years 35 weeks

Fit FTW and good results from a video gait analysis.

3 years 35 weeks

Comfort? OF course but I said Price bc thats my next once I know they fit and feel light.

UrbanBohemian 3 years 35 weeks

Oh yeah, price can matter though too :-) But sometimes a solid pair of sneakers are an investment.

UrbanBohemian 3 years 35 weeks

I think selecting anything other than how they feel would be unwise. But having said that, I've been drawn to Asics lately, and on Labor Day I bought my second straight pair of them, namely the Gel 250TR. But in the past I've also worn sneaks by Ryka and Adidas.

Yogaforlife 3 years 35 weeks

When I started to run in May, I had terrible shin splints and my legs just ached. I was using an old pair of sneakers - I had not bought a pair of sneakers in about 4 years! Most of my cardio workouts consist of yoga, pilates, and dance, and you don't wear sneakers for them. I told a friend who is an avid runner about my problem and she offered to take me sneaker shopping. I had been using (very old) cross trainers from Sketchers. I have pretty flat feet and needed to get something to handle my overpronation. I was so embarrassed she made me run around the store in different sneakers - we don't have treadmills in stores here. But it worked and my shin splints and leg aches went away with the new shoes and I find it's easier for me to run now.

superfoxml 3 years 35 weeks

I have to have really cushy support around my ankles, yet can't rub...so that's actually pretty hard to find. and i'm willing to pay more for shoes that offer that. but actually, the brand avia has really really comfortable shoes that are cheap (we're talkin' 33 bucks from kohl's) yet very cushy and good quality. i've worn all kinds of expensive brands but avia really has it all.

lydialee_home 3 years 35 weeks

I wear Mizuno running shoes - start from their Alchemy 7, and now it is Alchemy 9. I found out that even they are the same series, but the fit and feel is a little bit different. I like my original Alchemy 7 but they are no longer available. I will follow what my friend do - order a couple of them once you find a pair of shoes that you like.

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20 Comments

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