Running shoes recommendations

[wm49rs]

I went back a couple of pages and didn't see a comparable thread, so....

I'm thinking about starting a running regimen to compliment my weight training, perhaps 2-3 times a week, with a similar number of miles being ran. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a decent pair of running shoes for a beginner like myself. Currently, I wear a pair of New Balance cross-trainers, which is fine for the biking and weight training I do, but I don't think would have the proper amount of support. Any recommendations would be helpful. Thanks!

 

[JillC LI]

I don't know much about running shoes other than what works for me, but the folks who work at running shoe specialty stores sure do. Most will give you a chance to run on a treadmill or around the store, and they will judge your gait and listen to your issues and recommend something that would be best for you. That could be your best bet.

 

[dreamfinder]

I don't know much about running shoes other than what works for me, but the folks who work at running shoe specialty stores sure do. Most will give you a chance to run on a treadmill or around the store, and they will judge your gait and listen to your issues and recommend something that would be best for you. That could be your best bet.

This.

Go get fitted. Not at your local sporting good store, or sneaker warehouse, but your local running store. If you want to read reviews, Runners World just came out with their summer shoe review here -> http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-240-400-0-0,00.html And most shoe companies will provide shelf talkers for when their shoes get selected that some stores will put on display. But if you don't know what type of shoe you need, the reviews won't do much good. Tell the clerk exactly what you just posted here, and they should be able to help find you something good. Expect to spend between 80-100 for a decent shoe.

 

[JillC LI]

This.

Go get fitted. Not at your local sporting good store, or sneaker warehouse, but your local running store. If you want to read reviews, Runners World just came out with their summer shoe review here -> http://www.runnersworld.com/topic/0,7122,s6-240-400-0-0,00.html And most shoe companies will provide shelf talkers for when their shoes get selected that some stores will put on display. But if you don't know what type of shoe you need, the reviews won't do much good. Tell the clerk exactly what you just posted here, and they should be able to help find you something good. Expect to spend between 80-100 for a decent shoe.

I pay $140 for my Nike Equalons. Ouch. But necessary.

 

[larryl9797]

I absolutley agree with my mouse eared compatriots... go to a running store ( like fleet feet out here on the east coast) tell them your needs and if you have any problems with your feet and let them check out your gait. It will cost a little more, but you will get a better shoe for your feet... and nothing is worse than an ill fitting pair of running shoes. Def stay away from the big box athletic store ... :wave:
Good luck!

 

[MissM]

Love's favorites are the Nike Free Run. The sole is split differently so it moves more like a barefoot. The thought these days is that all that padding makes things worse because thick-soled shoes make you heel-strike instead of a natural stride where you land on the ball of your foot. Heel-striking causes hip and knee damage and results in runner injury.

Anyway, that's his favorite. But see what works for you. Something like the Free is different and takes a learning curve from the more traditional style, thick-soled shoe, so keep that in mind. A good running store as mentioned can help.

 

[wm49rs]

Thanks everyone. I've got a few decent shoe stores here in the ATL to visit, and I'm glad my questions are along the right lines. I appreciate everyone's input. :wave:

 

[fmingo36]

$$$ doesn't equal the Best

And just remember more $$$ doesn't mean the best sneaker. You just have to find the best running shoe for you. I found that Asics work best for me because of the width of my foot and the way that I run; my best friend only runs in Nikes because of her feet issues. Everyone is different and yes, a store that specializes in running apparell is your best place to find the sneaker that works best for you.

 

[wilkeliza]

As everyone else has said go get fitted. Also it should just be talking to someone. The store should have a tread mill and watch you run in the shoes you are going to buy.

We have a great store here in NYC called Jackrabbit Sports. When you first come in they give you the stock shoe to run in on the treadmill. The tech watches you run on a monitor and then slows it down so they can see exactly how your foot strikes the running surface. You shouldn't have to re-learn how to run which is what is necessary with the "barefoot" style shoes. If the tech determines that you have a problem such as your feet turn in or you don't strike on a proper angle etc. they will bring out shoes that would correct the issue through the shoe instead of you possibly injuring yourself in shoes you have to "learn" to run in.

In my experience I only had a slight deviance and ended up running fine in a high quality running shoe. I was only off because of the tread wear on my old ones. I did mention to the tech that I have some knee issues from a previous injury and they kept that in mind the entire time and even carefully looked at each frame of my gait to make sure the pain was not associate with my style of running by any means.

My shoes only cost 109 for a great pair. I would say if you spend over 140 you aren't getting much more bang for your buck. This specialty store sold over 20 shoes at 109 and only 10 or less at the 140 mark.

Also remember you need to replace running shoes every 300-400 miles which is about every 6 months. The trick I was told was mark the date of your first run in the shoes on the inside of the tongue so that with your tracking of runs or date you know when to start examining them. I was told you will just know when it is time because you will feel sore after your runs like you did before you bought the better shoes or you will feel the loss of the cushion.

I just started running as well and found the running store was a great place for information.

 

[Fievel]

I'll agree with getting fitted...as you'll regret getting a shoe you just think looks good.

Each foot is different. I pronate (turn my feet in) when I run, so I have shoes that are designed to help absorb that shock, and adjust my foot strike. My feet are much happier for it.

 

[Mr mom]

If you are going to commit to the running program, don't get just one pair. Shoes change year over year, so a shoe that you thought was great last year may not be next year. If you are doing any real running, they wear out after about 6 months. I recommend that if you find a pair you really like, get two, mark them 1 and 2 and rotate them, that way you get twice as long out of them. Make sure you find out what your running form is as well, different shoes do different things. As an example I over pronate, which means my feet twist inward as I run, so the sneaks I use have a pronation bar in them to keep my feet in proper form, I also have an adjustment for arch support which also works great. I got a deal of buy one get one for a penny, so for 165 I got two pairs, have been using them since early spring. Remember every foot is different so what works for you can be horrible for someone else.

 

[Disney Dawg88]

Thanks everyone. I've got a few decent shoe stores here in the ATL to visit, and I'm glad my questions are along the right lines. I appreciate everyone's input. :wave:

Fellow Atlanta resident here, hello! :wave: I buy all my shoes from Phidippides in Sandy Springs . . . great group there at that store. I'm not sure where in Atlanta you live but you can't go wrong with any of the Big Peach stores either, they actually video tape you running on a treadmill where Phidippides just watches you run. Either way you can't go wrong, they'll take care of you.

 

[joel_maxwell]

After trying to support my local running shops, they were out of my size in my Ride 3's. They were going to order me some. They never called. After a week, I called them and the girl said she was going to have to call me back since she was with a customer. She never did. I tried calling again and got the machine.

After a week and a half, Im buying another pair of the Ride 3's on Amazon for $60 instead of the new model of Ride 4's for $100.

Sorry local shop. I tried.

 

[JillC LI]

After trying to support my local running shops, they were out of my size in my Ride 3's. They were going to order me some. They never called. After a week, I called them and the girl said she was going to have to call me back since she was with a customer. She never did. I tried calling again and got the machine.

After a week and a half, Im buying another pair of the Ride 3's on Amazon for $60 instead of the new model of Ride 4's for $100.

Sorry local shop. I tried.

It never even occurred to me to look for my running shoes on Amazon. I have to drive nearly an hour to get to the only store by me that carries them. I do like being able to try them on though. Once I rejected a pair that were the right model and size just because they felt "off." The next pair I tried on of the identical thing felt right. I'll consider looking on amazon next time.

 

[Lucky]

Each foot is different.

Each shoe is different too. I always buy New Balance size 13D. But different models of New Balance, even at the same price level, seem to fit and feel very different.

So definitely try them on and wear them for a while before buying them.

The upper end ones may be worthwhile depending on what surface you're running on, how old you are, how many miles you run, etc. If you're young and have healthy joints, don't run more than 10 miles a week, and run on soft surfaces (like a good high school track) you could easily get by with $40 or $50 shoes.