Running Shoes

adnamalegna
adnamalegna Posts: 203 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
okay peeps- don't judge: I want some new running shoes since I am actually runnin now( yay me!) and everyone tells me the barefoot shoes are awesome. I live in a small town (tiny) so these are hard to come by to try on... here's my question:

I have two webbed toes (not gross... I am a mutant..lol) (and no... it doesn't make me "swim real good") and I've never been able to enjoy toe socks, are the barefoot shoes like that? or are they simply molded around your foot a little better?

Any suggestions for great running footwear would be much appreciated. :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

Replies

  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    There are different models of the barefoot shoes. You can get the ones with the individual toes, like for socks. Or you can get the regular sneaker type that are still minimalist shoes.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    If you do decide to go with a minimalist shoe make the transition gradually. Most regular running shoes will have a heel to toe drop of 8 to 10mm, going "barefoot" means a zero drop - you may want to consider something in between as a transition (I picked up some shoes with a 4mm drop and hated them).

    Personally I think that good running form is far more important than which shoe you're using.....
  • TheRunningGuppy
    TheRunningGuppy Posts: 651 Member
    I have a pair of Saucony minimalist shoes that are the sneaker style. I hate toe socks, so I can't see myself wearing the toe shoes. I use them for walking but not for running, my feet just need way more support than minimalist shoes give (I did go for two runs in the Saucony's, but my legs were killing me after). My current running shoes are a pair of Brooks Addiction 10's.
  • CarsonRuns
    CarsonRuns Posts: 3,039 Member
    Minimalist shoes are not for everyone. If you been running in a regular running shoe and have been successful with it, there is no reason to change.

    Go to a specialty running store and have them fit you for shoes. They will tell you what type of shoe is best for you and give you several brands and models to choose from. At that point, you just choose whichever one feels the best.
  • adnamalegna
    adnamalegna Posts: 203 Member
    Thanks for the advice y'all. I have been running in some cheap little running shoes I bought at Walmart. I think they were like $30.00. I also have knee issues, but I bought some knee supports I wear and they help a lot. I want to do my first 5K at some point in the near future and I appreciate everyone's advice! We have a Hibbetts (sp?) so I'll try there.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    everyone tells me the barefoot shoes are awesome. I live in a small town (tiny) so these are hard to come by to try on

    I run in a pair of $5 water socks, also known as beach shoes. They're essentially the same as barefoot shoes like Merrell's. I slip in a pair of foam insoles for extra cushioning.

    Keep in mind that if you're overweight, the risk of injuries goes up from running, so if you feel any abnormal pains, switch to walking until the pain goes away - otherwise it can get worse and you won't be able to exercise.
  • angieroo2
    angieroo2 Posts: 970 Member
    If you have knee issues, the minimalist shoes may not work for you, depending on what kind of support you need to help your knees. My only experience is with Vibrams, which wouldn't work for you as they are similar to toe socks.
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    some times it is best just to go naked.
  • madtownjeremy
    madtownjeremy Posts: 249
    I run in Merrell Road Gloves, but it took a few years to FULLY transition over to barefoot.

    While I was transitioning I ran in Nike Free Run+, which I think are a wonderful choice for starting minimalist without moving too fast and hurting yourself.
  • SkinnyMsFitness
    SkinnyMsFitness Posts: 389 Member
    My bf and I are LOVING our new Under Armor running shoes!! Regular shoes...and they're awesome!!!
    I hear Brooks is a great brand too!
    Or I have Adidas' too!

    I think anything will work...as long as it's made for running. =))
  • Phildog47
    Phildog47 Posts: 255 Member
    Thanks for the advice y'all. I have been running in some cheap little running shoes I bought at Walmart. I think they were like $30.00. I also have knee issues, but I bought some knee supports I wear and they help a lot. I want to do my first 5K at some point in the near future and I appreciate everyone's advice! We have a Hibbetts (sp?) so I'll try there.

    IF YOU WANT GOOD RUNNING SHOES, DO NOT BUY CHEAP WALMART CRAP. Sorry for the caps, but this is the best advice anyone can give you. I know that's not what you were saying, but other people may look to this for advice.
  • Mia_RagazzaTosta
    Mia_RagazzaTosta Posts: 4,885 Member
    Thanks for the advice y'all. I have been running in some cheap little running shoes I bought at Walmart. I think they were like $30.00. I also have knee issues, but I bought some knee supports I wear and they help a lot. I want to do my first 5K at some point in the near future and I appreciate everyone's advice! We have a Hibbetts (sp?) so I'll try there.

    Your knee issues may very well be from the shoes.

    I have Vibrams. I tried easing my way in, but my legs killed every time, no matter what. Now I use them for yard work.
  • NickeeCoco
    NickeeCoco Posts: 130
    I have knee issues as well, so minimalist shoes are out of the question. I also have a high arch, so I need support there as well. My shoes actually have a 12mm drop, which some people don't like at all, but for me, for what I need, they're perfect. Like it's been said, go to a specialty store and get fitted properly.
  • A_Warrior_Princess
    A_Warrior_Princess Posts: 344 Member
    Minimalist shoes are not for everyone. If you been running in a regular running shoe and have been successful with it, there is no reason to change.

    Go to a specialty running store and have them fit you for shoes. They will tell you what type of shoe is best for you and give you several brands and models to choose from. At that point, you just choose whichever one feels the best.

    THIS!!!!! Definitely worth it and they let you try them on and run in them to make sure you like them etc...
  • shakey68
    shakey68 Posts: 17 Member
    Any good "footwear" store will want to see you walk barefoot to see what kind of step you have. Don't base your decision on price, base it on how they feel on you. Everyone is different, especially our feet!
  • WhataBroad
    WhataBroad Posts: 1,091 Member
    Thanks for the advice y'all. I have been running in some cheap little running shoes I bought at Walmart. I think they were like $30.00. I also have knee issues, but I bought some knee supports I wear and they help a lot. I want to do my first 5K at some point in the near future and I appreciate everyone's advice! We have a Hibbetts (sp?) so I'll try there.

    I know you said you are from a little town but it's always a really good idea to go to a shop that fit you for the right shoe to avoid knee issues and other injuries. It will cost you abit more than your Walmart shoes but you will be so thankful you did it when you are burning it up in that 5k!! =)
  • doctorsookie
    doctorsookie Posts: 1,084 Member
    I have two webbed toes

    You are not alone. I hate mine.
  • CoderGal
    CoderGal Posts: 6,800 Member
    things like five fingers go between each individual toe. That being said there are many mods available for webbed feet that you can find online
    images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS0P1Y88SWGZc0HCQyzsWP-rUdVWiU_p8KMkre2G-jnG2qJJgUc
  • _HeartsOnFire_
    _HeartsOnFire_ Posts: 5,304 Member
    I'd go to a local running store, have them fit you and make suggestions. That's what I did and I love love love my shoes.
  • shellma00
    shellma00 Posts: 1,684 Member
    okay peeps- don't judge: I want some new running shoes since I am actually runnin now( yay me!) and everyone tells me the barefoot shoes are awesome. I live in a small town (tiny) so these are hard to come by to try on... here's my question:

    I have two webbed toes (not gross... I am a mutant..lol) (and no... it doesn't make me "swim real good") and I've never been able to enjoy toe socks, are the barefoot shoes like that? or are they simply molded around your foot a little better?

    Any suggestions for great running footwear would be much appreciated. :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:

    I dont personally know anything about the shoes, but I can totally relate to the two webbed toes.. I also have them. So no toe socks or shoes for me either... so you are not a mutant and it is not gross.. just wanted you to know you are not alone!!!! :flowerforyou: :wink:
  • taso42
    taso42 Posts: 8,980 Member
    I'd go to a local running store, have them fit you and make suggestions. That's what I did and I love love love my shoes.

    this
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
    I'm going to Ditto the "minimalist/barefoot shoes aren't for everyone" sentiment. AND ditto to the: "Go to a running shoe store" sentiment.

    I only switched to minimalist shoe (Brooks PureFlow 2) on the advice of my sports medicine doc. I was having terrible pain in my calves and knees. Turns out I had to reprogram my entire running form including the shoes.

    If you are serious about running, be serious about studying your choices and driving the distance it takes to have runners help fit you for a shoe at a speciality running store. The kids at the big "box" stores. . .you know where they where referee stripes or khakis & green shirts, they don't have the years of actual experience as runners nor the training to help new runners get a great fit.

    Invest....it will pay back big time!!
  • khawkins1980
    khawkins1980 Posts: 1
    I also have knee troubles from a torn ACL that I never had surgery on and LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Brooks PureConnect 2. These are by far the most comfortable shoes I have ever ran in. They're not a true minimalist shoe but they are as close as my knees and calves will ever let me come to them ! I swear I tried every style and brand out there before finally finding these. I hate wearing socks & typical running shoes rub blisters on my heels. My first pair have over 40 miles on them with out the first blister. These fit perfect without socks and the mesh like outer lining allows your feet to breathe.
  • WTH2
    WTH2 Posts: 3
    I wear Brooks and love them.
    I also go to a running store and have them fit me every year to make sure I'm getting the right shoes
  • LoosingMyLast15
    LoosingMyLast15 Posts: 1,457 Member
    Thanks for the advice y'all. I have been running in some cheap little running shoes I bought at Walmart. I think they were like $30.00. I also have knee issues, but I bought some knee supports I wear and they help a lot. I want to do my first 5K at some point in the near future and I appreciate everyone's advice! We have a Hibbetts (sp?) so I'll try there.

    i would not go from walmart brand sneakers to barefoot shoes especially if i had bad knees (which incidentally i do). visit a running store and get fitted for good running shoes then go from good running shoes to barefoot shoes.
  • adnamalegna
    adnamalegna Posts: 203 Member
    Again- thanks y'all. I just got the walmart shoes for walking in (all I had was cowboy boots:blushing: ) and then one day I was like "hmm.. think I'll run" and my knees and calves were all "uhm... no...no you won't" and I was all "yes, yes I will" anyhow... it's an ongoing battle and I am stubborn. But before I go invest- wanted some input from experienced running folk and now I have that! Thanks so much y'all!!:flowerforyou: :flowerforyou:
  • adnamalegna
    adnamalegna Posts: 203 Member
    Oh- and to my fellow mutants... thanks for the support!! :drinker:

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