Running Shoes for beginner 5k runner

kerryannk

I need new shoes, and I have no idea where to even start. I've been doing a little research this evening, and not surprisingly, I became overwhelmed quickly. So, needless to say, I came to you all

I'm looking for your help! If anyone has recommendations for some nice (and reasonably priced) shoes, I'd love to hear your voice! I found a pair of adidas I liked, but read reviews that said they weren't an all season shoe, and I'd like to get the most out of them. I'm going to start training for my first 5k in a month and would like to know what your opinions are

thanks in advance for the feedback!!

xraychick77

everyone's feet is different, and everyone can recommend shoes they like or fit them best. but its up to you to go out and try shoes on. even shoes within the same brand can drastically fit differently. dont fall for the gimmicky shoes, like shox or rezigs or whatever. if they dont feel right to you then dont buy them. sometimes it even takes buying a pair and wearing them for a while to see if that type works for you. they shouldnt be too tight in the toe, or lose in the heel (no slipping). they should fit like a glove, and feel cozy. (well to me)

seasonalvoodoo

I would say...definitely go to a running shoe store. They will watch you run and tell you what shoes will fit your running style and will help correct any issues you have when running. Then, you can either buy the shoes there ($$$) or find them cheaper online...which is what I did.

__flexylexi

a good running shoe shouldn't cost you more than 85-120, because runners know (esp long distance ones) that u throw them out every 4-6 months anyways... I got that tip from pro marathoner Hal Higdon My first running shoes were asics ghost 3s, but now i run in nike frees and bikilas. I run long distance and I ran my half marathon in asics, but i do short runs outside in bikilas just because they are comfortable.. As far as the frees, they are VERY comfortable for a good price and if you aren't gonna be putting 30-40 miles on them a week, I think it is a pretty good shoe for a beginner runner for a good price.. ONLY if you have a neutral foot though. Thats another thing, you want to have the proper shoe so I would advise you to go to a RUNNING store, not a finish line, and see what your gait type is. If it is neutral, go ahead and get a good neutral shoe but if its not, you wanna have the proper support so you don't get injured

suzieeq15

When it comes to running shoes, try not to skimp as much as possible. Making sure you have the right shoe, your feet, knees and hips will definitely thank you. You can go to asicsamerica.com and try their shoe fit program. It will tell you what kind of shoe and support you need for the way you run, step and the arch of your feet. This information you can take to any store and look for similar brands or even support styles so you get the right shoe at a good price, like at Big 5. If your running almost every day & training even for a smaller 5k race, you should probably replace them between 6-12 months at most.

johnwhitent

A proper fitting is essential for the first pair. A good running store can set you up with what your foot needs (for pronation, suppination, etc.) and you just can't get that buying online or on your own. I bought my first pair at a quality retail store but have bought subsequent pairs online. I love Asics 2100 series because they fit my toes and Nikes, for example, do not. I'm now trail running in La Sportiva Wildcats and love them because they offer half metric sizes (I'm a 43.5) giving me my best fit ever.

kerryannk

thank you you everyone for your help! its very greatly appreciated!

Atlantique

I'm with everyone else--go to a specialty running store and get fitted. They will get you into the right type of shoe for your running style, foot structure, weight, and running sruface. Then you'll try on several different brands of that 'type' of shoe, to determine which fits you best. In addition, a good running store will generally let you return shoes within a week or two if you have only used them on the treadmill and they aren't quite right for you.

I agree that the shoes do not last forever--300-500 miles is average, dependent somewhat upon the surfaces on which you run and somewhat on your weight. If you run on concrete, for example, you'll wear out shoes faster than if you ran on dirt trails. Similarly, a 200 pound runner wears shoes out faster than a 100 pound one. I just log my miles in my calendar.

If you haven't had your feet measured in awhile, get them measured at the store. And then, don't be at all surprised if you have to go up a full size in your running shoe. Your feet swell when you run, and they also need room for going downhill and not hitting the end of the shoe. When standing, you should be able to fit an entire thumbwidth between the end of your longest toe(which may or may not be your big toe-for many people it's the second toe) and the end of the shoe. That will keep you from numb feet, black toenails, and toenails that fall off. (Honest--I've run 4 half-marathons and never had any toe issues!)

While at the running store, grab some synthetic socks. These wick mositure from your feet and prevent blisters. Cotton, conversely, absorbs sweat, loses shape and then rubs against your feet and creates blisters.

Flyntiggr

the running stores I've used have been price comparable to most of the big box stores for running shoes. they know they can't mark up too much or they'll lose business. It is totally worth it.

Tencie0615

i learned my lesson the hard way....go to a running store and let them fit you for the correct running shoes that you need. i couldn't believe the diffrence it made for me!

cahira

I got fitted at the local running store here and it was the best thing I did. I was paying around $75 for NB shoes that I chose myself. I got fitted, and they said I overpronate (I think) and needed more of a stability shoe. So I ended up with some Saucony Guide 4's - they ran me about $95, so it wasn't that much more.

I did end up going up a whole shoe size than what I expected. But that has worked really well for me - over the weekend I got some small blisters from the sandals I wore to carnival and my running shoes didn't even bother them at all when I ran yesterday. So in short, I got perfect shoes for $20 more than I normally pay. Plus I got a great deal of personalized service and encouragement from the staff as to what was right for me. I can't recommend getting fitted enough!

AmoreCouture

Have you looked on runnersworld.com? They have a list of shoes for specific needs. They suggest the Nike Zoom Structure+14 for beginners.