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Running shoe equivalents
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Maybe it's just me, but when it comes to looking for new running shoes, I'm paralyzed. The shoes I've worn so far have this or that little thing that bugs me, but I generally like the platform. The problem is that there are so many options out there, and nearly all using different terminology, I can't determine which shoes are similar to the ones I have, or which ones are totally different.

What I'm looking for is a Netflix-type "Recommended for you" feature for running shoes. As an example:

I started running in Brooks Adrenaline GTR14, just to get started. I wouldn't wear them now, too big a drop for me now (14mm I believe). After correcting my form and building mileage, I made the switch to Newton Fates (don't remember which gen). Then, added a pair of Newton Gravity IV to the stable. These shoes were relatively similar in how they felt to me, but turns out the Gravity IVs hurt the outsides of my feet. This past season I ran in Altra One V3s. I like the shoes a lot, but they tend to wear out more quickly than I would like.

So, based on my brief history of shoes, I need some recommendations. I'm a student, so budget is important, but I am looking to buy two pairs so I can keep a rotation. Help?!

Also, some equivalent chart/website would be a very helpful resource in general... opportunity?

Brenden Macy
Sports & Entertainment Attorney
I am Drive. I am Grit. I am Determination.
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Re: Running shoe equivalents [brmacy] [ In reply to ]
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Brooks has a tool that finds a Brooks show that matches what you are using in another brand, http://www.brooksrunning.com/en_us/ShoeFinder choose "make the switch"
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Re: Running shoe equivalents [brmacy] [ In reply to ]
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I'm trying to build this out in Access with SQL queries.

In the interim, as I have yet to output all of my encyclopedic knowledge of running shoes into a single place, you'll just have to let me type it on out. Here's the deal - you like neutral, lower offset shoes, with a little more cushioning. With that in mind, I think you'd probably like:

  • Saucony Kinvara
  • Newton Fate (if it ain't broke, why fix it?)
  • Brooks PureFlow or Neuro
  • Altra Escalante
  • Hoka Tracer (be forewarned, they'll probably wear through about as quickly as The One's did).

Good luck.

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Editor-in-Chief, Slowtwitch.com | Twitter
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Re: Running shoe equivalents [rrheisler] [ In reply to ]
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A database for runners who already know the shoes they like would be fantastic. The Brooks site mentioned above is great, but requires a little more than just "I already know what I like, show me similar options," and of course only recommends Brooks shoes.

I was sent to runningwarehouse.com, and I noticed they have a helpful tool in the description of each shoe which might help in your building of a database. The fields are Pronation Control, Heel-toe offset, Stack height and shoe type, with sub-categories of each. With some effort you can determine where the shoe you're running in all of those fields, and use those parameters to search via dropdown boxes on the left side of the screen. Not super user-friendly or intuitive, but close.

Thanks for the suggestions! The Kinvara and Escalante were suggested by others also, as well as the Newton Distance. I'm looking forward to seeing the results of your efforts!

Brenden Macy
Sports & Entertainment Attorney
I am Drive. I am Grit. I am Determination.
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Re: Running shoe equivalents [brmacy] [ In reply to ]
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Based on what rrheisler recommended, I would also (for obvious reasons: see my signature) add the 361-Spinject to his list. Seamless upper, Quikfoam midsole and sockliner, sub-10oz, and an 8mm drop.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Shawn
TORRE Consulting Services, LLC
http://www.TORREcs.com

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Re: Running shoe equivalents [brmacy] [ In reply to ]
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Runner's world has a shoe finder tool. You can search by models that you have or have liked and find other similar shoe models. https://www.runnersworld.com/shoefinder
I haven't used it so I can't really speak to its accuracy, but you might find it useful. Good luck!
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Re: Running shoe equivalents [brmacy] [ In reply to ]
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Check out runrepeat.com. They have a database that is pretty decent.

Strava
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Re: Running shoe equivalents [gmh39] [ In reply to ]
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These databases are interesting, and have their own uses, but not really what I'm looking for. I'm thinking along the lines of Netflix, Spotify, Pandora, etc.:

"We see you've watched 'Murderous Affairs,' we think you might like 'Informative Murder Porn du jour.'"

"What shoes did you run in? . . . Based on those shoes, we think you might like X Shoe."

Obviously there's more to it than that, but something a bit more tailored to those who already run and know what their starting platform is.

Brenden Macy
Sports & Entertainment Attorney
I am Drive. I am Grit. I am Determination.
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Re: Running shoe equivalents [brmacy] [ In reply to ]
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+1 on runningwarehouse. Great site for what you’re looking for, really for any runner who wants this kind of info about shoes. Also great shipping/return policy.
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