New runner... buying shoes?

blantonjm1

Runner's World shoe finder will help you find the type of shoe for your foot type.

christy_frank

I got fitted before I started running. They are the most comfortable & longest lasting shoes I have ever purchased.

minnesota_deere

Yes, take your old shoes to the store as well. Asics always seems like the most popular brand and they don't have to be expensive. Mine cost me £40 ($60) and are money well spent. Tell the people at the store you have a budget of say £40 - £60 and they'll get the best shoes for the price. I would also recommend good running socks. They will save you from blisters. Again, these don't have to be expensive.

i went the cheap route once, bought a pair of asics at kohls, destroyed the shoes and my feet in 60 days, went and purchase 2 pairs of gel Kayano in 2010 for about $135 per pair and still have them however i am due for new ones. never again will i buy cheap running shoes.

pfoutz

Get analyzed and fitted. it was free at my local shop and well worth the time. they recommended us a few shoes that would be a good fit. then went online and found them much cheaper. don't rush too much, buy the right shoe.

tonyacoursey

Get fitted now. They will ask the purpose of the shoe and you can tell them. They will fit you with the correct shoe so as to make it more beneficial. I did and I am just starting to walk 2-4 miles every day. Best decision I have made besides jining MFP.

fourluvbugs

Thank you so much for the helpful advice and insight everyone! There's a running shoe store not too far away, so I'll make a trip soon and see what the folks there recommend.

(giggling to myself because catanzca said that I AM a runner. Tee hee!)

chub_b_gone

I just bought new running shoes and its best to be fitted..if its a good store they wont try selling you the most expensive shoe but the one that will work best for you..AND most will let you try them for a few weeks and if you dont like them you can take them back and get a different pair or your money back..either way its a win win for you..

therapyruns

Buy them now. You'll want to start breaking them in as soon as possible. If you get new sneakers then hit the pavement, lots of new things will be happening at once and you may injure something. I get new running kicks every three months (every 4-500 miles) and usually count the days until my next pair because I get so excited. I am at 300 with my current pair and will buy a new pair at the end of the month.

As far as brands go, everyone is completely different. Mizuno, Asics, Saucony, Nike, etc. Got to a specialty store if you can, expect to spend at least $100 (if you're serious) and then try on a bunch of pairs. I usually jog laps around the store to see what feels the best - and don't be timid, you have to find something that is comfortable.

Remember to buy what you feel is best for YOU, not necessarily the latest greatest thing or what someone at the store is trying to sell you.

Good luck!

LeanerBeef

I hardly consider myself a runner, just started training for my first ever 5k but I HIGHLY recommend getting yourself properly fitted at a good running/fitness type store. I just bought my 3rd pair of sneakers in the past month because the first 2 did not fit – kinda embarrassing and not exactly a good use of $$$. First pair were too big, didn’t try them on because I previously had a pair of the same brand, same size – apparently my feet lost weight too. Second pair had absolutely zero arch support – think they were made for someone with flat feet. Total waste.

Finally went to a running store got properly fitted, dropped a $100 on a pair of Saucony’s and love them. I can definitely tell a difference. (I only used them 2x’s so far so fingers crossed, lol)

Worst part of my story is that all 3 are not up to my fashion requirements so I need to buy a 4th pair just so I can look fly…….

angella_zumba

YES! go get the now! don' t wait! I would break them in before actually running outside. I always get mine 1 size bigger too.. or at least 1/2 size bigger.. Asics is good and bought really expensive Brooks.. .but Asics.. just as good!

Good luck!

emilyhawarah

I swear by BROOKS Shoes for running... and if you go to a store that will fit you, they can diagnose your roll, arch, etc. Check out their website too... fun things going on for new and experienced runners.

roadrunner32

Just like you I've started running on the treadmill with an ordinary pair of runners and I was dying of shin splints. Then I moved outside and same thing happened even worse! So I decided to finally go to a running specialist and had it sorted and was shocked to see how my right foot was landing! They recommended one size bigger runners as well. Since then I never complain about my shins thank god!


PS If you run you are a runner! Just keep doing it!

tinkteri

I am doing Couch to 5 K and am Finishing up week 6 today..I started getting knee and ankle pain after W2 in my cross trainers...Ditto on what everyone said..get fitted for a good pair of running shoes...My knee/ankle pain disappeared after running in my new Brooks.

We should have a "friend' network of couch to 5K newbies :-).

Teri

fourluvbugs

I'd love that! All of my running friends have been doing it for awhile and I can't relate to what they are doing running-wise.

Siannah

There is: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/30-couch-to-5k-running-program-c25k

fourluvbugs

Thank you Siannah. I just joined!

sgmomma

I definitely agree get fitted! I got fitted and this week started C25k. These shoes are so light and comfy. I know now there is no way I coulda run in my old tennis shoes. I pronate and have flat feet. They put me in nike zoom structure 15.

Sweet13_Princess

Definately buy running shoes now. If you wait and you end up injuring yourself, it will be a HUGE setback. I'd recommend going to a sporting goods store or wherever you can buy sneakers and try on a variety of brands and sizes, find the right fit, then go on eBay and buy them. You can get really good deals on them.

Shannon