Running Shoes

jordanlell
jordanlell Posts: 340 Member
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
How important are the really expensive running shoes? I keep hearing that good running shoes cost at the very least around $80, usually more, and I really, truly cannot afford that. I'm a college student working part time, minimum wage, and my schedule only allows me to work 2-3 days a week. It's hard enough just to buy healthier food, because that is more expensive, too! I feel like running/walking is pretty much my only option as far as good cardio is concerned, because I can't afford any kind of equipment or anything either. But I keep hearing people say how bad it is to run without the fancy shoes! Can the shoes I'm wearing really hurt me that much, especially if it's only for this time in my life?

Replies

  • MMAsac
    MMAsac Posts: 191
    Shoes are very important for running. You really need a shoe that offers the CORRECT support for your foot and style of running. bad shoes/not correct shoes can lead to bad feet problems, back problems, knee problems.
  • tashajasmine
    tashajasmine Posts: 37 Member
    I get my running shoes from payless, bealls outlet ,ross, places like that. they are namebrand which is more comfertable than walmart shoes but the ones I buy are at the most $50.00
  • merrillfoster
    merrillfoster Posts: 855 Member
    There are options though. Figure out which ones you need, then search online for sales, etc. Alot of websites offer discounts, deals, etc. Or check out discount shoe stores like DSW or Rack Room. Just b/c you need good shoes doesn't mean you have to pay full retail price for them.
  • dHowe4406
    dHowe4406 Posts: 114
    Shoes are very important. Not all running shoes are a lot of money but you do need to get running shoes. If you don't the right shoes you can get a lot of problem like shin splints, which are not fun. It may cost $80 but they can last a long time.
  • zombiesama
    zombiesama Posts: 755 Member
    Shoes do matter, you can go to a sports store and get decent ones for 39.99 I used to work at Big 5 and that is the average cost for a good pair unless you want something really nice. after buying a pair, if anything all you would need are good insoles.
    Just make sure they fit good and are for your proper stride, most people pronate when they walk.
    if not you wont enjoy running
  • emilymiesel
    emilymiesel Posts: 207 Member
    Brooks and Aasics are awesome.

    New Balance, Nike, adidas, fila are supposed to be among the worst for you (I tend to agree!)

    Nike is however developing a new line that is supposed to compare to Brooks...we'll see!
  • srp2011
    srp2011 Posts: 1,829 Member
    I would suggest going to a running store and getting fitted for the correct shoes, find out the brand and style, and then don't buy them there, but go and look around on the internet or other stores for a deal. It is really important to have shoes that fit your foot and foot-strike pattern to avoid injury.
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    When I was in high school and college I ran in shoes that I found at Sports Authority or a place like Kohls that felt good and looked cool. I did get blood blisters in my very coolest neon blue adidas but I toughed it out because they were so neat. If you are doing a lot of walking go with a good comfortable shoe ...if you ease yourself into running you can prevent a lot of overuse type injuries. You might be lucky and be able to buy any old running shoe...some people just can...if you start having aching anything it might be the shoes. If you can go for a fitting at a running store and find out what you need...you can scour the web for good deals.,,,my current shoe is about $95 but I have found it online for 75 and know that I will be able to find it soon for less than $60.....you can get great shoes for a good deal...you know if you go to a running store and ask if they can suggest last years model so you can get them off their hands for them and or find them online cheap that isn't a bad idea either
  • kelsully
    kelsully Posts: 1,008 Member
    Brooks and Aasics are awesome.

    New Balance, Nike, adidas, fila are supposed to be among the worst for you (I tend to agree!)

    Nike is however developing a new line that is supposed to compare to Brooks...we'll see!


    ironically Ascis are the worst shoe I could buy and New Balance are one of the best options out there for me...Nike's do all kinds of horrid things to my feet...it is way too individual to suggest a certain brand
  • dHowe4406
    dHowe4406 Posts: 114
    Brooks and Aasics are awesome.

    New Balance, Nike, adidas, fila are supposed to be among the worst for you (I tend to agree!)

    Nike is however developing a new line that is supposed to compare to Brooks...we'll see!

    The only time I have ever had shin splints was with Brooks running shoes. I will never buy them again!

    However I love my New Balance shoes that I have. They are the best running shoes I have ever had.
  • zombiesama
    zombiesama Posts: 755 Member
    It is definetly too individual to suggest brands. they all fit people differently Brooks, Asics, New Balance and Saucony are the better ones though. Some nikes are good but most are just garbage.
  • deanadimples
    deanadimples Posts: 419 Member
    It helps to know what "type" of running shoe you need (stability etc). Here's a great article I recently came across that helps with what you may need. There are a lot of articles out there that will even tell you which shoe brand/model will work for how you run (over pronation etc)

    http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-240-319-327-7727-0,00.html

    I always spent around $60-75 for shoes (mostly walking). And bought them mostly on how "coushiny" they were. Then I wanted to try running. I got a pair of Asics Gel Keyanos. They were about $120. A huge investment to me. But I found that I really liked them for running versus any other shoes I've worn.

    I've decided that when I hit my halfway mark (in about 25 lbs) I'm going to reward myself with a new pair. Foot Locker had some nice Asics that were on sale last week. I was REALLY tempted but decided to hold out. 25 more lbs....
  • deanadimples
    deanadimples Posts: 419 Member
    Brooks and Aasics are awesome.

    New Balance, Nike, adidas, fila are supposed to be among the worst for you (I tend to agree!)

    Nike is however developing a new line that is supposed to compare to Brooks...we'll see!



    I agree! I have never bought NB. Every pair I tried on felt so "hard". Like the soles of my feet were on cement. Likewise, I have never tried on a pair of Nikes that felt like they would be worth a darn.

    Has anyone tried the "toe shoes"????? I know someone who has a pair but she doesn't run. http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm
  • emilymiesel
    emilymiesel Posts: 207 Member
    Brooks and Aasics are awesome.

    New Balance, Nike, adidas, fila are supposed to be among the worst for you (I tend to agree!)

    Nike is however developing a new line that is supposed to compare to Brooks...we'll see!



    I agree! I have never bought NB. Every pair I tried on felt so "hard". Like the soles of my feet were on cement. Likewise, I have never tried on a pair of Nikes that felt like they would be worth a darn.

    Has anyone tried the "toe shoes"????? I know someone who has a pair but she doesn't run. http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm

    Thanks! Yeah it's not like I'm telling the original poster to go buy the brand I said...LOL they are recommended in magazines/stores/specialty shoe stores as the best. You def need to find the pair that is right for your foot. They aren't the kind of shoes where you say "OOO pretty..." an pick that pair. They have different models for how your feet are.

    Yea NB are like running in socks lol Nike are ok for walking around "stylish" shoes but suck for working out. Aasics have some crappy models and then better (of course more pricey) models.

    With GOOD shoes that have GOOD quality and the correct fit for your foot individually... A higher price will come with it. I would suggest going to a specialty shop for running/high impact shoes because goin to walmart/payless/target ain't going to cut it. Your bones/cartilage and just all around body isn't something you should cheat on quality.
  • jemmur
    jemmur Posts: 57 Member
    Has anyone tried the "toe shoes"????? I know someone who has a pair but she doesn't run. http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/index.htm
    I love mine! Worth every penny, as far as I'm concerned, but unfortunately they're not exactly a cheap alternative to conventional running shoes.

    I don't think you'll really know if you need fancy running shoes until you try. Some people run completely barefoot and couldn't be happier. Others swear by their complicated, technical shoes. The science doesn't point conclusively in either direction. I once saw a video of someone who ran in Converse, just to prove that the world wouldn't stop spinning ;)

    I'd be wary of cheaping out too much - lower quality shoes can be a false economy, as well blistertastic - but, past a certain point, I'm convinced we're paying mostly for the branding. You could maybe look at last season's shoes, if you want to save a little money?
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