Help with buying running sneakers

That varies from individual to individual. My running partner and I wear completely different brands and styles. The best thing to do IMO is go to a running store and get a professional fitting. Then buy your shoes from the running store. That first pair will set you back a little, but it's the right thing to do to support the business for giving you the fitting. Then you can start purchasing your shoes elsewhere for a cheaper price, if you choose.

I'll also add that if you're feeling a lack of cushion in a high-cushion shoe on a treadmill (which is already cushioned), you may need to think about your foot strike. I wear minimal cushioning because it forces me to keep a midfoot landing with a more gliding stride.

TmacMMM wrote: »

The right shoes are going to be different for each person, depending on their gait. To avoid lots of trial and error, go to a running store (not a big box sports store) and get yourself fitted. They'll have you run on a treadmill and may even video your foot motion. Also bring your old shoes so they can see the wear pattern. The shoes will be slightly more expensive, but once you know what works for you, you can shop online for deals. (But buy at least that first pair from the store as compensation for their effort and expertise).

In addition to this excellent advice, I would add that it might take you 2 or 3 iterations to find the best shoe for you. As noted on another thread, you should ignore which shoes are cute or match your outfit. The important thing is that the shoe lets you run comfortably and without repetitive use injury.

New runners sometimes have sticker shock at the cost of running shoes, then have sticker shock again when they find out how fast the shoe wears out. (Hint: Running shoes are worn out for running long before they look worn out to a non-runner.) After running for several years, I have come to the conclusion that getting the right shoes and replacing them at the first hint that they might be too worn out to support running is cheaper than running in the wrong shoes or milking too many miles out of the right shoes and then having to pay for physical therapy. That, and there's the quality of life issue. PT isn't so bad, but having it means I'm not running.

I can only wear Brooks Adrenaline GTS. But that's because I need lots of arch support and I overpronate, and this shoe is the best combination for those 2 features. Your foot/arch needs and landing tendency could be different than mine. Best to go to a running store and have them analyze your gait.

We are a family of 5 and all were assessed at a local running store. We were all fitted for the same shoe. Ironic! I guess hubby & I happy to have similar feet and passed them to the kids!

Chef_Barbell wrote: »

Definitely get fitted for running shoes.

It made such a big difference when I started with C25k- I used to get shin/knee pain in generic shoes. The difference I felt in my feet/knees/shins was immediate with proper shoes (I overpronate, something I didn't realize before then).

I will also add that shoes can really change between "years". I was fitted at a store for Saucony Omni 13s and though I might save a few bucks by grabbing the Omni 14s online (without trying them on at all first in a store) after my 13s wore out- it was definitely not the same. So now I am out the cost of 2 shoes in my attempt to save money >.< Don't do this blindly like I did *sigh*

I also have a designation for each pair on my running spreadsheet so I can track the miles on each pair.