The right running shoes?

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  • rvagnoni
    rvagnoni Posts: 75 Member
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    bump
  • suzieqcookie
    suzieqcookie Posts: 314 Member
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    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
    MarkC1963 Posts: 51 Member
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    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
    coliema Posts: 7,646 Member
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    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
    bluefox9er Posts: 2,917 Member
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    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
    lloydenson Posts: 12
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    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
    Aperture_Science Posts: 840 Member
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    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
    Sabine_Stroehm Posts: 19,263 Member
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    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
    lloydenson Posts: 12
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    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
    susjan Posts: 105
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    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 :D
    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.
  • Faintgreeneyes
    Faintgreeneyes Posts: 730 Member
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    Go to a running store, that specializes in running shoes that has knowledgeable staff. They will actually look at how you run, and the wear and tear on your shoes to see if you over pronate, under pronate, etc. They will be able to give you advice and what shoe will work best for your stride, feet, and will get you into the right running shoe.

    I know I went in April and got fitted for proper running shoes, the ones that I ended up getting were by NewBalance and cost me around $80.00 (they were on sale) I have not had any foot, ankle, or knee pain since getting these shoes and couldn't be happier!
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
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    I highly recommend going to a running shoe store and having a stride analysis done. I personally love Vibrams Five Fingers. I've been running in them for over 3 years now. Good luck!
  • spartangirl79
    spartangirl79 Posts: 277 Member
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    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.

    There is no "best brand." Everyone's feet are different, every shoe does something different for different foot types, and nobody on a message board can tell you what type is right for you. The other posters are correct, go to a SPECIALTY running store (not Sports Authority or Foot Locker or anything, but a real running store) and get fitted properly.

    The only way I'd feel comfortable making a recommendation is if you had a really hard to find size and there was only one brand available that came in that size. Seriously. Don't take advice about YOUR feet from people who have never watched you run.
  • julespringle
    julespringle Posts: 11
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    I've got Brooks, they are really good and I don't get any bother. I also have asics for the gym. I don't what country you are from but we also have New Balance in UK which are for runners. Remember any trainer you get will have a certain millage before needing to renew them once passed their best. they will be past their best before they look past their best.

    Definately take the advice of going to a proper running shop and gettting fitted. One thing I can also recommend is getting decent running socks too. they are usually much thicker and I have no problems at all when I run now, no blisters of anything.
  • spartangirl79
    spartangirl79 Posts: 277 Member
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    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?

    I'm just curious what type of store you went to?
  • ChrisRS87
    ChrisRS87 Posts: 781 Member
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    Check to see if there is a Fleet Feet near you. They will fit you to a shoe, and are quite good at it. When I went it turned out I was as neutral and normal as can be, so I didn't need anything in particular. But they gave me some shoes to try on, and had a treadmill in the store where I could see how they felt.
  • phillieschic
    phillieschic Posts: 615
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    Definitely get fitted at a runner's shoe store...it will make all the difference in the world!

    I love my Brooks Ghost 4s!!! :heart:

    Oh, and welcome to running! It is VERY addicting!
  • hoosier8
    hoosier8 Posts: 25
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    Every foot is different, for me I found Brooks to be the best for my foot and so did my daughter.
  • sevsmom
    sevsmom Posts: 1,172 Member
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    My local running store put me in a pair of Ascis 2160 and my sore feet vanished. Unfortunately, they adjusted my foot so much that I did a TON of damage to my legs, the left one in particular. I've seen a Sports Medicine specialist and am now wearing Brooks PureFlow. . in bright purple! :-)

    The more minimalist shoe and a retraining to a better running form has made a world of difference for me! No more leg pain. No foot pain. Just running joy!!

    If you do get a shoe and start to notice NEW pains, make sure you have some recourse with the store. The more generous the exchange policy the better!

    And, I agree that supporting local small business is a good thing. I will, however, admit to buying from on line retailers to save a little $$ once I know I like the fit. Buy one from the local store, buy the spare pair from an online retailer. Spread the love around! LOL
  • AnninStPaul
    AnninStPaul Posts: 1,372 Member
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    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.

    ^^THIS! They won't be around to help you if you don't support them!

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