Any suggestions on the best shoes for walking/running?

Txgirl1204
Txgirl1204 Posts: 37
in Fitness and Exercise
I am looking in to buy some new shoes. Right now I am walking about 2-3 miles per day and hope to start running soon. Any suggestions on shoes?

Replies

  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    I love my Brooks. Many will suggest going to a running store and getting fitted. I've never personally done that, but I did get suggestions from a friend 9and fitted) at a Finish Line. He was spot on, so you may just be able to go to a store like this, tell them what you're looking for and go from there. I know Brooks' website has a shoe guide to help you find the shoe for you within their brand, and I think runnersworld.com may have a shoe finder tool as well. I will also say that my husband is New balance loyal and hasn't worn a different brand (he buys a new pair every 4 or 5 months) in probably over two years, maybe longer. He uses them for lifting and has another pair for running (a mile 3-4 times a week, I believe). So, think about what you need ina shoe and go to a store and just start trying on and see what feels good.
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    I would strongly suggest getting fitted. It was the best thing I ever did for my feet.
  • crista_b
    crista_b Posts: 1,192 Member
    I agree with above, and that's probably what almost everyone on here is going to tell you. Go to a specialty running store and get fitted. Everyone is different, and the "best" shoes for one person may be the worst shoes for the next.

    FWIW, I love my Brooks Ghost running shoes.
  • Txgirl1204
    Txgirl1204 Posts: 37
    Thank you everyone! I appreciate the advice. I had no idea I could actually get fitted for tennis shoes!
  • BobcatGirl110
    BobcatGirl110 Posts: 364 Member
    I got fitted....I did last week because I took advice (well intended AND the brand I got originally worked well for my hubby...asics) but what you find is every foot is different and you run differently and when I went to get fitted they bring out 3 or 4 that fit your type of foot and running and you pick what feels good (I ended up with a saucony). The shin spints weren't worth it...get a shoe that works for ya and you will feel sooooo much better :) but that is just my experience....
  • AlexisJ330
    AlexisJ330 Posts: 97 Member
    I go to a New Balance store and get fitted. They will watch you walk and run in them. I had an orthopedic surgeon recommend using New Balance because of their support, stability, and customer service.
  • rosebarnalice
    rosebarnalice Posts: 3,488 Member
    I agree with above, and that's probably what almost everyone on here is going to tell you. Go to a specialty running store and get fitted. Everyone is different, and the "best" shoes for one person may be the worst shoes for the next.

    Be sure when you are fitted that the person doing it measures BOTH of your feet independently, and then also watches you walk around in the shoes you try on. Someone who knows what s/he is doing will know that your feet aren't necessarily the same size, and watching you walk will help him/her determine whether you need any adjustments like insoles or heel cups for a better fit and/or a better gait.
  • AmyMalley77
    AmyMalley77 Posts: 72 Member
    Thank you everyone! I appreciate the advice. I had no idea I could actually get fitted for tennis shoes!

    Yes! And getting fitted has more to do with them telling you what size you wear... they will let you know if you over or under pronate or are a neutral pronator, which will determine what type of sneaker you should be wearing. Also, some brands of shoes have more or less arch support, and when you get fitted they will let you know how much support you need.

    When I started jogging, I was getting horrible shin splints and shocking lower back pain. I was wearing just a pair of sneakers I had (not brand new, but not worn out either) bought for myself because they felt "comfortable".

    I ended up going in for a fitting and found out that I severely over pronate and have unusually high arches. I needed a more structured shoe that doesn't allow my foot to roll inside, and I needed more arch support. I ended up getting a pair of Brooks Adrenaline's and the back pain cleared up immediately and the shin splints went away in about two weeks, after I had been suffering with them for about two months while wearing my old shoes.

    Rather than getting "injured" or having pain first, do yourself a favor and get fitted. You don't HAVE to buy the shoes at the store where you get fitted...just go find out about your gait and foot needs. Almost all running shoe stores do free fittings.

    I know on the Brooks shoe site, you plug in your weight, whether you over or under pronate or want a neutral shoe, and then it suggests which of their styles are for your feet.
  • momo9128706
    momo9128706 Posts: 45
    In my experience, I'm in love with my Asics running shoes, and my Puma Trail Running shoes! I have high arches and bought inserts for that reason only, but I love both the shoes. Tight, breathable, and light weight!
  • mongolianfireoil
    mongolianfireoil Posts: 17
    Asics all the way. :)
  • bobf279
    bobf279 Posts: 342 Member
    we all have our own favourites, get fitted and find what suits you and your wallet.

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