I really need help with running shoes. please!

fliesdonotbelong
fliesdonotbelong Posts: 109 Member
edited December 21 in Fitness and Exercise
I need help finding the right running shoe for me. I've recently discovered that I actually LOVE to run. I'm in the Army and I plan to run quite a bit, not as much as most but around 12 miles a week. I have tendonosis (not to be confused with itis) in both knees. I tend to have a mild overpronation. I also have a history of stress reactive changes to my hips, knees, ankles and feet. (It's not quite a stress fracture but can lead to one) I can use a stability shoe. I will not wear asics as the way they are made always gives me blisters, I prefer lighter shoes, and I cannot put a price on my feet. I would like someone to recommend something from experience although I realize nobody is going to have my same issues.

Sorry for such an annoying question with all of my issues, I'm not sure if they have an impact on my needs. I also would like to say thank you in advance for any help. I went to ****'S today and I swear I could not beg that salesman to sell me shoes. So instead I turn to a support community.

Replies

  • zoom2
    zoom2 Posts: 934 Member
    For mild stability needs I would give something like the Nike Lunarfly or Saucony Progrid Guide a try. Or check out the Shoe Finder on RunningWarehouse.com, that way you can find a variety of shoes that might work for your needs:
    http://www.runningwarehouse.com/shoefinder.html

    Though it is nice to go to a brick-and-mortar running store to see what fits your feet best.
  • lyndall5311
    lyndall5311 Posts: 146 Member
    I have a pair of Zoot runners - they are actually a triathlon shoe, they are really light and have stability in them (as I have knee and ankle problems).

    Ive had them for about a month now, and they are fantastic, light and supportive.

    I got mine from Amazon and paid $100 (Australian).
  • tenunderfour
    tenunderfour Posts: 429 Member
    When I was wearing a stability shoe I loved Mizuno Wave Inspires. However, I switched to Brooks Pure Connects which are a minimalist shoe - and I will never go back. All of the shin pain that i dealt with disappeared!
  • heartofdorkness
    heartofdorkness Posts: 60
    When I started running I ended up getting custom fitted at a running shoe specialty store. If you can find that kind of store near you, I recommend checking it out. There's a ton of running shoe styles and brands out there, but talking to a specialist can help you find a pair that's perfect for your feet, condition, activity level, etc.

    From one overpronator to another, I can at least tell you what shoes I own. I have a pair of Saucony Omni 8's and I really love them. They're very light, help keep me stable, and have stood up to a lot of abuse. The downside is they're an older style (rumor has it the newest Omnis have gone downhill in quality) so I'm not sure how widely available or expensive the 8's are anymore. For what it's worth, I got mine on sale for just under $100 about a year ago.
  • maggiepz
    maggiepz Posts: 141 Member
    I was shoe shopping and trying to figure out what to get (since when are there "neutral" running shoes?) and there happened to be a professional runner there also shopping. She said that since she switched to Asics she hasn't had a single injury. Since I have a really bad back she recommended the Gel-Nimbus 13 because it's "neutral" and has all the extra cushioning. So far just starting to run and being overweight and 55yo, they have been awesome to use. They have cut down on my back aches and knee strain so much that I'm even wearing them at work, actually I'm really wearing them most of the time now. I HATE hot feet and I have no problem with these with all the mesh. I also have 2 left feet and was concerned that since they looked a little bulkier than some (because of all the gel inserts) I'd be tripping over myself but that hasn't been an issue at all. Oddly I seem to be tripping LESS.

    Getting really good shoes can be pricey but they have definitely been worth it. I bought them at ****s when they had a $30 off sale. In addition they had a coupon in the Entertainment book.
  • fliesdonotbelong
    fliesdonotbelong Posts: 109 Member
    Thank you for all of the replies! Very helpful. I'll be out to get some new shoes this afternoon!
  • rodneysmom98
    rodneysmom98 Posts: 167 Member
    bump
  • PitBullMom_Liz
    PitBullMom_Liz Posts: 339 Member
    Since switching to Vibram's I haven't had any shin/foot issues at all. I've had tired calf muscles 'cause they're having to work more, but that's okay! Minimalist shoes teach you how to run properly so you don't need all that supportive crap. I used to wear fancy shoes with expensive orthotic inserts and I'd still have pain.
  • VenomousDuck
    VenomousDuck Posts: 206
    I went and was fitted for running shoes. I ended up with Brooks with stability.

    There are so many good shoes, try to find someone at a good store who can help really fit you. You will end up with something you never would have picked yourself.

    My shoes have helped SO MUCH!!!
  • Nikstergirl
    Nikstergirl Posts: 1,549 Member
    I agree with the poster who recommended a professional running store. The one you went to isn't really the best when it comes to fitting (at least in my opinion). I am an over-pronator and needed more stability in my shoe and got fit for Brooks Adrenaline last year. I'm on my fourth pair and LOVE them!!! I run a lot and am going to start marathon training later this month, so I'll be buying more as well. If there's a local specialty store near you, get there! Otherwise, I love the Brooks shoes. But my feet may not be the same as yours.

    Good luck and welcome to the running lifestyle!!! I'm so glad I started!!!!!
  • VenomousDuck
    VenomousDuck Posts: 206
    I was shoe shopping and trying to figure out what to get (since when are there "neutral" running shoes?) and there happened to be a professional runner there also shopping. She said that since she switched to Asics she hasn't had a single injury. Since I have a really bad back she recommended the Gel-Nimbus 13 because it's "neutral" and has all the extra cushioning. So far just starting to run and being overweight and 55yo, they have been awesome to use. They have cut down on my back aches and knee strain so much that I'm even wearing them at work, actually I'm really wearing them most of the time now. I HATE hot feet and I have no problem with these with all the mesh. I also have 2 left feet and was concerned that since they looked a little bulkier than some (because of all the gel inserts) I'd be tripping over myself but that hasn't been an issue at all. Oddly I seem to be tripping LESS.

    Getting really good shoes can be pricey but they have definitely been worth it. I bought them at ****s when they had a $30 off sale. In addition they had a coupon in the Entertainment book.
    Yeah, the Asics Nimbus 13 line is great. If you are lucky, you can still find the 12's on clearance. Online they were $65 last week. Not much has changed but colors.
  • engodwin
    engodwin Posts: 516 Member
    I went to a running store. The Running Spot. They have educated people selling shoes. Unlike department stores. I had people tell me all kinds of shoes to try. And none of them fit/feel like the ones the running store recommended. I say go see someone and then make a decision. :) Good Luck. And THANK YOU for your service!
  • ktrn0312
    ktrn0312 Posts: 722 Member
    I recently purchased the asics brand. Great arch & ankle support. A bit on the pricey side but very worth it.
  • KWKY
    KWKY Posts: 110 Member
    Totally agree with all the posts that say you should get yourself fitted in a running store. I used to have lots of injuries until I got myself fitted and nothing major since then.

    I am on my fifth pair of Brooks Addiction because I overpronate and they totally rock!!
  • johnlatv
    johnlatv Posts: 654 Member
    get yourself fitted, it's not about the name on the side of the shoe it's about the shoe and it working for you.
  • highlander_chic
    highlander_chic Posts: 10
    I recently attended a seminar put on by a podiatrist related to finding "the right shoes" and there's no one brand or style that's right for everyone. Each person's foot is unique. She advised to do your shoe shopping in the late afternoon - as the day goes on your feet swell a bit so you'll want your shoe to accomodate for that. She also said to make sure the shoe has proper support - if you can bend or twist the sole of the shoe, it's no good. Finally, a large portion of women by shoes that are too small for them. So put get the store attendant to measure your foot, try several pairs on and literally take a lap around the store in them to see how they feel. Good luck!
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