paying too much for running shoes?
 

does anyone think that its too much to spend 130 dollars on a new pair of running shoes? they are custom nike id running shoes and i dont know if im taking it too far or if i should invest in them. i think it will help motivate me to run a lot more so the money doesnt go to waste and i like to run anyways but im just getting back into it with the c25k program. i have shoes now but they dont support my knees much and i've always had a problem with my knees.

If you area a serious exercise buff, then no, it's not. If you are beginner I would find something for less than 50 bucks.

I would say get shoes that will support you. Are the nikes fitted to you? How are they custom?

If you went to a running store and tried them out and thought they were the right ones for you, I'd say go for it. If you are buying them without trying, I'd say go to a running store first.

I paid $115 last night for Sauconys.
I probably could have gotten them cheaper elsewhere, but I went to a running store that scanned the weight distribution on my feet, how I stand, and how I walk. They put me in the right shoes. I think it's worth the price to go to a store and have them give you the shoes you need.

I just paid $100 for a new pair of NB. When I first started I pulled out my trainers I did yard work in. After three or four months into my lifestyle change, I bought my first pair of NB at the NB store. I guess for me I wanted to KNOW I was definitely going to stick with something before investing too heavily financially. I invested in EVERY other way though--greatly--from the very first beginnings--eating properly, moving, educating myself, sleeping, taking care of my body, etc. etc.

I paid $130 or so for my running shoes and enjoy every penny spent.

But I went to a running store, and had them watch me run and walk and then helped fit me with a pair.

I started out in a cheap pair, and just found my legs were getting too sore - to the point I couldn't walk. I wouldn't buy $130 shoes and expect that to motivate me, I unfortunately don't work that way.

I'm not sure if your seriousness about the sport has much to do with your equipment IN THE SENSE THAT cheap running shoes often equate to knee/ankle/hip problems because they aren't necessarily designed for actual running. This isn't to say that you can't find a great pair for less than 130 bucks, and this isn't to say that you have to spend a ton. But you DO need a professional fitting for a running shoe at a running specific store IF you want to protect your knees.

You should get the best pair that you can afford that will protect your knees. And find out how long/how many miles they are "good for" because you WILL need to replace them regularly. And it might be that the 130 buck shoes may last much longer than the cheap ones, meaning that in the long run, you'll spend less on better shoes (2 pairs every 1.5 years for the expensive ones vice 4 pairs every year for the cheap ones).

Get thee to a runners' store, get fitted, and then make your choice based on comfort, stability, your running needs, your biomechanics (do you pronate? do you have a high arch? do you need extra cushioning? do you need more lateral support?) and of course your budget...

JMHO

Kira

thanks everyone for your replies! i really should try getting fitted. i think its just out of my comfort zone but i know its for the best. i really dont want anything happening to my knees. so typical: i totally realize that just having great shoes arent motivation enough to keep exercising as it shouldnt be, there are plenty of reasons why i would keep doing it ( i actually have a list :D) i think its just a little push to help start me out again and also for support. thanks again for the advice :D

I went to Big Peach running store and got measured and fitted for shoes and it made a serious difference! My knees don't hurt at all when I run now, unless I overdo it a little... :eek:

I think my New Balance shoes were $105. There were some that were more expensive, but the consultant I had was really nice and didn't push the pricier shoes.

Haha, okay.
I do think a good pair of shoes is essential if you want to run or even walk a lot. It really is amazing the difference it makes. :)

I spend like $150 every 6 months for shoes for my feet- so nope I think that's good.

But I go to Road Runner Sports and get shoes fitted for how I walk and everything- I never have feet pain anymore!

Wow. Same experience for me. He brought me the 769's (like I typically purchase) and their very highest pair in the place. (Both in my size and to try on seperate feet) I honestly couldn't tell *that* much difference. I also run with a $45 NB insert in my shoes. After I told him what I thought he completely agreed--he is also a runner. I feel really great that he didn't try to upsell the way most places do.

I bought a pair of Mizuno's (fitted at a running store) for under $100 I think. The other shoe they recommended was a pair of Brooks for $124, but I needed a 1/2 size that they didn't have so I went with the Mizuno's, even though they didn't feel as good. I should have listened to my gut; they were OK but a little too soft and squishy. I ordered the Brooks and have been running in them this week and it's a nice difference.

I think that it's worth it to spend the money if you even suspect you like running. If you are prone to injury and try to start running in cheap shoes, you could have a bad experience. I say invest in the shoes; if you end up not running, then you've got a really fancy pair of walking shoes. But if you love running (I do!), then you will be happy that you've got good shoes.

My New Balances were $150. It was worth it to me even if I never turn into a marathoner. The diffence is amazing. I used to get a lot of shin splints, ankle sprains and knee problems when I ran and I was a lot thinner then.
Now I don't have those problems.
My only complaint is that when they were fitted I tild the fitter I wore a 8. She told me I needed a 8.5. I disagreed but felt as the fitter she knew best. Now they are too big and I will need a new pair as I have to lace them super tight otherwise my feet ease out of them as I run.
Ultimately you have to decide what is best for your body. But sometimes good equipment that is a little costly is definitely better than just any old thing.

I've always worn cross trainers and initially (last year) I did start walking in my trainers. I didn't know that I could go to a runner's store and get myself fitted. I never considered myself a runner. Who me, a runner? So, I kept stalling until I finally started slowly running and my feet would hurt later on. My friends suggested that I definitely get myself fitted and when I did it made all the difference. Then I went to this running shoe store and they fitted me with NB running shoes ($ 80ish) but few days after wearing them I got blisters and my foot just was not comfortable. I tried another store and they fitted me with Nikes and as we all know most of the Nike shoes are way over $100 and I did hesitate but my feet felt so good when I tried them on. So, I bought them and they were the best purchase ever. Now I do run consistently and the right shoes have made all the difference.

In short, definitely go get yourself fitted in the store. As, different brands fit people differently. I may prefer Nike someone may prefer NB or Brooks etc. You will be better off going to the store as if a shoe does not feel right to you after few days you can take it back for an exchange.

They do make you buy anywhere from 1/2 to 1 size bigger cuz when you run and workout hard your feet swell so you need room in the shoe to feel comfortable. I had to go 1 whole size up with my Nike.

borntobefine - The fitter at my running store told me that people generally go up an entire shoe size for running shoes. I wear a 9.5/10 in regular shoes but my running shoes are size 11s. It was a bit of a blow to the ego to go with such a large size but it worked for me at least.

I would never buy a brand or style without being fitted first. $130 for a pair of shoes that you have not tried on? That could be a huge waste of money. What do you mean by custom? I've been to Adidas and Nike stores where you choose your color and style on a computer program and they manufacture them and ship them to you. Is that what you mean? They might be fun to wear with jeans, but for running? I wouldn't do it.

I fifth the advice to go to a running store, have your gait evaluated, your feet measured, and try on a few different brands/styles. Running shoes should be replaced every 400 miles or so, so it depends on how far you go how soon you need to replace them. Shoes break down.

In regards to a couple posts, one good thing about getting fitted at a good running store is that if you go home with the shoes and have problems after a few trial runs, they will take them back ;)

Very true! I had to go back and tweak mine three times... My feet are different sizes... 7 on the left and 7.5 on the right. I got the 7.5s and my right foot went to sleep, they switched me to the 8s and they were way too big for the right even with a thick sock and a tight lacing pattern so my foot slipped out, went back and they moved me back down to the 7.5 with a different lacing pattern for the right foot to give it more room to move and a pair of really thin, fancy socks. When I buy me next pair we are going to reasses and see if we need to go with the same thing or try to tweak a little more, might even try different shoes now that I know my running patterns better. They were really helpful and didn't give me a hard time about changing shoes back and forth at all.

No, not at all. I usually spend around $100 for a pair (I always buy Saucony) and replace them every 5-6 months. Your knees and hips will thank you for buying higher quality running shoes. I'd recommend going to a running store if there's one in your area so they can test your gait to make sure you're getting the right kind of support for your gait.

I always get Asics,($140.) they fit me best. The running stores are great at fitting if you get the right person.

I bought a pair of Asics from a stand and I ended up going to physio for my wrecked knee, turns out they were neutral shoes and I needed shoes that pronated. Who knew? lol
I'll never make that mistake again, I didn't like being hurt for fitness.