Shoe Fitting and Measuring???

ncbeachprincess

I walk about 3-4 miles everyday. Currently I am using just casual sneakers. Of course, they are KILLING me! They just aren't made for walking or jogging. The bottoms of my calves hurt like crap, its muscle aches. A friend told me that I should get fitted and measured at a running store, for my perfect fit. This is super expensive, and really outside of my budget. Do you all have any suggestions? Im going to buy new shoes, just don't know how to go about it, without dropping $150 for "custom" shoes. I plan on going later today, so any advice is helpful.

jlahorn

I walk about 3-4 miles everyday. Currently I am using just casual sneakers. Of course, they are KILLING me! They just aren't made for walking or jogging. The bottoms of my calves hurt like crap, its muscle aches. A friend told me that I should get fitted and measured at a running store, for my perfect fit. This is super expensive, and really outside of my budget. Do you all have any suggestions? Im going to buy new shoes, just don't know how to go about it, without dropping $150 for "custom" shoes. I plan on going later today, so any advice is helpful.

You don't need _custom_ shoes, and you don't need to spend $150. You just need shoes that fit well and have decent support for what you're doing. Many stores will fit you for free, and the best shoes for you may be $60 or less. $150 for shoes you have to change every three months is crazy unless you're a competitive athlete, have really unusual feet, or have more money than sense

I've had equally good luck just finding shoes with good support and then using athletic insoles. Dr. Scholl's has the foot-pressure analysis machines at places like Walgreens and Walmart. You step on their machine, it checks your pressure points, and then recommends insoles. I think mine are $30 per pair, but then you can use those in shoes that have worn in past the point where they would normally be giving you support, or use them to fix shoes you thought were the right fit but are not quite right, etc. They might even help make your casual sneakers less painful.

TheSatinPumpkin

I would visit a New Balance store if there is one in your local area.

ncbeachprincess

Called New Balance and they seem to be able to do the same thing that my running store can do, and of course, their shoes are much cheaper! Thanks!

Jaywalker_7

I thought that being very heavy when I started exercising meant I needed a very supportive shoe. I'm not saying support is a bad thing, but for me it actually was! I could t believe how much relief I felt when I switched to a super flexible "minimalist" shoe. I'm no expert, but just wanted to share my experience. I started at 325 lbs and was told by a runner I worked with that I should get a heavily supported shoe as a "beginner". They just were all uncomfortable to me. I'm currently wearing Nike Flex Runs and love them. Not saying they'll work for u, but basically just suggesting you try lots of styles to see what works for you. I got them on sale and used a coupon at famous footwear and think they came to $60

ncbeachprincess

I thought that being very heavy when I started exercising meant I needed a very supportive shoe. I'm not saying support is a bad thing, but for me it actually was! I could t believe how much relief I felt when I switched to a super flexible "minimalist" shoe. I'm no expert, but just wanted to share my experience. I started at 325 lbs and was told by a runner I worked with that I should get a heavily supported shoe as a "beginner". They just were all uncomfortable to me. I'm currently wearing Nike Flex Runs and love them. Not saying they'll work for u, but basically just suggesting you try lots of styles to see what works for you. I got them on sale and used a coupon at famous footwear and think they came to $60

The casual shoes I am wearing are too supportive around the sides, and crap on the bottom. I am also looking for a minimalist shoe, as they are typically more lightweight. I am also on the heavy side, and just don't want to add extra weight.

I am going to the New Balance store later today, to be fitted and see what works well with me. My experiences with New Balance shoes has always been positive, so I am excited! I do however, look at shoes in a completely different way. I mean, who needs good shoes when you are a couch potato right?!?!

jkwolly

Go to a reputable running store. Have your giat properly analyzed and then choose the best shoe for you.

You can buy last years models for sometimes half the price!

ncbeachprincess

I ended up with a pair of $115 New Balances from the NB store. Guy was awesome, and really awesome. He educated me on the foot, etc. I wasn't crazy about spending that money, but now I know what to look for in a shoe, and won't do it again.