I'm really looking for a nice fitting, supportive gym shoe. I'm in the market for one good pair, hopefully in the $80-$120 range, but I want to make sure that what I get will be well worth it. Any certain brands, styles that you swear by? My husband likes Nike Shox, but I don't know if those would work for me.
It all depends on what you want to do. For a good pair of running or walking shoes go to a reputable running store. They will watch your walk and advise you depending if you are a pronater or not. You can get a very good pair for the price range you mention.... but to answer your question more specifically I've had Brooks, Nike and Reebok and I've liked them all...
That's okay!! I think I may try some Nike Shox, but I'll just try it for a few workouts and see if it, well, works out! I can't use them for too long and then take them back, in bad condition.
For running, I have Brooks Infinitis. They have moderate support for pronation. I went to a running store, did the treadmill, tried on a whole bunch, and these were the only ones narrow enough in the heel (I don't take a narrow width, I just have a narrow heel). All the others let my heel slide up and down with every stride.
I have bouts of plantar faciatis (heel spurs), so I'm fussy about my shoes. There are a couple of rules I shop by.
1. Try on both shoes and walk around the store in them.
2. They should feel comfortable/good when you try them on. You shouldn't
have to break them in.
3. Don't be afraid (if you are a woman) to try on some mens styles. I find them
to be a better fit sometimes. I don't have big feet, but the mens just fit
better.
4. Wear the socks you will wear when using the shoes.
5. Try on shoes late in the day. Your feet tend to swell during the day.
That said, you can get great shoes in your price range. I'm an Adidas girl myself, recently bought a pair of Adidas Mega Bounce. Love them. I work for a veterinarian, so I'm on my feet a lot, and shoes have to be comfy from 7:30am to 5:00pm.
I wear Asics, but it doesn't matter. The right shoe for me may or may not be the right shoe for you. Try on lots of pairs. If you will be using them for walking or running, have your gait analyzed by someone who knows what they are doing.
If you can get to a really good shop, it can be very helpful. I have always worn Nikes but then after my feel started hurting and I went for some new sneaks, I learned that Brooks-- (style is TRANCE) fit my feet sooo much better.
Last edited by kittycat40; 12-30-2008 at 11:14 AM.
I wasn't really saying what is good for you guys will be good for me, I just want to guide different types of shoes so I can have a variety to try out. I do have occassional plantar faciitis as well.
I'm pretty sure my next pair will be more Mizunos. They're expensive but they're the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn for working out and they weigh next to nothing!