Running Shoes

jackeroo83
jackeroo83 Posts: 32 Member
edited October 4 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey everyone! I'm looking to buy a new pair of running shoes -- primarily because I've been getting achiness/pain in my left knee and sometimes my left toes have numbness. I'm attributing this to poorly fitting shoes / not a wide enough toebox, but am open to other people's diagnosis! :-) This weekend I am planning to get to a running store to be professionally fitted, but was wondering if anyone had suggestions for their favorite types of shoes/brands that might work for my situation.

Thanks!

Replies

  • Ashbee1224
    Ashbee1224 Posts: 65
    I had a big problem finding comfy shoes, my arch is really thin but my toes are kinda wide...I found the Reebok VIBE' s super comfy, they are springy and have plenty of toe room, yet support my foot & ankle wonderfully!
  • goalie35
    goalie35 Posts: 181 Member
    I got fitted at a store that video taped my stride and then had me run in different shoes afterwards to see which worked best for me.
  • christy_frank
    christy_frank Posts: 680 Member
    Make sure you ask for LAST years model because sometimes they have them in the back and they are cheaper.
  • timothyjkiser
    timothyjkiser Posts: 85 Member
    If you have more than one running store near you go to them all. Have them all measure your gait and diagnose your stride. Compare notes at each store (and shoes) before making a purchase. They may "sponsor" different brands at each store. This may take some time, but be worth it when you are running like the wind!!!

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    Make sure you ask for LAST years model because sometimes they have them in the back and they are cheaper.
  • docHelen
    docHelen Posts: 198
    I got fitted at a store that video taped my stride and then had me run in different shoes afterwards to see which worked best for me.
    this is definately the thing to do, get videod on the treadmill and then they can fit you with shoes that suit your stride....that's what i did and it's like running in slippers
  • bhawk82
    bhawk82 Posts: 24 Member
    Are you wanting to run? Walk? Train? The shoe depends on what exercise you are doing. I personally love new balance because they come in a lot of wide fit sizes. I have a wide foot, but it's short. I hear sauconys are good too.
  • bestrodeo
    bestrodeo Posts: 139 Member
    I have the worst arches they are really high so finding good running shoes are hard.. I have decided to go with a Brooks off road runner they are so comfortable its not like running on rocks it feels like there is actually something there. thou they are really pricy
  • sjtreely
    sjtreely Posts: 1,014 Member
    The shoes made for my feet are Asics Nimbus Gels .... but that should mean nothing when you're picking out your shoes. Feet are different, and just because they're right for me, does not make them right for you. The person who fits you will encourage you to try on many different styles and analyze your gait while jogging on a treadmill or in their parking lot. They'll probably encourage you to go at least a half size larger than you normally wear. Larger sizes don't damage your toenails as much when going down hill, etc.

    While you're at the store, invest in a good pair of running socks, too. Go for wick away. My personal favorite are Zulu ... but again, to each her own.

    You'll never regret investing in a good pair of shoes and socks. They make a world of difference.
  • Iridal
    Iridal Posts: 1
    Definitely go to a good fitness store and have them watch how you walk. They should be able to help you out. But just so you don't go in there blind, here's a really basic rundown.

    Shoes come in 3 basic support types: Cushioned, Stability, and Motion Control. These go from the least rigid shoe (correlates to highest arched foot) to most rigid shoe (lowest arched foot).

    So, if you have knees that ache, my initial guess (assume this is totally your shoes and no other injury) is that you have a normal or low arch and should look in to Stability shoes. Why is that? Well, short story is that people with low or normal arches tend to pronate too much in their ankles. This torques your ankle, which then moves a torque force up to your knee, causing knee pain. Chances are only one knee hurts because you've unconsciously learned to favor one leg over the other.

    Unfortunately, when you go to a lot of department stores or discount stores to buy that nice new Nike shoe you see, you have no idea what you're getting. I had the same exact problem, because I was unknowingly buying Cushioned shoes that were so wrong for me! It got to the point where I couldn't even walk for hours after my run. A little bit of rest coupled with a new pair of Stability shoes fixed me right up! If you have flat feet tho, take it a step further and look in to the Motion Control lines. The guy at the store should be able to help you out. (You can also get one of the OTC knee braces to help get you on your way. I sometimes still wear one just to make sure my knee stays in line.)

    And if you're wondering, high arches tend to give people shin splints because they don't absorb the shock enough, which is why a Cushioned shoe helps. ;)

    OH, and one last thing... do yourself a favor and pay for quality! A good pair of running shoes can cost you a pretty penny, but don't skimp on something that could have long term consequences for your joints. If it feels good, its totally worth it. I haven't spent less than $100 on a pair of shoes in years (well I did find one a sale :-D, but I digress) and I've never looked back.

    And... this is my first post. All for running shoes. :)
  • casbar911
    casbar911 Posts: 61 Member
    ******The shoes made for my feet are Asics Nimbus Gels ******

    I love these shoes!!! took me 4 different time to find the right ones but these have been WONDERFUL for my feet- you have to find what is right for you!! I went to an expensive store to be fitted then I took the brand and went to Olympia Sports when they do there buy get one 1/2 off sale :) got last years models 2 pair for the price of one !!! so I have 2 pair to rotate through :)
  • jackeroo83
    jackeroo83 Posts: 32 Member
    Thank you, everyone! All of these suggestions are super helpful. And Iridal, great first post! :-)
  • jackeroo83
    jackeroo83 Posts: 32 Member
    Are you wanting to run? Walk? Train? The shoe depends on what exercise you are doing. I personally love new balance because they come in a lot of wide fit sizes. I have a wide foot, but it's short. I hear sauconys are good too.

    I'm looking to run -- currently training for a 5 mile Turkey Trot in a few weeks, and a 10 mile race in May. :-)
  • sarinabradley
    sarinabradley Posts: 4
    I get all my running shoes from Runners Roost. They only specialize in walking/running shoes. I would say try a place like that. They will sit and talk to you.
  • vanessaclarkgbr
    vanessaclarkgbr Posts: 731 Member
    I have Brooks, I'm an overpronator and they felt like putting a pair of slippers on when I tried them! I went to a specialised store but was a bit under prepared - they had me running up and down outside with each pair on, I had a pair of my falling down clown trousers on which I'd been hanging onto for just a couple more weeks...embarrassing! So dress prepared for action :-)
  • bethgrayster
    bethgrayster Posts: 56 Member
    I got fitted for running shoes yesterday and ended up getting the Nike Lunar Glide. I wore them last night for my work out and they felt awesome!
  • Lylora
    Lylora Posts: 21
    I had problems with numbness in my toes as well with a pair of Brooks shoes. I just got a pair of Mizuno's. I love them because they're light and very supportive and they have a very wide toe box, so I don't get the numbness any more. They even came in a great color! I'm now a huge Mizuno convert, especially for running.
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