I need an "Idiot's Guide to Running Shoes"

PseudoNinja

For all of you experience runners what would you look for in a good running shoe? Brand recommendations? How long should a pair last?

Azexas

I'm not an experienced runner, but some of the best advice I got was to see a running specialist. Some of the larger sporting good stores should have one. They can see your gait and try to fit you into the best shoe.

Hornsby

Yep, you really need to go to a running store and get your stride/gait looked at so they can make the recommendations. There is much more too it than people realize. A good set of running shoes really does make a ton of difference.

lishie_rebooted

Troutsy wrote: »

I'm not an experienced runner, but some of the best advice I got was to see a running specialist. Some of the larger sporting good stores should have one. They can see your gait and try to fit you into the best shoe.

I've never seen a large sporting goods store have - Modells, Dick's, etc. Nope.
Specialty running shops do gait analysis.

OP, there are two shops near you.
Peak Performance & Red Dirt Running.

Samstan101

What's right for my feet won't necessarily be right for yours. As above, go to a local running store and gair your gait analysed. As for how long a pair lasts, it depends in part of how heavy you are but the general recommendations are change on average every 3-500 miles. The soles may look fine but over time the midsoles will wear which isn't necessarily visible and when trainers get worn you run the risk of injurying knees etc.

Azexas

lishie_rebooted wrote: »

Troutsy wrote: »

I'm not an experienced runner, but some of the best advice I got was to see a running specialist. Some of the larger sporting good stores should have one. They can see your gait and try to fit you into the best shoe.

I've never seen a large sporting goods store have - Modells, Dick's, etc. Nope.
Specialty running shops do gait analysis.

OP, there are two shops near you.
Peak Performance & Red Dirt Running.

My dad was actually the running specialist at our local Dick's Sporting Goods. Some of them have them, you just have to ask in the footwear department

SezxyStef

Hornsby wrote: »

Yep, you really need to go to a running store and get your stride/gait looked at so they can make the recommendations. There is much more too it than people realize. A good set of running shoes really does make a ton of difference.

This...I just visited "The Running Room" and had it done as my knees have been bothering me...

It really does depend on gait, if you pronate anywhere, the shape of your foot...etc.

For example everyone told me Asics (spelling) my food is too wide at the toe for them...

scottb81

Its an individual thing depending on your foot for type of shoe. As for how long they last, that depends on the shoe too. Most people change them at 300 to 500 mi. I use minimalist shoes and change mine when my toes stick out, usually between 1500 and 2000 mi.

angelexperiment

There is a running magazine special out on all the top footwear now. Also a running store is the best truly.

7lenny7

Not only did my local running store watch my stride on a treadmill and bring out at least a dozen pair for me to try out, when I had narrowed my selection down to three pair, they let me try them out by running in the parking lot.

Even when I had found a great fitting pair, they continued to have me try on more and I actually found another pair I liked slightly better.

Even though I could find them cheaper online, that kind of service an expertise was definitely worth a few extra bucks.