Running shoes

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throttle2009
throttle2009 Posts: 138
in Fitness and Exercise
I have been running on a treadmill for the past few months but I want to run outside after this #*(&^ winter lets up. I have a history of lower back spasms, stiffness etc so I was wondering if anyone out there has any similar issues and has an opinion on what brand of shoe to go for or maybe what to avoid.

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  • nornyb
    nornyb Posts: 224 Member
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    Find a running store that has a step analyzer, they will be able to tell you what shoes would be best for you. I avoided doing this for a couple of years 'cause I was afraid they would try to sell me a $200 pair of shoes, but they had a lot of good suggestions from affordable to deluxe.
  • MG_Fit
    MG_Fit Posts: 1,143 Member
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    Find a running store that has a step analyzer, they will be able to tell you what shoes would be best for you. I avoided doing this for a couple of years 'cause I was afraid they would try to sell me a $200 pair of shoes, but they had a lot of good suggestions from affordable to deluxe.

    What norny said. FleetFeet is a good company.
  • Kelly_Runs_NC
    Kelly_Runs_NC Posts: 474 Member
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    Yes. I have a previous L4 and L5 herniated disc injury. It is better now, but as you know, that is a permenat injury so I am always careful about my back. I am an avid runner. I alternate 2 pairs of shes at a clip. This rotation I am using Brooks and Mizuno. Last I used Asics and Saucony.

    I found that these four brands have the support and shock absorbtion that I need to protect my back. Nike was the worst for me.

    These are just my opinion on what worked for me.

    Hope this helps you out.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
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    Agree that you should get fitted at a professional running store. Running shoes are the once area where it's actually ok to be a special snowflake! You need shoes that are good for your feet, so my recommendation on what's good for my feet is a moot point.

    Get fitted and get out there :)

    Also, the right shoes should help with your back problems while running - even if you are on the treadmill.
  • LisasRoadtolosing100lbs
    LisasRoadtolosing100lbs Posts: 163 Member
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    I totally agree, to a runner your shoe is the most important equipment. Remember your sneakers should be replaced as well every 300 miles. Your shoe might not even look worn but your insoles which support your foot.
    Happy Running!
  • juliec33
    juliec33 Posts: 238 Member
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    Yep, head to the nearest running store. Also, take in the old shoes that you've been using on the treadmill. Sometimes the wear pattern on the bottom can help give them a clue about your stride. Shoes are an investment but are totally worth it. I've been in Brooks Ghost's for three years. Every running store I've been too has recommended the shoe for me. They aren't really "pretty" (hey, I'm a girl, I like bright colors) so I tried a different pair, still a very reputable brand, that were more colorful. My back spasmed up about two weeks into running in them. I went back to my Brooks and have stayed there since.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
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    Agreed.

    There are also some good tools on the Runner's World website for finding out what type of shoe you need based on your foot/stide... but getting fitted by someone knowledgeable is always the best bet.
  • TB6197
    TB6197 Posts: 23
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    Agree with everyone here. Go to a specialist store and they will sort you out. Everyone is different. I used mizuno - they were great never had a blister with them. I have asics now and I just don't get on with them, whereas I know loads of people who swear by them.
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
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    I just read the book Anatomy of a Runner, it's now one of my personal favorite references. It's written by a physical therapist. I would strongly suggest it, as it addresses shoes and low back pain and the source of it and provides exercises to help with that as well as running form.
  • JustJennie1
    JustJennie1 Posts: 3,843 Member
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    Fleet Feet ROCKS. I'm so glad my running friends turned me on to them. I will not buy my running shoes any where else BUT there.
  • Oakley82
    Oakley82 Posts: 53
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    I'm more of a "brisk walker" but I went ahead and invested in some Brooks. They feel AMAZING on my feet.
  • Gjallarhorn
    Gjallarhorn Posts: 87
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    I've tried the places that analyze your foot and how you step. It's nice, but be prepared to pay the premiums. One thing I will suggest, is go to a store like Finish Line (where I got my shoe, a Brooks, for those of us with wide feet in need of a running shoe.) and see if you can't find something in your size that is comfortable. Unless you're training like the russian from Rocky, you don't need to be hooked up to a machine to figure out what will work for you.

    Brooks is a little bit pricey, but they're the best athletic shoes i have ever owned, they blow nike, adidas, reebok, you name it, out of the water.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
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    I will add that I used to have lower back issues (not spasms though) and changing my stride a bit really helped. I'm no longer a heel striker, at least not until I get tired, lol.
  • throttle2009
    throttle2009 Posts: 138
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    Cool thanks everyone...I will try to get analysed. I called around and I can get it done at the "running room". ( I'm up in Canada)...I like the idea of 2 pairs to keep changing up the angles to save my back! And I am so going to check out the book Anatomy of a Runner.
  • NCchar130
    NCchar130 Posts: 955 Member
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    I have been running on a treadmill for the past few months but I want to run outside after this #*(&^ winter lets up. I have a history of lower back spasms, stiffness etc so I was wondering if anyone out there has any similar issues and has an opinion on what brand of shoe to go for or maybe what to avoid.

    I have back trouble too, even had surgery a couple of years ago. I got fitted and chose Asics brand with gel cushioning in a style for my foot strike type. I love them! I've had no back trouble while running in them.
  • NCchar130
    NCchar130 Posts: 955 Member
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    Should have added this link:

    http://www.therunningadvisor.com/running_shoes.html

    I actually used the link first and then had them check my gait at the shoe store and they agreed with my self-analysis using that link above. So maybe a good starting place for you.
  • throttle2009
    throttle2009 Posts: 138
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    Finally got around to getting assessed. I have moderate over pronation, so they suggested the Brooks Ravenna 4 or the Nike Lunarglide4. I have traditionally been a Nike guy but I'm going to try the Brooks this time around. They have an awesome reputation!..
  • throttle2009
    throttle2009 Posts: 138
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    that is a great link! I used it to break down the choices out there! Thanks for the tip!!

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