Jump to content

Menu

Runners: I need new running shoes!!!!


Recommended Posts

I cannot decide what to get. I will certainly be dragging myself to the mall to try on some new shoes. I'm really leaning toward the Nike Shox, but my dh's best friend told me to try Saucony. They shoes he recommended are VERY spendy though. I'm going to see if I can find a running store to make some recommendations for me, but we don't have many shopping options where I live. :p Some background...I started running in April. I'm up to 3 miles a day, 4 days a week. This week, a couple of days, I ran twice. I'm about 45 pounds overweight, if that matters. My dh is a runner, because the Army forces him to. He said some shoes are better for heavier people. So, with all of that knowledge, what do YOU like to run in??

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Saucony is nice for running. I Loved my last pair. My favorites though have been a pair of New Balances I bought from a local store that had a pedo something that fit the shoe to my foot to give me support where I needed. I thought all those different heels and such for for asthetic design. I never realized that they were to support different areas of the foot.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The best way to find running shoes is to find a sports store with knowledgeable clerks who can help find the best shoe for you.

 

But, there's no such animal in my town. There is a woman who works at my local Lady Footlocker who runs and knows a lot about the different shoes for different strides, but you could just as easily get a college kid who doesn't have a clue.

 

I spent a lot of time on Runner's World website. They have a "shoe finder" function on their site that reviews different shoes.

 

The most important thing to know is what kind of arches you have. Are you flat footed? Do you have high arches? That makes a difference on what kind of shoe you need. I have low arches, and tend to walk/run on the inside of my feet (that makes me a mild pronator in running lingo). I need good arch support. People with high arches need more cushion. Anyway, Runner's World website explains all that VERY thoroughly, and even tells you how to figure out what kind of feet you have.

 

Asics is a very popular running shoe, but they tend to run narrow. My husband (who has high arches) runs in Asics and really likes them.

 

I like Saucony (my last three pairs of running shoes have been Saucony). I have bunions, and Saucony has lots of room in the toebox, which I need. I run in the Saucony Guide, which is the lower end Saucony for pronators. I tried the next step up last time, and didn't like them as well.

 

HTH.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The best way to find running shoes is to find a sports store with knowledgeable clerks who can help find the best shoe for you.

 

But, there's no such animal in my town. There is a woman who works at my local Lady Footlocker who runs and knows a lot about the different shoes for different strides, but you could just as easily get a college kid who doesn't have a clue.

 

I spent a lot of time on Runner's World website. They have a "shoe finder" function on their site that reviews different shoes.

 

The most important thing to know is what kind of arches you have. Are you flat footed? Do you have high arches? That makes a difference on what kind of shoe you need. I have low arches, and tend to walk/run on the inside of my feet (that makes me a mild pronator in running lingo). I need good arch support. People with high arches need more cushion. Anyway, Runner's World website explains all that VERY thoroughly, and even tells you how to figure out what kind of feet you have.

 

Asics is a very popular running shoe, but they tend to run narrow. My husband (who has high arches) runs in Asics and really likes them.

 

I like Saucony (my last three pairs of running shoes have been Saucony). I have bunions, and Saucony has lots of room in the toebox, which I need. I run in the Saucony Guide, which is the lower end Saucony for pronators. I tried the next step up last time, and didn't like them as well.

 

HTH.

:iagree::iagree::iagree:

I've been a runner all my life and when I started running marathons went to a good running store and realized A) I had been wearing the wrong size B) I had no idea what "kind" of arches I had, and therefore didn't know what kind of shoe I needed.

It would be a really, really, good use of your time to drive and get fitted for a shoe.. once you know all this information, you will have this knowledge forever and know what to buy in the future...

I wear both ASICs Nimbus for concrete/long distance running and NIKE FREE for strengthening my calves on dirt/trails. Saucony are great too, they just don't fit me right..

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree about finding a running store if you possibly can. I went to one and found out I measured about one size larger for a running shoe than I usually wear for street shoes! They watched me walk (I'm a walker, not a runner, but my chiropractor recommended running shoes) and could tell right away what shoe I needed...the Brooks Addiction. Great shoe! And not nearly as high priced as I was expecting.

 

One suggestion if you don't have a running store nearby--read up on how the shoes are supposed to fit, and what good brands are for your type of feet, then order from somewhere like zappos or shoebuy that have free shipping and free returns. It might take longer and be more of a pain, but you'll be able to try some different brands out in the comfort of your own home.

 

And good for you for running!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm going to agree with the others. Visiting a running store is your best bet, especially if you haven't been fit for running shoes before. Everyone has different needs with regard to running shoes. My husband used to wear Saucony but they changed them...oh...many years ago and didn't like them after that. He now *swears* by Brooks. However, the Brooks don't work for me. I wear Mizunos.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I just began running a few months ago also and was told by several runner friends to go get "fitted". If you can find a running store, go to it! You will be amazed with how different and BETTER running feels once you have the right shoe. I use Brooks...had New Balance previously though. They weren't bad but there's just something about a Brooks shoe for me!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I hate to run. You are nuts.

 

But i buy expensive running shoes for my stupid mucked feet/arches. I really liked the one pair of Saucony that i had years ago, for me i have to just look at the inside and know if the arch in it will cause INSTANT pain with one mere step. New Balance worked the best after that, Nike hasn't worked for me for a few years. New Balance re-did their uppers a few years ago and i haven't found a pair that works since (the lady up in the old people shoe store says she's having issues finding ones that work with foot braces and such - so i wasn't imagining the changes)

 

That said, your foot is wide, mine is narrow.... which means what? LOL!!

 

How far away is a running store? I'm going to have to find myself one of those next time i'm shoe shopping i think!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'd run in Asics in college, left to wear Brooks for a while and am now back in Asics.

 

I have run in Saucony and hated them. The insides tore up faster than the tread wore out. Nikes are too wide for my foot. At least they was lay back when I ran in them. A friend told me that Mizunos wear out really fast. I've not tried Adidas due to price. New Balance gave me knee problems.

 

Brooks (I think) is the only running shoe company that has actually looked at how a woman runs and made the shoe for us rather than just cut down the shoe to fit a woman.

 

I would recommend either Brooks or Asics. Actually what I really recommend is finding a place that will look at you, how you stand, the wear patterns on your shoes and then recommend a shoe to you. It is worth the drive and they are no more expensive.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I cannot decide what to get. I will certainly be dragging myself to the mall to try on some new shoes. I'm really leaning toward the Nike Shox, but my dh's best friend told me to try Saucony. They shoes he recommended are VERY spendy though. I'm going to see if I can find a running store to make some recommendations for me, but we don't have many shopping options where I live. :p Some background...I started running in April. I'm up to 3 miles a day, 4 days a week. This week, a couple of days, I ran twice. I'm about 45 pounds overweight, if that matters. My dh is a runner, because the Army forces him to. He said some shoes are better for heavier people. So, with all of that knowledge, what do YOU like to run in??

 

When I was fitted at a running store, I ended up in Addidas. I've got wider feet, and if I remember right I was pronating a bit. They were expensive (around $100), but it was worth it to spend extra and get the right pair (I was having knee pain and the right shoe fixed it). I need to replace them, and I hope to buy the same shoe online for less $.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I agree with all the others - go to a running store and get fitted. They should watch you walk, look at the bottoms of your current running shoes (to see how your foot hits the ground), and let you take a trial run (around the block).

 

I did that 1 1/2 years ago and really, really wanted the Mizunos to work. They were so light! But, they offered no support. The Adidas Supernova fits me best. They're ugly as sin, but I don't get the aches and pains!

 

Dh runs sometimes and swears by New Balance. He's got a few pounds to lose too.

 

Good luck with your running!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ah geez....I guess I'll have to try and find a running store. There is one about an hour away. I didn't plan to go there before I bought my new shoes though. I guess I'll have to reconsider. :p As to the poster who said, "Saucony, expensive?" Well, my dh's best friend who recommended the pair he wears?...they were $150!!!! I don't know about you, but to me, that's a TON of money for shoes! lol. I know I'll probably spend $100, that's enough to make me cringe. lol. Thanks for helping me out ya'll!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Roadrunnersports let's you know what running shoes are good for your feet.

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/product/shoe-dog.jsp?bannerimage=hp_072408_shoe_dog_top_left

 

If you don't know what type of arch she has click on Not Sure? And do the the wet foot test when she gets out of the shower/bath. Have her step on a piece of paper and match the image on the site.

 

Mechanics check Not Sure? Or look at the wear on her old shoes.

 

And if all you see are $$ shoes, the model doesn't change the type of shoe so I usually just get last years model for my feet when they are on sale.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dont' know where you are in GA but Fleet Feet is in John's Creek (north east of ATL) and Lawrenceville. I went to the former and they recommended Saucony, the same brand thatt i'd been recommended at a store in Canada.

 

Bring your old shoes with you when you go shopping as they will look at the soles to learn something about your gait.

 

My 17yo son is a dedicated cross country and track long distance runner who had worn Asics and Brooks in the past, recently switched to Saucony, even though he'd teased me that he'd only seen women wear them. When he actually tried them on in the store and ran a bit, he loved them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Agreeing with the "find a running shoe store"....

 

I would love to run in Nikes because I like the way they look but I have a wide foot and need a big toe box and lots of stability for a weak ankle. Nike is for people with very narrow feet, not so much stability. So, I use the ever-so-attractive (:glare:) Brooks.

 

Also agreeing with don't skimp on them. Running is one of the cheapest exercises you can do but you have to invest in the shoes for the long haul.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have a narrow foot and need a narrow toe box, so the PT told me to buy only Nike or Adidas. She said that I won't walk or run properly in other shoes (even with my orthotics) because most shoes have toe boxes that are too wide for my foot.

 

So if you have a narrow foot, look for Nike or Adidas. If you have a wide foot, some other brand may be better.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I drove an hour to go to a running store. I ended up with NB, which I thought I would never wear. I had tried them on in the past, but they never fit right. Turns out I needed a larger size. I went in favoring a certain brand, but they ended up not being comfortable. The guy at the store watched me walked, asked where I would be running, and helped fit me into a good shoe.

 

Even if you have to drive, it will be worth it.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

One more thing I thought is *really* important. I have a high arch and the front of my foot is wide-ish. I wouldn't be able to wear Mizunos if I had not read this article from Runner's World:

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267--12334-0,00.html

 

it explains various ways to lace and tie your shoes based on certain foot/running/fit issues. I use the skip a lace method so that the laces don't hurt the top of my instep.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Dont' know where you are in GA but Fleet Feet is in John's Creek (north east of ATL) and Lawrenceville. I went to the former and they recommended Saucony, the same brand thatt i'd been recommended at a store in Canada.

 

She's a bit behind in updating her whereabouts and siggy - i was going to tease her about it later :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

But Ryka's have gotten difficult to find, and Saucony's have been redesigned so that they don't have a shield over the mesh on the toes anymore. So I blow through them with my big toenail in about 2 weeks--can't afford that, for sure!

 

Both have been great for me because I have a narrow heel and wide toebox.

 

I visited REI recently to figure out what to do, and after getting advice from two of the sales associates I came home with some Salomon's trail running shoes. These have a layer that gives stiffness and stability to the shoe, and also have toe shields that extend further down than on other running shoes. They are not quite as light as track shoes, but are not very heavy either. They have been a great compromise shoe for me, and I would say that they have assisted with my plantar fascitis as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I lived in Atlanta area from 2002 to 2007. Before and after I was/am in Canada!

 

LOL, well you are further than her away from GA. She's in KY now, but maybe really she is in denial????? :tongue_smilie:

 

I miss her being in GA, because she was close enough to visit!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

 Share

×
×
  • Create New...