How important are shoes for the beginner?

mamakira

As I read about shoes and the proper fit here frequently I wonder how important they are for the beginner?
I must admit when I bought my shoes the price was quite a big point. There are shoes in all price cathegories and I understand, that if you are an advanced runner and run a lot of miles a week it might make a difference. Or if your foot hurts or tour knees.
But I have none of those problems, at least never had them. So I chose shoes in a medium price segment, ASICS Gel Virage. I had ASICS GT-(number) before but those really fall apart now. Those are very comfortable and light and I really like having them on.

What is the advantage of a way more expensive shoe and what are the daners if I wear shoes not fitted to my foot?

Any advices or warnings here? Or do I have to wait until I run more and see what happens?

sandi117

I don't think the price of the shoe is important, but how they fit and feel when you run. When buying my shoes, I looked like an idiot trying different styles/brands on - I'd run laps around the store. Just because a shoe seems to fit fine when you're walking doesn't mean they will feel the same when running.

When running, your foot expands with the impact of hitting the ground, so usually the "rule of thumb" is to have a thumb's-width of wiggle room from your longest toe to the front of your shoe. Also, a slightly wider toe box (the front of the shoe where your toes go) may be a good idea as well. Too short/narrow of shoes can cause numbness, pain, blisters, and even black/purple toenails (a blister forms under the toenail itself).

The "style" of running a person does is another factor. Underpronation and overpronation can cause problems. Both of these running styles can contribute to problems such as shin splints, stress fractures and pain in the heels and knees. Just because you don't have these problems now doesn't mean you won't get them in the future, and trust me, you do not want to experience shin splints. Runners unaware of their pronation should consider visiting a running store, where knowledgable staff can assess your running and help determine what stile of running you have. Keep in mind you do not have to buy shoes at these stores, but they are a great resource to find out about your feet and running style.

There's so much information out there. That's just the tip of the iceberg. Good luck to you!

rduhlir

For the beginner the type of shoe is extremely important. The shoe is your bread and butter of the run. It is your equipment that enables you to complete the cycle. Too often, it is the shoe that causes injuries in new runners.

Having the wrong shoe can cause all sorts of injuries. To aid you in understanding this, here is an article about running in the proper shoes:

http://tighthams.wordpress.com/2008/05/11/wrong-shoe-right-pain-why-your-running-shoes-are-meant-for-running/

WAHMto5

I started out with my everyday Nikes and had a horrible time! Not until I found shoes that worked for me (Brooks), did I see a huge difference in my running.

bostonwolf

If there is a real running store nearby, it's worth having them fit you for the right kind of shoes for your feet.

hareraising

I will admit that the sticker shock of the "running" shoe from the running store was a bit much! The first time I started the C25K I went all in! I got the running shoe that I was fitted for at the store. I just started running! I ended up with plantar facetious and shin splints. But when I started again after a 2 year break, I decided I would get a new shoe, but just an expensive one. I think what made this work for me was a few factors, I prepared myself more for running better than I did the first time, I watched utube video on running technique and form, read through tip and technique section on here and other running boards, then I bought some new shoes ($34 souconey), slowed my paces and then I started running. I only ware them for working out so they will last longer. They have proved to be great! I guess all that to say, a comfortable, less expensive shoe paired with preparation worked for me.

mamakira

First of all thank you all for your responses.

I am still running in my asics. I love them.
They are new and I had to decide between another pair of fitted shoes or sunglasses made to my strength to avoid other injuries. I am a mole. I listened very carefully to my feet, joints and shins and I don´t have the tiniest problem, no pain, no shin splints...I´ve used them in 3 weeks now every other day. So I think I was just lucky when I chose them. But I could have been very unlucky also.

BUT next time I need new shoes I will see if I find a runners store and have my feet measured. Maybe I will feel even better in fitted shoes. Or maybe they will just tell me that I have the perfect shoe already.

likitisplit

If you aren't experiencing any pain then you probably got good shoes for your feet. You might also have a nice neutral gait, which makes everything so much easier.