Best Running Shoes for a Heavy New Runner?
78Phoenix
Posts: 12 Member
So I'm about 260 lbs, and I want to start running. This already sounds crazy. Anyhow, does anyone have any suggestions for a good running shoe for a heavy first-time runner? Also, anything you had to learn the hard way or whatever can save me some headache or some money would be greatly appreciated. 
Thanks!
Thanks! 0
Replies
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Find a good local running specific store. They'll hook you up. Probably in a support shoe, depending on your gait, instep, etc.0
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Definitely go to a running store! They'll be able to put you in some neutral shoes and diagnose whether you under- or over-pronate, how high your arches are, whether you need lots of cushioning or minimal cushioning, etc. Everyone runs differently so it's hard to say that there's just one 'best' shoe for everyone! 0
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Running does not have to be an expensive sport, but I wouln't skimp on good running shoes. You should try to have your gait evaluated at a running shoe store - they will be able to tell you if you over/under pronate - are flat-footed, etc., and then recommend a shoe that is perfect for your foot strike and gait.
That being said the only other piece of advice I can give is, if you have never run before, follow a C25K program. There are lots of them (just Google) that are free and ready to print up to follow. Ease into it and before you know it you will be running and that will contribute to weight loss not to mention all the other perks that come with running.
Good Luck - you can do it!!!0 -
I love the Asics. You can get them on sale for $60-$70. My trainer recommended them. They are a great all around shoe. I am currently 225 but was around 260 when I first got them.
PS: I felt the same way when I started running. If you have access to a treadmill, try starting off with intervals. Run for 20-30 seconds then move your feet to the rails. Then jump back on for 20-30 seconds, etc. Start off at a slower speed and flat incliine then slowly build up the speed and incline. ( I started off at .5 incline, 3.3 speed) This will push you but also give you a recovery time. The 20-30 seconds off will allow to catch your breath but not be enough time to allow your heart rate to come all the way back down. It will build up your stamina and allow you to push harder for a longer period of time. My trainer has me doing this for 20 minutes, 3 times per week.
Good Luck!
You can do it!
Kim0 -
Nike Volmero's, you can thank me later!0
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I did a bunch of research onine and the Asics came up high on a lot of different websites. I've used them for the past year and they have made a big difference.0
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Go to Feet fleet they were awesome at helping me find a good running shoe!0
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I haven't tried them yet, but someone here on the boards swore by Saucony running shoes0
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Go get fitted at a specialty running store. Just because a shoe is cute or works for someone else, doesn't mean it's the right shoe for you. A running store will *kitten* your gait, pronation, etc and recommend the RIGHT shoe for YOU.
Just because I run in Brooks Ghost, doesn't mean that the next woman with my stats/size needs those shoes too. Everyone has different shoe needs.0 -
Find a good local running specific store. They'll hook you up. Probably in a support shoe, depending on your gait, instep, etc.
This^^^^ Its extremely important and will likely save you money as you will get into the right shoe the first time.0 -
Definitely agree over the specialist running shops, it would have prevented my frustrating shin splints! Get them to fit you the first time, then you can always buy the next pair online and get a bargain with the end of line colours etc. I love the C25K programme, some are free but the music on some is a bit dire. I've started second time around on it and this time I got an app which I could put my own playlist on. They are very good run/walk programmes that gradually build you up, as you shouldn't increase speed/distance more than 10% per week in order to avoid injury, and these programmes cover that for you.
Have a good warm up walk, and plenty of stretching afterwards. I found that I wasn't holding my stretches long enough, or repeating them enough.
If you have any problems with stitch, breathing, aches and pains etc I love the Runners World website, I wish I'd known the stuff on breathing before I started :-) Also, do a search on the forums here, there is loads of good advise on specific issues. Good luck and don't worry if you don't love it at first, it will come! x
**edited for typo**0 -
asics gel nimbus! its super cushiony but stable0
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Agree with all the posters about going to a running store. The shoes they stock are not necessarily more expensive and are definitely less expensive than buying the wrong shoes somewhere else and then ending up at a running store - I speak from experience.0
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Find a good local running specific store. They'll hook you up. Probably in a support shoe, depending on your gait, instep, etc.
^^^This! Worst mistake I ever made was spending $60 on a pair of shoes that felt great in the store, but the first time I wore them and tried to run, I ended up with some pretty severe knee and foot pain. I went to Fleet Feet where they assessed my stride, and they recommended a couple different pair of running shoes. I spent $110, but it was totally worth it because I haven't had any problems since.0 -
My only advice (other than what has been mentioned already), is don't be afraid to repeat weeks in the c25k program. Especially if you have week or sensitive knees. If you've never run before, your body may take a little longer to get used to it than someone who is already fairly fit when they start.
It took me 3 weeks to finish week 1 (I repeated it 3 weeks in a row). My body just wasn't ready to move on, even if my lungs were ready. Listen to your body - expect soreness, but outright pain is a something you shouldn't ignore.0 -
There are a variety of Running stores, Fleet Feet, Runner's World, "Name of City" Running Company...They are pricey shoes but at least you will get shoes that are fitted to YOU. If you find a pair there, you can always find out the brand and model and see if you can find them cheaper elsewhere but not likely...Running stores have THE top of the line shoes and they are worth EVERY PENNY. However, should you not have a running store, try out Ascis and Mizunos. Those are the ones that I have had the most luck with. I am currently 221 and love my running shoes (previously Ascis, currently Mizunos).0
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A very knowledgeable man who owns the shoe store in my small town recommende Asics when we were shoe shopping before starting C25K earlier this year. I was just under 260 at the time. Love my Asics, but sadly I havent worn them out yet. :sad: Working on that tho.. getting back at it.0
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Holy cow! You guys are all freaking awesome. Thank you so much!! This is super new, and I'm really excited and all your encouragement and experience is making me want to go run RIGHT NOW!! lol Thank you!!!
Also? friend me! I would be so appreciative to have such smarty runners to learn from and cheer each other on! You guys are rad! 0 -
I love Asics, but going to a running store is definitely a good idea. I can't recommend Couch to 5k enough. I started c25k heavy, an ex-smoker, and couch potato who couldn't run the 1 min. intervals. I'm not through the program yet but I can run 25 min. (and 2 miles) without being winded. Good luck and add me if you need running mfp friends 0
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I started running (c25k) in my everday sneakers, thinking it didn't matter too much which shoes I wore. I had pain in my shins and hips after the very first run. As I built up the muscles in my legs the pain in my shins got better, and eventually disappeared. The pain in my hips did not. It wasn't as bad when I ran on the treadmill, but no matter what surface I ran on I had hip pain. When I finished c25k I went to a running & walking store to buy myself a pair of "real" shoes. I was properly fitted and my form was checked both on the treadmill and outside. Let me tell you, running in these shoes feels nothing like running in my old worn down sneakers. They are snug and confortable, with plenty of room in the toe. After just a couple of runs in those new shoes (Asics, btw) I realized my hip no longer hurt after I ran. Having good shoes really has made a huge difference for me.
So I would say
*get fitted and get good shoes (there are lots of brands out there - don't get stuck on a name - find the one that's right for you)
*C25k is an awesome way to start. I downloaded a c25k app on my ipod and went from there (if you are struggling, repeat a week until you feel comfortable moving on to the next level; I did)
*It make work for some people, but for me and all the other big girls I know running in shorts is a no-no. I run three or four steps then they ride up and I have to do a shimmy step to work them back down; very frustrating. I prefer to run in capris or pants.
*Your sports bra is a huge part of the equation of how comfortable you will be running. Make sure you have a good one that fits well.
*Have fun, and congrats to you for getting out there and running!0 -
I have Asics & love them. I am getting ready to replace them (one issue with being a heavy runner, you go through shoes quicker), and I'll get fitted at my local running store.
As for running tips: I can't say enough about C25K programs. Short intervals get your muscles used to doing what you are asking of them, without as much risk of injury. Even if you feel like you can run for longer (heartrate wise), your muscles need time to adjust.
Also, I have found that running is a brain thing as much as a body thing. I do a lot of self-talking on my runs - sometimes out loud.
Look for the belts that have a pouch for your phone, etc. & with water bottles that clip on. My skinny friends can run without drinking water, but because of my weight, my water needs are different.
Mostly, though, have fun! Even if you are not enjoying running at first, you are going to love how it makes you feel afterwards. It's worth it.0 -
Look for the belts that have a pouch for your phone, etc. & with water bottles that clip on. My skinny friends can run without drinking water, but because of my weight, my water needs are different.
I don't doubt that your water needs are different, but they might not be because of your weight. I am still over 200, but if I am running a few miles I don't drink anything. Of course, with me I tend to avoid drinking anything right before I leave the house otherwise I would be searching for a restroom a mile into my run, lol! So maybe it's me that's different :-)0 -
All I know is don't do what I did! lol
I just used a pair of cheap tennis shoes for running, I'm around 224 lbs. I originally tried to start this in July. I went on two walks, one three mile and one five miles. Even though I walked on dirt, I still got shin splints and a giant blister on one instep that took what seemed like an eternity to heal. Worse than that, it left me feeling like I was the one to blame, like I would never run if brisk walking did that to me.
Don't walk on concrete if you can help it.
I'm a huge fan of starting on a treadmill especially if you've ever gotten shin splints just walking before. The deck of a treadmill has a bit of spring to it. I've put nine miles on it in the last 3 days and have almost no discomfort up the front of my legs which is completely different from my experience even walking on dirt.
I feel like the treadmill sort of compensates for not having the most ideal fitting shoe, but once I get my heart rate down where I can actually try running, I'm going to go to a runners world or similar store where they put you on a treadmill and help you pick a good shoe.
Then I'll buy like 5 pairs of that shoe so I don't have to go back for awhile.. lol0 -
bump
definitely need to read this later!0 -
I would definitely follow the advice above and get your gait analyzed.
I recently started running again (at 195 lbs) and went with the neutral shoes I had. Following each run I had shin splints and hip flexor pain for several days. Recently had my gait checked and am now running in gel-cushioned Asics. (I underpronate and have high arches). I was lucky, and found them on sale at Sports Authority for $50. Anyway, they are so perfect I didn't even need to break them in, I ran in them the very next day. I've run in them 3 times now with no pain after, other than the expected soreness in my muscles.0 -
I just want to add my voice to the "go to a running store and get fitted" chorus.0
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besides shoes don;t forget to get something to keep your keys and phone in. i use an armband.
i still havent figured out a non annoying solution for water. i hate the belts i dont want to wear a back pack and i dont like carrying things in my hand when i run. what i need is an waterboy to follow behind me with water at the ready, but i don;t think i can get one of those in the store:laugh:
as for the shoes, definitely go to a running store where they can watch you run. i'm fairly heavy (195 pound) but run in a minimalist shoe because i'm a midfoot/toe lander than a heel striker.0 -
ASICS all the way!0
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Check out RoadRunnerSports.com--they have a good tool for finding the right shoe for you based upon weight, mileage, and pronation. They have high to low cost options. Even if I buy shoes elsewhere, I check here to see that I'm in the right shoe. They also have reviews from customers, which I find super helpful because everyone's foot shape is different.0
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I was 315 lbs when I got fit for running shoes. He evaluated my feet and my gait, before and after trying them on. I ended up with Asics. Love them. I started out walking, but progressed to a little light jogging with the help of the C25K program after I'd shed about 25 lbs. I used to get numbness in my feet before I was properly fit. These were comfortable from day one! I need to get some new ones now!0
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