walking/running shoes...brand?

amraf1024
amraf1024 Posts: 74
in Fitness and Exercise
i have a generic pair of shoes for walking/running nothing fancy but they KILL my feet. I know being out of shape doesn't help either but geeze these really hurt and give me blisters. I have tried insoles but that just didn't help. So any suggestions on brands? I do most of my walking/jogging on a treadmill (not sure if it makes a difference or not). Any and all suggestions are welcomed!
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Replies

  • AlexisJ330
    AlexisJ330 Posts: 97 Member
    I always use New Balance shoes. If there is a New Balance store by you, they can help find the perfect pair. I use a pair of trail running shoes since they are the most supportive. They also have multiple widths which is nice. They are a little expensive but its worth it since my knees and ankles don't hurt while running when I am wearing them.
  • amraf1024
    amraf1024 Posts: 74
    thank you i am looking at them now!
  • djwife03
    djwife03 Posts: 333 Member
    yes! NEW BALANCE or BROOKS!
  • Hexahedra
    Hexahedra Posts: 894 Member
    The type of shoes is more important than the brand, as long as it's one of the reputable brands. It's very important to pick the type of shoes that matches your gait, so it's worth having a professional analyzes it. I'll give you several brands for starters: Brooks, Asics, New Balance, Nike, Mizuno.
  • hsw07
    hsw07 Posts: 1 Member
    Brooks all the way!! I will never buy another brand after switching!
  • Laurenmp16
    Laurenmp16 Posts: 344 Member
    Love my Asics but the other poster is right, it will vary a lot person to person. I had some adidas that felt great in the store but were too narrow on my toes I realized after a few runs my toes blistered each other. Try shopping around until you find a knowledgeable sales person that asks about your activities and can make an educated recommendation.
  • joleabean
    joleabean Posts: 3 Member
    Good Shoes are essential...I always wore Asics until I tried a pair of Brooks. I don't think I'll ever switch again! Right now I have the Ghost 5 and they are the most comfortable shoes I've ever had. I usually log about 30 miles a week.
  • jofjltncb6
    jofjltncb6 Posts: 34,415 Member
    Brooks.

    If you have a Fleet Feet* nearby, check them out. It's worth the very slightly higher price (compared to online) for their fitting process. They really know their stuff.


    ETA *or other specialty running store
  • skinniewannabe
    skinniewannabe Posts: 106 Member
    Skechers "Go Walk" and "Go Run" are awesome!!
  • Alison12121
    Alison12121 Posts: 198 Member
    I love Brooks. The ones I have are comfy, waterproof, and they are lasting a lot longer than my Nikes.
  • tavenne323
    tavenne323 Posts: 332 Member
    I love my Mizuno's for running. I've also heard that Newton's are fantastic (from my cousin who runs lots of marathons).

    The key is to make sure they are the right size. Most people buy shoes too small and too narrow. Find a store that will actually put you on a treadmill, analyze your gait, and fit you with the perfect shoe. You probably aren't going to find a good pair for less than $80 (US)... I like to spend around $100.
  • Otterluv
    Otterluv Posts: 9,083 Member
    My running shoes are Brooks. Ditto what Jof said about getting fitted, it's really helpful.
  • angelamary61
    angelamary61 Posts: 97 Member
    Where I live there is a shoe shop and I beleive the Foot Locker also does it, where they will get you to run/walk on a treadmill and look at your style and fit you with the correct shoe.
    I did this and as I have bunions they recommended New Balance as there is webbing not stitching in that area and I have no trouble.
    I recently bought a pair of Nikes, they look cool but I cant walk far in them so am terribly disappointed in them.
    Angela
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    When I was bigger I started with Asics. New Balance was okay too but I really like the Asics. Since then, I have changed to Mizuno road shoes and Brooks trail shoes. Point being, find one that is comfortable and don't be afraid to take them back if they hurt. Also, spend money on your shoes. Discounts are nice but not at the cost of pain.
  • jennyrebekka
    jennyrebekka Posts: 626 Member
    If you have a Road Runner Sports store near you, they have a 90 day return policy.....even if "you bring them back covered in mud"....allegedly. I will be testing out this theory within the next week.......as the ones they fit me in are giving me more problems than they are solving, unfortunately.

    Good luck....there are lots of choices out there.
  • krouse83
    krouse83 Posts: 182 Member
    I had the exact same issue you have. I walk at least 3 miles daily and was getting blisters on the outside of my soles as well as pain in my hips. I thought it was my shoes, and so I went to a running/ walking store. They actually measured my feet and video taped me walking on the treadmill to get the perfect shoe. I ended up with Brooks and an insole since I overpronate. I have noticed that since going to the store, I haven't had the hip pain and only gotten blisters once since. I went back to the store and talked to the experts about the blisters and realized that when I got blisters I was wearing cotton socks and not socks that were made for walking and running. The cotton caused friction when my feet swelled during exercise resulting in the blisters. I switched socks and no more blisters!!!

    Ultimately I really encourage you to go to a specialty store. They will tell you what kind of shoes to get and if you need anything to correct your step. Also switch the socks that are made for exercise and have very little cotton in them. Hope this helps!
  • bio01979
    bio01979 Posts: 313
    I love my saucony :)

    best advice is to go into a proper running store (or if you can find a sporting goods store that sells shoes AND has knowledeable sales people) and get help :)

    They can look at your gait to see if you are under or over pronating and whether you need arch support or stability, they will get you the right shoes for the activity you are doing and for YOUR gait :)
  • JenniTheVeggie
    JenniTheVeggie Posts: 2,474 Member
    I think it depends on your feet! Do you have a running store that you can go and get measured/fitted at? I went to mine and Brooks are what worked for my feet. :smile:
  • Zandrette
    Zandrette Posts: 1
    I just bought a pair of Asics for the first time and I love them. Some adjust for pronated feet (under or over) and others are neutral. Since my feet are under-pronated (if you don't know a quick trip to Google will help you figure it out) my shoes are technically corrective shoes and they have gel padding. They are by far the best pair of running shoes I've ever owned!
  • Sharkington
    Sharkington Posts: 485
    I use New Balance and Aesics for my running shoes and have found them to be of very good quality and there are many different options to choose from.. However, like mentioned multiple times, it depends on your feet/arch/stride. You should definitely go to a running store where they can look at your feet to figure out what type of shoe is best for you. It will definitely be worth it if you're wanting to get into running as a regular activity.

    I did have Nike as my first brand as I first started out, but those ended up giving me major problems when running. I still wear them for light activity, like the elliptical, though.
  • dawlschic007
    dawlschic007 Posts: 636 Member
    I have Brooks, Asics and Nike Fushions that I rotate, depending on what I'm doing. I really like the Nike Fushions and have put a lot of miles on them running and those are probably the most comfortable and lightest. I got fitted for the Asics and really like those as well but I think the Brooks are slightly more comfortable.
  • Drop_it_Like_Its_Hawt
    Drop_it_Like_Its_Hawt Posts: 226 Member
    I have Brooks sneakers, and they're the most durable, comfy sneakers I've ever owned. Seriosly, I've gone miles and miles in these, and they're still in good shape. Most good athletic shoe places will have someone who knows how to fit your specific feet to a good pair, though. A little pricier than just grabbing some off the rack, but if you're making a point to get a LOT of use out of those shoes, it's totally worth it.
  • kathystrauss1
    kathystrauss1 Posts: 142 Member
    I love Mizunos but everyone is so different. Go to a specialty running store and they can really help you get the right shoe for your body. And as you get smaller you may even have to change shoe models, I know I did when I gained weight.
  • eperezamora
    eperezamora Posts: 42 Member
    I have wide feet and a high arch .. I tend lean towards, Nike and new balance. But before you purchase, you should get your feet checked. just so they can check your arch for you..
  • spectralmoon
    spectralmoon Posts: 1,179 Member
    I just bought a pair of Asics for the first time and I love them. Some adjust for pronated feet (under or over) and others are neutral. Since my feet are under-pronated (if you don't know a quick trip to Google will help you figure it out) my shoes are technically corrective shoes and they have gel padding. They are by far the best pair of running shoes I've ever owned!

    Seconding this. My Asics have helped clear up my shin splints and are comfortable to both jog in and to wear all day at work.
  • kitmusic
    kitmusic Posts: 1 Member
    My advice is that if you're going to walk consistently, you need to go get fitted. You can go to your local running store and tell them your goals. They'll have you walk on a treadmill to see how your feet move, and then they'll have you try on several pair of shoes. Be ready to pay around $100 or more, but if you use them only for walking or running, they should last a while, depending on how often you walk and how far you walk. I have New Balance right now, and I really like them! But, I got fitted at the store. To me, it's worth the money!
  • HealthWoke0ish
    HealthWoke0ish Posts: 2,078 Member
    I used to love the Nike Shox.
    The pair I had before now were Mizuno.
    I currently have Adidas Supernova Glide 5's.

    If you can, you ought to go into a running store and try on shoe after shoe until you find one you really like. The store I go to has a mini-track and I"ll put on a pair of shoes and take a quick lap to see how they feel.

    Good luck! :)
  • Legs_McGee
    Legs_McGee Posts: 845 Member
    If you have a Road Runner Sports store near you, they have a 90 day return policy.....even if "you bring them back covered in mud"....allegedly. I will be testing out this theory within the next week.......as the ones they fit me in are giving me more problems than they are solving, unfortunately.

    Good luck....there are lots of choices out there.

    This is true; a friend of mine just exchanged shoes at RR Sports that had a couple hundred miles on them.

    I started with Mizunos and switched to Asics several years ago. I have high arches and wear a neutral shoe. I just started wearing the Asics Gel Blur 33s - they're a more minimal shoe than what I've worn in the past. So far I like them a lot.
  • TigressPat
    TigressPat Posts: 722
    I like new balance, and ryka, but it depends on the shape of your foot more than anything. My sister swears by asics.
    Go to a large footwear store and start by getting fitted and trying on as many pairs (walk and jog around in them!) as you ahve the patience for.
  • GiGiBeans
    GiGiBeans Posts: 1,062 Member
    I went to a so-called local specialty shop and was fitted for running shoes. They seemed just OK no better than something I'd have picked out on my own. I went to a different shop where they really spent time getting me fitted. They took the lining out of my shoe to examine the wear, checked my feet, my walking gait, running gait at various speeds (gave me some tips too) and told me to go run around the block a couple of times. Those were the perfect ones but they insisted I try two more pairs for comparison. First run in them I increased my speed, distance and my knees felt way better. Check yelp reviews for local stores and go to a good one.

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