Running shoes?

ahsongbird

Im going to buy my first pair of running shoes on the 1st and need something good b/c of shin splints, does anyone have any suggestions? I am NOT a runner, I am working towards becoming one so i have no clue what works and what doesnt, I do know that when I jog (the little that Ive done) I jog toe to heel and land kind of hard.

binary_jester

Go to a place that specializes in running shoes. They can fit a pair for you better than some Foot Locker.

hungrymarathongirl

First you need to determine what kind of running shoe you need by the way you run. Any running website can help you figure it out. I think Runners World had an article on it. I am a neutral runner and Acsics are my favorite.

artickb22

If you live near a New Balance store you can go there and they have equipment to help analyze your gait to help you decide which shoe/inserts would work for your specific needs. Good luck!

nursevee

Such a good question. You absolutely need to have your foot evaluated by someone who knows feet. A podiatrist (foot doc) is a really good place to start if you honestly have no idea what type of shoe you need. There is so so so much talk about running shoes these days (good and bad) that you're likely to run into any number of arguments. My husband is an avid runner and believes that the less you wear the better. He follows the argument that we were all born to run barefoot and is a huge minimalist. Myself, I don't buy into that hype quite so much. I'm had plantar fascitis, achilles tendonitis and flat feet so heck, as far as I'm concerned, running barefoot hurts and I like a bit of "spring" in my step.
Unfortunately there are way too many uneducated shoe salespeople out there. They'll tell you they know what you need and really, it's all propaganda talk so do your research online.

Good luck finding your shoe!!!

bsexton3

My wife is a runner. She always bought inexpensive shoes because she "didn't run that much." Finally, in our getting in shape this summer, I convinced her to spend the money and get a real pair of shoes that fit right. She is now running more miles. Finished her first half marathon two weeks ago. Now, she has been running 3-5 miles a couple times a week for a couple years.

As she looks at getting new shoes, she said, "why didn't I get that $100 pair?" Now, we don't have a a lot of money, but good shoes are worth it if she is getting in shape and enjoying her runs. She is already talking about a marathon in the spring. If you had told her that a year ago, she would have laughed at you.

So, get shoes that fit perfect. Spend a little money. You only have one set of feet. As one of her running articles stated, go to a running shop, have a specialist fit you. Then, if those shoes fit perfect, find them online cheaper the next time.

Good luck

jimmydeanbakker

I'm a New Balance man myself. It's a good idea to have your shoes fitted by the professionals at your nearest New Balance store.

BeautifulScarsWECHANGED

Go to a store that has running specialists. That's all I can suggest because I, too, suffer from horrible shin splits. I'm finally going to see a sports medicine doctor in the morning for a real answer and hopefully, a real solution. I would also suggest the c25k program.

binary_jester

Such a good question. You absolutely need to have your foot evaluated by someone who knows feet. A podiatrist (foot doc) is a really good place to start if you honestly have no idea what type of shoe you need. There is so so so much talk about running shoes these days (good and bad) that you're likely to run into any number of arguments. My husband is an avid runner and believes that the less you wear the better. He follows the argument that we were all born to run barefoot and is a huge minimalist. Myself, I don't buy into that hype quite so much. I'm had plantar fascitis, achilles tendonitis and flat feet so heck, as far as I'm concerned, running barefoot hurts and I like a bit of "spring" in my step.
Unfortunately there are way too many uneducated shoe salespeople out there. They'll tell you they know what you need and really, it's all propaganda talk so do your research online.

Good luck finding your shoe!!!

Would he wear these?



Personally they creep me out.

MsLisaB

I'd recommend going to a specialist running store, not your average chain shoe store. If you can, try to find one where they analyse your gait and running style. When you go, let them know you are having issues with shin splints.

On the subject of shin splints, try to do as much running on grass or sand as you can, at least at the beginning. These surfaces are much softer than concrete, tarmac or even the treadmill and will reduce the stress on your legs. Also remember to stretch before and after your runs. A good one for shins is to kneel on the floor then sit back on your heels. Icing and massage after the run may also help.

Oh, and build up slowly into running to give you legs a chance to get used to it. Try a Couch to 5K training program or something similar. Personally, I use Adidas micoach (http://www.adidas.com/micoach).

FavDaughter1

This is an area I have some experience in, as I sold athletic shoes in my past life (a long time ago). Depending on where you live, there are many specialty running stores. I am in TX, where we have Luke's Locker, Fleet Feet, and the New Balance store to name a few. They are really good about measuring feet properly (don't get stuck on a number size - 90% of women wear their shoes too small!) They should assess if you pronate (turn in) or supinate (turn out), look at your weight & whether you run on the balls of your feet or if you are heel striker to determine the amount of cushioning you need. I have worn the Asics Gel Kayano for years. I can go in and buy a 10, and they always fit perfectly! Very cushioned and supportive, but expensive - about $135. The have other very nice models around the $100 / $110 range. New Balance is also a very good brand, especially if you need narrow or wide width.
Good Luck!

nursevee

Such a good question. You absolutely need to have your foot evaluated by someone who knows feet. A podiatrist (foot doc) is a really good place to start if you honestly have no idea what type of shoe you need. There is so so so much talk about running shoes these days (good and bad) that you're likely to run into any number of arguments. My husband is an avid runner and believes that the less you wear the better. He follows the argument that we were all born to run barefoot and is a huge minimalist. Myself, I don't buy into that hype quite so much. I'm had plantar fascitis, achilles tendonitis and flat feet so heck, as far as I'm concerned, running barefoot hurts and I like a bit of "spring" in my step.
Unfortunately there are way too many uneducated shoe salespeople out there. They'll tell you they know what you need and really, it's all propaganda talk so do your research online.

Good luck finding your shoe!!!

Would he wear these?



Personally they creep me out.

LMAO. *wheeze* That cracks me up! Actually no, he wouldn't... I have seen a few people @ my gym in these and I conjure up imagines of the frogman attacks... *shudder* It's like all my sci-fi nightmares coming to life!

No, he's not quite that hardcore and it's possible the design is part of the reason. He likes a very low profile running shoe, very little build-up on the sole, no "air bubbles" and inbuilt spring coils etc etc. I just a sent a plain pair of Converse All-Stars to Afghanistan... So now he's stylin' and profilin'... *giggle*

ahsongbird

Thanks everyone! I found a specialty store near me that even holds its own marathons and running groups

MsLisaB

Thanks everyone! I found a specialty store near me that even holds its own marathons and running groups

That sounds like the right kind of store.

dresdenkali

Such a good question. You absolutely need to have your foot evaluated by someone who knows feet. A podiatrist (foot doc) is a really good place to start if you honestly have no idea what type of shoe you need. There is so so so much talk about running shoes these days (good and bad) that you're likely to run into any number of arguments. My husband is an avid runner and believes that the less you wear the better. He follows the argument that we were all born to run barefoot and is a huge minimalist. Myself, I don't buy into that hype quite so much. I'm had plantar fascitis, achilles tendonitis and flat feet so heck, as far as I'm concerned, running barefoot hurts and I like a bit of "spring" in my step.
Unfortunately there are way too many uneducated shoe salespeople out there. They'll tell you they know what you need and really, it's all propaganda talk so do your research online.

Good luck finding your shoe!!!

Would he wear these?



Personally they creep me out.

LMAO. *wheeze* That cracks me up! Actually no, he wouldn't... I have seen a few people @ my gym in these and I conjure up imagines of the frogman attacks... *shudder* It's like all my sci-fi nightmares coming to life!

No, he's not quite that hardcore and it's possible the design is part of the reason. He likes a very low profile running shoe, very little build-up on the sole, no "air bubbles" and inbuilt spring coils etc etc. I just a sent a plain pair of Converse All-Stars to Afghanistan... So now he's stylin' and profilin'... *giggle*

I have a pair of these. Very very awkward when you first put them on. However, they are simply awesome for natural running or walking. You will notice that you use your feet differently when wearing them. To me they were worth it....