running shoe advice?

My last two pair were fitted at the local running room. The first pair were Asics and a stability shoe. I have plantar faciitis and very wide feet and high high arches. These shoes felt very klunky too me. My friend who has been running long distances for many years tells me he changes his shoes every 3 months and never wears them for anything but running. If he doesn't it bothers his kness.

Another friend went to a privately owned local running shoe store. She will access your gait and feet for a fee of $40. Our running friend really didn't like this place and says this woman takes advantage of people with her runs and training programs. She's way more than other places. My friend then went to the Running Room where I went and they told her that her shoes were exactly what she needed and they were still fine so that made me feel great about them.

When I went in for my second fitting I asked about the stability shoe...and said why do I have a stability shoe...this guy reaccessed my need and could see the wear on the Asics and determined I really didn't need the stability and I got a pair of Brooks Glycerin. Seriously love these shoes. Running is so much better. So I guess is feel comfortable with the person assessing you. Don't pay extra if you don't have to.

If you're interested...try minimalist shoes, but as someone said earlier, transition slowly if you go that route.

I run in Vibrams or a pair of Nike water shoes. I made the switch to minimalist shoes 7 months ago after injuring myself by wearing shoes to "correct" some things. Just ran my first 1/2 marathon in March and have no more knee, shin, back, etc. issues.

Definitely get fitted. While you are there, try on a pair of K-Swiss tubes. SO comfortable!

I wrote a letter to Nike complaining why they discontinued their awesome air zoom running shoes. I told them exactly why I LOVED those shoes for road running and why i felt nothing they offer at the moment comes close to making up for the features lost by stopping the air zoom.

It was about 4 pages long LOL...3 weeks later, they sent me 3 pairs of air zooms,running leggings and live strong jackets for running, and asked if i'd be willing to try new models and prototype designs for them in shoes and running apparel.

i will be a nike *kitten* for eternity.

That is awesome!!! Makes me like them even more now

Asics Gel-Frantic are my happy shoes, and I have high arches.

lol. I reckon the key message from all these conflicting opinions is ... go get fitted.

if going to a store is out of the question--i recommend Asics but if you can get fitted then do that

Unless you have a wide foot or a high arch - asics run narrow.

I prefer Brooks.

I prefer Brooks too. I have a narrow foot and a high arch. Assics are where my knee problems began. Because I DIDNT get fitted.

Brooks - their new lightweight tennis shoes are amazing. It is a minimalist racing shoe - i wear them for bootcamp too!

Check out Mizuno's running website. They have the most extensive self-diagnosing shoe setup I have found. I have been fitted by several running shoe stores -- and the website gave me the same results. Also, once you know your shoes type you can be a little more knowledgeable when shopping. also, I would go to a store like D!ick's where you can return them if they don't work. I used a pair of Asics for several runs and was still able to return them. As someone with 30 or so running shoes in my closet:blushing: that's what I have learned. Just my 2 cents:bigsmile:

The best advice I was given and did was go to a running store to get fitted.

^^ This, best thing I ever did, helped clear up many foot issues I was having. If you go to a good store, they will even put you on the treadmill and analyze your running to help fit you better.

I 100th getting fitted. I cannot even stand to wear my Nikes to the mall that I ran in for four months before getting properly fitted. I'm a Brooks girl all the way. Getting the right shoes has reduced my knee issues and have made my long runs way more comfortable. It was a shock to my system to pay $100 for running shoes, but I realize I spend a lot of very important time in them weekly so they are well worth the expense.

Also, after you get fitted and you know what you like, check out e-bay. Last year's models can be found there for a lot less!

My running shoes are done, and I am in desperate need of a new pair. I need something with good arch support, the arches of my feet have recently started hurting me, but this might be due to the fact that I have broken down my old pair of shoes? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Also, feel free to add me, I need some supportive friends! Thanks

You sound j like me lol! My tennis have had it,, my arches are hurting and I keep procrastinating. I put some arch supports in them and it help for a while but it's time lol!

Good luck!