Shoe advice?
 

Hi all,

I have started walking and a tiny bit of jogging recently and I must admit I really enjoy it. But, I need new shoes. The ones I have now have no sole. I want to ensure I get something that is good for me at this weight. I think I have a normal arch / pronation. I hear asics and brooks are good. Any ideas?

Thanks

Go to a running store. Seriously. Getting fitted for shoes by someone who can analyze your gait will be very helpful. Different shoes work for different people.

New Balance! New Balance! New Balance!

Their shoes are very high in quality. They have cushioning for your foot, shock absorbers, fabric that breathes, you name it! You can buy different types for walking, running, etc.

I bought a pair a few months ago and will never go back to another brand of running shoe. I'm considering buying a second pair. One for strictly indoors and one for outside jogging.

I wonder if we could make a shoe stickie?
Truly, there are a lot of fine brands but I recommend you have your gait evaluated by a professional at a running specialty store. Try on different brands with the correct support. I wear Asic, btw, New Balance are awful for me, but Nikes are ok. It's very individual.

Great job on the running and walking and kudos for giving thought to your shoes. Very important!! :carrot:

New Balance is good. I bought one last week for running and it is suitable for me. The quality is good.http://photo-collection.co.cc/img/31...yc/biggrin.gif

This is a difficult concept for people to understand sometimes because we are use to going into stores point at a stylish pair we like... and then buying them. GO TO A RUNNING SHOE STORE. And bring with you a pair of shoes that you haves used well. A good store will fit you and take in consideration how you distribute your weight on your feet and what sort of gait you have. The wrong shoes can cause knee, shin, back and general body pains as well as being just damn uncomfortable. There are also different kinds of support needed for trails or pavement or if you are racing you may want lighter shoes. All these things a specialist can help you with quickly. My local store is ran by a local running couple and they made me feel right at home and comfortable. They can give you a couple of brands to pick from and help you stay within in a budget.

Reddalice, your scary avatar comes from one of my favorite movies of all time.

And you are right, it is difficult for me to imagine going to be fitted for a pair of shoes. I think the problem might be that (and these are likely wrong) i imagine it will be too expensive, i feel awkward going to a running store since i weigh 200 lbs, i feel like it won't make that huge of a difference, i mean, i know what size shoe i wear.

Please dismiss these mistaken ideas for me.

And, I would love a shoe sticky! One that talks about brands and foot problems and another that talks about getting fitted at a shoe store.

I went to the New Balance store and $100 later, came out with an excellent pair of shoes. --there was no breaking them in, nothing to get used to, excellent fit and excellent performance..I am a cheapskate..never want to pay even 1/2 price for anything....the full-price of this shoe is completely worth it to me though

I bought New Balance and they were very uncomfortable. Same for asics. Then I went to a running store, got fitted and purchased Brooks. I'm on my 4th pair.

It depends so much on each person's feet. I love my Brooks, they were the only pair of many that weren't too big in the heel and didn't have my heel sliding up and down the heel of the shoe. I don't have a narrow foot, just a narrow heel.

I echo the others -- go to a running store, they are experts in fitting shoes to your body and needs. Once you know what works for you, then you can get those shoes wherever you like. It may seem pricey compared to discount brands, but preventing injury is well worth the investment.

All the major brands are good. What works on my feet isn't necessarily what works on yours.

Originally Posted by Billies Pottery:
Reddalice, your scary avatar comes from one of my favorite movies of all time.

And you are right, it is difficult for me to imagine going to be fitted for a pair of shoes. I think the problem might be that (and these are likely wrong) i imagine it will be too expensive, i feel awkward going to a running store since i weigh 200 lbs, i feel like it won't make that huge of a difference, i mean, i know what size shoe i wear.

Please dismiss these mistaken ideas for me.

And, I would love a shoe sticky! One that talks about brands and foot problems and another that talks about getting fitted at a shoe store.

I'll be glad to dismiss those mistaken ideas!

At 200 lbs, I visited my first ever running store and got fitted for shoes. I even went with my friend who is a marathon runner (and very svelte to boot) who also needed new shoes. This particular store had a treadmill that you run on for maybe 15 seconds while they videotape your feet to see your gait/pronation. Like most folks I run slightly on the outsides of my feet. Because of that, I was shown shoes that help with stability.

Now, I am a Saucony girl myself. I have Saucony grid cohesions that I first got for marathon walking, but then changed my mind and decided I wanted to become a runner. But I also tried on New Balance, Asics, etc. I could try on the shoe, then go jog around the parking lot to figure out if I liked it. The pair of shoes I ultimately picked out are $130. Yes, it is expensive. But the reality is, it makes training easier because you have the right support, AND you can avoid injury with the right shoes. It really does make all the difference. I started out with walking shoes, thinking it wouldn't be that big of a deal. Well, 1 week into running I got shin splints. I could easily see why someone would give up after all that pain because you'd figure it's not worth it to be in pain while exercising, right? :lol: That's why I think shoes are great not only because they prevent injuries, but the less injuries you have, the more motivated you will be to stick with it.

If anyone is serious about running, I highly recommend going to a running shoe store (NOT one like Dick's or Sports Authority, but a real running shoe store) and get fitted. It will make a huge difference!

Good quality shoes for running are generally $60 to $100. At a running store, they should be able to give you various options based on your budget. I went in with the mentality of "I'll spend whatever I need in order to get a pair of good shoes". I walked out with a $90 pair of Brooks.

Also, don't worry about weight. I weigh slightly over 200 lbs and had no issue in the running store. I've seen people of all ages and sizes in my running store.

There is no perfect brand though, a good running store will carry a variety of good brands. I know a lot of people love New Balance but I can't do them.

you need to call running stores first... ask how they avaluate the foot. I called about 10 places before i found one store i needed. Most of them would just give you your size of the show and thats it. The place i found put you on a treadmill and observe how you walk without show. Then a lady braught tons of shoes for me to try. I spent 1 hour at least at that store. Mine was Brooks company and was about $120. Love it. It has the most support for my foot.

PS i too walk and jog. My goal is to be able to run 5K. I noticed before i got my Brooks shoes my hip would be so in pain after running and its been for weeks. So i waited no longer and got good running shoes. I was soooo pleasently surprised that the hip pain was completely gone!

While we're talking about buying shoes, we should also mention replacement. Most expert sources I've seen will say that you should replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles. For me, that's every 3 to 5 months! The inside cushioning starts to break down way before the outside looks worn. I can usually get away with more mileage than that, but if I go too long, I'll start noticing twinges in my feet, knees and/or hips. As soon as I replace the shoes, the twinges disappear ....

Originally Posted by MBN:
While we're talking about buying shoes, we should also mention replacement. Most expert sources I've seen will say that you should replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles. For me, that's every 3 to 5 months! The inside cushioning starts to break down way before the outside looks worn. I can usually get away with more mileage than that, but if I go too long, I'll start noticing twinges in my feet, knees and/or hips. As soon as I replace the shoes, the twinges disappear ....

Agreed. My friend who is a marathoner replaces hers about every so often. I'm not quite up to needing to replace every 3-5 months, but I'm planning on getting a new pair here in May for my birthday.

Additionally, it's recommended NOT to get new shoes right before you participate in a race!! I'll be getting my new Sauconys about 3-4 months before my first race... enough time to break them in.

Originally Posted by :
I'll be getting my new Sauconys about 3-4 months before my first race... enough time to break them in.

Running shoes do not need to get broken in. They should be comfortable and wearable right out of the box. If they're not, they're not right for you.

You don't want your first run in a pair of shoes to be a race because there's the possibility of some random seam or part rubbing in a way that your previous pair of exactly the same shoes didn't, and if the shoe model has been updated (say, Saucony Grid Whoosis for 2008 replaced with Saucony Grid Whoosis for 2009), it's very possible that the updates don't work for you and a race isn't where you want to find that out.

Most definately get professionally fitted, the sneakers there arent much more expensive than what youd pay in Sports Authority.

I totally agree on replacements too. I went to see my orthopedist last week and the first words out of his mouth were "replace those shoes". He said I should replace them every 6 months at the most.

The store I wanted to go to was closed so I had to go to Sports Authority. I had a pair of Nikes in my hand but let the salesman talk me into New Balance. I bought them, brought them home and an hour later returned them. 10 minutes in these things and my feet were crying. I bought a pair of Brooks and I swear I will never put anything else on my feet. I'm a Brooks girl for life!

I went to a running store and got fitted. :)

Brooks Adrenaline. Woohoo.

Originally Posted by MariaMaria:
Running shoes do not need to get broken in. They should be comfortable and wearable right out of the box. If they're not, they're not right for you.

You don't want your first run in a pair of shoes to be a race because there's the possibility of some random seam or part rubbing in a way that your previous pair of exactly the same shoes didn't, and if the shoe model has been updated (say, Saucony Grid Whoosis for 2008 replaced with Saucony Grid Whoosis for 2009), it's very possible that the updates don't work for you and a race isn't where you want to find that out.

Well, I have read differently:

New shoes before marathon

Runner's World advice on breaking in running shoes

Dr. Pribut's tips

I do agree that a race is not the time to try out a new shoe because of several problems. Hence, running around in them before a race is a good idea.

The usual rule is "Nothing New" on marathon race day! No new clothes, no new foods, no new hydration fluids -- stick to what has been proven to work. If anything doesn't work right, for whatever reason, it can make for a Bad Day.

Another tip: be careful with "sale" shoes. The materials begin breaking down and a shoe that has sat on a shelf or in a box for a year will have weaker materials than a newer one from the factory. So you might save a few bucks, but the quality may be poorer than you expect and it might not last the 300-500 miles for you. A reputable running shop should be able to tell you how long the shoe has been in the store.

Great suggestion on Sticking this thread Midwife... it's now a done deal :D

Originally Posted by midwife:
A reputable running shop should be able to tell you how long the shoe has been in the store.

Sure, but would they have any idea how old the shoe was when it got to the store? To be honest, I really wonder whether a year means anything in the life of shoe material, but I don't have any actual knowledge about it, so who knows.

i am a Brook girl for life as well! mine are Brooks Ariel. The sales woman (very knowlagable cuz she is into running too) said "no wonder you chose this - this model provides the most support all around." and she did give me a lot of options but once i tryed Brooks Ariel i knew this is the one pair that will come home with me.

Originally Posted by JulieJ08:
Sure, but would they have any idea how old the shoe was when it got to the store? To be honest, I really wonder whether a year means anything in the life of shoe material, but I don't have any actual knowledge about it, so who knows.

No, but if it's been in the store for a year, that adds a year to the breakdown already. My DD's cross country team heard a lecture from a sports PT and she brought this up. She advises her patients to avoid sale shoes for this reason.

Thanks for stickying it Ilene!

Brook's Ariel -- I tried those a few years ago and found them too heavy, I always felt like my feet were dragging, the support was excellent though... they came highly recommended by my foot specialist... I just didn't personally like them...

Hey there, I would recommend any body that is starting out running/walking to go to Fleet Feet. You can find them on line and find a store near you.. They will actually take the time to fit you and ask you question and watch you walk or jog outside.. I have been twice and I love it. It takes about an hour and trying on almost 8 pairs of shoes. My first pair where ascics and then I got a pair of Mazuno for more stability.. You only pay for the shoes around $100.00 but they are worth it.. I have bad knees and Scoliosis and the support is awesome.. My boyfriend also purchased a pair of New Balances also.. Fleet Feet is different then you going to try shoes on by yourself.. they tell you about your stand and how you walk.. which is great... Just wanted to give my opinion.. take care and good luck!!

What I love is that after you get the expert help and find the right shoe, it's much easier the next time - you can just order your replacements online. I'm one of the many New Balance fans out there and have been ordering the same shoes as they move through slightly different model numbers for years.

Originally Posted by MariaMaria:
Running shoes do not need to get broken in. They should be comfortable and wearable right out of the box. If they're not, they're not right for you.

Disagree. I will not do a fast, long or hilly run until my shoes have a good 25 miles on them, and I prefer about 100 for marathons. Otherwise they give me achilles issues. However a less stiff shoe (I wear stability which is the middle ground) will give me knee issues that wont go away.

100-300 miles for me is the "sweet spot" where they have enough flex but the cushioning and support has not yet broken down.

Originally Posted by :
No, but if it's been in the store for a year, that adds a year to the breakdown already. My DD's cross country team heard a lecture from a sports PT and she brought this up. She advises her patients to avoid sale shoes for this reason.

I go through shoes fast enough that the extra age doesnt seem to be an issue. Technically I should be replacing my shoes every 5-6 weeks but since I rotate several shoes at a time I will often have my shoes for a full year after purchase and often buy clearance of a model I know I like rather than taking my chances with the next model year. I also live far from the store so when I go I usually buy 3 pairs. It is possible I get a few less miles off the older shoe, but probably make up for it by rotating my shoes (If you run frequently, shoes dont always rebound entirely and breakdown faster.)

I do need to clear out my shoes soon though, I think I have 4 pairs in the "too old for long runs but not dead yet" category eeeking their way to the shoe recycler.

dont buy nike shox to walk or run in...my shins were hurting within 1/4 mile. and i normally walk 4 or 5 miles. its a shame you pay $100 for a pair of sneakers and your shins hurt. i'm going back to new balance. another poster said they took back there shoes after wearing them...i wish i knew you could take back sneakers...i'm forced to wear these sneakers to the market short distance now.

to follow up with all the others who have posted - a running store. Not a Foot Locker, or any chain. I have gone into those stores and just asked which ones compensate for pronation (I heard crickets chirping at that one) and then asked which would be better on trails vs pavement (again with the crickets.) Those are mass market retailers with maybe some basketball players that work there and a lot of teens who work there after school.

Running stores hire RUNNERS. Every real running store I have been in only hires runners. Long distance runners, sprinters, medium distance runners... all runners. they know their shoes and what works for your feet. they can give advice on whether you might need to be fitted for orthodics. They are trained on every shoe in that store and know what works for certain gaits and not for others. They watch you run (or walk) they will take measurements (I buy at least a size larger in running shoes then in regular shoes.. and usually men's, the women's sometimes run too narrow in the toes for me)

Yes, you may pay more.. but here is the other bonus.. after they fit you, you try them out for a week or two... if they are not feeling good, or your shins hurt or they rub.. you can bring them back and they will try another pair for you. Try bringing used shoes back to FootLocker to tell them they did caused shin splints.

I am also 250 lbs. I have completed the 3 Day Walk and my first 5k. I have never had any problems going into the running stores. they are always kind and offer great service. Yes, I have special needs with shoes since I am way heavier then most runners.. I need a bit more cushioning since I am putting even more pressure on my joints then others are....they also thought about this when bringing out shoes.

You might not get shoes that are "cute" but a good fit will make you a very happy camper. It is not about looks.

Also... don't hang onto shoes for years.. they break down over time. Expect to replace them fairly quickly when running. If they start to not feel as awesome, time to turn them in.

I am currently in New Balance.
Nikes were torture devices, as were some of the Saucony I tried. Brooks were ok, but finally settled on the NB.

There are people who swear by Nike Shox. What hurts one may not hurt another. I have a new pair of Saucony. Tried NB and Nike, not for me. So far, I like Saucony.

i have nike zooms. i just got them but they are alright i have been running in flat footed shoes so they are 100 percent better but i dont think they are the best.

I am a floor work person weights,plyo,kickbox,step elliptical,,ect ect. I wear New Balance just found a great pair was not sure if I needed wide or not . I ordered over the phone so I could talk to them{I oder work shoes from themNEW BALANCE ONLINE} anyways the guy tells me workout in them several times,they didn't have enough arch so added an arch support they were to wide so I order reg kept both pairs until I could COMPARE and sent back and GOT FULL credit they paid for SHIPPING GOT LOVE IT!!

new balance is good
 

Originally Posted by Realist:
Hi all,

I have started walking and a tiny bit of jogging recently and I must admit I really enjoy it. But, I need new shoes. The ones I have now have no sole. I want to ensure I get something that is good for me at this weight. I think I have a normal arch / pronation. I hear asics and brooks are good. Any ideas?

Thanks

I have tried several myself and found new balance works good for me

I would say it depends, New Balance don't work for me. Shoes are pretty individual.

I LOVE my Nike Shox! They come in all different colors and are absolutely the most comfortable exercise shoes I have ever owned. I bought mine at Foot Locker and I even bought new insoles that add extra support. Absolutely fantastic shoes!

Luz:smug:

Originally Posted by nelie:
I would say it depends, New Balance don't work for me. Shoes are pretty individual.

Same here. When I went to the shoe store they fit me with NB shoes and after few days of running in them I got blisters. I went back and they refitted me with Nike and I love the shoe. Previously, I've tried NB cross trainers as well and was not impressed with it.