Need advice on Running/Jogging Sneakers

ayankeefan51

I started the c25k app a couple weeks ago and was in week 3 when I sprained my ankle. I'm not sure if it's due to playing softball on crappy fields (although never sprained it before playing softball) or from running on my treadmill in cheap sneakers. Anyway, my friend thinks I sprained it because of my sneakers and that I should buy actual running sneakers that are a bit more expensive in the $50 - $100 range. The sneakers I have now I bought from Payless a long time ago, just to use occasionally when I need to play on turf surfaces. I now have turf shoes so I don't use them for that anymore either. Anyway, does anyone have any suggestions for a good pair of running sneakers (brand, price)? I've never purchased sneakers for running/jogging before and have no idea what brand/sneaker would be best. Any advice would be great. Thanks!

americangirlok

The runner friends I have suggest going to one of the stores that put you on the treadmill (and make you change your name... sorry, I'm a mega Elton John fan) and watch you walk and run and then set you up with the pair that meets your needs as far as where the impact happens for you. That's what I'm going to do when I get to under 200 b/c I really want to run, but I feel like w/ my family history of joint problems I need to reduce that impact a bit more and go for shoes that can help me not hurt me.

Just my two cents from what I've read on the boards and s/w the runners in my life. Good luck to you!

Vlad_Taltos

I'm sticking with ASICS since a couple of years, they've got a large enough choice for you to find the shoes that fit you the most and, me at least, I've never been disappointed by the quality.
I've looked at this brand because of their philosophy first and stay with them for the quality of their products!

kjm3579

I tried New Balance first (got fitted at the store and the whole deal) and had bad luck with them. I just recently switched to Brooks (Addiction 10 - I'm a size 14, 4e) and really like them so far. The Brooks website has a fit guide online if you can't get to a running store.

epie2098

The best advice I can give is to go to a running store (a real one, not a chain of generic sporting goods stores) and try on a gazillion pairs until you find the right one. I live in a town of 500, but am relatively near one of 3,000 and one of 10,000. If I can find one, you can too. If you have a pair of runners you've used for a while, take them with you, as some staff will be able to tell more about what can work from how your last pair fit and wore. Wear the socks that you will wear while running so you know better how they'll fit.

Don't go for brand - running shoes are like cars and new models come out each year. My Mizunos that worked last year didn't this year, and now I'm in an Asics. I've been in New Balance too. No brand loyalty here - it's about what fits.

My running shoes cost me $180 CDN - if you're in the US, you'll pay far less than that. It's well worth it compared with a gym membership, and the cost of physio to put you right if you mess up your feet in the wrong shoes.

@Americangirlo - I was 233 lbs when I first started C25K and I'm 164 now. If you want to run, don't let your weight stop you, just take it slow and do intervals, and of course, see the Dr to look at your individual physiology. You never know, running might be what helps your weight loss along

WhaddoWino

I had chronic ankle problems and I discovered that my shoes were contributing to it. You definitely need the right shoes! I am now running with Saucony Guide 5 shoes which are recommended to offer stability for ankles. For me, they are incredibly comfortable and light while offering just the right amount of support. I love them.

Still, you need to find what's right for you. Get ready though, a great pair of running shoes is an investment. You can find some really good deals on runningwarehouse.com. I got my Saucony's for 1/2 off. Here is a link to the shoes I now run with:
http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageWRS-SGU5W3.html

You can go to a running store, try on various shoes to find some that are right for you, and write down the specs. Then, if you can find a better deal online, order them. If the best deal is at the store, go back and get them.

Good luck. Hang in there and enjoy the running. It's an awesome way to get fit and feel great!

AllonsYtotheTardis

Get to a running store and have them evaluate your gait for the right type of shoe for you. The perfect shoe for me might be the absolute worst for you, and vice-versa. Even if you don't buy from the running store, they can at least tell you what *type* of shoe you need (ex - neutral, stability, motion control, etc)

melaniecheeks

What they all said. There isn't One Brand that is going to suit everyone - go to a good running store!

roundrunner

In addition to getting good running shoes, I always wear inserts. You don't have to get custom inserts, just buy them at the same place you get your running shoes.

Sharonks

I agree, Go to a running specialty store. I paid $120 for my shoes but they solved all sorts of pain and joint problems I was having. I have bad joints, flat feet, and had a stress fracture in one hip so running can really hurt. Getting proper shoes worked wonders. Even for walking shoes you should get fitted. I had planned on using whatever shoes were on sale for super cheap to walk in but after getting good running shoes I couldn't stand the cheap ones anymore. I run enough that I wore out my first pair and use them as my every day shoes. They still aren't too worn out to be pretty comfy for walking although I know their life span is at an end and I will have to get something new and maybe a little cheaper than my running shoes.

ayankeefan51

The runner friends I have suggest going to one of the stores that put you on the treadmill (and make you change your name... sorry, I'm a mega Elton John fan) and watch you walk and run and then set you up with the pair that meets your needs as far as where the impact happens for you. That's what I'm going to do when I get to under 200 b/c I really want to run, but I feel like w/ my family history of joint problems I need to reduce that impact a bit more and go for shoes that can help me not hurt me.

Just my two cents from what I've read on the boards and s/w the runners in my life. Good luck to you!

You can definitely start running at any weight. I'm 253 lbs now and was playing softball at 280 lbs. I started the c25k app recently and have been using it for 3 weeks. You slowly build up to running more minutes. It gets easier every time and I feel amazing after. Give it a shot!

ayankeefan51

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I will definitely go to a running store and have them fit me with a good pair. I'm in the US on LI, NY so I'll try the Runners Edge or Runner's Stop.

clarkeje1

at fleet feet they have employees who are especially knowledgeable about running shoes and they will let you try on different shoes and run in them. then they look at the way your feet pronate and they help you choose the best shoes for you. i used to get shin splints frequently because of my shoes, since going to fleet feet i have not gotten them once in 2 years.

bobf279

I also recommend going to a running store for gait analysis to be fitted for proper shoes to suit you. Cured all my lower limb, knee and ankle problems when running. My times have come down and distance increased since the start of year with no pain.

ETA: Also try running outside rather than just on the treadmill it will help you improve too.

wannabpiper

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions. I will definitely go to a running store and have them fit me with a good pair. I'm in the US on LI, NY so I'll try the Runners Edge or Runner's Stop.

I'm in the Albany area and went to Fleet Feet for a fitting. Good thing I didn't wear them right away because my podiatrist said they were a bad choice. I exchanged them for a pair of lightweight, mid-profile (8mm) Saucony's and love them. I was also guilty of wearing my running shoes too small - didn't know it - but have found that my ankles have really strengthened as a result of the right shoe and fit, and lots of walking and jogging. Best of luck!

Sycoholic

I'm happy with your decision to seek out a running store. That's the best advice for anybody. Also, make sure you don't take on too much mileage too fast. Being overweight is hard on your joints and bones. You can wind up with joint pains and shin splints. Start off easy and slowly increase mileage, allowing your bones to toughen up to the task at hand as well as your muscles.

Stay away from stores like Payless as they don't have the upper end shoes. There's a reason why you pay $20-30 for a pair there and $100+ at a running store. They're made completely different and of different materials. You really do get what you pay for with running shoes. Running stores aren't a rip off on prices. For example the one in my area is the same price or cheaper than ****'s Sporting Goods. ****'s does carry good shoes such as Brooks and Asics, but you have to know what you want and what-not. In the running store they'll let you "test drive" them on a treadmill or outside before you buy them. They also tend to have better return policies than the big box retailers. You're also not dealing with a 16 year old kid telling you what's a good shoe because he likes the way they look. You'll be dealing with people familiar with running, typically avid runners, and the shoes they sell.

Good luck in your runs!