Running shoes/trainers?

The best thing you can do is look for a running store in your area, Running Room or something like that. They will do a stride assessment and help you pick up shoes best matched to your running style. The best way to get shin splints is to buy shoes that don't match your gait. Getting the right shoes is the best thing you can do to help you run injury free.

I have Vibram Five Fingers and I'm absolutely in love with them!

As BrandonMB said - you need to go to a running store in your area and have them fit you with a pair of shoes. Don't go for the brand - go for the shoe that fits your foot. I was running in Brand X and thought I was doing well until I had my feet assessed and found out I needed to run in Brand Y. AND bring your old shoes so they can see how you wear them.

When you check out the store - make sure the people who fit you have some kind of qualifications - i.e. runners themselves.

Also, you should not run more than 300 miles in a pair of shoes.

Asics are good shoes. I am a neutral runner and wear the Nimbus 13. The best thing to do would be to go to a running store to determine if you have a neutral gait, an overpronator, supinator. There are so many different kinds of running shoes. It is very important to get fitted for the correct shoe. There are motion control shoes, neutal shoes, stability shoes etc. If you get into the wrong shoe you may start having problems. You might try on a shoe in the store and it may feel good, but still not be the right shoe for your gait. One simple way to tell what kind of runner/walker you are is to place your foot in water and then step onto a brown paper bag. If the imprint shows most of your gait on the outside of the foot you may be a supranator and might need a motion control shoe. If the imprint shows most of the imprint to the inside of the foot might be overpronator. Also if you look at the bottom of your shoes and where they wear the most is helpful. If most of the wear is at the great toe and opposite heel then you are a neutral runner/walker. Best thing though is to take your althetic shoes that you have been wearing to the shoe store with you and let the sales associate help you. Some of these running stores have treadmills and sales person can put you on the treadmill and watch you run or walk and help you determine what your gait is.

Before I took on my first half-marathon, I went to a running store and took the stride test; I thought it was stupid at first, a shoe is a shoe. I learned I pronate in and they recommended the Asics Gel-Nimbus shoe for me... what a difference this made! I have never worn anything since, but would have not known this unless I took that test. Everyone is different (my friends swears by Nike), so the test is well worth it... if you are serious about running.

BOTTOM LINE -

-- use professionals to fit your shoe

-- get a shoe that fits your foot and running style

-- if possible get your running tested to get a good foot/shoe match


Be careful using store names they may not be everywhere - and I also think we should be sensitive to the fact that people on this site are from all over the world and may not have access to what me and you have access to.

As other people have said its important to go to a proper running store and get your feet assessed. What fits one person perfectly can cause all sorts of injuries for another if the shoe is not suited to your foot shape / running style. I started with nikes and had terrible blisters and shin splints, now I run in new balance or brooks. They were £70 per pair, can get much cheaper shoes in sales or online, but it's worth the extra money to be able to run with no problems!