Running Shoes

toscarthearmada
toscarthearmada Posts: 382 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm in desperate need of a new pair of running shoes. I went to a few stores over the weekend and was overwhelmed with the 100's of different kinds, types and ways they were advertised. Even reviews online were very little help to me. I even tried to ask a few of the store employees, they were focused on color/look of the shoe. Frustrating!

I tried a few pairs on in the store, but they all felt different on my foot. The current ones I have provide no support at all. This made the ones with arch support and soles feel really strange to me.

What do you look for when buying a running shoe? I need recommendations, I'm completely lost!

Replies

  • sunnyskies1780
    sunnyskies1780 Posts: 24 Member
    Best advice is: Visit a store where they will do a gait analysis and tell you what kind of shoe you should get. I wear a New Balance 860V, but that is what works for my foot. Everyone is different, and as you saw, there are so many different kinds.

    Good luck!
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Yeah, look for a smaller running specially store in your area, not a big store like Sports Authority or D!ck's Sporting Goods - the smaller stores that focus on running will often do a free fitting with a gait analysis and help you find just what you need. Some will only do it if you buy shoes from them, some will do it with no strings attached, you just have to ask.
  • toscarthearmada
    toscarthearmada Posts: 382 Member
    Best advice is: Visit a store where they will do a gait analysis and tell you what kind of shoe you should get. I wear a New Balance 860V, but that is what works for my foot. Everyone is different, and as you saw, there are so many different kinds.

    Good luck!

    Out of curiosity, what was the store name?

    I live in a VERY small town and the shoe selection is very minimum. Sounds like a nice day trip to take. =)
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Your very best bet is to go to a running specialty store, if you have one locally, and have your gait analyzed. Most big box store employees are clueless when it comes to running shoes (unless you happen to get very lucky and find a runner)

    Here are a couple of items from runners world that, at the very least, can help get you pointed in the right direction.....

    http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe-finder/shoe-advisor

    http://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/pronation-explained

    Hope this helps!
  • Krista916
    Krista916 Posts: 258
    Go to a running shop, not a sporting goods store or foot locker a true running store and they will tell you what shoe is best for you. Everyone is completely different when it comes to shoes. Go get fitted and see what's best for your tootsies!
  • Scuds_NC
    Scuds_NC Posts: 6 Member
    Agreed, find someplace that DOES running. My pick, even though they are a chain, is Roadrunner sports. I've had great experiences there. They also offer a semi-custom insole. Even though it's pricy, it was totally worth it for me, as I have high arches.
  • toscarthearmada
    toscarthearmada Posts: 382 Member
    I think the issue that I'm having is store quality.

    I live in one of those "one horse towns" in the South. We just got a McDonalds...which was a big deal. lol.

    Looks like I will be traveling for a new pair of shoes. Thanks for all the advice and comments.
  • sunnyskies1780
    sunnyskies1780 Posts: 24 Member
    In my area we have Maine Running Company. I would do a google search for a "specialty running shoe store" and see what pops up in your area. I know there are nationwide chains like Fleet Feet, but they aren't everywhere. If the store does them they should advertise it on their site, or you could call. Ideally they will have a machine to determine your natural stance as well as perform a gait analysis, either on a treadmill or on the ground (my store had a small track).
  • toiletski
    toiletski Posts: 126 Member
    I do the ol' trial and error technique. I know for sure any Nike shoes don't work for me. I have a nueroma in my left foot so it's hard to find anything that doesn't aggravate that anyway, but in my opinion, I really like many of the New Balance minimus type shoes and Reebok RealFlex cushruns.
  • amytag
    amytag Posts: 206 Member
    There are quite a few Fleet Feet stores in the south depending on where you live (I have one in my town in NC). They are great. I am a Saucony loyalist, but everyone has different needs.
  • jbee27
    jbee27 Posts: 356 Member
    Echoing the above posts about a specialty running store. I just went to a Fleet Feet for the first time on Saturday and was pleasantly surprised by the attention and level of service that I got. They measure your feet, do a gait analysis, have you try on at least 5-6 pairs and run on a treadmill in the ones you like to test them out. They also have a great return policy if you end up not liking what you buy.

    http://www.fleetfeetsports.com/locations
  • handyrunner
    handyrunner Posts: 32,662 Member
    If you cannot get to a specialty store...try roadrunner sports.com . while it wont be the same as an actual analysis they do have a tool that can get you close.. If you sign up for VIP you can return the shoes within 90 days if you dont like them. (Ive done this several times trying to get the right fit)
  • navyrigger46
    navyrigger46 Posts: 1,301 Member
    Go to a running specialty shop and have them check your gait, try on and run in several pairs of shoes from several different makers, and be prepared to spend some coin. Personally, I have a pair of Hoka's and I wouldn't trade them for the world, but there are a lot of good running shoes out there, just depends on your foot, running style, and terrain.

    Rigger
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
    There is a Fleet Feet in northern Alabama (Huntsville).

    Otherwise, do a google search like someone said for "running speciality shoe store".
  • Roadie2000
    Roadie2000 Posts: 1,801 Member
    If you cannot get to a specialty store...try roadrunner sports.com . while it wont be the same as an actual analysis they do have a tool that can get you close.. If you sign up for VIP you can return the shoes within 90 days if you dont like them. (Ive done this several times trying to get the right fit)
    This. You really don't have to go that out of your way if you don't have a running store near by. Try the link he specified above and click on the "Shoe Dog". It will give you some results based on the information you give it. There are other websites that will do this as well, wouldn't hurt to compare a few. Print out the list or write them down, then go to a local store and see if they have anything that matches your list. If they have multiple ones, choose the show that feels best on your foot. If they don't have any then buy some online.
  • gpizzy
    gpizzy Posts: 171
    I'm sure this has been said, but go get tested. Running Room does it and they'll tell you what type of support you need, there are three kinds. Then, you can pick you choice of shoe from there.

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