A brand other than Brooks

[NurseMeggo]

Hello All!

I need new running shoes and I've historically used Brooks. I am an over-pronator. I really want to try another brand. Any suggestions? I'm also >250# at this time. I do wear New Balance minimalist sneakers at work but I don't like to run in them.

[jwdaniels]

I would suggest Saucony.  I have fairly flat feet (which is usually linked to overpronation) and I've found them to be incredibly comfortable.  I've used Saucony pretty much exclusively for 20 years.

[ginger_biscuit]

I really love my Mizunos. I am a heel striker and they have helped with extra support. I also bought a minimalist shoe from Brooks and LOVE them, but they took a while to build up some ankle strength. Also try Asics. They are fabulous!

[LZeeW]

@NurseMeggoHave you ever tried the "ShoeDog" feature at Roadrunner Sports ? It asks you a bunch of questions and then the Shoe Dog fetches good choices for you.  And if you live near a store, they do video analysis of your gait. 

Asics, Brooks, New Balance, Saucony, and Mizuno all make good running shoes for overpronators.  The best shoe for you is one that fits, is comfortable, and is designed for an overpronator.

[WendyB]

I would go to a good running shoe store and get fitted. Your feet will thank you.

I cant wear these my feet do not like them New Balance, Saucony, and Mizuno

[Heybales]

Go for minimalist or near minimalst, land flat footed, and there is basically no over-pronation then because there is no transfer of weight from heel forward to forefoot.

And those terms mean 4mm drop or less, but you can still have great padding.

Here's a nice place to start - he personally reviews all shoes, mentions why he like or dislikes certain features and if those might or might not be important to others.

http://runblogger.com/2013/06/recommended-zero-drop-cushioned-road.html

[SunsetRunner]

I agree with Wendy - go to a good running store and talk to someone (or more than one) and have them try you out on more than one brand/type of shoe.  I've been using Asics for the past 3-4 pair; before that I used Saucony for several years.  Currently the Asics fit me better and have the support and amount of cushion I like.  I probably tried 6-10 pair of shoes the last time I bought (a couple of months ago).

[Gershon]

Your problem may be with inserts and not the shoes. Few people truely land flat-footed when they run and it's not even necessary. I found an old Army study that said that heel-strikers and forward strikers have the same injury rate. I'm agnostic on the belief that forward striking is better. People are going to do what they do.

Ideally, for a heel striker, the heel touches first and the weight then transfers along a line from the center of the heel to the big toe. Then as the heel comes off the ground, the weight transfers to the other toes and to the outside of the arch. If you are over-pronating, it is probably after the foot is flat. You might investigate inserts that give outer arch support. Giving less inner arch support may have the same effect.

When looking for shoes, look for a wide and tall toebox that gives your toes room to wiggle in all directions. Minimalist shoes seldom come in wide sizes, and if they do, the stores around here don't stock them. Given your weight, it's likely you need a wide size. 

Good luck in your quest for the perfect shoe. I wouldn't worry about brand as much as I would worry about how the shoe fits. Brooks and New Balance tend to run wide. However, the trail runners ted to be narrow. If you find the perfect fit, buy a second pair as soon as possible and alternate days wearing them. 

[SunsetRunner007]

My vote goes to Saucony.

The Saucony Mirage saved me from severe shin splints and a bad ankle issue. I am able to run in them pain free. I have also have very good luck with the Omni and Hurricane series. I am also an overpronator.

[gerrymcd]

I recently bought a pair of Newton running shoes.  The design of the sole 'encourages' you to run mid-foot, rather than stiking with your heel.  They felt 'odd' when I tried them in the shop, but after a couple of outings I now REALLY like them.  

[CakeHenn]

We are not made to be heel strikers and we only do that because Nike started making running shoes 30 or so years ago with huge heels with the idea that by heel striking people could have a longer stride and run faster.  Since then more people get hurt from running because they are overstriding.  Running and walking are very different.  Running is more like jumping.  Stand up, jump and tell me how you land.  You should land on your forefoot or midfoot.  If you jump up and land on your heels you willl feel very quickly that that is wrong.

So with that said I would steer away from big heeled running shoes that really promote heel striking for most people and go toward a lower drop to zero drop shoe.  Some are lucky and can run correctly even with big heeled running shoes but I have a harder time since I'm more of a mid foot striker.  That does not mean you have to start running barefoot, in Vibrams, or sandles...there are zero or low drop running shoes that have plenty of cushioning.  They take a while to adjust too if you have been running aroundn in big heeled running shoes like well everyone under the age of 50 has for all their lives.  

You might want to try a transition type shoe like Newton's Pop 3s.  They have a 6mm drop.  Or perhaps some Hoka's.  Or just go all in and try out some Altra's.  But bottom line is there are lots of great shoes and you need to find the ones right for you.  Running stores where they video you running etc are great but remember they are trying to sell you something so they are not exactly free from conflicts of interest.

Take everything I say with a grain of salt....I'm no running guru and am in many ways in the same boat as you.  But I'm at a point where I'm transitioning still.  I do have some Altra Olympus (high cushion trail shoes) and they are all I wear now when trail running and they did take me a few runs to get used to.  I'm still stuck in Asic road shoes because I got one pair then found the same model on sale online and bought two more pairs of them.  I've found that once I became use to my Altras I run with better foot striking vs my high heeled road shoes.  Good luck. 

[LewWagner]

Saucony shoes have a high score in my book.  I did replace the inner cushion sole with New Balance gel inserts.