Shoe help!!!!

tjsechrist
tjsechrist Posts: 62
edited September 25 in Fitness and Exercise
I have problems finding a decent shoe and I don't trust the damn chain stores around here who want to sell you the most expensive shoe they have.

This past fall when I started working out at the gym I got a pair of Saucony ProGrid Ride 's. I told the girl that I have high arches and planned on using the shoes for high and low impact exercise. I started using them and found that I actually loved them and they worked well. UNTIL I started really getting into the workout. I get cramps in the arches of my feet when Im walking fast and running. And now I've been wearing them when doing Zumba and Im getting the same thing. I get cramps in the arches of my feet. I don't know what else to do.... the shoes are still in great shape.

Finances have been tight over the winter so i am a bit hesitant to splurge on a new pair, especially if they arent going to work out.

I need some suggestions.... please! I need a shoe thats good for brisk walking, running, Zumba. I have high arches i my feet and a history of shin splints in the past.

Replies

  • tjsechrist
    tjsechrist Posts: 62
    I guess I should have also said that I had inserts put in the shoes too for more arch support.
  • Meg28
    Meg28 Posts: 59
    Try taking the inserts out and see if that helps before you spend money on new shoes. The shoes weren't meant to be worn with inserts so perhaps something is throwing you off. Inserts are lifesavors for some, but it is a trial and error process. Also, sometimes your feet will cramp if you are doing a new exercise that they are not used to and over time get stronger and adjust.
  • jdelot
    jdelot Posts: 397 Member
    Hmmm...I would recommend going to a shoe store. For instance we have Peak Performance stores here in Omaha, they do a good job fitting people for shoes. You said you have inserts for your shoes. Are they custom made orthodics? If not, you might want to consider seeing a podiatrist.
  • lindalee0315
    lindalee0315 Posts: 527 Member
    With shoes, it's such a personal thing. I would highly recommend that you go to a true athletic store (not MC Sporting Goods, ****'s, etc.) Around West Michigan, the place to go is Gazelle. Getting a good fit will involve the salesperson examining your gait, perhaps even on a run (Gazelle has a treadmill for that purpose), and even looking at how you stand. Your feet take the brunt of your exercise efforts, so getting the right shoe is important. I went to Gazelle for my last pair of shoes, and they steered me toward last season's New Balance, which were about 55% off. I got a great pair of shoes for about $65. Now, I've worn them out, and will need a new pair shortly.
  • houlee
    houlee Posts: 60
    Have you tried taking out the insert to see if it made any difference? Also, try checking around your area for a reputable running shoe store. I know a few in my area will sell you the most expensive shoe they have, but there are also some that will measure your feet, watch your walk/gait, and have you try on different shoes so you can determine the best shoe for you. And (for the most part) the reputable stores let you return the shoes if it turns out there is a problem (blisters, pain, etc) after you run in them.
  • Rebeccasluckyduck
    Rebeccasluckyduck Posts: 168 Member
    I have you tried taking the inserts out? I used to wear Saucony Pro Grid Ride (I've switched to Brooks) and I don't have an arch problem. My first thought is they put you in the wrong shoe. Saucony is great if you have wide feet because their toe box is so big.

    New Balance is a good shoe and you can find them on sale for under $50 on line.
  • tjsechrist
    tjsechrist Posts: 62
    Im not sure if we have any stores like that around here. We have Foot Locker, Olympia Sports, Super Shoe, Champs... Thats about it.
  • tjsechrist
    tjsechrist Posts: 62
    Thats why I love Saucony!! Because I do have wide feet. I love Nike, but they kill me because they are so narrow.

    When I was in boot camp for the Army I used Adidas and really liked those. But they too can be narrow at times.

    Im going to try to take the inserts out and see if that helps.
  • jalyner
    jalyner Posts: 172 Member
    When I lived in western WA, I went to a shoe store called Fleet-Feet. They're a specialty store and they watched me run, measured my gait and had comparative prices. It's now in Bonney Lake, I think, which may be far from you. If it is, you might want to call them and tell them your issue. They might be able to refer you.

    Here's the website:
    http://www.fleetfeetbonneylake.com/
  • jalyner
    jalyner Posts: 172 Member
    Oh jeez...nevermind. I thought you were from WA. :tongue:
  • johnwhitent
    johnwhitent Posts: 648 Member
    I have suffered with PF and shin splints in the past so I have to use inserts in every pair of shoes I own. You did not specify what insert you are using, and of course that makes all of the difference. Since I can't afford custom made ones my favorites are the Dean Karnazes by Sole and second favorite is the Superfeet Green. The Dean Karanzes allow some customization by heating in the oven briefly. Several people have recommended removing the inserts, and maybe that is worth trying, none of us know your specific foot situation. But I can't even walk in shoes with the factory inserts, may as well use paper! Many manufactures skimp on the inserts because they know so many people replace them.
  • RosalieCrain
    RosalieCrain Posts: 22
    I myself have a different shoe for the diffent classes I attend. I have my asics for running (I went and got my feet and gait assessed). Dance shoes for Zumba that allow me to pivot my foot for dance moves and cycling shoes for the spin classes I attend and teach. I don't think there is a shoe in existence that is able to get what you need out of it for all exercises.
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