1.
While Sneaker Report is the go-to choice for all of your performance footwear related inquiries as the premiere “online guide for athletes in search of the perfect sneakers to hit the trail, track, or court; all athlete-tested for you.” But sometimes it’s not a bad idea to go directly to the source (i.e. the brands) for any specific questions you might have.
Having realized that, many of the top running brands offer live chat options directly on their websites, where a trove of information is just a few clicks away and brand representatives await eagerly to educate you on all things running. So we decided to troll five of our favorite by asking them a range of general footwear-related questions (and a few non-related for fun). Here’s what they had to say.
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2.
Brand: Nike
Q: What’s the most popular Nike Running shoe?
A: “Hi! That really depends on what you are looking for. Our Frees are a pretty popular choice among people that are looking for a barefoot feel…Our Free Flyknits also seem to be pretty popular."
Q: Interesting. Which model has been the best selling over the past 5 years?
A: “I don’t have that information I am afraid. Are you doing this for some sort of school project?”
Q: Just curious. Is lighter always better when it comes to running shoes?
A: “No, it just depends what you are looking for. Some people like to have them lighter just for personal preference. Especially if you are running races.”
Q: What’s the best running brand?
A: “Nike of course.”
3.
Brand: Brooks Running
Q: What’s the difference between support and guidance shoes?
A: “The guidance is going to add a little more support than neutral shoes for people who over pronate but is an in between shoe…while the support shoe is going to be for people who over pronate and need more stability.”
Q: What’s the best running brand?
A: “Brooks is!”
4.
Brand: adidas
Q: Which of your running technologies offer more energy return: Boost or Springblade?
A: “The boost technology will be the best on energy return. That is what the boost material was made for.”
Q: But isn’t the Springblade bouncier?
A: “It helps with explosive energy. It builds it up, then makes you explode while running.”
Q: What’s the best running brand?
A: “I love my adidas. They have never failed me yet…I have also been running for years, and adidas has been my brand to go to.”
5.
Brand: Altra
Q: What are the benefits and drawbacks of zero-drop footwear?
A: “Benefits include a more natural positioning of the foot and body, which helps with alignments and joint issues. Also, there is inherently a better form that follows with that. Which leads to better efficiency of the gait cycle…There aren’t any downsides except that the Achilles and calve muscles might be a little tender for a few days to a couple weeks depending on the transition period…Running more natural is always a positive thing. We do have a standard cushion built into our shoes so you won’t fell like you’re running barefoot.”
Q: What’s the best running brand?
A: “Altra :-)”
6.
Brand: Under Armour
Q: How often should you switch out your running shoes?
A: “It all depends. I usually recommend when they seem to be wearing on the outside that the sole is deteriorating.”
Q: What’s your favorite shoe?
A: “The charge RC 2. Check them out here.”
Q: Is that the best one for winter running?
A: “I would go with a storm option for winter running if your going to be in the rain or snow.”
Q: What’s storm?
A: “Water resistant technology.”
Q: Does Under Armour have any new running shoes coming out this winter?
A: “No, here are all the options that we have.”
Q: What’s the best running brand?
A: “What do you mean?”
Q: The best running brand?
A: “I work for Under Armour so there is my vote.”
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