Favorite Running Shoes?

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Kreider86
Kreider86 Posts: 105 Member
I'm sure this has been covered on here, but I'm new and can't find it. I'm planning on starting the C25K and was just wondering what are some good (yet not expensive) runnings shoes? I appreciate your help! Thank you :happy:

Replies

  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
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    I love my Brooks PureFlow2s, but they aren't inexpensive.
  • Kreider86
    Kreider86 Posts: 105 Member
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    Thank you! I just googled them and they are definitely NOT inexpensive lol. I'm just starting so I think I'm just looking for something that won't give me blisters and if I absolutely love this program then I might invest in a better pair of shoes. Thank you for responding! I'll keep those bookmarked in case this goes well :tongue:
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
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    Shoes can make or break your progress. The shoes that are good for me or Varda may not be good for you and actually cause injury. Go to a running store and get properly fitted. Places like Fleet Feet will put you on a tread mill and actually watch how you run and then determine the proper shoe needed for you. And the plus side is that if it causes you problems you can go back upto a month after buying the shoes and exchange them for something that might work better for you.

    Another thing, the store will have a wide range of shoes...some cheaper than others, and I can understand the "I want to make sure I stick with it" mentality. But in the end what will be cheaper? A pair of shoes or the doctor visits due to injury?
  • timeasterday
    timeasterday Posts: 1,368 Member
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    Go to a running store and get properly fitted

    ^^^This!!!

    Look for a store that does a video analysis so you can see it in slow motion. Pay attention to motion of your ankles - not where your feet hit the ground. They will look at the video but make sure you watch it carefully too. When I first started running they told me I was OK with neutral shoes, even though I saw my ankles crashing inwards with every step on the video. Fast forward 8 months later (after going through tendonitis, shin splints, and other pain) and I asked my Good Form Running teacher (at the same store) to do the video analysis again. She agreed with my suspicions - I am over pronating, not neutral.
  • Kreider86
    Kreider86 Posts: 105 Member
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    Oh goodness! I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. The only problem is I live in a small town (with the closest mall at least an hour away). I've never even heard of Fleet feet! I'll have to next time I'm in the "big city" keep my eye open for the shoe places.. I appreciate everyone's advice. I've heard a shoe can make or break you when running and it seems to be true! I'll have to look at the stores like I said. Thanks again! :flowerforyou:
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
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    Oh goodness! I'm sorry you had to go through all of that. The only problem is I live in a small town (with the closest mall at least an hour away). I've never even heard of Fleet feet! I'll have to next time I'm in the "big city" keep my eye open for the shoe places.. I appreciate everyone's advice. I've heard a shoe can make or break you when running and it seems to be true! I'll have to look at the stores like I said. Thanks again! :flowerforyou:

    The best thing to do would be plan a trip to the city. Research and see what store the runner's in the city use; just research them up and contact them. Runner's are always helpful to other runner's, especially the running clubs. Or if you can't find a club, research for group runs because usually they will have a point of contact and be able to tell you where to go.
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
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    Here's some basic guidelines:

    http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/content/content.jsp?contentId=200098

    Fit & Buying Tips for Running Shoes

    For enjoyable, comfortable running, your running shoes should fit a little differently than your casual shoes... in a word: BIGGER. Often this means buying a different size than you're used to in order to get the fit you need. Fitting you in the right shoe is what we do. That's why we're perhaps the only running company to fit test every shoe we sell.

    Here's how your running shoes should fit:

    Wiggle Room - You should have about a thumb's width of room between the end of your longest toe and the front of the shoe.
    Hold It - Look for a secure, comfortable fit through the midfoot. Imagine a hand gently holding your foot in place.
    The Heel Deal - There should be little or no slipping at the heel.

    Road Runner Sports is perhaps the only running retailer to fit test every shoe we sell. Real-world testing lets us get you the right size better than anyone else. We¿re your fit experts!

    Is the fit of your shoes "almost" right?
    These lacing tricks might be just what you need to snug up the heel or loosen up that tight spot for the perfect fit.

    Not sure what size foot you have?
    Go here to print out our handy foot sizing charts and measure your feet at home. Be sure to measure both feet since they may not be the same size...buy shoes based on the bigger foot.

    Worried it will take some test runs to know if you like your new shoes?
    We understand! That's why we created the amazing Perfect Fit Guarantee. Hit the road in your new shoes. If they're not just right for you, simply exchange them within 60 days, no questions asked.

    Still have questions?
    Our fit experts are here for you! Call a Customer Care Specialist at 800.743.3206 and get answers to your fit questions.
  • yamsteroo
    yamsteroo Posts: 480 Member
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    I've got a silly question to add to this thread now the subject has been raised!

    My left foot feels pretty neutral - I land mid foot and it neither seems to go one side or the other as I push off - all good. My right foot however is a weird little devil. I land to the outside and don't really 'roll' much. I do this even when I walk and can see the proof on the soles of all my shoes after a wearing them a few weeks (legacy of a broken back 10yrs ago, it's kind of as good as it's going to get in that department now).

    So the question, what do you do if your feet are odd and don't pronate to the same degree? I'm guessing I'm not the only one but as I've never seen anyone running in mismatched shoes I'm not sure what the fix is!
  • asp415
    asp415 Posts: 1,492 Member
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    Shoes can make or break your progress. The shoes that are good for me or Varda may not be good for you and actually cause injury. Go to a running store and get properly fitted. Places like Fleet Feet will put you on a tread mill and actually watch how you run and then determine the proper shoe needed for you. And the plus side is that if it causes you problems you can go back upto a month after buying the shoes and exchange them for something that might work better for you.

    Another thing, the store will have a wide range of shoes...some cheaper than others, and I can understand the "I want to make sure I stick with it" mentality. But in the end what will be cheaper? A pair of shoes or the doctor visits due to injury?

    ^^^ this. When I first started I have had injury due to improper shoes. It is so not worth it. I still have pain 4mos later. Don't get me wrong though, after a few weeks off I kept going. Currently I run in Brooks Ravenna 4 & also have a pair of Asics nimbus 14, both w/my own ortho inserts. I prefer the Brooks though.
  • Kreider86
    Kreider86 Posts: 105 Member
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    Thank you so much for the responses everyone! I will have to look around. We even have an outdoorsy store in our small town. Maybe they would be helpful to check out?

    Yamsteroo--Sorry I don't have any advice but I'm sure you are not alone! We're all a little odd in some ways lol

    Vardaeml-- Thank you for the info. I'll definitely keep the sizing issues in mind with running shoes!
  • likitisplit
    likitisplit Posts: 9,420 Member
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    I've got a silly question to add to this thread now the subject has been raised!

    My left foot feels pretty neutral - I land mid foot and it neither seems to go one side or the other as I push off - all good. My right foot however is a weird little devil. I land to the outside and don't really 'roll' much. I do this even when I walk and can see the proof on the soles of all my shoes after a wearing them a few weeks (legacy of a broken back 10yrs ago, it's kind of as good as it's going to get in that department now).

    So the question, what do you do if your feet are odd and don't pronate to the same degree? I'm guessing I'm not the only one but as I've never seen anyone running in mismatched shoes I'm not sure what the fix is!

    This is definitely a "see an osteopath/sports medicine doctor" thing. However, if you aren't getting injured from it, then it's really just an interesting question.
  • ShannonKN
    ShannonKN Posts: 152 Member
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    First, let me agree with everyone on the value of getting yourself fitted. My husband was fitted for his shoes, and it was the first time in years that he has been able to run without crushing foot pain.

    Now that that's out of the way, let me confess that I have not been fitted myself. We live in a small town hours from the nearest place where I could reasonably be fitted, and my options are limited. That said, I did what I could to read up on shoe fits and analyze my own gait. I checked my shoes to get a feeling for the wear patterns I normally develop, including on the pair of basic sneakers I was doing my (incredibly minimal 'cause I couldn't do more yet) running in. I also paid very close attention to my feet while running, and I continue to do this now to keep myself aware of any changes. I'm fairly neutral, with a slight tendency toward supination when I get tired. I'm also continuing to break myself of heel striking. My favorite shoes for myself so far have been Rykas (both for trail: http://www.dsw.com/shoe/ryka+ascent+trail+running+shoe+-+womens?prodId=268211 and road running http://www.dsw.com/shoe/ryka+aspire+lightweight+running+shoe+-+womens?prodId=288579&brand=300327&activeCats=women,300327&isBrand=y&categoryName=women) and Adidas Adipure Motion (semi-minimal, http://www.adidas.com/us/product/womens-running-adipure-motion-20-shoes/AU344?cid=Q21493&breadcrumb=svZu3Z1z13y9lZ1z13071Z1z11zrf). The Rykas cost more when I bought them than they are listed for now, but were still pretty inexpensive for running shoes and they worked for me because I was not looking for strong stabilization or extra compression. I got the Adidas on a serious sale as they were discontinuing the color.

    Had my husband bought the same style of shoes that I wear, he would still be curled up in a fetal position along a road somewhere. Be careful and don't push yourself too hard as you're starting out. Stretch lots, drink lots of water, and do NOT push through pain whether shoe-induced or otherwise.

    Welcome to the running club! :drinker:
  • rduhlir
    rduhlir Posts: 3,550 Member
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    I've got a silly question to add to this thread now the subject has been raised!

    My left foot feels pretty neutral - I land mid foot and it neither seems to go one side or the other as I push off - all good. My right foot however is a weird little devil. I land to the outside and don't really 'roll' much. I do this even when I walk and can see the proof on the soles of all my shoes after a wearing them a few weeks (legacy of a broken back 10yrs ago, it's kind of as good as it's going to get in that department now).

    So the question, what do you do if your feet are odd and don't pronate to the same degree? I'm guessing I'm not the only one but as I've never seen anyone running in mismatched shoes I'm not sure what the fix is!

    This is definitely a "see an osteopath/sports medicine doctor" thing. However, if you aren't getting injured from it, then it's really just an interesting question.

    I agree with the Ortho. The Ortho may recommend an shoe insert to help with your right foot fall, that way you don't have to get two different pairs...though I would love to run next to you in a race because it would be totally Punky Brewster!
  • Kreider86
    Kreider86 Posts: 105 Member
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    I agree with the Ortho. The Ortho may recommend an shoe insert to help with your right foot fall, that way you don't have to get two different pairs...though I would love to run next to you in a race because it would be totally Punky Brewster!


    ROFL! ^this

    but yeah I would check with a doc.. I had to wear lifts when I was younger. We're all special.


    Shannon --Thanks for the info, I'll be googling those shoes! :)
  • Mamakatspokane
    Mamakatspokane Posts: 3,098 Member
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    I've got a silly question to add to this thread now the subject has been raised!

    My left foot feels pretty neutral - I land mid foot and it neither seems to go one side or the other as I push off - all good. My right foot however is a weird little devil. I land to the outside and don't really 'roll' much. I do this even when I walk and can see the proof on the soles of all my shoes after a wearing them a few weeks (legacy of a broken back 10yrs ago, it's kind of as good as it's going to get in that department now).

    So the question, what do you do if your feet are odd and don't pronate to the same degree? I'm guessing I'm not the only one but as I've never seen anyone running in mismatched shoes I'm not sure what the fix is!

    My left foot is normal...my right foot not so much. I wear Asics Kayano's and I love them. The running store where I was fitted agreed that if it was a problem I should go get orthodics but I haven't had any issue's....So I'm just sort of Punky Brewster with you:flowerforyou:
  • yamsteroo
    yamsteroo Posts: 480 Member
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    I've got a silly question to add to this thread now the subject has been raised!

    My left foot feels pretty neutral - I land mid foot and it neither seems to go one side or the other as I push off - all good. My right foot however is a weird little devil. I land to the outside and don't really 'roll' much. I do this even when I walk and can see the proof on the soles of all my shoes after a wearing them a few weeks (legacy of a broken back 10yrs ago, it's kind of as good as it's going to get in that department now).

    So the question, what do you do if your feet are odd and don't pronate to the same degree? I'm guessing I'm not the only one but as I've never seen anyone running in mismatched shoes I'm not sure what the fix is!

    My left foot is normal...my right foot not so much. I wear Asics Kayano's and I love them. The running store where I was fitted agreed that if it was a problem I should go get orthodics but I haven't had any issue's....So I'm just sort of Punky Brewster with you:flowerforyou:

    lol thanks for the info even if I did have to google Punky Brewster!