Preference on Running Shoes

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tracybarnhill
tracybarnhill Posts: 124
in Fitness and Exercise
I have started running, and I have been wearing Shox to run in but they seem to be hurting my feet, I have been researching running shoes. I have been told Asics are great, then New Balance are good, and I was wondering about Sauconey? I know that they are decently priced, (since i am on a budget now) but how are they for running? I was wanting some input on shoes from those of you that run on a normal basis, cause I run about a mile a night and am working up to doing a 5k in November. So input would be nice....

Also I have had issues with very high arcs and have to wear custom orthotics. So keep that in mind.

Thanks,

Tracy

Replies

  • jrich1
    jrich1 Posts: 2,408 Member
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    I wear New Balance, when you have wide feet like me (EEEE width) its hard to find wide enough shoes
  • michlingle
    michlingle Posts: 797 Member
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    Love Saucony, they are great if you like/need a lot of cushion...like me..hehehe. I think they are better for the runner who is still in progress with their weight loss :)
  • maryann73
    maryann73 Posts: 763 Member
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    When I started running I bought Rebox runners, and then I got plantar faciiatis. My Dr. and then a runner both suggested New Balance to me. Something I didn't know about New Balance is that the higher the # of the shoe, the better it is. I was able to get a really good shoe for under $40. (I WAS unhappy about spending money on Rebox and then buying new shoes AGAIN!)
  • ljc1057
    ljc1057 Posts: 357 Member
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    You should go to a good running shoe store and let them check you out. If they are good they will have you run on a treadmill or down the block and watch what you do. I run in Saucony's because I have a high arch and roll my foot in. You should also get new shoes every 6 months or so, depending on how often and far you run.
  • jlayney
    jlayney Posts: 22
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    you really need to go to a running store and have the sales associate help you. at my local running store, they watch you walk, they look at your old shoes for wear patterns, and they let you run around outside with the shoes you try on. another thing to remember is that the more you run, the more often you have to replace your shoes. the foam inside decomposes over time too, so even if you aren't running a ton, you should get new shoes every 6-12 months, depending on the wear and tear. good luck!

    my local running store: Run On www.runontexas.com

    if you search google for running stores, you should be able to find one near where you live!

    J'Layne
  • Chenoachem
    Chenoachem Posts: 1,758 Member
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    I go minimalist, so I wear Asics Hyperspeeds. They are $75 but are light and comfortable to run in.

    Going to a running store to get your stride analyzed is not a bad things. Check to see if you are a neutral runner or pronate. The shoes can be pricey at those places but most workers love running and can answer all your questions.
  • byHISstrength
    byHISstrength Posts: 984 Member
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    You should check out the Asics website. They have a feature where you can get help to determine which sneaker would work best for you. I just bought a pair of Asics and one thing I never knew was there should be space between your big toe and the tip of the sneaker when you place your thumb horizontally across the tip of your sneaker. I usually wear 7 to 7 1/2, but I had to get the size 8 for running shoes. The sales associate told me that the sneakers should last me, at least, a year.

    Whatever you choose, it is probably best to make the investment for good running shoes especially if you will use them often.

    Hope this was helpful.

    Good luck on the 5K.
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
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    Like already stated you need to determine what kind of foot./stride you have and then what type of shoe you will need based on that. Brand name mens very little as almost every brand has a shoe for the various types of foot/stride.

    A shoe that fits your style of running is more important that just picking out the most expensive one.
    Also look for last years models, as they are often cheaper, because they are "discontinued".
  • glfprncs2
    glfprncs2 Posts: 625 Member
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    I'm not a runner, but I do walk 4 miles/day with my dogs, and value my feet. Soo...I go to a running store to get my dog walking shoes. I'm a bit of a tough fit...I'm a really weird overpronator in one foot and really wear my shoes in some odd spots, so a more stable shoe is important for me. Also, I'm narrow in the heel pocket and wide in the toe box. I use Superfeet insoles because I was starting to have issues with plantar fasciitis, and that has stopped that issue.

    Long story short...it's either Saucony or Asics for me. Nike's KILL my feet.
  • pinbotchick
    pinbotchick Posts: 3,904
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    I too strongly recommend the running specialty store route. The staff will analyze your gait pattern and let you try various types. Running up to 5k, I was okay with Nike shoes. Since I've upped my distances, I love my new shoes - Brooks. Since I'm training fir a 1/2 marathon, they recommended shoes 1/2 size larger to compensate for swelling. Full marathon trainors need a full size larger. Since getting shoes that compensate for my pronation (flat arches), no more foot pain or blisters. Good luck.
  • Natalie43
    Natalie43 Posts: 122 Member
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    i love my Asics.
    I would suggest you go into a specialised running store, get their advice, find out your correct shoe type and size, and then (a bit cheeky but needs must), go home and buy them off a reputable discount website (unless you can negotiate with your store on price).
    i find that most shoe manufacturers bring out new designs on 'old' models, and with Asics i can buy last seasons model for a great discount and still be buying a really good shoe. My shoe is the Gel - Nimbus (i'm neutral) and i think its had over 10 reincarnations...
  • nikiswimr
    nikiswimr Posts: 150 Member
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    I absolutely love my Asics, I run in the gel Kayanos and have for years and years through a marathon and many halfs. They are light but give enough cushion and support. BUT, I would recommend you go to a running store for a fitting (which is how I got hooked on these!)
  • alanmonks
    alanmonks Posts: 115 Member
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    I would get Saucony. They are amazing. I used to get shin splints before because i never had the right trainers. But I have had them for 3 months and never had an issue, never even had a blister. and they are blue as well, which are funky!!!
  • aippolito1
    aippolito1 Posts: 4,894 Member
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    I second going into a running store and getting "analyzed". You don't have to buy the shoes they have for you. Just make sure you find out whether you're an under, normal, or overpronator. Then go to another store (I went to the Nike Factory outlet by my house) and tell them and they can help you find what you need. I'm somewhat of a normal pronator so I knew I needed cushion and the girl helped me find shoes that are perfect for me. Keep in mind, for a couple weeks, your feet will probably hurt as your foot comforms to the shoe (or vice versa).
  • jessmomof3
    jessmomof3 Posts: 4,590 Member
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    Yep, go to a running store!!! Let me just say that Nike's are HORRIBLE running shoes. I wore Asics for years and recently switched to Mizuno's. http://www.zappos.com/product/7600121/color/239042

    I love them! But every person's foot is different and you might need a different type of shoe! Happy running! :bigsmile:
  • mworld
    mworld Posts: 270
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    i think saucony specializes in running shoes and they have always been best on me. I went to a running store and they fitted me up with these $200 shoes that did nothing but make my feet hurt after a while...went back and asked them for the latest generation of the saucony's. Could tell the guy didn't want to show them to me and he kept trying to side track me to the ascics etc. - probably because they were 80$ and he wouldn't make as much money off it. Will never switch away again.
  • Dive_Girl
    Dive_Girl Posts: 247 Member
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    I started running last fall for the first time and my coach encouraged us to get properly fitted by a local shoe store that specialized in running shoes. Everyone has different needs when it comes to feet health and safety. The gentleman at the store not only fitted my foot correctly but asked me a series of questions and inspected the shoes I was wearing. He then had me try on a couple shoes he thought would be good for me and had me run in them while he watched my feet. I have had no trouble at all and love my shoes. They now have my business for life.
  • maddox22
    maddox22 Posts: 91
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    Definitely go to a running store (not a sports store like ****'s or Dunham's--go to a store that specializes in running gear) to get fitted. If you possibly can afford to buy a pair there, do it--at a good running store, they will take a lot of time with you (I just got a new pair of shoes this past weekend and the guy spent a good 45 minutes with me). Their time is valuable, so you should compensate them for it. At the very least, if you can't afford the shoes there, get some socks or something.

    Once you have a pair you like, though, there's no reason to continue to pay more than you need to. There are a lot of discount sites out there. Find a brand and style that work for you, and then order several pairs online (they do tend to become harder to find over time as they get discontinued.)

    Also, in terms of how often to replace them, it's not the years, it's the mileage. Most running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles. That might take you 2 months if you're a marathoner, or a year if you're doing a lot less running. Good running shoes are expensive, so I'd recommend wearing them ONLY for running, and tracking your mileage on them.

    I also highly recommend Superfeet inserts if you can find them. They're a little pricy--about $40 a pair--but they can make your shoes last a LOT longer. For example, my first pair of "real" running shoes were Brooks Adrenalines. They lasted barely 400 miles before they were completely worn out (giving me blisters, tread worn through, etc). My second pair of Brooks Adrenalines I used Superfeet in. They're at 480+ miles and no sign of wearing out. A lot of running stores sell Superfeet.

    [edit: added] Oh yeah--and when you do go into the store to get fitted, bring in your old shoes so they can take a look at them.
  • tracybarnhill
    tracybarnhill Posts: 124
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    THANK YOU EVERYONE for all the information on the different shoes. I will take a trip to one of the running store here in town and find what fit I am. I have heard really good things about Asics and Saucony so I am going to try them on. Again Thanks...

    Happy Running!

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