The right running shoes?

sonyalbruno · July 2012

I recently took up jogging and am ADDICTED!! I love it!! I wake up and instantly want to run!!
I was using my running shoes from a few years ago that didnt see much action other then a few months at the gym. I noticed they were starting to hurt my feet and rubbed the side of my foot raw. I have tried researching the best type of running shoe to get but all I have seen is companies suporting their own products.
What do you look for in a shoe, does price matter?
Tips are muchly appreciated

Thanks in advance.

sozzell · July 2012

I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet maesure and your gait analysed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.

eiha · July 2012

I agree with sozzell.n One big mistake when I started running was not getting my gait analysed I ended up with a few injuries. Very important and worth the money. Happy running!

Jjw1125 · July 2012

My wife and I were recently in a sporting store to get a pair of running shoes. She was told the best running shoes out there were a brand named, Brooks. I'm not really all that knowledgeable about shoes, but they looked like they would have alot of support. After getting some good measurments, that may be something you could look into.

714rah714 · July 2012

I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet measure and your gait analyzed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.

The right running shoe is one that fits and feels comfortable to you, regardless of the brand.

Kara_xxx · July 2012

There is no such thing as "the best running shoe".

The best running shoe FOR YOU is the one that suits your gait, your foot shape, your training requirements and the surface you run on.

Get gait tested to establish if you're a neutral runner, pronator, supinator etc. All reputable running shoe brands will have shoes to cover all those requirements.

Then your foot shape will make a difference as some people prefer a wider or narrower toe box.

Furthermore there are high mileage as well as race versions of shoes, the race versions being lighter.

And then you get different shoes for road running, cross country, trail and fell.

Don't listen to anyone who comes here and pipes up "oooh you must buy the Asics Kayanos they're great!"... they don't have your feet!

Kara_xxx · July 2012

My wife and I were recently in a sporting store to get a pair of running shoes. She was told the best running shoes out there were a brand named, Brooks. I'm not really all that knowledgeable about shoes, but they looked like they would have alot of support.

And "support" is NOT what you want if you're a neutral runner.

Rachael235 · July 2012

Totally agree with the lady above, I work in a sports store and you have to get your feet assessed properly and yes all brands worth the weight do different trainers to cover all different needs and the prices vary alot.

cramernh · July 2012

I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet maesure and your gait analysed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.

I second Asics!!!! They have a large line of walking and running shoes. Very important to get properly measured for the right pair for the right activity. The Podiatrists that work in my group recommend Asics to their patients all the time.

Pricing can vary, but I know around my neck of the woods, most prices start around $50.00 but can be as high as $165.00.

Im about to invest in a pair myself for I have extremely damaged feet/heel bones. Thank goodness for tax-season, Ill be able to write these off for medical expenses incurred.

Zappos.com also offers some more competitive prices. See if your shoe-specialty store will price-compete!!!

lloydenson · July 2012

I went to a running shoe shop last weekend. They filmed me on a treadmill to determine what running type shoe I needed. They then tried to sell me various expensive running shoes. I wasn't interested in any of the shoes they offered as they where all Pro running shoes for marathons and long distance runs. I told them right from the start I only wanted a pair for in the gym and for running about 5k. So using the info they had provided, I went to another store and bought the right type of shoe for half the price!!!

They look and feel great!

My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

Kara_xxx · July 2012

My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

I see this a little differently.

Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.

What will happen over time is that all running shops will start charging for gait analysis. Also many small local running shops are closing down because they can no longer compete with large online retailers. The running community will be worse off for the loss of expertise.

Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.

Aperture_Science · July 2012

My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

I see this a little differently.

Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.

What will happen over time is that all running shops will start charging for gait analysis. Also many small local running shops are closing down because they can no longer compete with large online retailers. The running community will be worse off for the loss of expertise.

Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.

]

^^ Agree completely. Well said.

missdaisy79 · July 2012

I had my gait analysed, and found I pronate slightly but not so much that I need heavily supported shoes for running. The trainers I had been wearing were proper running trainers that I'd bought cheaply at work, but they had a lot of arch support which I didn't actually need and was causing me a lot of foot pain. My new running trainers are so comfortable that I just want to wear them all the time. It's definitely worth the gait analysis. I wear Saucony. Didn't like Mizuno. Not everyone is the same so try a few on.

mhotch · July 2012

I had knee pain for the longest time. I finally went to a running store and had my gait analyzed. I did buy a pair of running shoes through the store. They did take the time to work with me. It made a HUGE difference in my knee pain. Now, I know what type of sneaker and what brands work best with my feet, I can now buy them online or when there is a big sale.

poodlelaise · July 2012

I agree, if you take advantage of the gait analysis, you should buy the shoes there. The shop I went to had me try a wide range of shoes. We did not discuss price. It turned out that the pair I chose was on the lower end of their range. The did not try to influence me at all based on price. When I got home, I shopped the internet for the best price to see how much extra I had paid for working with a shop that offered great service. I did not pay any premium at all! I could not find my shoes for less anywhere. I bought the Brooks Ghost 5.

Di3012 · July 2012

I recently took up jogging and am ADDICTED!! I love it!! I wake up and instantly want to run!!
I was using my running shoes from a few years ago that didnt see much action other then a few months at the gym. I noticed they were starting to hurt my feet and rubbed the side of my foot raw. I have tried researching the best type of running shoe to get but all I have seen is companies suporting their own products.
What do you look for in a shoe, does price matter?
Tips are muchly appreciated
Thanks in advance.

I cannot recommend enough how good it is to have your running gait analysed and then have the correct shoes fitted.

I did this myself a few months back, ended up with certain running shoes that I would not have looked twice at, however, they have been a lifesaver for me in training/racing terms. I used to suffer with shinsplints when running on pavement, these shoes have been brilliant and I have been able to train, thank God, on hard ground.

Which brings me to the price aspect, mine were £100. To some people that may seem a lot of money, others it will not seem a lot or they will understand - to me, it was the best £100 I have ever spent, seriously.

I luffs running

kgb6days · July 2012

My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

I see this a little differently.

Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.

Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.

]

^^ Agree completely. Well said.

I completely agree. I went to a running store for gait analysis. they spent nearly an hour with me watching me run, analyzing my gait, teaching me about it. I probably tried on 12 different pairs of shoes and ran in each pair for a bit while they watched me. I ended up getting a pair that I love! I don't want to loose this service in our community so DH and I support them whole heartedly.

TheDudette · July 2012

I would recommend that you go into a specialist running store and get your feet maesure and your gait analysed. Then try on some shoes. I like Asics; I have a neutral gait.

Worded poifectly.

poledancing_ninja · July 2012

You will run differently on a treadmill than on the road. Go to a sport shop, try on a load of pairs and run around the shop in them. Buy the comfiest ones!

eiha · July 2012

I recently took up jogging and am ADDICTED!! I love it!! I wake up and instantly want to run!!
I was using my running shoes from a few years ago that didnt see much action other then a few months at the gym. I noticed they were starting to hurt my feet and rubbed the side of my foot raw. I have tried researching the best type of running shoe to get but all I have seen is companies suporting their own products.
What do you look for in a shoe, does price matter?
Tips are muchly appreciated
Thanks in advance.

I cannot recommend enough how good it is to have your running gait analysed and then have the correct shoes fitted.

I did this myself a few months back, ended up with certain running shoes that I would not have looked twice at, however, they have been a lifesaver for me in training/racing terms. I used to suffer with shinsplints when running on pavement, these shoes have been brilliant and I have been able to train, thank God, on hard ground.

Which brings me to the price aspect, mine were £100. To some people that may seem a lot of money, others it will not seem a lot or they will understand - to me, it was the best £100 I have ever spent, seriously.

I luffs running

I have spent a lot of money on Physio in the past due to poor running shoes. So I agree with you best £100 spent.

Di3012 · July 2012

My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

I see this a little differently.

Proper gait analysis takes time and expertise. If you have taken advantage of that service then expect to pay for it.

Many running shops are now starting to charge for gait analysis because people do exactly what you do, get the free advice and go buy them on ebay or wherever cheaper.

What will happen over time is that all running shops will start charging for gait analysis. Also many small local running shops are closing down because they can no longer compete with large online retailers. The running community will be worse off for the loss of expertise.

Once you know what shoe you need by all means buy it wherever it suits, but once you've taken up staff time for their knowledge and expertise, at least have the courtesy to give them the trade.

Absolutely true!

This is exactly what the shop that analysed my gait did, they charged me £10 for the analysis and explained why they charged.

However, I felt it was vitally important that I got expert help that I didn't mind in the slightest, plus when I purchased my shoes, that £10 was taken off the price.

Actually, thinking back, if a person had their gait analysed in that shop but did not purchase any shoes from there, they were charged the £10 but also given a voucher that if used within the next month in that shop, that £10 was taken off the final purchase price.

I don't think they could be much fairer than that, personally I would never go anywhere else as long as I live in the UK and I recommend them to everybody I know lol.

rvagnoni · July 2012

bump

suzieqcookie · July 2012

I went to a running shoe shop last weekend. They filmed me on a treadmill to determine what running type shoe I needed. They then tried to sell me various expensive running shoes. I wasn't interested in any of the shoes they offered as they where all Pro running shoes for marathons and long distance runs. I told them right from the start I only wanted a pair for in the gym and for running about 5k. So using the info they had provided, I went to another store and bought the right type of shoe for half the price!!!

They look and feel great!

My advice is, yes do go to a specialist running shoe shop but don't feel obliged to buy from them!!!

THAT'S the kind of advice that puts small businesses out of business. shame on you

MarkC1963 · July 2012

I went on the Mizuno website which has a great online evaluator of your foot, and step dynamics and then recommends based on your arch or lack of it and other characteristics their various shoes and tells you why. I picked out a really great shoe for my flat footedness and have run 40 mile plus weeks as a beginner.

coliema · July 2012

Everyone has a different opinion on "the right running shoe", in my case it's my Nike Shox. They fit my feet perfectly, and they are very comfortable. They are a bit pricey, but to me, it's worth it.

bluefox9er · July 2012

It's a little bit of a catch 22. first and foremost, you should go and get your gait and running stride analysed , and ask questions to staff at dedicated running stores ( who are usually runners themselves).

Based on the outcome of your gait analysis ( a decent store will actually video you running on a treadmill and talk you through the way you run), they will make a suggestion to what shoe to wear. Even then, these guys are sometimes heavily incentivised to sell one brand over another, but at least it will be the most appropriate shoe for you.

Also, it's only after you have broken them in will you get a real understanding of how 'right' the shoe is for you.

I picked up a pair of Nike Vomero 7 shoe's, 2 for the price of one ( and even then, they were £95 for the pair, they retail at £100 each) and I find one pair to be different to the other...

Also, you can find great bargains online if you go for a discontinued shoe because of colour changes, etc, but please play nice and buy them from the store that took the time to do a gait analysis and offer you the customer service you need!

lloydenson · July 2012

I went to the shop with a view to purchasing a pair of shoes. the fact is that they did not provide me with a pair that was suitable. do you really think I should of bought a pair of shoes that I was not happy with just because the sales assistant had spent some time with me?? I don't think so!

if you spend half an hour looking at a house or a car would you feel obliged to buy that too?

Aperture_Science · July 2012

I went to the shop with a view to purchasing a pair of shoes. the fact is that they did not provide me with a pair that was suitable. do you really think I should of bought a pair of shoes that I was not happy with just because the sales assistant had spent some time with me?? I don't think so!

if you spend half an hour looking at a house or a car would you feel obliged to buy that too?

If they couldn't find you a pair of shoes that met your needs then you'd be daft to buy something from them and they would be stupid to expect you to (and probably don't).

But, IMHO your situation is different to those who say "go get gait assessment done, check out the make and model of the shoe that they recommend, make an excuse that you need to think about it, then buy online cheaper".

Sabine_Stroehm · July 2012

There is no such thing as "the best running shoe".

The best running shoe FOR YOU is the one that suits your gait, your foot shape, your training requirements and the surface you run on.

Get gait tested to establish if you're a neutral runner, pronator, supinator etc. All reputable running shoe brands will have shoes to cover all those requirements.

Then your foot shape will make a difference as some people prefer a wider or narrower toe box.

Furthermore there are high mileage as well as race versions of shoes, the race versions being lighter.

And then you get different shoes for road running, cross country, trail and fell.

Don't listen to anyone who comes here and pipes up "oooh you must buy the Asics Kayanos they're great!"... they don't have your feet!

THIS. The best running shoes work for with you and your feet. To know this, get your gait analyzed. Any decent running store will be able to do this. Once you know, then stick to that brand.

lloydenson · July 2012

I went to the shop with a view to purchasing a pair of shoes. the fact is that they did not provide me with a pair that was suitable. do you really think I should of bought a pair of shoes that I was not happy with just because the sales assistant had spent some time with me?? I don't think so!

if you spend half an hour looking at a house or a car would you feel obliged to buy that too?

If they couldn't find you a pair of shoes that met your needs then you'd be daft to buy something from them and they would be stupid to expect you to (and probably don't).

But, IMHO your situation is different to those who say "go get gait assessment done, check out the make and model of the shoe that they recommend, make an excuse that you need to think about it, then buy online cheaper".

Thanks!!! Someone that can actually read a post how it was written!

susjan · July 2012

I recently took up jogging and am ADDICTED!! I love it!! I wake up and instantly want to run!!
I was using my running shoes from a few years ago that didnt see much action other then a few months at the gym. I noticed they were starting to hurt my feet and rubbed the side of my foot raw. I have tried researching the best type of running shoe to get but all I have seen is companies suporting their own products.
What do you look for in a shoe, does price matter?
Tips are muchly appreciated
Thanks in advance.

I agree with everyone who has said to go to a running store and try on a bunch of shoes. When I went, the guy who owned the store let me go outside and take a whirl with any shoe I wanted. I ended up with Asics after trying on close to 20 pairs of different kinds. I would also say that price has a factor.

The right running shoes?

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