Running shoe brands only include Nike, Adidas and Reebok right?

Absolutely not. Other running shoe brands include Saucony, Mizuno, Asics, Brooks and New Balance. While the main three you hear about have some great options, this other group seems to grace the feet of many marathoners. Also, every specialized running store stocks more of the later than the first three.

Again, don't pick a running shoe based solely on brand or color.

Below, you'll find a quick overview of running shoe brands and some of their more popular models.

Nike
University of Oregon track and field coach Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight, a former runner, started what we now know today as Nike with it's iconic "swoosh" logo. One of the more famous runners to use their shoes was Steve Prefontaine or simply "Pre." While he didn't run marathons, he did run long distance races—very well.

Until more recently, Nike wasn't at the top of the list for running shoes. However, with a few of their recent editions such as the Nike Air Zoom Structure Triax 11+ and Nike Air Zoom Elite 4+, they have "upped" their game.

Mizuno
Founded in 1906, Mizuno happens to be my favorite running shoe brand. The Wave Rider 9 was my first pair and was a great neutral shoe.

The good folks at Mizuno recently teamed up with American Olympian and best-selling author Jeff Galloway. He is an amazing distance runner with many wins under his belt so you know he thinks these bad boys are top-notch as well! Here are two of their more well-known shoes, the Wave Rider and Wave Creation series.

Well, I'm here to attest that they are definitely swifty! My wife loves this shoe, swears by them and regular argues with me that they are supreme over any other style. I try to tell her it's not about the brand, but she seems to think differently. :) One of the most recommended styles is the Sauncony Progrid Hurricane 10. It just sounds fast!