Running Shoes
rachgolds
Posts: 75
I am a heel striker who has developed terrible shin splints. I know the only way to fix this issue is by correcting my gait, which I am working on slowly but surely. However, I was wondering if anyone could suggest a good pair of shoes that encourage a mid foot strike to aide me in my transition? I figure a good pair of shoes can only help my efforts! So far I've been told Skora and Newtons? I am not very familiar with either of these brands. Does anyone have any info on these shoes, particularly the Skora? Any other suggestions welcome as well! Thanks!
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Replies
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Go to a good running shoe store, one where the people are knowledgeable about running and running shoes. I run in Asics and am not a heel striker but that doesn't mean my shoes or anyone elses shoes are right for you. Spend the money and the time and go to a store where people can watch and evaluate you running.0
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If you have time go to a running store. They will work with you on finding the best sneaker. They usually have you run on a treadmill and watch your gait. The shoes cost a little more but worth it!0
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I have been to several reputable running stores, had my gait analyzed, and shoes recommended, but each shoe has led to a different issue. I know each person's needs when it comes to shoes are different, but I'm just looking for any suggestions from you all that might be worth looking into. Thanks!0
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I used to get really bad shin spints too! I wear ASICS religiously now. I love them.0
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My podiatrist recommended Asics or New Balance and be sure they're under 4lbs.0
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Newtons. Research. Now!0
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Rach, you may have already seen this on my wall post, but I'll elaborate here for anyone else that is reading this thread.
I think it's safer to work on your stride in the shoes that you are currently using. To add another dimension to the transition is just going to make it more difficult and may lead to further injury and setbacks. The reason the minimalist shoes works is because it hurts when you run with improper form in them. Google "running form drills" and incorporate those as well as the work on cadence that you are doing.
As for the Newtons, I put them in the gimmick category right beside Sketcher's Shape Ups.0 -
My podiatrist recommended Asics or New Balance and be sure they're under 4lbs.
4 POUNDS? That's 64 ounces. Running shoes are between 6 and 14 ounces or so.0 -
As "gimmicky" as one person may think (SHEESH) they are I can tell you that Newtons took this 6 mile per year runner with a bum knee to a marathoner in one year. I have no more knee (or shin) pain. Do I think you can adapt a midfoot strike in other shoes - hell yes. BUT, I know that they helped my physically and mentally. So, OP why not give them a shot? Many running stores have tracks or treadmills so you can at least just TRY them.0
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Rach, you may have already seen this on my wall post, but I'll elaborate here for anyone else that is reading this thread.
I think it's safer to work on your stride in the shoes that you are currently using. To add another dimension to the transition is just going to make it more difficult and may lead to further injury and setbacks. The reason the minimalist shoes works is because it hurts when you run with improper form in them. Google "running form drills" and incorporate those as well as the work on cadence that you are doing.
As for the Newtons, I put them in the gimmick category right beside Sketcher's Shape Ups.
Since you've already been. This sounds like good advice. Good luck to you:)0 -
Rach, you may have already seen this on my wall post, but I'll elaborate here for anyone else that is reading this thread.
I think it's safer to work on your stride in the shoes that you are currently using. To add another dimension to the transition is just going to make it more difficult and may lead to further injury and setbacks. The reason the minimalist shoes works is because it hurts when you run with improper form in them. Google "running form drills" and incorporate those as well as the work on cadence that you are doing.
As for the Newtons, I put them in the gimmick category right beside Sketcher's Shape Ups.
^^^ This
One change at a time. Transitioning to a mid foot strike takes time and a conscientious effort, I sort of cheated by running outdoors in winter - slippery conditions forced me to shorten my stride unless I wanted to fall on my butt and I just stayed with it when the snow melted.0 -
As for the Newtons, I put them in the gimmick category right beside Sketcher's Shape Ups.
Any particular reason? I absolutely love mine, as you may have noticed in the myriad other shoe threads. My story is similar enough to MarineCodie's that I don't really see the need to elaborate right now.0 -
As "gimmicky" as one person may think (SHEESH)...
Easy there Marine. Just stating my opinion. It's shared by others as well. I'm really happy that they worked for you. I just think there are lot of other things you can do for your running form that the shoes profess to do.
Semper Fi0 -
Sometimes, it's not just the type of show, but it's the shoe size that makes a difference. I used to have a ton of different issues when running, but then went to a store with certified orthopedists on staff. What they discovered is that I have a very long arch and needed to wear a larger shoe to accommodate that. Normally I'd wear a 9 or 9.5. Now a wear a 10.5 in running shoes and I've not had any problems, since! Like many other posters, I'm a big fan of Asics and, especially if you are doing a lot of running, it does make a difference if you pay a bit more for the mid- to high-end shoes. Good luck! I hope you find the right shoes for you!!0
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As for the Newtons, I put them in the gimmick category right beside Sketcher's Shape Ups.
Any particular reason? I absolutely love mine, as you may have noticed in the myriad other shoe threads. My story is similar enough to MarineCodie's that I don't really see the need to elaborate right now.
I kind of mention it in my previous post. The shoe is attempting to make changes to the way you foot strike. It's is designed to make you run the way you are supposed to run to begin with. Why not use form drills and cadence work to achieve the same results. It's a lot less expensive and it's more sustainable. Once you have trained your body to run the correct way, you can start to wear less and less shoe if you want to. I don't know the answer to this, but I think it would be very difficult to go from a Newton shoe to a minimalist shoe of any kind, like a racing flat for example. The body is expecting the shoe to do the work and when it's not there to do it...I don't know. What IS going to happen?
But again, if it works for you or someone else, that's wonderful. I wouldn't deny anyone the joy of running.0 -
Sometimes, it's not just the type of show, but it's the shoe size that makes a difference. I used to have a ton of different issues when running, but then went to a store with certified orthopedists on staff. What they discovered is that I have a very long arch and needed to wear a larger shoe to accommodate that. Normally I'd wear a 9 or 9.5. Now a wear a 10.5 in running shoes and I've not had any problems, since! Like many other posters, I'm a big fan of Asics and, especially if you are doing a lot of running, it does make a difference if you pay a bit more for the mid- to high-end shoes. Good luck! I hope you find the right shoes for you!!
What store? Why would a medical doctor want to work at a shoe store? That's wild - seriously!!0 -
Sometimes, it's not just the type of show, but it's the shoe size that makes a difference.
I wear at least 1 1/2 sizes larger in my running shoes than I do in 'regular' shoes. I love my Brooks Ghosts, they are a perfect fit to me and my wide, heel striking feet.
Edit to add that the Ghosts were picked out for me by the super nice lady at the running shoe store after watching me on the treadmill. She gave me three choices and the Brooks just felt 'right'!0 -
My podiatrist recommended Asics or New Balance and be sure they're under 4lbs.
4 POUNDS? That's 64 ounces. Running shoes are between 6 and 14 ounces or so.
Seriously! Are you doing weight training in them?0 -
My podiatrist recommended Asics or New Balance and be sure they're under 4lbs.
4 POUNDS? That's 64 ounces. Running shoes are between 6 and 14 ounces or so.
Exactly my thought. My lightest are 4.8 and my heavy ones are 8.6, ounces - not pounds.
And I think by switching shoes, you're just avoiding the issue at hand. You need to work on form and stride.
I also think you need to be checked out by an ortho or sports med doctor.0 -
My lightest are 4.8
I need to get some new, lightweight racing flats. Mine are a couple years old. I'm amazed at how they continue to trim the weight off these things.0 -
Depending on the shoe store you went to, you could be limited to only a few shoe models.
Do research online. Look for a lighter shoe, under 10 oz with a mild toe to heel drop. Maybe 4 - 8mm?
Buy several pairs, try them on around the house. Return the ones you don't want / like.
Zappos has a decent return policy and this is how I go about finding a pair of shoes I like.0 -
Sometimes, it's not just the type of show, but it's the shoe size that makes a difference. I used to have a ton of different issues when running, but then went to a store with certified orthopedists on staff. What they discovered is that I have a very long arch and needed to wear a larger shoe to accommodate that. Normally I'd wear a 9 or 9.5. Now a wear a 10.5 in running shoes and I've not had any problems, since! Like many other posters, I'm a big fan of Asics and, especially if you are doing a lot of running, it does make a difference if you pay a bit more for the mid- to high-end shoes. Good luck! I hope you find the right shoes for you!!
Are you talking about a pedorthist? Not the same thing as an orthopedist. I used to go to a running store that had one. Not a doctor, just a certified footwear specialist (so to speak). She was very helpful however.0 -
To the original question: I recommend Brooks Pure Connect, inexpensive around $85, 4mm heel to toe drop, lightweight at 7oz, and durable - 850 miles on mine so far and still going strong.
They fit a little different than most shoes so if you think about getting a pair make sure to try them on and run a little in the store to see if they work for you. I also had to buy a full size larger than I normally wear.0 -
I agree with checking the size, although they should have properly fit you at the running store. At Fleet Feet they discovered that I have an extra long arch, so I wear 1 1/2 size bigger in running shoes than dress shoes. I also have a foot that is wide at the ball (C) and narrow at the heel (AA), so they put me in Saucony's, and I have never found a brand that fits my particular foot better. They also should have told you whether you need neutral or stability. All of that can make a great difference.0
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I used to heel strike and I used to get a lot of aches and pains. Once I really began to focus on my form and how my foot hit the ground along with my stride...the pains started to cease! I did get new shoes too
for long runs I use my Brooks, other than that I alternate between my On Cloudrunners and Asics, I also bought a pair of New Balance Minimalist shoes that I will try on very short runs til my muscles adjust to them! My favorite so far are Brooks though! 0 -
I started in Nike Free Run.. and they are a good shoe, but very minimalist and the support goes out quick.
Recently bought Asics Nimbus 12, and they are wonderful.. I've had no problems what so ever since buying them.
I'm also a mid-foot striker and not a heel-striker.. so take that into consideration.0 -
As for the Newtons, I put them in the gimmick category right beside Sketcher's Shape Ups.
Any particular reason? I absolutely love mine, as you may have noticed in the myriad other shoe threads. My story is similar enough to MarineCodie's that I don't really see the need to elaborate right now.
I kind of mention it in my previous post. The shoe is attempting to make changes to the way you foot strike. It's is designed to make you run the way you are supposed to run to begin with. Why not use form drills and cadence work to achieve the same results. It's a lot less expensive and it's more sustainable. Once you have trained your body to run the correct way, you can start to wear less and less shoe if you want to. I don't know the answer to this, but I think it would be very difficult to go from a Newton shoe to a minimalist shoe of any kind, like a racing flat for example. The body is expecting the shoe to do the work and when it's not there to do it...I don't know. What IS going to happen?
But again, if it works for you or someone else, that's wonderful. I wouldn't deny anyone the joy of running.
That's an interesting question, I suppose. I'll probably find out someday. Newton does make minimalist shoes, though... well, down to about 6 oz. apparently. I wear a size 15, so my shoes are never going to be very light, and it's not something I give a whole lot of thought to. Hell, some companies don't even make my size (Skora for example.) I was and continue to be more concerned with just being able to run without hurting myself, and I've been able to do that since I started wearing this kind of shoe. I think Rach is in a similar position, and maybe having a more substantial shoe would help? They're fairly thick in the sole, but I don't think that necessarily has to be a bad thing. It's made of different stuff than your typical thick-heeled running shoe is.
When I first went to Charm City Run and they told me about Newtons, I was like "yeah, right, I'm never buying those." But they talked me into coming to a natural running symposium Newton was hosting (and I was really lucky to catch them in Baltimore, I guess) where we did drills and there were demo Newtons of every size available for people to try out, including running around the city, not just the store. Lo' and behold, I won a free pair in a raffle. I was blown away from the moment I first put them on and I've since bought a second pair for some of the muddier trails around here. So that's the serendipitous story of how I went from skeptic to believer.
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That's an interesting question, I suppose. I'll probably find out someday. Newton does make minimalist shoes, though... well, down to about 6 oz. apparently. I wear a size 15, so my shoes are never going to be very light, and it's not something I give a whole lot of thought to. Hell, some companies don't even make my size (Skora for example.) I was and continue to be more concerned with just being able to run without hurting myself, and I've been able to do that since I started wearing this kind of shoe. I think Rach is in a similar position, and maybe having a more substantial shoe would help? They're fairly thick in the sole, but I don't think that necessarily has to be a bad thing. It's made of different stuff than your typical thick-heeled running shoe is.
When I first went to Charm City Run and they told me about Newtons, I was like "yeah, right, I'm never buying those." But they talked me into coming to a natural running symposium Newton was hosting (and I was really lucky to catch them in Baltimore, I guess) where we did drills and there were demo Newtons of every size available for people to try out, including running around the city, not just the store. Lo' and behold, I won a free pair in a raffle. I was blown away from the moment I first put them on and I've since bought a second pair for some of the muddier trails around here. So that's the serendipitous story of how I went from skeptic to believer.
Quite serendipitous! I'm happy to hear it's working for you.
On another note, there is only one Charm City that I know of, and I live there too. 0 -
I am a neutral heel striker( I was fitted) and they recommended Brooks shoes. Since then i have been wearing the mid soles of the shoes down when i run. I am also currently training for a 1/2 marathon. I definitely suggest getting fitted though. :drinker:0
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Pounds, ounces, kilos, whatever.
Lightness of shoes is key in the two varieties mentioned is what I was told.0
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