Favorite Running Shoes Linkup

Mel and Laura are hosting a linkup about our favorite running shoes. I am loving reading all of the posts and look forward to purchasing my next shoe.

 1. What brand and style are your favorite running shoes?
Since I recently took up running in October, I don't have a lot of experience and am only on my 2nd pair of shoes. But I actually had really good luck with a pair of Nike's that I got from Kohl's for less than $30. They took about a 150 mile beating before I was starting think I needed a new pair, because of some pain in my right hip and knee. Luckily my father in law got me a gift certificate to a local running store and the day after Christmas I got these beauties.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 13

 2. Why are they your favorite?
They give me really great support. Absolutely no hip/knee pain, my first run with the new shoes was 9.5 miles, the only complaint I had on that run was the balls of my feet were barking for a bit, but I have run in them since and it all seems good now!

3. Have you had any bad experiences with other brands? Which ones do you avoid?
Haven't had any horrible experiences, just be sure to get shoes that are specifically for running. 

4. Do you have more than one pair of running shoes for different types of workouts?
My previous Nike's were used for everything. I wore them to spin, I wore them to theme parks, I wore them to run in, they took a beating. So I think with my new Brooks they will specifically be for running and I will get a cheaper pair of shoes for the gym and for walking long distances. 

5. Have you ever been fit by a shoe specialist? Did you find this helpful?
My new Brooks are the product of being fitted which is all I really talked about and wanted for Christmas. I went the Runner's Edge near my home and they looked at my old shoes. Watched me walk barefoot and said that I had a neutral stride, so nothing real out of the ordinary. The first shoe he brought out was a Nike and he had me run on the treadmill (I wish I had the video) and video taped me running and then we watched it back in slow mo. You could see my right foot turning in, which probably explained my hip/knee pain. So the Nike's were a no go as they didn't give enough support in that area. The second shoe was the Nike Lunar, and while it gave me a lot more support he wanted me to try the Brooks, winner winner! The guys in the shop really get a kick out of finding you the right shoe. I would recommend getting fitted!

I hope this was helpful. Head on over to visit Mel and Laura and linkup so I can dream about a new pair of running shoes!