Running Shoes?

smilingdaisies
smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
edited November 10 in Fitness and Exercise
I've really enjoyed seeing the difference that interval training with breathless sprints, on the treadmill, has made; however, I've suffered with toenail issues and friction. Just curious, for those that still have 50+ pds to lose, and working vigorously on the treadmill, what shoes work best?
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Replies

  • chuck636
    chuck636 Posts: 258 Member
    I like asics, not the most fashionable choice of mine,but good support and cushion
  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    Thank you for the info...
  • Renee0887
    Renee0887 Posts: 214 Member
    chuck636 wrote: »
    I like asics, not the most fashionable choice of mine,but good support and cushion

    LOVE my Asics! Most really good stores will check your gait and recommend the proper shoe for you. Well worth it!
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    ....working vigorously on the treadmill, what shoes work best?

    The ones that are appropriate to your style of running, gait and build. Go into a good running shop and get some practical advice.

    Random brand suggestions from people here will do you no good at all.

    Black toenail is more likely down to fit than anything else, particularly if you're trying running fast without actually building your base running capability.
  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    Thank you! I am planning on doing that but was hoping to just hear what's worked for others. It's really all new for me and wanted to get a little educated on what others have experienced. Have you had issues with that problem?
  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    Renee0887 wrote: »
    chuck636 wrote: »
    I like asics, not the most fashionable choice of mine,but good support and cushion

    LOVE my Asics! Most really good stores will check your gait and recommend the proper shoe for you. Well worth it!

  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    Thank you for your suggestion!
  • glasshalffull713
    glasshalffull713 Posts: 323 Member
    Everybody's feet are different so suggestions from others may not be helpful. I prefer a roomier toe box and have found Sauconys to be comfortable for me. I agree with the advice to consult a running store where they can evaluate your unique needs. It's worth it if you are having issues. There's not a magic brand or model that will work for everyone.
  • Capt_Apollo
    Capt_Apollo Posts: 9,026 Member
    go to your local running store and get fitted.
  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    edited January 2015
    Everybody's feet are different so suggestions from others may not be helpful. I prefer a roomier toe box and have found Sauconys to be comfortable for me. I agree with the advice to consult a running store where they can evaluate your unique needs. It's worth it if you are having issues. There's not a magic brand or model that will work for everyone.

    Thank you and that's the advice I was looking for. I am planning on going to the store and won't choose a brand based on the replies....was just curious about what others liked about theirs and why. I've researched the reputation of Sauconys and they come highly recommended! Thank you!
  • Woodspoon
    Woodspoon Posts: 223 Member
    I love my Nike zoom air Pegasus 31's
    But best thing to do is buy a specialist running magazine like Runners world and check out their reviews as everybody's feet are different and they tend to take this into account when reviewing.
    Then go to a store and have your gait, posture and so on checked so you get the best show for you.
    Sounds like a lot, but it's well worth doing.
  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    Woodspoon wrote: »
    I love my Nike zoom air Pegasus 31's
    But best thing to do is buy a specialist running magazine like Runners world and check out their reviews as everybody's feet are different and they tend to take this into account when reviewing.
    Then go to a store and have your gait, posture and so on checked so you get the best show for you.
    Sounds like a lot, but it's well worth doing.

    Thank you and I certainly plan to. I've got to because of these toe issues. I've never considered myself someone that would even be looking for the right 'running' shoe.
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    edited January 2015
    I didn't have a running store close by (an hour away), so I did a little online research and got some help from a friend. I did the "wet paper test," where you dip your feet in a little water and press them onto a sheet of paper to see your foot type. Then, I had a friend watch me run to tell me how my feet fall to determine what make to get to best "correct" the way my feet impact. We're not experts, but I think it helped me get a general idea of what to get. I have a pair of ASCICS and love them. I also bought a pair of inserts for running and barely feel the impact. If anything, when these shoes wear out I can see how the shoes rubbed against my feet and buy shoes accordingly for the next pair.
  • dougii
    dougii Posts: 679 Member
    I currently have about 5 pairs of running shoes going....my favorites for overall running are my Hoka's but I would rather race in my Karhu's or my Mizuno's. I agree with everyone else though that going to a good running store and getting properly fitted wil work best for you. I have had bleeding toe nails but never lost one yet - and my issue was an improprly fitted shoe (that of course I fitted myself early on in my running....)
  • logicalinks
    logicalinks Posts: 89 Member
    edited January 2015
    I am a huge fan of Sauconys as well. I also buy them in a half size larger than I buy regular shoes. It helps keep my toes from bumping up on the front during hard/long runs.

    Additionally, I have one very crooked toe on each foot, and it rubs on other toes during longer, harder runs. The heat and friction was causing some pretty painful blisters. I researched and found Injinji toe socks, which have prevented blisters ever since using them! They feel odd at first, but you quickly get used to them. Having each toe in its own sleeve prevents the friction of skin-on-skin blisters and wicks away sweat from between the toes. They're totally worth the extra money you'll pay. Ran 10 miles yesterday and not a blister in sight!

    Good luck with your running!
  • Woodspoon
    Woodspoon Posts: 223 Member
    Thank you and I certainly plan to. I've got to because of these toe issues. I've never considered myself someone that would even be looking for the right 'running' shoe.

    I know what you mean, it wasn't something I considered that big a deal and ran for almost a year on normal fashion runners, but I started getting toe nail issues, one almost came right off and ended up with tendon problems around one knee as well and it was all down to the bad shoes, not long after I got fitted the problems started going away.
    Soon as I start getting feet and knee problems now, first thing I check is how many miles I've covered in my runners if it's over 600, which adds up quickly, then I seriously consider getting new ones.
  • flabassmcgee
    flabassmcgee Posts: 659 Member
    I didn't have a running store close by (an hour away), so I did a little online research and got some help from a friend. I did the "wet paper test," where you dip your feet in a little water and press them onto a sheet of paper to see your foot type. Then, I had a friend watch me run to tell me how my feet fall to determine what make to get to best "correct" the way my feet impact. We're not experts, but I think it helped me get a general idea of what to get. I have a pair of ASCICS and love them. I also bought a pair of inserts for running and barely feel the impact. If anything, when these shoes wear out I can see how the shoes rubbed against my feet and buy shoes accordingly for the next pair.

    ETA: I bought a pair first that was in my size, but I had no idea about my foot/running type. They hurt my feet too much! Took them back the next day. I had to go up a size and do all that "testing" to figure out a better shoe.
  • silkysly
    silkysly Posts: 701 Member
    Every runner has toenail issues. If you every do a half/whole marathon be prepared to loose a few. Keep your nails trimmed way back helps some. Your shoe should be selected for your pronation & width. Make sure you have enough room to *play a piano* with your toes in the toebox. Look for the letter size of the shoe when addressing the width. E is wider than D, etc. The pronation is how your foot hits the ground btw. As for shoe brand, I do short runs in one brand & long runs in another. It's a personal choice. Asics Gel Series are the most comfy overall to me. Their website has a pronation chart for their shoe types too. Most do probably. Good luck...
  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    Oh wow!! Your replies have already given me soooo much insight and excitement to hurry up and change!!
  • fibbon
    fibbon Posts: 1 Member
    Nike free
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    edited January 2015
    Have you had issues with that problem?

    Black toenail?

    A couple of times, but only when running more than 10-12 miles.

    Given that you're doing sprints, of a sort, on a treadmill there could be a number of factors. It's very unusual to suffer the problem at low volumes.

    It could be the toe box being a bit narrow, equally it could be too wide already. Your feet could be sliding in the shoe and your toes hitting the inside of the toe box repeatedly

  • cheshirecatastrophe
    cheshirecatastrophe Posts: 1,395 Member
    silkysly wrote: »
    Every runner has toenail issues. If you every do a half/whole marathon be prepared to loose a few.

    I run halfs and marathons. My toenails do just fine. For *me*, Brooks Ravenna FTW.

    I was originally fitted by a running store with the Asics GT-20xx series and wore them for years, but I always had a wicked break-in period of blisters with those. Trying out my first pairs of Brooks (Adrenalines, maybe?) was revolutionary. I thinks Brooks have a wider heel box. So, OP, if you aren't satisfied with what you get--even from the pros--don't hesitate to try something else. Brooks, Asics, Saucony, Mizuno, Nike, New Balance are all great brands for different people.
  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    Have you had issues with that problem?

    Black toenail?

    A couple of times, but only when running more than 10-12 miles.

    Given that you're doing sprints, of a sort, on a treadmill there could be a number of factors. It's very unusual to suffer the problem at low volumes.

    It could be the toe box being a bit narrow, equally it could be too wide already. Your feet could be sliding in the shoe and your toes hitting the inside of the toe box repeatedly

    After the research, I do think it lies within the toe box but also the fact I'm pushing myself and still need to lose about 50lbs. The treadmill workout I do is an hour long and it is intense intervals (it's a downloaded program with a coach). My 30-40 second sprints are at 8mph which I think is a lot for my size...I just didn't take into account that the shoe needs to support that. I know it's a 'duh' thing but it just didn't occur to me.
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Definitely spend the money on decent running shoes that are fitted for you before you knacker your knees completely!
  • smilingdaisies
    smilingdaisies Posts: 76 Member
    Definitely spend the money on decent running shoes that are fitted for you before you knacker your knees completely!

    LOL @ knacker...England? I know you are right. I thought I had good ones...but really never realized the depth of the fitting that needs to take place.
  • JScottBldrs
    JScottBldrs Posts: 44 Member

    quote="MeanderingMammal;30816752"]
    ....working vigorously on the treadmill, what shoes work best?

    The ones that are appropriate to your style of running, gait and build. Go into a good running shop and get some practical advice.


    This right here is all the info you need....... Get fitted for the right shoe.......
    I run in Brooks GTS14
  • Elise4270
    Elise4270 Posts: 8,375 Member
    edited January 2015
    ....working vigorously on the treadmill, what shoes work best?

    The ones that are appropriate to your style of running, gait and build. Go into a good running shop and get some practical advice.

    Random brand suggestions from people here will do you no good at all.

    Black toenail is more likely down to fit than anything else, particularly if you're trying running fast without actually building your base running capability.

    I second this. We have to make an hours drive one way to a good running store, but its worth it. I'd be mindful of the drop in a shoe. I changed mine a few years ago and was left with serious soleus pain.
  • DancingMoosie
    DancingMoosie Posts: 8,619 Member
    You can do an online fit analysis if you aren't close to a running store. Look at the bottoms of your shoes to see where they wear the most. Also, while setting them on a flat surface and looking straight at the heels, do they lean in or out, is the rubber sole pressed down at all on either side? Some shoes are made to handle heavier runners and more mileage. Some are better for pronators of those who have high arches. These details are why it is important to be fitted properly.
    I wear Mizuno, you can try this link: myprecisionfit.com/test/welcome?lang=en_US&noAnswerSelected=&noMobile=http://
  • wagn27
    wagn27 Posts: 65
    Renee0887 wrote: »
    chuck636 wrote: »
    I like asics, not the most fashionable choice of mine,but good support and cushion

    LOVE my Asics! Most really good stores will check your gait and recommend the proper shoe for you. Well worth it!

    I've got Asics as well. Had the gait analysis done and it helped with my shin splints. I was told brands like Nike, Reebok, etc advertise as running shoes, but they aren't really the best.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    wagn27 wrote: »
    I was told brands like Nike, Reebok, etc advertise as running shoes, but they aren't really the best.

    In the same way that I wouldn't randomly recommend shoes, I'd also take something like that with a large pinch of salt.

    All manufacturers make a range of fits and configurations; motion control, neutral, cushioned, high drop, zero drop, minimalist... Some are more suitable for an individual than others.

    A Hoka is a competely different ride than a Vibram five fingers, but they could both do a similar job for different people.

    And Mo runs in Nike, so I suspect they're ok...
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