Runners: What type of running sho do you like or recomend?

I've recently started running every day, but I have a lot of pain in my feet, legs and knees. I'd like to get suggestions on the best shoes to buy so that I can put on more miles safely.

Replies

  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    Get fitted, or try a lot on. If you don't want to get fitted a t a running store, there are a few different "which shoe is best" tools on the Internet. Get some names and go try on. The thing is, each brand makes several different types of shoe for different foot types. I have flat feet and a mild overpronation, I run like a 400 pound man, and I like a lot of cushion, so my shoe is going to be different than someone with high arches. There are tons of great. Brands out there, I've become partial to Brooks myself, but am looking. To try something different. I have Asics for walking around/doing non-running cardio I like as well.
  • pikanchi
    pikanchi Posts: 72 Member
    Go to a running store, have them analyse your gait and let them make recommendations for shoes. Recommendations for shoes over the internet is just asking for (more) injuries. A decent pair of running shoes is very personal and depends on a number of factors.
  • legallyblonde916
    legallyblonde916 Posts: 43 Member
    Go to a running store, have them analyse your gait and let them make recommendations for shoes. Recommendations for shoes over the internet is just asking for (more) injuries. A decent pair of running shoes is very personal and depends on a number of factors.

    Seconded.
  • Eric_DeCastro
    Eric_DeCastro Posts: 767 Member
    go to an actual running store not like sports authority an actual running store and try on different shoes. also icing after your run ice your muscle. I also use compression sleeves on my calves. but you will find what works for you. what works for me doesn't necessarily means it will work for you.
  • stuffinmuffin
    stuffinmuffin Posts: 985 Member
    I've used Asics for years and really love them. I went to a store and my gait etc measures (definitely worth doing or you'll end up with toenails dropping off all over the place and blisters etc!).

    I'm also quite tempted by the new Nike shoes that are meant to be like being barefoot...
  • Eric_DeCastro
    Eric_DeCastro Posts: 767 Member
    I've used Asics for years and really love them. I went to a store and my gait etc measures (definitely worth doing or you'll end up with toenails dropping off all over the place and blisters etc!).

    I'm also quite tempted by the new Nike shoes that are meant to be like being barefoot...

    I have NB Minbus (minimalist shoes) and you really have to concentrate on how you step. I'm still trying to get used to them. you have to run a certain way. mostly meant for speed I think. I have since stuck with my full soled shoes. but will revisit my NB again someday.
  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Go to a running store, have them analyse your gait and let them make recommendations for shoes. Recommendations for shoes over the internet is just asking for (more) injuries. A decent pair of running shoes is very personal and depends on a number of factors.
    I would take advice from a running store with caution. They are not all knowing Yogis a lot have had little experience with the actual gait analysis machinery (normally just what the salesman of the machine told them), They are salesmen and a lot will only try and sell you the shoes that they stock. Yes there are good ones out there and very experienced people but they are not all like that and caution is always advisable, If you have specific injury problems it's best to find a sports physiotherapist who specialises in running they will give you far more sold advice on shoes than any salesman
  • stuffinmuffin
    stuffinmuffin Posts: 985 Member
    I've used Asics for years and really love them. I went to a store and my gait etc measures (definitely worth doing or you'll end up with toenails dropping off all over the place and blisters etc!).

    I'm also quite tempted by the new Nike shoes that are meant to be like being barefoot...

    I have NB Minbus (minimalist shoes) and you really have to concentrate on how you step. I'm still trying to get used to them. you have to run a certain way. mostly meant for speed I think. I have since stuck with my full soled shoes. but will revisit my NB again someday.

    Thanks for the info! :)
  • rogerOb1
    rogerOb1 Posts: 318 Member
    At running events, I see a lot of people in Asics. Personally I run in Brooks Ghost which I find very comfortable. Make sure you get a shoe that's appropriate for your foot/running style......
  • catweazle12
    catweazle12 Posts: 60 Member
    Shoes are personal... go get fitted for your gait.
    I don't know how experienced a runner you are (I am assuming you are just starting out since you ask about shoes) but running every day is asking for trouble. You're profile says you're 59.... I don't want to sound mean but we are not not in our 20's anymore and don't bounce back the way we used to. Your body needs time to recover from the runs. Just my humble opinion.
    Happy running
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    Get your gait and foot analyzed ... and while you're at it, have your form checked. The right equipment plus good technique make it possible to run daily (or nearly) without injury. If either or both are off, you will feel it.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I've recently started running every day, but I have a lot of pain in my feet, legs and knees. I'd like to get suggestions on the best shoes to buy so that I can put on more miles safely.

    I'm going to suggest that culprit #1 is the running every day (unless you're already a very experienced runner.

    While some injuries are footwear related most are self-inflicted, we become victims of our own enthusiasm and try to do too much too soon too fast.

    While I agree, generally, with the advice to get your gait analyzed and the appropriate shoe the most important thing with your shoes is that they fit well (interestingly even with all the s-called high tech advances in shoes the rates of injuries among runners haven't gone down substantially in 25 years)

    So, here are my recommendations:

    1) Shoes that fit perfectly
    2) Build distances gradually (you and I are approximately the same age....sadly we need to be a little more conservative than someone in their 20s or 30s)
    3) Cross train (ride your bike, swim, play other sports, lift weights)
    4) Have fun!
  • LoveForRunning
    LoveForRunning Posts: 17 Member
    I had the same problems when I started running. After doing research, I learned that my form was wrong & that I had to invest in the right shoes.

    To address my injuries, I did running drills to achieve proper form. I also got a gait analysis & based on the results, Newton Distance was most ideal for me. My running improved tremendously.

    I can run much longer & stronger now, pain free :-) Hope these help & happy running!
  • alathIN
    alathIN Posts: 142 Member
    In addition to getting personally fitted for shoes (I'm the third or tenth vote so far), do you have some kind of systematic way you are adding the volume? Are you allowing adequate recovery time?

    Perfect shoes + excessively fast volume increase - recovery time = injury
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    it's not about the shoes. it's about the fact that you started running every day. you need to acclimate yourself to such a ridged training regimen.

    i'd also advise you to invest in a foam roller, for before your runs.
  • LoveMyLife_NYC
    LoveMyLife_NYC Posts: 230 Member
    I like Asics and Nike, and I replace them every 3-4 months whether they show wear or not.

    Are you warming up before runs and stretching afterwards? Often, pain in the knees and feet are caused by stiff muscles and tendons further up the leg. Your hips might not hurt now, but make sure you are stretching and rolling out your IT band (on the outside of the thigh) and stretching your hip flexors (the front of your pelvis). You'd be surprised how much it helps the knees!

    Do you cross train and take days off? Repetitive motions are a major cause for injury. Give yourself some recovery time in between runs. If you just started running, maybe go for 3-4 runs a week, and either rest completely or go for a walk/swim/bike ride (etc...) on your off days.
  • capi99
    capi99 Posts: 21
    Before you head out to the running store for shoes, you need to start off training at a slow pace - doing proper stretching following your runs... start off slow and get in cross training in-between your runs.

    I use Asics Cumulus and have changed them 2 - 3 x a year.

    I started off doing a 5 k race and after one month, went right into my first Half, a 13mil/21 Km race.. I did well, but my next two Halfs were not as well prepared. I have since had some hip injuries... don't rush into doing long runs quickly, regardless of the running shoe.
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    I've used Asics for years and really love them. I went to a store and my gait etc measures (definitely worth doing or you'll end up with toenails dropping off all over the place and blisters etc!).

    I'm also quite tempted by the new Nike shoes that are meant to be like being barefoot...

    I have NB Minbus (minimalist shoes) and you really have to concentrate on how you step. I'm still trying to get used to them. you have to run a certain way. mostly meant for speed I think. I have since stuck with my full soled shoes. but will revisit my NB again someday.

    This highlights the need for getting the RIGHT SHOE FOR YOU. Minimalist shoes are made for mid and fore foot strikers. Heel strikers are notified with a sharp pain on each step that it is the wrong shoe for them. How you impact the ground is a major factor in determining the proper shoe. So is your foot motion after impact (over, under, or normal pronation ... rigid or flexible foot ... etc).
  • hannah_ryann
    hannah_ryann Posts: 259 Member
    After using Asics and having problems with my feet falling asleep while running, I went to a specialty running store and got my gait and all that tested. They put me in a pair of mizuno wave runners and I LOVE them. That being said, the best thing to do is to go to a running store and get your stride and pronation analyzed. The right shoe can make all the difference.