I want to start running.

Thesethings

Hello all. I'm a 48 year old woman who needs to lose about 30ish pounds. I've done Insanity, Turbo Fire, Turbo Jam and Hip Hop Abs in the past so I'm not new to fitness. I've currently fallen off the wagon with my eating and have gained back my Insanity results. The hubby is a jogger and loves it and has been trying to get me to join him for forever. I've always resisted. But this time I think I really want to do it. I went with him this past weekend (doing mostly walking) but jogging at about 30 second intervals for a total of 15 min.. I actually liked it. And I hear that jogging is thee fastest way to get into shape.

So my question are: What running shoes would you recommend for me. My husband just wears whatever and I don't want to go into the store and have them recommend me as they are paid on commission. And are there tricks and tips I should know about to help me be successful?

Thank you everyone.

curly1980

Hi there, if its any help New Balance ones are the the ones I personally use. They give me really good support and are very comfortable. I got mine online from sportsdirect.com.

ny2298pdsgt

best shoe is what ever is best for you. It depends onif you have foot issues, how your foot strikes the ground, if you tend to roll in or out...... if your just starting, try out a few different types that are on the cheaper end (pay less, walmart something like that is fine for beginners). Once you get really into it and start added lots of miles thats when to start shelling out hte money for the "good" shoes.

I run 4-5x/wk and get my shoes from the outlet stores or payless/Wal-Mart type and never had a problem, but it depends on your body.

Ask a sporting goods store what they recommend for beginners but dont be pressured to buy from them.

ny2298pdsgt

I also ALWAYS try the shoe on before buying, i have lots of my soldiers in the military who bought shoes/boots from online having never tried them on only to find out they didnt fit or were not comfortable and were out lots of $$$$$

candylilacs

I underpronate, so I needed shoes that had good arches and accounted for that. I ended up buying the Nike Flex Run 2013 which I think are really a godsend. They're light and make my feet feel pretty good.

For more on pronation, go here:

http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/pronation-explained?page=single

betchay1000

Hi. I don't know if you have these 'running' or running/cycling combo stores in your area. They have them in mine. The sales people have you get on a treadmill and see how you run/walk, pace, lean on one side or the other, stride etc. Then they recommend the shoes depending on what you need and adjusting. FYI: I've always been a Nike girl but a couple of years ago, I got Asics since I needed some good trail shoes (I run on gravel roads) and I love them.

Ke22yB

I have been slowly losing weight as I run for the last 2 years and I would say go into a Running Store have them check your gait foot strike wear on your old shoes and then try on a few different pair and jog in place or on the treadmill and see if you like them. The store I buy from has a 90 day return no questions if they arent right and their expertise and fitting as well as the return policy is well worth the extra few dollars you might pay the first time. If you like them you can always shop online or discount for future pairs. Your feet and the shoes are the one most important thing in this equation.

grimendale

Get fitted at a running store. They can give you a better opinion and many (as already stated) have a 90 day trial period. Good shoes are worth the extra money. I used to run in normal tennis shoes, and noticed a huge difference when I switched to actual running shoes.

llmcconnell

I would definitely second the going to a running specialty store idea. Runner's world magazine (and online runnersworld.com) has really good reviews of different shoes as well. Good luck!

navyrigger46

I always hated running, then I got fitted for a pair of actual running shoes, and now I really enjoy it. My shoes are Hoka's and I absolutely love them, but, they are pricey, well worth it though in my opinion. As soon as I find a good price online I'm going to pick up another pair.

So, I recommend getting fitted for a pair of quality running shoes, but hey, different strokes right? FWIW, I am the type of guy who buys his shoes based on price, I like the clearance rack, and buy my shoes cheap.

Rigger

Thesethings

You've got to be kidding me about being more concerned about an employee's commission than getting shoes that fit you properly. Go get yourself fitted for proper shoes at a running store. Sheesh.

What I'm saying is can I trust the worker to give me unbiased advice since he is paid on commission? Will he instead 'recommend' the best or the highest priced? My sister in law once bought her baby daugher who was learning to walk a pair of Nike's shoes cause the guy said they were the best. What they were was expensive.

thepetiterunner

What running shoes would you recommend for me. My husband just wears whatever and I don't want to go into the store and have them recommend me as they are paid on commission. And are there tricks and tips I should know about to help me be successful?

I highly HIGHLY suggest you go to a running specialty store. There are many that do not pay their employees on commission if you're that concerned about it. (On a side note, you DO realize they lose their commission if you return the item right? So it's in their best interest to see you in a pair of shoes you're going to keep.)

No one here will be able to pick out the perfect shoe for you. You need to go try them on, run around in them, try several pair and have people look at your gait. Otherwise you might as well just pick a pair based on colors you like.

sarah_lou22

I have three pairs of running shoes! 1 pair of new balance (which is great for treadmill work), 1 pair of nike shox (which is great for running outside) and 1 pair of adidas -- believe it or not the adidas shoes are awful for running! very little support. if you enjoy running outside, I would recommend shox -- they give you a lot of support as well as "bounce back" to help with your knees!

mkcongrove1

If you go to a new balance store most have specialist there who will make you walk across a board that takes a map of your feet to find the right shoe for you, and if not a shoe at least a set of insoles. They are a little bit pricier but honestly when it comes to running it's worth it. You don't want to mess up your feet trust me! I didn't have the money last year and so I went out and bought a pair of nikes from ****s and my feet cramp horribly just during my warm up jog. I saved up the money for good shoes, worth it to enjoy my jog. Also any shoe store that has their employees on commission usually has a return policy. Take the shoes to an indoor track and try them out, if they don't feel right take them back. But I'm a big fan of new balance, just make sure you get them from a new balance store. The ones at cheap shoe stores are usually knock offs...

99clmsntgr

You can use a couple different websites -- Roadrunnersports.com or Runner's World -- where you can answer basic questions (what your foot shape is, how you footstrike when running, etc.) and they'll recommend shoes for you. It's a decent way to go if you don't want to go see someone in person to get fitted. If you end up buying online, make sure the site offers a 90-day trial and return period (Road Runner does, as does Holabirdsports, not sure about some of the others).

Unfortunately, however, the best answer is that you're going to have to go try them on. If you really don't want to go see a person that might get commission, after you get your list of recommended shoes online, go to one of the big-box sports stores (Academy, Sports Authority, etc.) and try them on. You won't really know until you go running, but you should have a good feel at that point.

Personally, I've had Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, Merrill, Mizuno, Asics and Nike. The only ones I would *NOT* recommend are Nike. Don't believe the hype, I just didn't think they were that good. The rest of them are all on about the same playing level, at least in my opinion. If the shoe is the proper fit and the proper type of shoe for you, it will become a matter of personal preference and aesthetics (yes, to some people that matters).

thepetiterunner

You've got to be kidding me about being more concerned about an employee's commission than getting shoes that fit you properly. Go get yourself fitted for proper shoes at a running store. Sheesh.

What I'm saying is can I trust the worker to give me unbiased advice since he is paid on commission? Will he instead 'recommend' the best or the highest priced? My sister in law once bought her baby daugher who was learning to walk a pair of Nike's shoes cause the guy said they were the best. What they were was expensive.

Look, in running, the ONLY thing you really need to invest in, is some damn good shoes. What you're paying for is the preventative steps towards keeping you injury-free, blister free, etc. For a sport that really requires little to no equipment whatsoever, except for shoes, is it really that big a deal?

I mean at LEAST go get your gait analyzed. Check out the different types of shoes they have out there. Then, though I personally would not do this, go buy them online. But you ARE paying for their expertise.

BTW, what makes you think you can trust the opinions of anyone else on here, who have never seen you run, rather than an expert at a running shoe store?

thepetiterunner

Personally, I've had Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, Merrill, Mizuno, Asics and Nike. The only ones I would *NOT* recommend are Nike. Don't believe the hype, I just didn't think they were that good. The rest of them are all on about the same playing level, at least in my opinion. If the shoe is the proper fit and the proper type of shoe for you, it will become a matter of personal preference and aesthetics (yes, to some people that matters).

Different shoes for different feet. I've also tried nearly all the ones you've listed above and Nikes work wonderfully for me. Everyone has their own preference and I think it does the OP a disservice to dismiss one out of hand just because they didn't work for you personally.

SonicDeathMonkey80

You lost me with the "paid by commission" remark. A good local running shop will have you try on several pairs by several brands and let you bring them back within 30-90 days providing you don't trot through the mud in them. Find a commissioned sales scheme that allows anything resembling that policy. Running shops aren't like Best Buy - the employees are knowledgeable and very helpful, providing you don't go in with a chip on your shoulder and don't "showroom" them. Go get fitted, do a walk, a treadmill run, and by all means go in the parking lot with the person and run on the concrete.

parys1

Go to a store that specializes in running, not a regular shoe store. They will evaluate your old shoes and make you run/walk in the store to see your stride. After that, once you've selected your shoes, wear them inside on a track or treadmill the first couple of times to make sure they work for you, because once you wear them outside, you can't return them.

mjpTennis

I have been slowly losing weight as I run for the last 2 years and I would say go into a Running Store have them check your gait foot strike wear on your old shoes and then try on a few different pair and jog in place or on the treadmill and see if you like them. The store I buy from has a 90 day return no questions if they arent right and their expertise and fitting as well as the return policy is well worth the extra few dollars you might pay the first time. If you like them you can always shop online or discount for future pairs. Your feet and the shoes are the one most important thing in this equation.

^^^This.

Good luck. It makes a world of difference. You are on your way.

keenster

best shoe is what ever is best for you. It depends onif you have foot issues, how your foot strikes the ground, if you tend to roll in or out...... if your just starting, try out a few different types that are on the cheaper end (pay less, walmart something like that is fine for beginners). Once you get really into it and start added lots of miles thats when to start shelling out hte money for the "good" shoes.

I run 4-5x/wk and get my shoes from the outlet stores or payless/Wal-Mart type and never had a problem, but it depends on your body.

Ask a sporting goods store what they recommend for beginners but dont be pressured to buy from them.

Don't do this. Just don't. Go to a specialty running store and allow them to fit you. Reputable stores will be happy to tell you what kind of shoes to get (motion control, stability, etc), and can size your shoe properly. You don't have to buy from them--but do get fitted for a good pair of shoes. Experimenting with shoes from Walmart or Payless is a sure way to get injured. Don't risk it.

Samenamenewlook

Go to a running store and get fitted. I went to a local store that put me on the treadmill and fitted me based on a gait analysis. I can't stress this enough. Shin splints almost took me out of my Couch to 5K program, but I found out I was wearing the wrong type of shoe. Too little or too much stability can really make things difficult. Good Luck!

Mamakatspokane

My husband did all the online tests at Mizuna (his favorite running shoe) and then bought them. Luckily he bought them at a local running store! He got runners knee because they were the wrong shoe but since he bought them at the running store I made him go back (they exchange up to 30 days even if you've ran in them). They did all the tests and watch him walk etc. He got the right shoes and after resting his knee he's back running....laid up for 2 weeks because he bought the wrong shoes. Please go to a store. I figured I'd shell out the money the first time and then once I found what works I could maybe go cheaper (but I doubt it). They were so wonderful. I tried on probably 12 pairs of shoes and ran down the street in everyone until I found what I liked. I'm on week 8 of couch to 5k and have had no shoe problems. Bringing my son to the store today to buy shoes...it's just worth it! Good luck and I hope you enjoy it!

Samenamenewlook

best shoe is what ever is best for you. It depends onif you have foot issues, how your foot strikes the ground, if you tend to roll in or out...... if your just starting, try out a few different types that are on the cheaper end (pay less, walmart something like that is fine for beginners). Once you get really into it and start added lots of miles thats when to start shelling out hte money for the "good" shoes.

I run 4-5x/wk and get my shoes from the outlet stores or payless/Wal-Mart type and never had a problem, but it depends on your body.

Ask a sporting goods store what they recommend for beginners but dont be pressured to buy from them.

^^^^ Whatever you do, please don't do this. I'm really glad this worked for this person, but injury is actually the more common result of this.

GotMeSomeGoals

I love to see new interests in running. I too am fairly new to the sport (2 years).
I strongly suggest going to a sporting goods store and having the clerk help you with your decision. Some do work on commission, they are the experts.
Not everyone's stride is the same. It depends on the shape of your foot and your method of running. If you have under or overpronation, you may require a certain type of shoe to avoid injury. The store clerk will be able to tell you from simply observing your walk/jog down the aisle of the store.
If anything, have them evaluate your foot type and go shop at another store according to your type.
With that being said, the name brand running shoes are worth the $$$ if your intentions are to become a runner.
If you are still testing the waters and don't want to spend the big bucks, I suggest buying a good pair of comfortable running shoes that might not last long, but will allow you to fall in love with running without pain or injury.
Running is not only great for getting in shape, but i also great for challenging yourself

Julie7741

Go get fitted... The extra money is worth it to avoid the pain of things like runners knee, shin splints, etc. If you're not comfortable, you won't stick with it.

I overpronate, so I have to have stability shoes. I envy those of you who can wear the lightweight shoes!

My current shoes are Mizuno Waves, but my husband loves Brooks.

daisynightingale

New Balance are also my personal preference

monicapeterson54

Personally, I've had Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, Merrill, Mizuno, Asics and Nike. The only ones I would *NOT* recommend are Nike. Don't believe the hype, I just didn't think they were that good. The rest of them are all on about the same playing level, at least in my opinion. If the shoe is the proper fit and the proper type of shoe for you, it will become a matter of personal preference and aesthetics (yes, to some people that matters).

Different shoes for different feet. I've also tried nearly all the ones you've listed above and Nikes work wonderfully for me. Everyone has their own preference and I think it does the OP a disservice to dismiss one out of hand just because they didn't work for you personally.

I work with a podiatrist, she recommends New Balance and Asics. I personally wear New Balance, and will never again, buy anything but! But go in, get professionally fitted, and make sure you tell them whether you be running indoors, outdoors, treadmill, etc.... This is the best way to ensure you get the best shoe!

joakool

Considering that quality shoes are the only investment you need to make into the sport of running, go ahead and spend more to get a decent pair. I recommend a running store that will evaluate your gait and offer you shoes that will work for you. A dependable store will work with you and give you choices. The employees at my local running store are very knowledgeable and can answer any running related question and offer advice. Hopefully you have a store like that near you ~ it will soon be your favorite place to shop! LOL. Good Luck!

barrpc

I am lucky. I have a running store next to me where they do gait analysis and let you run in some different pairs of shoes. If you dont like them after 30 days you can bring them back. I paid the big price once. After I knew what I ran well in, I started ordering from the running warehouse and get almost 50% off what the store would charge.

Maridar

Definitely a good running shoe store to get a good advice. I have Brooks Adrenaline and when I tried them on at the store they made me run on a treadmill and filmed it, this pair was the only one that let me keep from overpronating my left foot (meaning, it angled too deep inside towards the other foot) and in Brooks my feet were almost perfectly straight:) I watched it on a computer screen too, frame by frame, and the difference was very noticeable.