Need running shoes

My question is this...does it really make THAT much of a difference in your stride and in the level of comfort during and after runs?

YES. It really, really does (or did) for me.

I really really suggest you go into a specialty store and figure out which pair you like. Though I would say that you should support the local running store, you COULD go in, get fitted, then make a note of the brand and model (discretely) and go order it online.

But you really need to find the shoes for YOU. Not all shoes are created equally. Find what works for you. This will save you miles and miles of discomfort and help prevent injuries. Seriously. Don't skimp on shoes if you're going to run. Save money on shirts, shorts, etc. But NOT shoes!

Happy running!

Just bought a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus 12. They were on sale (last year's model) and are lighter than air. I don't even feel them on my feet. I've seen them on the internet for about $80.

Running without pain or injury requires good shoes. Do the right thing and go to a Fleet Feet or other running store in your area and get fitted properly with a good pair of shoes. I know many running stores have treadmills with cameras now and they can analyze your gait and help get you in the right shoe. Once you figure out the best type of shoe for you, you can get your next pair cheaply online. I buy tons of running gear on line. Best price/value is roadrunnersports.com. If you join the vip club, which is often on sale for $1.99, you get free rush shipping, 10% off all orders and sometimes up to 25% off, plus 90 days to return them, no matter what, Very few running stores will take shoes back after they've been worn, and 90 days is like a lifetime if you run a lot. Also great deals can be had at Holabirdsports.com. There are many others, but those are two of the best and i probably buy 90% of my shoes from those two web sites. I run marathons, if you need running motivation or advice, friend me. Good luck!

I've run 5K off and on throughout my weight loss journey (65 lbs down total) and shoes make a HUGE difference. Getting fit for the shoes is the key and good insoles are also a big part of the fit of the shoe. The insoles that come with shoes are basically a waste of material and offer no support (they are designed to be generic enough to fit the masses).

Plan for plenty of time when you got to get fitted. The sales person should want you to walk around the store and maybe even jog outside a bit to watch how you walk/run to help determine the best shoe for you. Don't worry about the name brand or the colors on the shoe either. Just be open to whatever fits your foot and stride the best.

Also, remember to replace the shoes when you start noticing little aches and pains that you haven't had before. This is your body's way of telling you the shoes are breaking down and not providing the support you need.

I just got a new pair a couple of weeks ago for my first 1/2 marathon on March 10th! This latest pair are the lightest and best ones I've ever had and I love them!

Just bought a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus 12. They were on sale (last year's model) and are lighter than air. I don't even feel them on my feet. I've seen them on the internet for about $80.

I just bought Sketchers new running shoes GoRun, and they are GREAT!! Like the person mentioned above, they are designed to be VERY light. They were $80

Yes, a good pair of shoes can really make a huge difference. My husband (who's done multiple marathons) loves his Asics, and that's what I have currently as well. I've also really liked New Balance and Saucony. Never been a fan of Nikes for running, and a lot of other people will say the same, but yeah go to your running store and see what they recommend Good luck!

If you don't know your gait, it's very important to get properly fitted. I'm a severe overpronator, but I would have never known that on my own.

Another point for the small, locally-owned running store. You'll most often get fantastic customer service. I got fitted last August, and it was the first time I was told I wasn't an overpronator. They didn't get worn much after I bought them until I got serious about running again in January. A few weeks in, and I had a lot of aches and pains after runs so I went back in fully expecting to ditch the neutral shoes and buy a pair of stability ones like I'd had in the past. I told the guy the story, and he put me on the treadmill and immediately deemed I should've been wearing the stability ones all along. He swapped them out for FREE! Well, almost free. I just paid the $10 difference since my new shoes were a bit more expensive. I had no receipt, and I'd owned them for months (though they'd only been worn for about a month) AND had run outside in them several times. That experience made me a customer for life.

Yes, a good pair of shoes can really make a huge difference. My husband (who's done multiple marathons) loves his Asics, and that's what I have currently as well. I've also really liked New Balance and Saucony. Never been a fan of Nikes for running, and a lot of other people will say the same, but yeah go to your running store and see what they recommend Good luck!

There's a reason for that. The guy who fits my shoes says Nike's are fashion shoes. If they're fit properly, they'll probably feel good for a short time, but they don't have the quality build to keep supporting you for a long time. Same for Reebok. He only recommends Saucony and New Balance.