Running Sneakers

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ErinShannon
ErinShannon Posts: 158 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I live 5 hours away from a store that could analyze my running and make recommendations on a proper running sneaker. So in the absence of that, how does one go about choosing a good running sneaker? I have Sears, JcPenny and Olympia Sports in my town otherwise it will mean ordering online. I am about to go into week 3 of C25K and so just getting started with my running journey but would like a good sneaker.

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  • Troublemonster
    Troublemonster Posts: 223 Member
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    If you aren't going to go in for a serious fitting, understandably I would do one of two things.

    1. Watch youtube videos and read internet resources to see if there was anything I could do to learn to analyze my own stride and choose an appropriate shoe based on those observations (the people in those stores weren't born with the knowledge to do that analysis)
    2. Go try on what you can find locally. I have always had good luck finding comfy shoes from Asics and New Balance, but especially Asics.

    I've also just ordered a pair of Vibram Five Fingers shoes to try out the whole barefoot style running thing.
  • kristafb
    kristafb Posts: 770 Member
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    I absolutely Reebok Flex, they are light & a more minimal shoe. I've suffered with Plantar Faciitis for years & since I started wearing these my feet have been 100% better.
  • meshashesha2012
    meshashesha2012 Posts: 8,326 Member
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    start here:

    http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/shoes/choosing-a-shoe-the-very-basics/481.html
  • macdiver
    macdiver Posts: 145 Member
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    Several studies by the US military have shown that motion control shoes which were properly selected and fitted per the manufacturer's recommendation led to more injuries. The military recommends a basic, neutral running shoe available at any store. More important ant than the shoe to avoid injury is proper running form. Learn to land on the fore to mid foot with your foot under your center of gravity and you will reduce the risk of most running injuries ( shin splints, PF, ITSBS, etc).
  • czmmom
    czmmom Posts: 236 Member
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    I used the runners world link that someone already posted. I had done a pretty good job of deciding the type of shoe I needed. The only thing I did wrong was the size. I am one of those that needs to go a whole size bigger instead of just a half size bigger. I imagine someone at Olympia Sports could help you with that. The only thing I don't like about my Olympia sports store is that the shoe selection is a bit limited. I really like Brooks and they don't carry those(at least my store). I like ordering from road runner sports. Good luck!!
  • mattvandyk
    mattvandyk Posts: 50 Member
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    Watch these:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pODcT55_7zA

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJQvW7JVqYY

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WSw-w3LtLUo

    Look at your existing shoes to see where the wear marks are (if you're a sever over- or under-pronator, it'll be immediately obvious on a pair of shoes you've had for a while).

    Once you know that information, you'll know what "type" of shoe you need and can then do the "normal" internet research looking for the best shoe for you that "works" for you. Runner's World has some pretty good info, as do some other sources. Just make sure that it's the right sure for you before you buy. I know the Asics website shows the pronation specs of each of their shoes on their product page; e.g. Kayano are for overpronators: http://www.asicsamerica.com/footwear/running-shoes/gel-kayano-19-t300n-mens/ while Nimbus are more for neutral- to under-pronators: http://www.asicsamerica.com/footwear/running-shoes/gel-nimbus-14-t241n-mens/ )

    Good luck!
  • athorp127
    athorp127 Posts: 13 Member
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    I feel like shoes are a really personal thing. I've tried a few different brands but the one that is super comfy and effective for me is Saucony. They're lightweight and flexible and have never given me any sort of foot pain, and I've never had to get through a "breaking in" timeframe--they're great from day one!

    Hope you find a brand that works for you!
  • Lazz5k
    Lazz5k Posts: 251 Member
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    YEP I took the runners world quiz (link posted from someone else above) helped me :)
  • hoyalawya2003
    hoyalawya2003 Posts: 631 Member
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    + 1 for starting with a basic neutral shoe. Once you have a wear pattern, you can go online and figure out if you need something else.

    I love, love, love my Brooks. Ghost and I think Glycerin are their neutral models.
  • lyttlewon
    lyttlewon Posts: 1,118 Member
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    JC Penny should sell Asics. That was my first running shoes.

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