Running Shoes

Options
dad2ccc03
dad2ccc03 Posts: 2
in Fitness and Exercise
I am looking for a new pair of running shoes. I like the Vibram five fingers and the barefoot style. I am 186 pounds right now and read they are mostly for people under 160. Anyone have any good shoes they are happy with? I usually stick to Asaics. I don't know if I over or under pronate and all that...just need a good shoe.

Replies

  • Atlantique
    Atlantique Posts: 2,484 Member
    Options
    I am looking for a new pair of running shoes. I like the Vibram five fingers and the barefoot style. I am 186 pounds right now and read they are mostly for people under 160. Anyone have any good shoes they are happy with? I usually stick to Asaics. I don't know if I over or under pronate and all that...just need a good shoe.

    The best advice I can give is to go to a specialty running store and let them fit you. They'll put you on a treadmill and watch you run(might even film you, but don't worry-it's just the legs). They'll determine what sort of shoe you need (stability, cushioned, etc.) and try you in several brands of that type. And they'll also often let you RETURN/EXCHANGE a shoe that turns out not to have been right for you after a few weeks.

    Once you know what you need, feel free to get them as cheaply as you can find them. But please go to the specialty running store the first time--it will save you so much trouble and potential injury!
  • starboardzor
    starboardzor Posts: 312
    Options
    I bought a pair of Brooks a couple months ago and they are the best running shoes I have EVER owned. That being said, I didn't intentionally go out and purchase Brooks. I went to a running shoe store and tried on several different types and brands. The employees were all knowledgable and helped me fit into the perfect running shoe. They even had me jog in the store to see how I run. That's what I would suggest! Find a place that will fit you with your dream shoes instead of using guess work. It's made a world of difference to me.
  • shreddingit
    shreddingit Posts: 1,133 Member
    Options
    my nikes are the bomb but they always were too small, I holded off a big while to get new ones and I found kswiss tubes run 100 awesome to run in...another score for Jillian!!:wink:
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    Options
    If you haven't even run in Vibrams yet I'm not sure I'd advocate them, given that you have no idea of your own foot dynamics etc etc.

    I would agree that you should see someone in a specialist running shop, have a gait analysis and see what they propose you wear.
  • AggieCass09
    AggieCass09 Posts: 1,867 Member
    Options
    I suggest going to a running shoe store and have yourself fitted. I wear Mizuno Wave Creations 12's and Vibrams. I you want the vibrams, then go for em since they are COMPLETELY different than traditional running shoes. But, you will have to break them in (regardless of your weight). My calves were KILLING me after I wore them around the house for a few hours but now I"m up to running 5 miles in them. I dont think your weight has much bearing on them, you walk around your house barefoot right? Good luck and happy running!
  • amuhlou
    amuhlou Posts: 693 Member
    Options
    I wore Vibrams at my heaviest of 177 and didn't have any problems, we got them from a specialty shoe store and they never mentioned a weight limit. Vibrams do take some getting used to though - you can't go run a mile in them right away. You need to start off slow and wear them around the house, then maybe out shopping for a couple hours. Then try a short jog in them. It's strange, when I run outdoors I prefer the vibrams, but when I run indoors I prefer my sneakers.

    It's definitely a good idea to go to a specialty shoe store where you can get a gait analysis done. They can tell you whether you over-pronate and recommend the right shoe, and possibly insoles if you need extra support.
  • CurriedGrasshopper
    CurriedGrasshopper Posts: 86 Member
    Options
    I also suggest going to a proper running store and having your gait assed for a shoe fitting.

    I am loving my Saucony's personally, but they do have extra support for pronation.
  • Tupelo64
    Tupelo64 Posts: 36 Member
    Options
    My feet are wider at the top.. so I usually need extra room for my toes.. I love Saucony's.. they also have support in them. I agree go to a running shoe store. .. for a free analysis.. you roll your pant legs up, walk or run barefoot in the store or on a treadmill and they can tell what type of pronation you have. Good luck!
  • rybo
    rybo Posts: 5,424 Member
    Options
    Your weight really has no bearing on the vibrams. If you do try them, ease into them VERY, very slowly.

    The other advice given is very good, go to a specialty running store and get checked out. There are a lot mroe shoes out there that are still built with the "minimalist" theory about having little to no drop between heel & forefoot. Those types may be a good transition shoe for you before going totally with the vibrams.
  • bparr
    bparr Posts: 246 Member
    Options
    I'm a New Balance fan. The higher end running shoes are great. Just remember, a good pair of shoes will not be cheap but are worth the investment.
  • bstamps12
    bstamps12 Posts: 1,184
    Options
    Knowing if you over or under pronate is really important. I blew it off for so long but I am so glad I finally paid attention to shoes! It's simple to look at if you over or under pronate. Pick up your running shoes and look at the bottom. If the most wear is on the inside, you overpronate. If the wear is on the outside, you under pronate. If wear is spread evenly, you have regulare pronation. Also, if you have flat feet, you are likely to overpronate and if you have high arches you are likely to underpronate. Overpronating can lead to some injuries and you need a good motion-control shoe or stability shoe, which may be uncomfortable at first when trying them on but they have the extra reinforcement you need to keep you from turning your foot so far in that you injure yourself.
  • catlady100
    catlady100 Posts: 154
    Options
    I agree that you should go to a specialty store. The shoes that I purchased at the running store were about $90, but worth every penny.
  • polar5554
    polar5554 Posts: 576 Member
    Options
    Another fan of the Saucony!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Best shoe I ever wore!!!
  • backinthenines
    backinthenines Posts: 1,083 Member
    Options
    There are a small hardcore crowd who ALWAYS run BF or in Vibrams, but for the vast majority of even experienced runners Vibrams are an additional shoe, rather than your primary pair.

    I use mine for certain runs. I love mine off road instead of a cross-country shoe and I do short pace runs on asphalt in them but I would never run my LSRs in them, I have my more generic Asics Kayanos for that.

    When I hear stuff like "Sauconys have extra support" it kind of makes me cringe, as it gives completely the wrong idea to someone new to buying running shoes. Not every Saucony running shoe has "extra support". Your may have but not all of them.

    Asics, Mizuno, Saucony, Brooks, New Balance etc etc etc ALL have neutral shoes, stability shoes, motion control shoes etc
    They ALL have the full range of shoes for virtually any gait.
    People are usually fans of their own shoe... but that doesn't mean it'll be at all suitable to someone else, as they don't have your feet!
  • Flyntiggr
    Flyntiggr Posts: 898 Member
    Options
    Everyone is right. Find a running store and get fitted. Talk to them. Barefoot running as it is called is still pretty 'new' and a lot of running stores/podiatrists don't believe in it. It is a completely different style of running - forefoot or midfoot striking vs. the 'normal' heel-toe motion most people use. VFF, Nike Free, Merrell Pace (mine just came yesterday!), are all good barefoot style running shoes. I tried the VFFs and couldn't stand the crap between my toes. If you have not already, get the book Born to Run - which is all about the barefoot running movement. it isn't a running style that is for everyone, but there are some good arguments both for and against it out there.

Categories