Petar Milošević

Heel strike, runner with Asics Metaspeed Edge Paris (2024 Ljubljana Marathon). Courtesy of Petar Milosevic, Wikimedia Commons

Paying attention to the shoes you run on is important to your training and well being. After asking different distance runners about Asics, Hokas and Nikes, the Hayfield distance runners’ valuable feedback should be considered when selecting your next pair of running shoes.

Asic, Hokas and Nikes are the most popular brand of shoes you’ll find the Hayfield distance track team and cross country runners wearing.

Freshman Isabelle Quinn has been running since she was eight (now 14), and she constantly finds herself coming back to Asics. While running around 30 miles per week, she’s never found any problems with the shoes.

“Asics have never caused me any injuries. They have good cushions for long distance running and they have cute colors,” Quinn said.

Freshman Abigail Board likes Asics but has had past issues with Hokas.

“Asics have good stability and last longer than other shoes,” Board said.

Abigail isn’t alone in her opinions on Hokas. Freshman Emily Fredlake also finds that Hokas have caused her many issues.

“The bottom broke down which led me to have runner’s knee, and other weird tweaks and pains. They also got worn down, even though I only had them for a few months,” Fredlake said.

Emily Fredlake runs around 30 miles per week and she prioritizes switching her shoes out after 300-400 miles on them. She runs with Asic Gel Nimbus 26’ for the smooth stride and the bouncy feel. Emily finds Asics don’t wear down quickly, unlike Hokas.

Freshman Elza Montmarquet has been running with Hokas for a year and a half and wants to switch to Asics. She runs around 20 miles per week.

“Hokas have caused me problems with my knees, hips and ankles. They wear down and cause you problems because of the cushioning,” Montmarquet said.

On the flip side, Nikes are also valued for their comfortability.

Senior Victoria Greksouk has been running for four years and hasn’t found any problems with her nikes.

“I like the drift and how bouncy the Nike Pegasuses’ are,” Greksouk said.

Junior Haylie Walker runs 30-40 miles per week and switches her shoes every 3 months, but has had 6 pairs of her Nikes.

“The Nike invincible threes give you blisters at first, like every new pair, but then they’re fine, they’re so comfortable,” Walker said. “They’re really thick and bouncy,”

Like everything, there are pros and cons with every shoe. Doing proper research and listening to advice can help you to find the perfect running shoes for you.