Running shoes

I would highly advise checking out a specialized running store. They will be able to analyze your foot shape and running gait to help you choose just the right shoe to avoid injury!

You'll pay a bit more for the shoes, but after that you'll know what works for you and you can look around for a bargain on the next pair!

+1 for visiting the running store. I recently purchased a new pair of running shoes and have been quite happy ever since. Remember to where a good sports bra when you go.

I have large feet (for a woman) in general and have found Asics to work pretty good. Hubby likes New Balance for his definitely wide feet. Tossing this out as ideas in case a running store is unavailable or unaffordable. Do however, purchase your shoes at a place with a generous return policy and make use of it if the new shoes don't seem to work for you.

Not a good advise I guess, but I'm using Ecco CS14 shoes for running and all other sports, simply because my strange feet don't fit into any real sports shoes. Plus I live in a country where I cannot get any advise on the right shoes anyway. So far it works. During my last attempt at running a few years ago I had to stop after the third short walking/running session because my toes started to hurt. No problems so far at W4D2, thus I guess those shoes are perfect for me.

+1 more for a running store, and not like a big box "sports" store, more along the lines of the local running store. They will get you on a treadmill and watch how you run and then go from there. You don't need to buy from them if the price is out of your budget. Take their advise and then hit up runningwarehouse.com or similar. Running shoes can change in style, so make sure if you are getting a deal on last years model it hasn't changed from the shoe you tried in the store. In my area, the local running stores usually higher semi pro runners or college track students, they have always been helpful and knowledgeable.

Also, know the return policy. A good running store will have a try and return policy. If you hate the shoe, even after you've run in it for a month outside, you can return it. I think Road Runners Sports offers this.

A previous poster suggested a Hoka, I agree, very cloud like, but also $$$ so if you like a cloud feel there are a few brands that offer that: NB, Brooks have similar cloudy running shoes. Hoka are also very big soled, so some people find them clunky, even if they are very light.

New Balance, Brooks and I believe Nike (although my preferred cloud line in the Nike have changed to less cloud like) all have similar cloudy shoes in their lines that are more along the traditional running shoe.

Adidas has the Boost for the last couple of years, I've heard really good things about it.

Like others have said, it's a very personal thing. People swear by their running shoes and get upset when a maker "improves" on the design. A few of my friends will buy multiple pairs of their favorite running shoe in one go, just to be on the safe side.

I would go for a typical classic running shoe for a starter c25k runner. If you find you're loving running and want to continue on with it and build up your goals, absolutely try other styles of running shoes (Newtons, minimalist, Hoka, etc) and find one that meets your needs and style once you have figured out what your needs and style are.

Get the right show for your foot, but don't depend on the cushioning to fix your problems. In reality the cushioning feels good but makes such a trivial difference in the impact forces your body experiences in running that it really is of no help at all.

The best way to reduce impact forces and address running pains is by fixing your running form and doing it in such a way as to minimize the stress to your bones and joints. Google "Good Form Running" for details.

shortclaws wrote: »

I started the C25k last week and by the third session, my right hip was very sore. A bit of googling suggested new running shoes... The ones I have are very old.

What shoes have worked best for you for shock absorbing? I'm quite a wide fit so mens styles are sometimes better than women's

For my wide feet I loves me some New Balance shoes!

Good on you for choosing a local dealer rather than the web, However, doing a gait analysis on a treadmill is not much good if your an outdoor runner as you will run differently. My local store has a different way of gait analysis which I feel is a much better way than the old fashioned treadmill test.

Hope everything goes ok though with your new shoes and remember take it easy to begin with.