Running Shoes?

WannaDizzolve

Hi, after a year of walking, i'm finally in good enough shape to attempt running. I need some decent shoes. I have weak ankles and would like some padding to offset that. I would appreciate any suggestions. i live in Albuquerque, so i won't be able to find anything too specialized. We have a foot locker and a sports authority here, though.

Ideas?

Thanks

crobl

Go to a specialty running store - get fitted for proper shoes and ignore the barrage of opinions on what shoe is best. The are good shoes, there are bad shoes - however, what is a good shoe for me, could be bad for someone else. I guarantee if you google running stores in Albuquerque you will find one. I know, because I just checked. They're out there! I personally run in Saucony's - but again, good for me could be bad for you!

ryblueeyes

It's hard to suggest a specific style because everyone is different. Brandwise, I've had good luck with Asics. I'm in a rural area, so unfortuantely I have to order online and go through a lot of trial and error. When you do buy, check out the store's return policy - I believe some places will allow you to test them out.

omma_to_3

Without a running specialty store in your area (double check on this - contact local running groups and ask for recommendations!), I would highly recommend Road Runner Sports. You can order from them, they'll help you pick the right shoe, and then you have 90 days to try it out and return (if you become a VIP which is WELL worth the cost of $1.99).

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/

moustache_flavored_lube

I also agree with the "go get fitted" comments

google says ABQ Running Shop http://abqrunningshop.com/ offers fittings

n_unocero

I have flat feet and a lot of the minimal shoes hurt my knees cause there is no shock absorption. I love my new balance 890's. they have tons of padding and support but they are still super light....and they come in some AMAZINGLY CUTE colors!!

angbunny22

Go to a specialty running store - get fitted for proper shoes and ignore the barrage of opinions on what shoe is best. The are good shoes, there are bad shoes - however, what is a good shoe for me, could be bad for someone else. I guarantee if you google running stores in Albuquerque you will find one. I know, because I just checked. They're out there! I personally run in Saucony's - but again, good for me could be bad for you!

I agree completely! You can ask people all day long but everyone is different and getting fit for proper shoes was the BEST thing I ever did. I have had to try a couple of pair now but love the ones I have. Also ask the store if they have a return policy. Some stores will let you test the shoes for a period of time to see if they are truly made for you!

BerryH

As others have said, there's no way we can recommend you running shoes over the internet. Go to a specialist store and make sure they watch you run in the ones you try for several minutes, either outside or on a treadmill. Try on loads. Don't go when you're in a hurry, bring your own sports socks and go at the end of the day when your feet are at their biggest.

Once you've found a style you love, then and only them can you order more pairs off the internet - last season's colours are often 50% or more cheaper.

Finally, don't rely on shoes to protect weak ankles, strengthen the supporting muscles instead. Try writing out the alphabet with your toes. Don;t forget to do calf stretches to stop your Achilles tendon getting tight. I used to sprain my ankles all the time, but since I started exercising regularly I no longer do.

Oh wait, there's another finally. Right from the start, make sure you get your running style right. Beginners make the mistake of heel landing, which can lead to all sorts of aches and pains. Google mid-foot landing and let your foot swing naturally to land underneath, not in front of, your body.

Here are some more beginner's running tips, hope they help! Be sure to come back and let us know how you get on. :flowerforyou:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

1holegrouper

I agree with the specialty running stores but I would also try to go to more than one in order to get comparative opinions. There are a lot of shoe models that would be 'good' for you but there is a possibility that only 1 or 2 models are out there that will be the best for you.

LoraF83

Hi, after a year of walking, i'm finally in good enough shape to attempt running. I need some decent shoes. I have weak ankles and would like some padding to offset that. I would appreciate any suggestions. i live in Albuquerque, so i won't be able to find anything too specialized. We have a foot locker and a sports authority here, though.

Ideas?

Thanks

There are definitely running stores in your area. You just probably haven't heard of them. I found some on Google for you:

http://abqrunningshop.com/

http://www.fleetfeetalbuquerque.com/

http://www.nmsportsystems.com/portfolio/run/



Definitely get fitted for good running shoes. What works for one person will not work for another. Expect to spend $85-$125 on shoes.

Also, it looks like there is a running club too - their website has lots of info and running routes:

http://www.abqroadrunners.com/running-resources.html

RunForChai

I've run 30 marathons--and run a lot of miles. Look at a good online guide for your body-type and foot. For example, I have long lean bones with a high arch. I can only wear a well-cushioned, lightweight shoe---Asics. Be wary of going to a shoe store to be fitted, I used to coach women and they would come back from shoe stores with shoes that really didn't reflect the runner or her body--and a $100 a pop, who can afford that? I order online.

Good luck!

scottb81

Running shoes won't do anything to help weak ankles. If they are thick with a lot of cushion they may increase the possiblity of turning the ankle because they reduce the ability of your feet to feel the ground and reduce overall stability while walking or running.

mojohowitz

Hi, after a year of walking, i'm finally in good enough shape to attempt running. I need some decent shoes. I have weak ankles and would like some padding to offset that. I would appreciate any suggestions. i live in Albuquerque, so i won't be able to find anything too specialized. We have a foot locker and a sports authority here, though.

Ideas?

Thanks

I highly recommend going to a pedorthist to determine if you /pronate/supinate/neutral, have a high/low arch, need cushioning, control, etc. No appointment needed. I just bought some cheap Nike off the shelf and was stuck running only three miles at a time with excruciating leg fatigue (and probably damage). I went to a pedorthist who fitted me in some Brooks Glycerine (I am neutral) with a higher arch insole (Lynco L400) and literally within weeks I was up to 9 miles with only minimal and normal soreness and fatigue. Once you get to six miles, it gets easier to add miles.

Good shoes can get expensive. I typically wear asics gel nimbus or mizuno wave creation. However, I buy two year old models on amazon and I get them for about $90 as opposed to $125.

Additionally, I thought I wore a size 12 or 13. The pedorthist put me in a size 15!!! It felt so much better to have the shoe bend at the correct place.

This place is in Albuquerque.
http://www.solecomfortabq.com/

WannaDizzolve

thanks. i will start with fleetfeet albquerque. They seem competent and have a free yoga class on Wed. I love yoga. Thank every one of you for all the help and support. I am in awe of each and every one of you!

Fredrigo

In my wife's 10 years of running marathons and my fledgling forays into running from my point of view I can say even more important than finding the right shoe is replacing them often it doesn't matter how well that shoe was made it can only rand so many pounds of impact in it's life. I have to replace my running shoes every 3 months regardless of price.

mojohowitz

In my wife's 10 years of running marathons and my fledgling forays into running from my point of view I can say even more important than finding the right shoe is replacing them often it doesn't matter how well that shoe was made it can only rand so many pounds of impact in it's life. I have to replace my running shoes every 3 months regardless of price.

Totally agree. I weigh 225 and I only get about 250 miles out of a pair of quality shoes. That's about every three months. Maybe it's psychological but even if I only run 100 miles in those three months I start to question my shoes.

Also, only wear your newest running shoes for running. Wear your old worn out shoes for shopping, lawn mowing, etc.

WannaDizzolve

Update: Went to fleetfeet. After being measured and watched to walk and much discussion, i ended up with a pair of Brooks Cascadia 8 in a size 8.5, (a whole size up from what i wear in crosstrainers) and some innersoles. I feel like i'm running on air! Yay!!!