Nike shoe recommendation needed

**Dantheman** · 01-09-2007, 07:57 PM

The shoes I currently use for cross training are on their last (broken) legs. I probably wouldn't normally get Nike but I can get a deal through a coworker so i'm looking into them. I run trails almost exclusively, but I also do a lot of stair sprints, plyos, and rope skipping as cross training for both running and skiing.

Anyone have experience with a Nike shoe that would work well for high impact stuff like this?

**char** · 01-09-2007, 08:05 PM

Don't know which shoe for your purpose, but I had the soles of a pair of Katana's come off when I tried playing basketball in them one day. Maybe an hour on a wood floor court.

**XtrPickels** · 01-09-2007, 08:32 PM

Dan, When you say trail... how aggresive? Packed dirt or loose rocks. Any injuries in the past, known over pronation problems etc etc? What shoes are you in now/ what do you like or dislike about them?

**Arty50** · 01-09-2007, 11:06 PM

Wore Nikes for years and really liked them. However, thanks to the lack of anything resembling a shoe store in Tahoe; I bought some Vasque Velocity trail running shoes a few years back. Each pair has lasted well over a year. They're every bit as comfortable and supportive and the sole is awesome. Best of all, the design hasn't changed. As opposed to Nike who HAS to change every 6 months. Is frustrating to find a shoe you love, have it wear out, and then not be able to buy it again. I'll never buy a pair of Nikes again.

**Nobody Famous** · 01-09-2007, 11:46 PM

Two words: New Balance.

**focus** · 01-10-2007, 04:03 AM

Originally Posted by char

Don't know which shoe for your purpose, but I had the soles of a pair of Katana's come off when I tried playing basketball in them one day. Maybe an hour on a wood floor court.

bball on a wood court is about the hardest thing you can do to a pair of running shoes. Running shoes made by most major brands will simply fall apart when subjected to this....

New Balance are absolute shit unless you spend $$$ and you're one of the few for whom they actually fit correctly.

DTM - look for a Nike trail running shoe in the $80-$100 range. I can't remember off the top of my head what models specifically you should look at, and I don't have time to look it up as we're headed to Cancun in 2.5 hours. I'm just killing time until my wife's out of the shower.

Trail shoes will usually be a little heavier duty and have a little bit better lateral stability. If you're mostly running trails with them I really wouldn't get something like the Moire and I probably wouldn't get a x-trainer. I'd rather do occasional training in a running shoe than do a lot of running in a x-trainer.

**Smails** · 01-10-2007, 08:32 AM

I run in nike almost exclusively, simply b/c they fit my feet best. I love that they have the tricked up designs that make them pretty light weight but I am not a fan of the soles on most. You either get the big air pocket, which I have popped, or the shox, on 85% of the shoes. I switch back and forth b/t the Nike Miler (second pair after popping the first) and the 2:45 shox. Once I forgot that I was running on hard plastic springs, I actually liked the 2:45 shox a lot.

**cinnepa** · 01-10-2007, 08:34 AM

check out the nike air max assail III, just picked up for $60 at a discount shoe store, great trail runners.

**Dantheman** · 01-10-2007, 09:15 AM

Sorry, I should have been more clear. I already have a pair of trail runners (Merrel Chameleons, love 'em, on my fifth pair), I need a second shoe just for off trail stuff like plyos, rope skipping, weight lifting, and short warm up/cool down runs on pavement.

Smails - So should I looking for something w/ shox instead of air? I'm pretty hard on my shoes.

**Nobody Famous** · 01-10-2007, 09:54 AM

Originally Posted by focus

New Balance are absolute shit unless you spend $$$ and you're one of the few for whom they actually fit correctly.

That' an odd statement because NB is typically the first thing looked at by medical/therapy specialists for people with foot/fit problems. But as you say, it's always the higher end shoes, and often requires an insole.

**doublediamond223** · 01-10-2007, 11:59 AM

Asics or brooks, both have the best support on the market. Nike, IMO, is shit, as is New Balance. I am a pretty bad over-pronator, and the only running shoes to support me adequately have been my asics GT 2110s. They kick ass, period.

My nike shox made my feet hurt and fell apart in 6 months. Pass...

**Viva** · 01-10-2007, 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Dantheman

stair sprints, plyos, and rope skipping

I don't consider this high impact, unless it's all done on concrete. Find a good cross or basketball shoe that fits you well and that you feel comfortable in. Change as necessary.

Any unusual wear patterns on your old shoes?

Heh...I've "popped" so many Nike boxes and I didn't even notice until cleaning the shoes. That gimmic made no difference at all. Maybe now it works?

**Dantheman** · 01-10-2007, 03:01 PM

Originally Posted by Viva

I don't consider this high impact, unless it's all done on concrete.

100% concrete. No real wear problems, I under pronate a bit but not too bad.

**Viva** · 01-10-2007, 04:29 PM

Get a good support shoe and change out the insoles with something a bit more cushy. Keep the insoles when you replace shoes down the road- those things last a long time.

**mavrick** · 01-11-2007, 01:02 AM

Nike makes one of the shittiest running shoes on the market... they survive on name alone and not the actual quality of their product... spend the bux and buy a decent shoe... your body will thank you later...

*** edit: I would also take the time to go to a running store and have them check out your gate (yes I kno the limitation on this and that in some cases a visual of someones gate can be completely incorrect, however it is still more accurate than guessing or sole wear...) They should be able to check out the your arches, and to some extent whether you are neutral or go one way or the other... (under/over pronate) Then they will prob recommend a shoe that will work for you, any good store wont try and stick you in a top priced shoe if you dont need it either... to many great brands out there to just tell you what is good.... needs to be based on YOU!! (but seriously stay away from Nike)***

**focus** · 01-15-2007, 11:47 PM

Sorry to bump a dead thread... If you're looking for something to train with on concrete or other hard, smooth surfaces I would suggest a bball shoe. Air Max Camp, anything with Zoom, etc.... True x-trainers tend to be heavier and stiffer.

re: Nike running shoes.... They're very hit and miss. Some really do suck. A lot of them are purely style/design shoes, made to look cool and little else. Nike does, however, make some GREAT running shoes, right up there w/ the 2110's, etc. Try anything from the Bowerman line (Moto, Pegasus, Triax, etc.). The 2:40's mentioned are another great shoe (one of the few shox that seem to work well for people, consistently).

re: New Balance -- used to make some great shoes, got a lot of support from the whole Made in USA thing (which they got in a lot of trouble for, since the majority of their shoes ended up being made in China). They recruit the shit out of doctors/foot specialists, etc. The only thing they really have going for them is a very consistent fit (i.e. they're pretty easy to make an orthotic for w/ consistent results). Some of the $$$ shoes ARE nice, but I've found few that have much of an edge over Asics, Nikes, Saucony's that are in the same price range.

Shoes should really only be compared against other shoes at the same pricepoint made for the same purpose (i.e $90 neutral cushioned support running shoe or $120 severe pronation control shoe)

**funkendrenchman** · 01-16-2007, 12:16 AM

Originally Posted by Nobody Famous

Two words: New Balance.

It all depends on the feet.

**Raps** · 01-16-2007, 01:07 PM

Dan, i just picked up a pair of Nike Air Structure Triax 9's - long name but i love em. I'm recovering from ankle surgery so i needed a shoe that wasn't just fluff like most of those shoxs or nike 360s. These rock though - super suportive and work great for working out/training etc....

Definately worth checkin out

**gearjunkie1** · 01-18-2007, 11:35 PM

I am on my third pair of the Air Structure Triax, I definitely recommend them. But I had my gait checked first too. I run mixed pavement and trails.

**pappag** · 01-18-2007, 11:50 PM

Get a pair of Saucony.
I started wearing them during track in high school some 10+ years ago, and haven't bought a different brand since.

**XtrPickels** · 01-19-2007, 10:11 AM

First off: He was interested in a NIKE shoe specifically.

Second: NB has a core group of follows who love that shoe. It is a difficult brand to fit to most feet (I work in a specialty running store) because its fit is "Meh". IMO its strong point is multiple widths and only multiple widths

Third: For a stability shoe, the new structure triax 10 kills the 9. You guys should check them out, one of my favorite shoes this season.

Fourth: If a neutral shoe is needed, the Vomero is the way to go over any shox any day. It does fit a bit narrow however.

**Dantheman** · 01-19-2007, 12:27 PM

Didn't know this thread was still alive. The general consensus early on in the thread was that Nikes fall apart so I started exploring other options. Liz and I were up at the outlets in Park City last weekend and I went into the Adidas store. I found a pair of solid feeling shoes for a ridiculously low price so I bought them. Did a set of stairs and plyos the other night and was pleased. Solid cushioning, good response, stiffish forefoot, just fine for what I need them for.

My current mission is finding a deal on some Icebugs so I can go slay the winter trails here.

**XtrPickels** · 01-19-2007, 03:35 PM

Asics Gel Artic
http://www.asicsamerica.com/product....Y_ID=250001173

(assuming you're looking for the spiked outsole.)
They fit like most normal asics, (2120 etc)
If you can't find them locally, I might be able to hook you up through my shop

**focus** · 01-19-2007, 06:01 PM

Originally Posted by Dantheman

The general consensus early on in the thread was that Nikes fall apart so I started exploring other options.

Nike makes some crappy shoes, granted, but the good ones really are good ones, and are comparable to almost anything else out there in the same price range. Don't rule them out.

That said, if I had to carry one brand of running shoes Asics would be it. They're easy to fit, hold up well, carry none of the bad connotations people associate with Nike, and are generally a crowd pleaser. Asics Gel Eagle Trails are one of my favorite shoes ever (Eagle Trail II never really did it for me). My third pair is on its last legs, and I haven't been able to find a replacement...

Meaningless trivia fact: Nike got its start by importing Onitsuka (now Asics) shoes.