Help me pick out some running shoes!

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jessejames3ball
jessejames3ball Posts: 268
in Fitness and Exercise
Good morning everyone. I need some running shoes! I have some ok cross training type of shoes, but they aren't good enough for running.

Quick background on what I need: I have bad knees, both of them. I also tend to get shin splints, but that's probably just me being a wuss. haha So I need something that will help a lot with the impact of the road, and won't hurt the budget too bad either. The budget part probably removes all things Nike, but whatever.

So, thoughts? Suggestions? Ideas?
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Replies

  • Bean615
    Bean615 Posts: 132 Member
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    i went to a local running store and they watched me run on the treadmill and picked out the perfect sneakers for me! expensive but worth it!
  • kristin1493
    kristin1493 Posts: 41 Member
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    Running shoes are so individualized. Get to a running store and have them fit you. What works for one doesn't work for another.
  • Hellbent_Heidi
    Hellbent_Heidi Posts: 3,669 Member
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    Another vote for running store. No matter what everyone else likes or what works for them..they are not you, and YOU need shoes that will suit your needs, so defer to the professionals! If you're looking for a better budget, go get fitted at the running store, write down the ones you like, then shop online (roadrunner dot com is always cheaper!).

    Edit: check out outlet stores afterward too..you can sometimes find great deals, but definitely do the running store trip to find out what will best suit your needs.
  • brattyworm
    brattyworm Posts: 2,137 Member
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    running store.... fleet feet is my favorite. :)
  • wolfgate
    wolfgate Posts: 321 Member
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    Agree on the running store advice. You need someone who can analyze your gait properly and get you in the right shoes. Big box stores typically won't cut it as far as expertise.
  • funpilot56
    funpilot56 Posts: 100
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    Good idea to get evaluated. Make sure you pick a shoe for function, not style. Who gives a crap what it looks like after you have run thru mud.
  • runzalot81
    runzalot81 Posts: 782 Member
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    Shin splints are nothing to mess around with. Definitely not a wuss! They can lead to stress fractures. Great shoes will help but I encourage you to look into compression socks and/or sleeves.

    You need to figure out how your foot strikes the ground. Do you overpronate? You need a knowledgable person to assess your gait and posture. Do you have a local specialty running store? The big box stores are kinda useless as far as helpful personnel.

    I run in Brooks Adrenaline GTS. They rock my world and I've been running in them for nearly 10 years. I overpronate and my knees never hurt in Brooks.
  • azwethinkweizm
    azwethinkweizm Posts: 47 Member
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    Asics work for most people but I would go to a store and have them fit them for you. I ran on a treadmill and had insoles moulded to my feet and I have a lost less problems with shin splints & pains in general now. :smile:
  • unlocke
    unlocke Posts: 149
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    I understand the cost, but a good pair of shoes are cheaper than a doctor visit. Reebok flex are great for bad knees....trust me! :wink:
  • belleflop
    belleflop Posts: 154 Member
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    Run barefoot on grass or other soft material like a track. Start out very slowly and build leg strength over time. Barefoot running will correct your gait and proper foot strike. After this find a nice shoe that has a nice ground feel but gives you the support you need to absorb the shock from concrete and enjoy running while minimizing injury!
  • jessejames3ball
    jessejames3ball Posts: 268
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    Thanks for the replies. I do not have a running specific store anywhere near me. There is a decent sporting goods store, but they don't quite have the level of detail that you all are mentioning.
  • MikeyD1280
    MikeyD1280 Posts: 5,257
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    this is great! I never thought to seek a professional foot person. I think that I will do that too. I wonder how I run and been eye-ing up the clima-cool by adias... but rather put my money in the BEST for me sneaker!

    who knows.. maybe that one would be it!
  • MikeyD1280
    MikeyD1280 Posts: 5,257
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    Thanks for the replies. I do not have a running specific store anywhere near me. There is a decent sporting goods store, but they don't quite have the level of detail that you all are mentioning.

    you ever think of looking up a foot doctor or specialist, that's what I would need to do, I actually just contacted one and waiting for a reply to see if they can help.
  • suwonfish
    suwonfish Posts: 36
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    I've run half and full marathons in these and I'm (and always have been) a heavy guy.

    Nike Pegasus. Trust me on this.
  • HoneyBadgerVin
    HoneyBadgerVin Posts: 166
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    +1 for barefoot running. Helped me and at least 2 other friends with knee pain.
  • boonognog
    boonognog Posts: 55 Member
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    Here in my area we have Omega Sports with a fantastic staff that will evaluate your gait right there in the store.

    I bought the Brooks shoes they recommended for me and I have to say they are worth every penny. I don't even run, but just the fit and support for walking is incredible.

    Buying the right shoe is one of the most overlooked parts of feeling good throughout the day!
  • jessejames3ball
    jessejames3ball Posts: 268
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    Does anyone use those shoes with the toe cutouts? Can't think of what they are called, sorry.
  • ShaunMc1968
    ShaunMc1968 Posts: 204
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    Recent research shows that there is an absolute nonsense surrounding expensive trainers - get a pair that's comfy and the rest is up to you,

    http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01l1yxk

    estract from Canadian expert .......

    Professor Benno Nigg of the University of Calgary in Canada, has been studying the biomechanics of running for more than 40 years.

    He said the conventional thinking was that cushioning and control were the key health benefits of running shoes - but that idea has been proven wrong by recent studies that showed no difference in injury rates if runners were prescribed structured shoes meant to control how their foot lands as they run.

    "The most important predictors for injuries are distance, recovery time, intensity and those type of things... the shoes come very, very later as minor contributors."

    Prof Nigg's advice to runners is to find something that fits.

    "If you can find a shoe where you just enjoy that activity and you are comfortable, that's all you need."


    Hope this helps,

    Regards,
    S.
  • MikeyD1280
    MikeyD1280 Posts: 5,257
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    sandles? :laugh:
  • kayrevan
    kayrevan Posts: 37 Member
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    Does anyone use those shoes with the toe cutouts? Can't think of what they are called, sorry.

    I have a friend who runs in them. Said they were the best running shoes she has ever owned and even made her 5K time a bit faster!

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