The right running shoes?

Healthy_Melva

I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet measure and your gait analyzed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.

Different feet need different brands! That's why there are so many of them out there. As for "good support," you may be surprised if you end of with a running shoe that at first glance doesn't seem to have the support we are all used to looking for in our "tennis" shoes. Here's an article that explains the difference between running and walking around shoes : http://walking.about.com/cs/shoes/a/shoeguide.htm

Over the years, I've had many shoes that were fitted for me by people who work in well-known shoe shops. Not all were the right ones for fast walking (which needs a running shoe, not an I'm going shopping shoe). This last time I needed new running shoes I happend into a store that did properly analyze my gait and I found out that I didn't need the stabilization that the others had fitted me for. I needed a more flexible shoes. This shop had a treadmill in it. First the salesperson watched me walk without shoes, then with various shoes until we found the right ones for me. The difference is amazing!

Good luck and be patient with the process until you know you've got the right one for you.

Healthy_Melva

My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

I see this a little differently.

Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.

What will happen over time is that all running shops will start charging for gait analysis. Also many small local running shops are closing down because they can no longer compete with large online retailers. The running community will be worse off for the loss of expertise.

Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.

Amen! People who spent hours of my research time, then went and booked online (thinking they were saving a few $$), put my travel business out of business. Not to mention the fact that it was a terribly abuse of my time and training.

sonyalbruno

Thank you everyone for such great advice. I went to the local sport mart (the only place in my town to purchase runners) and found some Asics that fit great and felt amazing!! Next time I know what to get and will for sure do some research and shop around on the internet for the best deals.
Thanks again to everyone for taking the time to respond.

22colin

There is no such thing as "the best running shoe".

The best running shoe FOR YOU is the one that suits your gait, your foot shape, your training requirements and the surface you run on.

Get gait tested to establish if you're a neutral runner, pronator, supinator etc. All reputable running shoe brands will have shoes to cover all those requirements.

Then your foot shape will make a difference as some people prefer a wider or narrower toe box.

Furthermore there are high mileage as well as race versions of shoes, the race versions being lighter.

And then you get different shoes for road running, cross country, trail and fell.

Don't listen to anyone who comes here and pipes up "oooh you must buy the Asics Kayanos they're great!"... they don't have your feet!

^^^ THIS ^^^ - no other advice needed :happy:

SteveTries

I noticed they were starting to hurt my feet and rubbed the side of my foot raw. I have tried researching the best type of running shoe to get but all I have seen is companies suporting their own products.
What do you look for in a shoe, does price matter?
Tips are muchly appreciated
Thanks in advance.

It's my understanding that if you are using a shoe that isn't right for your type of gait that the problems you are likely to encounter are more along the lines of sore feet, shin splints, paintful knees etc. You state that your problem is that they've rubbed the side of your foot raw. You also state they hurt your feet. Is that the same complaint expressed differently or are they hurting you somewhere else?

The reason I ask is that if the only problem is chaffing/rubbing then their may be nothing wrong with the shoes at all. I found this problem dissapeared for me when I switched to an anti-blister running sock made from a material that is kinder on the skin and with no seams to rub against the side of the foot/toes.

bluefox9er

get your gait checked out and try running in shoes on the store treadmill. i favour Nike+