Shoes....

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by tomegun

The funny thing about this whole debate is, I love Nike so much. I mean I really LOOOOOOVE the swoosh. When my wife got into stocks I told her it was mandatory that she get at least on share of Nike just because the way I feel about Nike.

I will still say that when it comes to running shoes Nike doesn't work on performance as much as other companies. Don't just single out New Balance, think about Mizuno, Brooks, Asics, etc.
I have foot problems that have bothered me since before I started officiating. I'm in the Air Force and I wear boots everyday. Additionally, I used to be one of those guys that was at the gym playing ball all the time. The position I'm coming from is someone who must get the best shoes for running. My opinion has been formed by various doctors and employees at running shoe stores. BTW, those stores are way more than just a Foot Locker type of store. They allow you to run in their shoes and they evaluate how your foot is striking the ground. They have Nikes at those stores and it wouldn't be too far of a stretch to say they are collecting dust.

I know Nike was founded on running. I did some research on the company. Did I mention how much I love Nike?

I agree with you about marketing. Besides Microsoft, Nike probably has one of the best marketing departments ever. When I say fashion shoes I mean I wear Nike running shoes when I'm out and about, but I do not run in them. They work great for a lot of people and I wish my feet would allow me to be one of them, but I don't think they are the best by any means.

If we were to talk about any activity besides running, I would agree with you. I just don't really consider another brand. The New Balance I got for officiating was just to see what they were about and I'm not impressed so far.

You should tell running publications that shoe styles change every year then maybe they would deduct points from other companies for not changing their styles.

I think the core names you speak of are probably Shox, Air, Air Max, 360, Zoom, etc. The specific shoe names is what changes. That isn't always the case with other brands. My sister works for Saucony's parent company and I was in their company store looking at the 2008 model line. The same shoe I have is carrying over to the new line. That is what I was talking about. Nike doesn't always change the shoe names, but they do it a lot.

How can you speak about running shoes and not know what motion control is? Different foot types require different types of shoes. Motion control is a type of shoe that helps runners who overpronate. These shoes basically have a built-in orthodic.

Look at this article http://www.mensjournal.com/toolsToys...ningshoes.html Nike wins in the cushioning category with the 360 of course. That is the only Nike mentioned. Look at this http://www.rateitall.com/t-559-running-shoes.aspx Only 3 out of 27 ratings are Nikes.

After the advice of doctors, running shoe store specialists and dealing with plantar faciitis for over 10 years, do you really think I'm guessing? The alternative is to listen solely to someone who is making their living from Nike. It is safe to say you are a little biased.

Just for the record, my podiatrist, who specializes in runners (and has trained some olympic runners), says that Nike shoes are designed for the mass market, and if you put in the orthotics that you need for your own feet, they are very good running shoes. He says there's no way a mass market company is going to make a shoe for every single foot. But they're well designed to be used with individual adjustments as necessary . He also sells the orthotics . So who's in it for the money?

You've been dealing with plantar fasciitis for 10 years? You're not seeing the right podiatrist, or specialist. I got rid of it in one season, without missing a single game.

[Camron Rust]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

Just for the record, my podiatrist, who specializes in runners (and has trained some olympic runners), says that Nike shoes are designed for the mass market, and if you put in the orthotics that you need for your own feet, they are very good running shoes. He says there's no way a mass market company is going to make a shoe for every single foot. But they're well designed to be used with individual adjustments as necessary . He also sells the orthotics . So who's in it for the money?

You've been dealing with plantar fasciitis for 10 years? You're not seeing the right podiatrist, or specialist. I got rid of it in one season, without missing a single game.

Juulie is very right here. Just because they're not a perfect fit fit for you (tomegun) or any number of people doesn't necessarily lead to them being a poor shoe for running. For the foot they're designed to fit, they may be the absolute best.

I've tried many different shoes. For my feet: Nikes fit the best. NB's (tried after the many raves I've seen on here) were horrible...I couldn't stand the way they fit my foot. Reeboks are OK. Converse a little less so, but not bad.

A couple years ago, I injured both of my feet...had a lot of arch pain and could hardly walk after working a game....it would partially clear until I ran again. Over several months (I procrastinate going to the doctor), I tried a bunch of things...different shoes (Nike, NB, Reebok), inserts, etc. No shoe made any difference. Only once I inserted a set of "Superfeet" (OTC orthodic) in every shoe I wore (on and off the court) did they get better. For the first two or three days, my feet actualy hurt more, but in a different way. The Superfeet were putting pressure on the point of injury...providing more arch support than any shoe I had ever worn but creating a little "pressure point" pain. Then they started getting better quickly It took about 2-3 weeks for my feet to feel back to normal. Now, I've largely weaned my feet off the superfeet except for my court shoes (Nike).

[rainmaker]

Originally Posted by Camron Rust

Juulie is very right here. Just because they're not a perfect fit fit for you (tomegun) or any number of people doesn't necessarily lead to them being a poor shoe for running. For the foot they're designed to fit, they may be the absolute best.

I've tried many different shoes. For my feet: Nikes fit the best. NB's (tried after the many raves I've seen on here) were horrible...I couldn't stand the way they fit my foot. Reeboks are OK. Converse a little less so, but not bad.

A couple years ago, I injured both of my feet...had a lot of arch pain and could hardly walk after working a game....it would partially clear until I ran again. Over several months (I procrastinate going to the doctor), I tried a bunch of things...different shoes (Nike, NB, Reebok), inserts, etc. No shoe made any difference. Only once I inserted a set of "Superfeet" (OTC orthodic) in every shoe I wore (on and off the court) did they get better. For the first two or three days, my feet actualy hurt more, but in a different way. The Superfeet were putting pressure on the point of injury...providing more arch support than any shoe I had ever worn but creating a little "pressure point" pain. Then they started getting better quickly It took about 2-3 weeks for my feet to feel back to normal. Now, I've largely weaned my feet off the superfeet except for my court shoes (Nike).

Interesting!! Superfeet is what I was sold by my podiatrist,and it was like a miracle cure. I also got rid of one particular shoes that we decided had caused the probelm.

[26 Year Gap]

Originally Posted by rainmaker

Interesting!! Superfeet is what I was sold by my podiatrist,and it was like a miracle cure. I also got rid of one particular shoes that we decided had caused the probelm.

One pair of shoes? Or a left shoe or a right shoe?

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Smitty

But for those who can put on a pair of shoes off the shelf and run, I would argue that Nike is at or near the top in performance.

I agree, Smitty. Nike does make a great shoe. What they don't do very well, however, is annex.

That's a local reference. If you don't live around here, you won't have any idea what that means.

[Back In The Saddle]

Marketing = fashion. Anybody who tells you otherwise, is marketing

I'm a New Balance guy. I just ordered a pair of 888's this week, after running my last pair of NB's into the ground (2 1/2 seasons with them). The 4E width is the clincher for me.

[tomegun]

First of all, are you kidding me? You will have an email from me within a week! I will have no problem finding a pair of Nikes I like - I like so many. I think what people aren't reading is that other than running, I'm sure I have 5x more Nike stuff than the average person.

Smitty, before I forget. What do you think of the difference between the 2006 and 2007 360 running shoes? I think the 2006s feel better, but I like the colors of the 2007s better.

Juulie, maybe my foot situation is different from what you had. I have been to many doctors and had multiple shots - very painful. You are blessed to be able to get rid of it so quickly. Maybe it is the boots everyday that don't help.

I don't wear my orthodics when I ref. I wear Superfeet and they are very good.

Putting orthodics into Nikes makes the shoe heavier. Buying a shoe that allows your foot to strike in the correct way and is lighter seems to be a better solution to me. If I had a normal foot, I wouldn't even have ever tried anything else so I would only have Nike. Add in the fact that while most orthodics are good for walking, many are not that good for running. Also, I don't think I said they are a poor shoe for running, I just said they aren't the best and I gave references to back my claim up. If a doctor says there is no way a mass marketing company cannot make a shoe for every foot, but companies who specialize in running shoes can, well you should question that doctor's logic. Who has more resources to make a good range of cushioning, stability and motion control shoes? Nike, Saucony, Mizuno, Asics, Brooks or New Balance?

Don't be so caught up in taking a side in the discussion - not talking to you Smitty - and think logically. Here is a company that is by far the best athletic company in the world and their are publications that rank them below many others in a specific sport. Oh, that company was built on that sport too which means they should by far be the best at it. Does that make sense or does it make more sense to just say they are a mass marketing company and they can't appeal to everyone?

Smitty, that email will be on the way. Thank you.

[tomegun]

I sent you an email Smitty!

[refnrev]

Originally Posted by bigdog5142

I bought Reebok DMX's on Ebay for $15. Size 14...all black. I LOVE the shoes at this point. Great find/buy.

____________________________

bigdog,
I hope those DMXs weren't walkers. They're black and nice and soft... but walkers will not give you the support you need. I'm the voice of experience. I'm real lucky I didn't end up in real trouble from using DMX walkers.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Smitty

[email protected]

David - just curious. Are you one of the three David Smiths in PBOA? If so, you are the only one I don't know.

You don't know how lucky you are.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by Tomegun

Motion control is a type of shoe that helps runners who overpronate.

Can you elaborate on this a minute, or point me to some resources? I'm curious about what "overpronate" means.

Also, what steps have you taken to make the combat boots more comfortable? As of now, I'm only wearing them a few days a month, but there's a very high probability that could change soon, so I'm trying to think ahead.

What do you think of the ABUs?

[JugglingReferee]

Originally Posted by Back In The Saddle

Marketing = fashion. Anybody who tells you otherwise, is marketing

I'm a New Balance guy. I just ordered a pair of 888's this week, after running my last pair of NB's into the ground (2 1/2 seasons with them). The 4E width is the clincher for me.

Yup! Me too.

When I was growing up, I bought into the Nike marketing a few times. Ya, I "fit in" because I had Nikes. Now, I wear NB and I'm 1000% thankful for their quality shoes. NB are, imho, better shoes.

I also volunteer for Special Olympics every April and although we do not get paid, some corporation do ante up gift cards for the volunteers. Every year I get $200 in NB GCs. Life around March Madness is very nice for me.

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Snaqwells

I'm curious about what "overpronate" means.

That's someone who uses too many pronouns.

[Smitty]

Originally Posted by Mark Padgett

David - just curious. Are you one of the three David Smiths in PBOA? If so, you are the only one I don't know.

You don't know how lucky you are.

I am. I understand one of the other ones is the infamous "Dave", although I find it hard to believe. I've worked with him a few times and I've never really seen him be funny. Maybe it's just me. Or maybe he's not really "Dave"?

[Mark Padgett]

Originally Posted by Smitty

I am. I understand one of the other ones is the infamous "Dave", although I find it hard to believe. I've worked with him a few times and I've never really seen him be funny. Maybe it's just me. Or maybe he's not really "Dave"?

Maybe he's only funny around me. Remember, I only work rec games with him, so I'm sure his attitude then is quite different.