advice on good running shoes
 

I've noticed every time I go to the gym after about 30 minutes the bottom of my foot starts to sting, actually it might be more of a burning sting. As far sneakers go I only own a pair of converse and sketchers running shoes, my friend who runs extensively and trains said they weren't necessarily bad but aren't necessarily good either. What are some good brands and types of running shoes?

Best bet is to go get fitted at a running store, they will help you find the best shoe for your foot.

Brooks are a good brand and what I wear but I tried on 10 pairs of shoes at the running store before I decided on these.

I love New Balance!!! The running shoes are the best, they are supportive and come in a wider size, which really goes a long way!

Of course I hate new balance and I have wide feet. Any new balance shoe I've used for exercise makes my feet go numb.

And I can't wear brooks. So you see there are lots of brands, but to find what works for you go to a real running store and get fitted by a professional. I wear asicd btw.

I went to the New Balance store and found some great ones. They were about 100 dollars but fit fantastically and look nice too. If you want to go the cheaper route, go to a running store and get measured for the brand you want. Then, when you see them at TJ Maxx or Marshall's or whatever, you will know which size is best for you.

By the way, I had Nike before and they killed my feet terribly. But some of my friends swear by Nike. I think the best fit is different for everyone.

I would definitely get fitted at a good running store. I am a huge pronator with very low arches so regular running shoes don't fit me well. The store recommended Brooks Beast line of shoes made for my foot-type and step and it fits me perfectly and have my running to be so much more comfortable.

See if there is a "RoadRunner Sports" store where you live- they are so great!

I was having those same pains- one day during a workout with my trainer I just collapsed, my foot couldn't take it- I had to sit down for quite a while it was so painful. Turned out I had tendonitis. Went to the doctor she tried to get these like $400 insoles and insurance said no (what a SURPRISE). So she recommended to try roadrunner sports. There is one about half an hour where I live.

I went in and they had me run on a treadmill for like 30 seconds, then step on this touch pad. They told me my arches were low and that I needed stability shoes since I tend to roll on my feet. They picked out the PERFECT shoes for me and I LOVE THEM.

It's been over a year and since I got the shoes (I just bought my second pair) and I love them. Yes it did cost me a pretty penny ($150 a pair) but I will never go back to cheap shoes again- my feet are too important. I also went and bought my husband two pairs and he loves the shoes as well.

Seriously haven't had an ounce of pain while working out since :D Oh to add I also get the extra insoles and that with the shoes is $150 and i totally recommend getting them if they suggest it. I never have foot pain anymore- I went walking for like 8 hours once and didn't have ANY pain at the end of it- it was AWESOME!

I went to RoadRunner Sports too and had same great experience. I also got stability shoes and haven't looked back since.

Every major running shoe brand makes a wide variety of decent shoes that all do different things. Unless you know a lot about what your feet need (and "New Balance 8D" does not constitute "a lot") this is a great way to get injured.

Go to a running store and get fitted.

I think Thighs Be Gone meant that once you know the model, brand and size of shoe you can always buy them cheaper elsewhere. Not sure, though ;)

Keep in mind too that price does not always guarantee that a shoe is going to work for you. I've had expensive shoes that caused injuries before, and super cheap ones that worked great and lasted forever. It really varies. Any running store worth it's salt will assess your needs and then give you some options in a few different price ranges if you ask them to, so don't think that you have to spend a ton of money to get good shoes.

Also, remember that they should feel good from the beginning. Don't be like me and think that you have to "break them in" and run through the pain, because you WILL injure yourself.

My running shoes were less than $100 and actually, my running store (Fleet Feet) had a sale before Christmas and I bought a replacement pair for $25.

Agree on all counts.

If they aren't comfy from the get-go, I would take them back. I will never forget my first pair of professionally fitted running shoes. I had no idea they could feel that good!

Also, I have found "my" shoes on clearance at Sports Authority and other places and have never had problems. I know the brand and model and how they should feel, so if I can find them for $39 at SA then I'm a happy camper. If I can't find them there though, you bet I will pay the regular price for them at a running store. It's more than worth it.

OK, this is a stupid question, but when they fit you for shoes, does theshoe store need to know how much you weigh? I don't want to share that info.

They don't need specific numbers but overall size, the kind of estimate that we can make without putting someone on a scale, can play into things. It's not about that you weigh 220 and not 190 so much as 220 and not 110.

Count me in as another "professional shoe fitting" advocate! :) I worked out on regular old sneakers (whatever was on sale at Target or whatever) for years, and running was always so painful! Shin splints, foot pain, you name it. I thought that was normal. Ever since I went to the local running store and got some shoes that fit my foot and stride, running has been a way more positive experience. Foot and leg pain is gone, now I'm free to focus on my side stitches! :D

I wasn't asked what I weighed, I don't think any store does... I was obviously about 70 pounds overweight when I went and bought my pair, and I was nervous about being in a store with so many serious athletes... but of course no one minded me being there, and I'm sure a lot of people, if they even noticed, would have been happy to see that I was taking a step in the right direction. :) The woman who did my fitting wasn't particularly friendly, which I thought might have been because of my obvious lack of running skills (though she still did a great job finding the right shoes for me), but when I came back a few weeks later to start my running class, she was my coach!! And I found out she was just an unfriendly person to everyone. (fortunately I was just a little too fast for her group and got to move up to another, super friendly coach! :)

Anyhow, yeah! Real running shoes, chosen by someone who understands how your feet work. I paid $90 for mine, but next to my Gowear Fit I can't think of money better spent on my health. You really don't want to screw up your feet!