A Good Option Over Brooks Trance
Written: Aug 09 '99
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Product Rating:
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Pros: inexpensive, comfortable, light.
Cons: none thus far.
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| tom's Full Review: New Balance 761 |
I've recently taken two trips to the store to buy running shoes. On the first trip, I spent over $130 on a pair of Brooks Trance shoes, and on the second trip I opted for the more reasonable New Balance 761 at $79. Learn from my mistakes: get the New Balance on your first trip.
Before I compare the shoes, it's probably best to explain why I spent two small fortunes on running shoes. Why did I need to go buy a second pair of shoes after I bought the Brooks? Well, after 3 weeks of use, the Brooks shoes were torn to shreds, with all of the rubber sole panels having fallen off in the first 20 days of use. Although comfortable, the Brooks shoes are not suitable for anything except straight-up running. Ok, ok, I should have known better than to try to recreate in running shoes, but who among us doesn't do a little lateral motion now and then in our running shoes?
After my experience with the Brooks, I was a much more cautious shopper when I returned for the second pair. I tried out several models and opted for the New Balance because they seem to have better lateral support and, more importantly, the soles have rounded edges that don't catch on the pavement when you're going side-to-side (casual basketball, etc).
As a serious athlete but casual runner, I really can't feel any difference between the Brooks and New Balance as running shoes -- if anything, the New Balance feel better!
One more point: the sales man at Foot Locker convinced me to buy some gel inserts for the New Balance. These inserts are clearly the best $20.00 I've spent in this entire venture. It's like getting a free upgrade on your airline flights. I don't know the name of these inserts, but they seem to be of a standard mold -- just get the gel ones!
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
tom
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Member: Tom Fallows
Location: San Francisco, CA
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 150 members
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