Good walking/running shoes

Jesi1011

What are some good walking or running shoes? Something that won’t break the bank but comfy and cute?

dewd2

Walking and running shoes will be different. If you can only get one, go with the running shoe since that will be where you are at highest risk for injury.

There's no particular brand or style that works for everyone. Telling you what my favorite shoes are is kinda meaningless. They work well for me. You may hate them. I suggest going to a local running store and have them fit you and check your gait. Let them know what your budget is and they can make suggestions on the right shoe for you.

jaymijones

I like Brooks Ghosts, I tried a pair of Sauconys and I wasn’t impressed, I had to add inserts to make them work for running and even then I only wear them on my treadmill (less impact than cement). I don’t remember what type they were, but it probably had more to do with the model than the brand. They were a third of the price of my ghosts and a quick google search said they would work for me. They did not, even though they were getting good reviews from other users.

I second the other poster, you need to go to a running shoe store that does gait analysis. Even within brands there are a lot of differences. And what works for me, may be a terrible idea for you.

KimiAR

Gait analysis will save you a lot of pain and heartache w this one-shoes vary, particularly on whether or not you pronate etc. mileage impacts longevity.

springlering62

Spend the extra bucks and get professionally fitted at a running specialist. A good pair of running shoes are worth their weight in gold- not to mention toenails saved, ankles not twisted, excruciatingly bruising falls not taken, and hips and hamstrings not fouled up by cheap shoes encouraging a bad gait.

I, who am normally the Queen of Bargains, am a poster child for why not to use cheaper off the shelf shoes versus well fitted ones.

Sometimes, money is just worth being spent.

moonangel12

springlering62 wrote: »

Spend the extra bucks and get professionally fitted at a running specialist. A good pair of running shoes are worth their weight in gold- not to mention toenails saved, ankles not twisted, excruciatingly bruising falls not taken, and hips and hamstrings not fouled up by cheap shoes encouraging a bad gait.

I, who am normally the Queen of Bargains, am a poster child for why not to use cheaper off the shelf shoes versus well fitted ones.

Sometimes, money is just worth being spent.

Ditto on this being a place to spend a little extra (my last two pairs I was able to get for around $100, one pair was a discontinued model and on sale for $90). Choose them for fit and function, not for looks. My current pair are neon pink and green, definitely not what I would have chosen but I wear them running, not out shopping or anything. Shoes for walking give a little more wiggle room, the shoes I wear for my weekly walks with friends (to keep the mileage down on my running shoes) were bought off the rack for $40 and serve their purpose well enough for that specific use, but I can’t run in them... they throw my ankles/feet off just enough to not be worth it and definitely make me more prone to shin splints.

Duck_Puddle

jaymijones wrote: »

I like Brooks Ghosts, I tried a pair of Sauconys and I wasn’t impressed, I had to add inserts to make them work for running and even then I only wear them on my treadmill (less impact than cement). I don’t remember what type they were, but it probably had more to do with the model than the brand. They were a third of the price of my ghosts and a quick google search said they would work for me. They did not, even though they were getting good reviews from other users.

I second the other poster, you need to go to a running shoe store that does gait analysis. Even within brands there are a lot of differences. And what works for me, may be a terrible idea for you.

Hopefully to really hammer home the unanimous advice to get fitted for a shoe that works for you, my experience is the exact opposite of this person. Brooks make my feet go numb, my knees hurt and my hips get all out of whack. With inserts I can manage maybe a 5k for fun. I run in Saucony because they work just right for me.

Feet are different. Gaits are different. Go to a running store and have them watch you move, measure your feet and recommend some shoes for you. They aren’t always going to cost a fortune and you can also ask if they have last year’s model available on discount.

alexmose

Funny you post this. I just was searching online this morning. I decided not to pay for Brooks anymore, as I am burning through shoes too quickly (think 6 weeks/pair). I like asics and Nike

MostlyWater

Depends on the activity. If you run, you need running shoes as they support a front to back motion. If you do machines at a gym or take classes like Zumba or do cross training, you need cross trainers as they support both front to back motion as well as side to side motion.

yirara

Whatever works best for you. I've been running since 2014 with Ecco CS14 shoes. Guys in running shops agreed that these work best for me and that they can't sell me anything Considering these are not available anymore I'm in a bit of a pickle.

babyb2020

I like Nike but I had New balance for years. I'm a walker not a runner. I use Walmart sneakers on treadmill.

Grace_spaceship

I used to do running shoe fittings and gait analysis and all I can say is visit a fit/gait person. Some places that sell shoes will do it there in store (that's what I did) or you can go to a fancy lab and they make you walk on a pressure sensitive floor etc which is great but often overkill for most people. If you are in a shop looking make sure the person helping you is asking the right questions. If they ask what you will be doing, what you have been wearing, if you have any knee pain etc. They should also ask you to take off your shoes and socks to watch you walk to see any pronation issues etc. If they do this they probably know what they are talking about and can help you.
Personally I am a barefoot enthusiast! I love my vivobarefoot shoes!

patriotdavid

I used to run with Nike but now i run in the Asics Nimbus and also walk with them. Depending on your gait and needs there are different Asics models that would suit you just fine (pronation, overpronation, cushioning etc).

GiddyupTim

I am going to third or fourth what many have said, with my own subtle twists: Go to a store that specializes in running shoes and try some pairs on. I'd recommend at least three different pairs.
No one shoe works for everyone. Features that appeal to me (wide, not a lot of cushioning, low heel) might be deal breakers for someone else. Moreover, every shoe brand and type fits differently; a shoe might sound ideal based on its features, but just not fit your foot well. It happens.

darreneatschicken

New Balance is a good brand because they come in different widths. They also have all types of shoes (e.g., walking, running, training).