Running shoes

Bump!
(I'd like to know too! )

that happens more often than you realize. There's a lot of misconceptions about running, some think that any sneakers will do but not the case. It's worth it to invest in a great pair that fits you. Good luck and welcome to the sport!

It is really important to get fitted, can`t recommend a shoe type as it depends on if you are a pronator or not, your arch, width of foot etc.. Basically a lot depends on whether most of the pressure on your foot is on the inside or the outside when you walk. If you are in Canada I would recommend the Running Room they are awesome for putting you in the right running shoes.

Good luck!

Granted shoes help and there is always going to be an adjust period but it sound to me like you have "runners knee". But i will go one further and say that most running or activities that cause pain are generally all cause because of a musculoskeletal issues mainly imbalances. Tight calves and hamstrings cause most lower leg pains. I will ask you the number 1 question that i already know but will ask anyways. How often to you stretch your calves, hamstring, quads and IT band?

Oh also please go to a reputable store with knowledgeable staff. you dont want to get sold on shows that feel the best while you stand or walk in them, quite often the show that is the best for you is not the shoe that "feels" the best. Cushion and stability are designed into shoes under load not just standing there. Manufacturers like to put cushy sock liners in them to fool you into thinking they are great because they feel like pillows when you put them on, but i can assure you that pillow softness is doing absolutely nothing for you while you are running.

I posted something similar about my knees and running recently. Several people commented that my hips might not be strong enough (which is common in women) and causes knee pain. Just something to think about if the sneakers don't help.

When I started to do the C25K back in the winter of 2010, I was fitted for a pair of running shoes at a running shoe store (not a chain). I felt like they took plenty of time for me, but a co-worker went to a store where they had her walk through a sand box and also run on a treadmill to make sure they had her stride down before they selected the right shoes. (sounds like getting your first wand in Diagon Alley!)

I loved my shoes - but I started to have more and more pain as I subjected my old joints to the run so I started investigating how to work on my running stride and I found "Chi Running" which is a GREAT study on how to adjust your running stride to a less harmful stride that's more natural. It doesn't have to be Chi Running there are other books - but I'm now starting over after falling off the fitness wagon and I'm only doing my running (5K101 this time) through the Chi Running approach.

Basically it's running where you lean slightly forward and your stride is shorter, you land with your foot under your body and you never land on your heal. Some people run barefoot or with minimal foot ware so they can feel the way they are landing better - but there is no need to do that - you can still wear good running shoes!

It's only been ten days but so far I'm feeling GREAT with WAY less discomfort than the last time I tried this!

Good luck!

As i eluded too it could be just about anything but is most cases is lower leg. But yes hips could also be the culprit too. Chi running is an excellent technique its hard for some to grasp but is very effective for running efficiency. Though will do nothing to help with referred or indirect muscle pain. Stretching and moderate strength training will work the best to fix the problem assited by chi running for technique would be great. In a nutshell Chi and all the other running styles out there that teach the same thing teach you to foot land below your hips to minimize the pounding your body takes and maximize the shock absorbing capacity of your legs. Loosen, tight muscles, strengthen weak ones and unless your pain is from something not related or genetic then it will do the trick.

I had a similar problem. I had developed plantar fascitis, and while I was continuing to walk, it was limiting me. I was telling a friend of mine about this one day when we were walking, and she noticed that my feet rolled inward badly. I guess that makes me a pronator. She suggested I go to an actual store and get fitted (I'd ordered my shoes online previously.)

I went to Run On! and as soon as they saw me walk, they started pulling out shoes with a lot of support. I tried on several brands but settled on the Brooks Trance 10 and I absolutely love them! My plantar fascitis is under control, my knees are better, and I'm putting in more exercise time than ever. The shoes were expensive but completely worth it. I'm going to be getting a new pair soon.

So I agree with the people who suggest you go to a reputable store that carries multiple brands and try them on until you find the one that works best for your feet. Another thing: You might want to pick a store that has a good exchange policy. As much as I love my Brooks, the first pair rubbed a bad blister on my heel and I had to take them back and exchange them for a larger size. Run On! stood by their policy 100%, so I'll go back there when I'm ready to buy my next pair.