The last few years I've become what some would call a serious runner. Frequent disciplined practice, goal setting, competitive racing and an obsession with performance are some of the tell-tale signs that this subculture of runners is a place I belong. I've also learned what brands runners really love. Many of which I had no idea existed until running became a passion.
So here's my take on the best brands for runners by category. Please feel free to comment.
I know this will vary by individual runners but generally what I have experienced and heard from reliable sources is that the following brands are superior.
Shoes:
• Asics
• Brooks
• New Balance
• Nike
• Mizuno
Clothes:
• Under Armour
• Nike
• Adidas
• Asics
• Brooks
Gear:
• Garmin GPS watches
• Fuelbelt
• iPod
• Nike+ gear
Fuel & Hydration:
• Gatorade G2
• Cliff shots or Gu
• Cliff Protein bars
Advice:
• Runners World
• Running Times
• Local running stores like Second Sole, Vertical Runner or Fleet Feet
• Other runners and running groups like Road Runners
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Well, you've covered a pretty wide range of brands Pam. Here are my tops:
ReplyDeleteShoes: now that I'm off the Nike+ (see later), I'm going back to Asics, though I don't have complaints about Nike. I used to use a lighter Nike shoe for marathons but they discontinued it.
Clothes: was just noticing this morning that I have a real hodgepodge. I've found Champion has some good products too.
Gear: Now use Garmin GPS (Forerunner 405) with an iPod for music. Found that the Nike+ system was off by ~:25 / mile (too slow) on my pace. Not acceptable.
And I love local running stores, especially Second Sole. I'll buy from Dick's only if I absolutely 100% know what I need.
Brand loyalty is especially fierce within the active sports community, in my humble opinion. I am enamored with several of the brands you listed, such as Asics and Garmin, because my emotional equity in those brands is very high. And some runners I know would sooner get into shouting matches over brand superiority than any other type of argument.
ReplyDeleteNow, cyclists... ha. Here's a breed of people who will get large tattoos signifying their brand loyalties. That's a whole 'nother discussion. :-)