Shoes for multiple activities + overweight

caraherch

Hi all! I've been using the same nikes for years and thinking that some of the pain when walking and workout out may be due to poor support. Before I buy new shoes though, should I be looking for running shoes, walking shoes, or cross trainers?
Activities include Zumba, elliptical running, treadmill walking, and strength training. Ill do a mix within the same workout so I'd prefer not to have multiple shoes to switch in and out of, plus am 75+ lbs overweight. Thank you for any tips or advice!

player30

As a former tennis player, all I have ever had is tennis shoes. When I started trying to get fit & lose weight, I ordered these..http://www.ryka.com/en-US/Product/82974-5180404/Ryka/Black_Plum_Coral/Womens+Exertion.aspx. Never have I had a more comfortable shoe in my life. Support & comfort. And I am also about 75 lbs overweight.

MyFoodGod

When I was having issues with walking shoes I switched to running at the advice of a random stranger at the shoe store who suggested they would absorb shock better when walking on hard pavement. I asked him because he looked more knowledgeable and experienced than the teenage clerk and I find they are great.

For hiking I like more grip on the terrain/ a trail runner or higher hiking shoe depending in the trail, rocks, etc.

Zumba steps might necessitate a different type of shoe for those steps and may be more critical than walking as you say you will be doing multiple activities at one time.

JeninBelgium

go to a proper running store - one that will do gait analysis, for example, and even better if they can do a foot scan- and tell them what you want your shoes for- every foot is different- I have flatter feet with "stability issues" for example - and BROOKS have a lot of options for me (Brooks Ariel to be specific) Aasics also have a few options- but every foot/ body is different- you need to know what works for you.- and as you and others mentioned you might need different shoes depending upon the activity

caraherch

Thanks guys! It sounds like cross trainers might be a good option for me to start with. I will look for a specific athletic show store but the town I'm jn now is pretty limited!

Thanks again for your advice!

Denise_Valentine

if ordering shoes online make sure you check that they will ship to your area. I live in Canada and can't order from Ryka. and had ordering problems from puma with my prepaid credit card. good luck!

rebeccatackett

You can order Zumba shoes from their website, or just find shoes that have a low tread bottom/slick bottoms and a pivot point. You do lots of twisting and moving in Zumba so your shoes need to not grip too much. I have separate shoes for Zumba and then a pair for everything else.

Ctrum69

Thanks guys! It sounds like cross trainers might be a good option for me to start with. I will look for a specific athletic show store but the town I'm jn now is pretty limited!

Thanks again for your advice!

Shoe brands are like status cars.. it's unlike that 200$ pair of nikes is going to be any better than a 40$ pair of asics, if they are the right fit and style for your foot and what you are doing.

Now, my wife runs, and runs about 20 miles a week.. what brand she gets is important to her, simply because for her style of running, they don't wear out as fast.

As said above, go to a good running store (NOT footlocker.. they sell basketball shoes), and have a gait analysis, and get properly fitted for shoes.

Many of us cram out feet into shoes that are too small, and often too narrow, which can lead to odd gaits and foot issues, which can hinder, rather than help, attempts to get into better shape.

caraherch

Thanks guys! It sounds like cross trainers might be a good option for me to start with. I will look for a specific athletic show store but the town I'm jn now is pretty limited!

Thanks again for your advice!

Shoe brands are like status cars.. it's unlike that 200$ pair of nikes is going to be any better than a 40$ pair of asics, if they are the right fit and style for your foot and what you are doing.

Now, my wife runs, and runs about 20 miles a week.. what brand she gets is important to her, simply because for her style of running, they don't wear out as fast.

As said above, go to a good running store (NOT footlocker.. they sell basketball shoes), and have a gait analysis, and get properly fitted for shoes.

Many of us cram out feet into shoes that are too small, and often too narrow, which can lead to odd gaits and foot issues, which can hinder, rather than help, attempts to get into better shape.

I like that you mention the inflated price. All the lists I have read for "best shoes" are full of 150+ shoes and while I'm sure there is some merit there, it's out of my budget by a lot and I'm not sure they are worth it for my needs. Perhaps one day I will need something that nice but for now I just want a good solid shoe that works in a variety of activities.

MyFoodGod

If you go to a store and they insist you need the pricier shoe, step back and read some reviews online and see if others used the model shoes in the same way and were satisfied.

VictoriaDarleneGale

Here is my experience, best shoes I ever had for walking..Nike Shox I found them very helpful for my back issues as well, couldnt get my size the last time I needed a new pair, so bought Asics, they are nowhere near as good, and they werent cheap! I had a foot specialist tell me once that womens athletic shoes are not made for overweight women, and dont hold up well when you are overweight. She said mens are designed to take a higher weight limit. Interesting eh??!! Thats my 2 cents for what its worth.

MinimalistShoeAddict

Vibram Five Fingers!

homeyjosey

Hi all! I've been using the same nikes for years and thinking that some of the pain when walking and workout out may be due to poor support. Before I buy new shoes though, should I be looking for running shoes, walking shoes, or cross trainers?
Activities include Zumba, elliptical running, treadmill walking, and strength training. Ill do a mix within the same workout so I'd prefer not to have multiple shoes to switch in and out of, plus am 75+ lbs overweight. Thank you for any tips or advice!

If you're serious about each one then I'd get a running shoe ( get fitted ) for running and walking, a cross trainer for zumba and just chucks for strength training.

If you are just going to buy 1 shoe, I'd go with a cross trainer

amflautist

Go to a running store and try on shoes until your feet say to you, "These feel so good I want to get out and walk, right now!!!"

Twice I have had shoes that felt that way, my last pair of cross-country ski boots, and my current pair of running shoes. (Brooks Ghosts - men's narrow). Yep, I have to wear men's shoes because there is not much on offer in women's size 13!

Siobhan108

I get all my gym shoes from a place called "The walking store ' . The most important thing is proper fit, so I don't recommend buying them online. Every shoe fits different. Many years ago my doctor told me the 2 things to spend money on were mattresses and shoes. Cut back on clothes, but protect your feet, when you get older you will thank me.