Intro - new to the group, need shoe advice

Calliope610

Good morning everyone!

I joined this group b/c I need advice regarding shoes, but first, a little about me...

I joined MFP in Oct 2012 and starting logging (food and exercise) in Feb 2013. I am 51yo female, 5'4', started weighing 232lbs, now down to 198. I started walking as my primary exercise in April, less than a mile in 25min. Now I'm up to 2.5-4miles daily at around a 16:00pace. I completed a 5K in October in 44:01 by doing walk/job intervals. And I want to do a 10K in April, so it would help if I could run the darn thing. My desire to RUN a 10K creates my conundrum - I know I really need to start training, but I'm afraid to really intensify my running without first getting a good pair of shoes - the right pair of shoes.

I have determined that I have an average-high arch, and I supinate, esp on the right foot (which my explain the discomfort to my fight knee only). I have walked with wet feet on construction paper to determine my arch, and my shoes have much wear on the outer sides indicating underpronation. I also get callouses on the toe next to my pinkie toe which also confirms that I bear my weight on the outside of my foot and push of with my baby toes.

I have been goggling various websites for help finding shoes and am having difficulty finding what I need. To add to that, I live in a rural area - the closest cities (Austin or Houston) with stores catering to the running community are about 70+ miles away.

So I'm hoping any group members with similar running characteristics and age/sex/weight could give me some suggestions.

And if this is the wrong group, my apologies. Thank you.

ETA: If you are from Austin or Houston and can recommend a store that would be able to help me find the right shoe, that would be awesome!

prdavies1949

I don't think anyone here would be able to tell you what the best shoes for you are. You really do need to get into a specialist running shop to get fitted for shoes that will do the job for you. It so important to get the right shoes before you start serious training. Once you find good shoes you can then reorder future ones from the internet. Good luck with your running, this time last year I was where you are now, just starting out. I have now run 2 half marathons, 2 10ks and numerous 5ks, if an old man like me can do it you sure can.

schmenge55

As the poster above said it is really best to get fitted. But I see your dilemma with being far away. So let's think about it like this: People ran for hundreds, thousands of years without being specially fitted or for that matter having a special shoe. It is not like you are going to be out doing 70-90 miles a week training for a marathon. I think you can get away with your self diagnosis if you will. Try this link http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor You can get some recommendations on specific shoes after you go through their "wizard."

Congrats one getting to onederland! And I agree, there is no reason you cannot be ready to run a 10k in April.

ZenInTexas

If you can get into houston then I recommend Lukes Locker or Fleet Feet. Both great running stores. Good luck!

Bounce2

I understand not being able to just drop into a running specific shop at the drop of a hat (lived and worked in rural communities most of my life). If you can get into the city, as the other posters have suggested I would try to get professionally fitted. My other suggestion is to check if your local community has a rotational or locally based podiatrist who can give you educated advice on what type of running shoes are the most appropriate for you and your specific bio-mechanics.

Also this

So let's think about it like this: People ran for hundreds, thousands of years without being specially fitted or for that matter having a special shoe. It is not like you are going to be out doing 70-90 miles a week training for a marathon. I think you can get away with your self diagnosis if you will. Try this link http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor You can get some recommendations on specific shoes after you go through their "wizard."

Congratulations on your success so far and good luck in April!

KeithAngilly

You might try http://www.runningwarehouse.com/ . I have purchased a few pair from them. The shoes come in two days and they include a shipping tag to return them if they don't fit.

As far as suggestions go, I guess I look at shoes a little differently. If you establish a good running base with good form, then a neutral shoe should do it, as good form and miles help to strengthen the tendons, bones and muscles of the lower legs. But, I know many people have had success with compensating shoes, so you just have try different types and see what happens. I would definitely look for a nice, roomy toe box, or at least a shoe large enough to give your toes room to move. I used to run asics gel nimbus shoes and found them very comfortable.

Anyway, good luck with your running!!

MinimalistShoeAddict

I have determined that I have an average-high arch, and I supinate, esp on the right foot (which my explain the discomfort to my fight knee only). I have walked with wet feet on construction paper to determine my arch, and my shoes have much wear on the outer sides indicating underpronation. I also get callouses on the toe next to my pinkie toe which also confirms that I bear my weight on the outside of my foot and push of with my baby toes.

This is certainly helpful information, but I would second the advice of others about the importance of being evaluated by a professional. It is worth the trip to have this done at least once. Afterwards you can order shoes online if you choose.

Good luck!

mortyfit

My local specialty running store (1st Place Sports in Jacksonville, FL) has never steered me wrong. Ten minutes of analysis of arch and pressure areas and a couple minutes of rolling tape of your form on the treadmill, and they will have you in exactly the shoe you need (although they never pressure me to buy it from them--I buy all mine from National Running Center online). Shoe Finder on Runner's World is very useful, as long as you are certain about your own information.

If you have such a store nearby, they often hold run groups that are sponsored, where you can test-run new shoe models also. I've found that useful at times when I was looking to see what other options might work for me.

I spent the first year I was running "seriously" in a pair of Brooks Adrenalines because my form was all sorts of jacked up and I needed the stability. Once I learned to self-correct my form, I was able to comfortably move down to a more minimalist shoe. I wear Saucony Cortana for daily training, Saucony Kinvara for short-distance racing (5k/10k), and Asics Noosa Tri for long distance racing. I've been running pain-free for several years now ever since I started trusting 1st Place to pick my shoes for me.

Calliope610

Well, I made it to Houston this afternoon to meet family for post Christmas dinner, and as luck would have it, there is a running store in my old neighborhood. I had a great experience there, was fitted for size, had my walk analyzed and came home with a pair of very comfortable and light shoes. Also got some training tips and encouragement on my upcoming 10K. Just got back home, but I can't wait to lace up tomorrow and give these babies a whirl!