Shoes
- By Doug Kurtis
Free Press Columnist

The most essential piece of equipment runners require is their shoes. Investment in a good pair of shoes will help make workouts and racing more enjoyable and reduce injuries.

Running stores in the Detroit and Windsor areas have flourished because of the need for expert advice on what to wear.   I solicited all of these shops for their top-selling shoes as well as those worn most often by their employees.

A good shoe is one that fits properly, is designed for your foot type and suits your running gait. Color and style has eye appeal but mostly you want to walk and run around in something that is comfortable, something that works for you. Do you need, neutral, light or high stability? Do you want motion control, lightweight perform or difficult terrain shoes?

Almost all the major shoe companies have great products.   Try on several styles to compare and use the running store staff to narrow down your selection.

Locally, the shoe companies that have seen the greatest increase in market share are those that have focused on non-gimmicky advances, in-house customer service, product delivery and sales rep support.   Running stores have confidence in their products.

One of my best running shoe tips: Find a shoe that works well for you, then buy two pairs. Alternate using them so that they will have a longer chance to dry out and they will also last longer.

The number one recommendation the stores had for shoes companies is to quit changing the products so often. When making changes, make them in small increments. Don't blow up the shoe and re-invent it. Also on the wish list would be similar sizing. Why do the sizes need to vary between companies? It just confuses the customer.

So here's what my informal survey produced:

The Brooks Adrenaline made the top five on everyone's list. It retails for less than $90 is likely seen as the best shoe for the money. It's a great shoe for mid to moderate pronators and runners that want cushion and stability.

The Asics Gel 2100 was right behind. Also less than $90 retail, its SpEVA midsole offers increased shock attenuation and durability. It also uses an impact guidance system to encourage a natural gait while allowing for natural foot movement from heel strike to toe-off.

The Brooks Addiction made most of the lists. Another $90 shoe, it's billed as the perfect shoe for moderate to severe overpronators looking for a smooth well balanced ride. It uses a heel and forefoot Hydroflow system to absorb shock and stabilize the foot while returning energy during your stride.

Not on anyone's list but a fun shoe to play around with is the Nike Free, which can be custom-ordered to the color or as Nike puts it, the ID you want. They do this with their Shox series as well.

Contact Doug Kurtis at Detroit Free Press, 600 W. Fort St. Detroit, 48226