Running Shoes

Best thing you can do is go to a running store and have them fit you for shoes. They should have you run around either in the parking lot or on a treadmill to see how you run then start showing you shoes. Good luck!!

I LOVE New Balance....I have huge feet and buy men's running shoes as I believe they are made better, last longer and fit better. New Balance comes in widths that are friendly to my feet. Price is friendly to my budget!

Shirley (from close to Eugene, Oregon running capital of the world in my oopinion!)

i love my new balances as well.
My trainer swears by Asics but they are a little out of my price range

running store and get fitted. the shoe that is right for you may or may not be the shoe that is right for me...it depends on whether you pronate or not...or go the other way...neutral, etc. They should have you run on a treadmill and take video of you running/walking. They should bring you multiple shoes, not just one brand to see what works for you.

I LOVE my merrell pace gloves and new balance minimus' but I agree with everyone else that our feet are all differently so best thing is to try them on/ get help.

(Caveat for me, professional fitters never helped me because i prefer somewhat "barefoot" shoes, though not vibrams. but it seems to work for others.)

I went to get fitted at a running store and the shoes they brought out seemed to be way to big. I normally wear about an 11 and they were bringing me 13's. I wasn't really comfortable with any of the shoes they brought out, although some were better than others. I ended up going to a sporting goods store and picking out a few pairs that I liked. I found a great pair of neutral running shoes and they have been working out great. I've put about 30 miles on them and they feel great. They are a 12 wide instead of a 13. And they are not the type of shoes that were recommended at the store, but they are very comfortable and great for me.

I think going to get fitted is great, but ultimately you have to decide what is going to work for you, what you are looking for.

I agree with the others - go to a running store and get fitted. It can get pricey but it is very important for injury prevention to have a proper fitting shoe. A lot of running shoes run small compared to street shoes, so don't be surprised if they are 1 or 2 sizes bigger than you normally wear.

Another tip - your feet swell during the day and while you run (especially in the summer heat). I typically buy my shoes on Saturday afternoons after my long run. If I buy them early in the day and before I run, I am more likely to get a pair that ends up being snug during my runs and gives blisters.

Good luck finding the perfect fit. I second the poster who also mentioned socks. I almost think the right sock is more important than the right shoe. I was having serious blister issues until I got me some Wright socks. They were seriously proud of those socks when they put a price tag on them, but to me they are worth every penny. I have not had a blister since I bought them.

As for shoes, I prefer Brooks but I have worn Asics, Mizuno and Saucony with good results. I wear a full size larger in running shoes than I do in dress shoes. I also had issues with my toenails falling off from a combination of the elliptical and bad fitting shoes and one serious bout with plantar fasciitis. I've never been able to wear New Balance but others swear by them. That is why it is important to be fitted.

Yes, I have very high maintenance feet, apparently, so I shell out the big bucks. I'd rather put my money in my shoes than in doctor co-pays.

Vibram fivefinger toe shoes, the best there is imo.