I am currently using the Nike Percept which is the women’s version of the Nike Vomero for men. I really like it, but I am interested in trying a more “running specific” running shoe…such as Asics, Mizuno’s, Sauconys etc. Don’t get me wrong, Nike claims that these are some of the best running shoes out there, but I don’t see many triathletes using Nike shoes. I do like them, but I was wondering what other suggestions you may have. I have really high arches and a wide foot. Just curious…
I have really high arches and a wide foot as well…I’m talking 6.5, 2E here! (I wear an 8.5 B in my running shoes)
I also ran in Nikes for years…the Pegasus…but now that I know all the options I have, I am happily running in a couple of Brooks shoes. I use the Glycerin for my long runs and the Axiom for anything less than 2 hours.
I am technically neutral, but the mild posting in the Axiom is placed right in my arch and I don’t even feel.
I wish the Axiom had just a speck more cushioning, I would love to make it my go-to shoe…so light and flexible!
G
I recently was looking for a replacement for my Kayanos and briefly tried the Vomeros…didn’t work for me.
I like the Mizuno Wave Nirvana II’s, which are more of a stability shoe than the precepts/vomeros. If you want to stick with a neutral/cushioned shoes, try the Asics Gel-Nimbus, the Gel-Cumulus, the Mizuno Wave Creation or the Brooks Glycerin or the Saucony Grid-Triumph
I’ve gone from Asics to Saucony to Brooks and just bought a pair of Asics Gel Cumulus VIII. It seems that as models change the right shoe for me changes. The best advice I’ve gotten was to find a running store you like and listen to them.
I can’t comment on womens shoes, but I have high arches and a wide foot and have never found anything that fit me except New Balance. My favorite was the 900 which I wore last year. Wonderful shoe, but it wore out fairly quickly for the price ($90+). I ended up training for a 50k ultra in them and then running the actual race in another pair of shoes as the 900s were shot. They changed it to the 901 this year and I haven’t tried it yet, supposed to be sturdier. I would give NB a shot, there is a New balance shop in Northville about 5 miles from REI but i don’t rmember which road. I found the shop online at the NB site.
I wear Saucony Trigon 4 Rides. I love them. They are a neutral shoe with some cushion.
http://www.saucony.com/product_detail.aspx?modelID=20000095&type=W
This picture is old, about 3 months. So far I added 3 more pairs of Asics Kayano.
My feet have been favoring the Mizuno Precisions. They are a fairly light weight trainer at 9oz. - but the biggest thing is that my feet and legs are happy.
Used to race in Mizuno Wave Riders and trained in Creations
Now I train and race in Nike Vomeros. Took a while to get used to them, but I like them alot. The only complaint I have is that they cost a more than my Mizunos.
BTW, Bikesportgirl don’t tell anyone I’ve posted a crap load today. I’m kinda unmotivated to actually work right now!
Simple answer: Go to a running store and talk to them. Bring your old shoes with you and tell them what you don’t like. If there is nothing that you don’t like and you just want a “better running” brand I would say don’t bother. For all the crap Nike gets they do put a lot into R&D and make GOOD running shoes if you stick to their running specific line. I would say the only company consistently putting out better (more technical) running shoes is Asics, but that’s my opinion.
For whatever it’s worth, I was a Nike runner for a long time in Air Max Moto’s and Air Max Moto II’s but they changed the shoe to have absolutely minimal support (switched from dual density to single density PU heel if I remember right). From then on I’ve been in Asics 1000-series (1090, 1100, 1110) and have loved them. They fit my foot, give me the (minimal) support that I need, and last for a good long time.
Man, that looks like my closet…
Mine’s worse…
G
This is my 3rd season training in the Spira “Shoesprings”. Two years I have used the “Genesis” and one year the “Vortex”. (I like the Genesis II better) They are a great training shoe as far as I am concerned, and no running related injuries in the 3 years! The racing is done in the NIKE slip on’s and I don’t even know the model, but they are light and soft.
Hey BSG…Saucony 
I’ve been running for as long as I can remember in Saucony. I just switched from the Trigon (ride) shoe to the Hurricane. I wanted something that lasted longer. I was going through a pair of Trigons about every 4 months. I have a bigger frame…you know me…so I was crushing any shoe not made for durability/higher mileage. The Hurricane is rated tops in the Saucony line for what I was looking for…durability, support, and cushion. For races this season I ran in the Diadora Iron Mythos. That’s all 
Jen
mizuno wave revolver,
Love them!
I’m a big fan of Asics, have worn them in many races and put a lot of miles on them with very little problems. Just need to change them every 6 months or so, depending on mileage. The few pairs of Nike I had I didn’t care for, but they may not have been right for me.
I also use Saucony racing flats for shorter distances and have liked them too, but there’s not much to them other than a little bit of tread
I ran in the Nike Pegasus years ago and eventually developed hip flexor issues.
For the last 10 years, I’ve bounced back and forth from New Balance and Saucony and have done IM’s in both. I’ve enjoyed them both emensely and have based my decision on the fit of the differing styles each time.
Make sure you go to a real running store and not a Foot Locker or “big box store” where they have a 17 year old kid selling their shoes. Have the sales person watch you walk in socks to check if you pronate or not and then use the treadmill to test out each shoe for a couple of minutes. Don’t buy the first pair! Try several before making a choice.
Good luck,
Jeff
10 1/2 EE here.
I’ve been wearing New Balance shoes since I started running with 420’s in 1979. Why? Because they fit. Right now I have 991’s, 907OR trail shoes and 754’s for races. They’re working great for me and have been for over 25 years.
Hmmm…it’s good to see you come out of the woodwork. Thanks for the input.
Wow! This got a lot more responses than I thought it would. Thank you all so much for your input. It seems I have a lot of choices out there.
I do have a question though, why is it that you don’t see more athletes running in Nike, Adidas and so forth? They seem like they are alright too.
Is there really any benefit to running in the others?