The right running shoes?

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!

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.

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?

Definitely get fitted at a runner's shoe store...it will make all the difference in the world!

I love my Brooks Ghost 4s!!!

Oh, and welcome to running! It is VERY addicting!

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

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?

it was a high street running shop. I looked them up on the internet. don't get me wrong I am not saying they selected the wrong shoe type. it was just that the models that they brought out for me to try on, I either did not like the style of them or they were too expensive. I was slightly disappointed because I had gone to a running shoe specialists and it seemed that they had limited stock when it come to shoe selection, they only gave me a choice of 5 shoes in total.

I recommend New Balance running shoes. I was running in Nike brand until I bought my New Balance designed specifically for running. My feet and legs love 'em

It's funny you posted this because just last night I bought new running shoes. I started running almost a year ago and have always worn Nike's because they felt OK and I could always find a pair I liked on sale for under $50 or so. A few months ago I have gotten more serious about running and have started doing 5K's and I love it! I like to read Runner's World magazine and other blogs on running and read the same thing over and over... The most important thing you need when running is a good pair of running shoes. So I decided to look into getting a better pair.

I went to a store called Active Runner where they specialize in analyzing your foot type and helping you select the shoe that is right for you. I found out that I have excessive supination, also called underpronation, and the shoe I was wearing was not the right fit for me. He had me try on several pair and I ran on the store's treadmill until I found my perfect match. I was amazed at what a difference the shoes made. I purchased the Muzino Wave Rider 15 for $119.00. I never thought I would spend that much for shoes, but it's definitely worth it!

I suggest going to a store that specializes in running shoes and get your foot properly measured and take your time. Only you can find the shoe that's right for you. Yes, it may be a little pricy, but if you're serious about running, it will definitely be well worth it! Best of luck!!

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.

Exactly, except I wear Soucony running sneakers....always have....right now I have the Omni 9s.
But looking at the Glide 5s...been told they are very similiar.

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?

it was a high street running shop. I looked them up on the internet. don't get me wrong I am not saying they selected the wrong shoe type. it was just that the models that they brought out for me to try on, I either did not like the style of them or they were too expensive. I was slightly disappointed because I had gone to a running shoe specialists and it seemed that they had limited stock when it come to shoe selection, they only gave me a choice of 5 shoes in total.

Well... I'd rather have feet and knees that didn't hurt than the most beautiful shoes I've ever seen. And you really do get what you pay for in terms of running shoes. If you go buy some crap at Kohl's, just because it's Asics or New Balance doesn't mean it's quality. They have lower end models and that's what you'll get there for BOGO or $45. Harsh reality.

True that girl! Well said.

If you want a pair of sneakers for fashion than why were you getting fitted? If you want to run properly without pain, who the hell cares what your shoe looks like? Sounds like someone went for the wrong reasons. These places don't expect people to come in to get a "cool new pair of kicks" they are open for people who are serious about their well-being while improving their athletic ability. With all do respect, please don't knock the store. They had a pair of shoes that was right for you, you just didn't like the way they looked, which is not their problem.

FYI my sneakers are not pretty and I would never wear them other than when I am exercising, but they feel amazing and make me run better so I don't give a hoot.

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?

it was a high street running shop. I looked them up on the internet. don't get me wrong I am not saying they selected the wrong shoe type. it was just that the models that they brought out for me to try on, I either did not like the style of them or they were too expensive. I was slightly disappointed because I had gone to a running shoe specialists and it seemed that they had limited stock when it come to shoe selection, they only gave me a choice of 5 shoes in total.

Well... I'd rather have feet and knees that didn't hurt than the most beautiful shoes I've ever seen. And you really do get what you pay for in terms of running shoes. If you go buy some crap at Kohl's, just because it's Asics or New Balance doesn't mean it's quality. They have lower end models and that's what you'll get there for BOGO or $45. Harsh reality.

True that girl! Well said.

If you want a pair of sneakers for fashion than why were you getting fitted? If you want to run properly without pain, who the hell cares what your shoe looks like? Sounds like someone went for the wrong reasons. These places don't expect people to come in to get a "cool new pair of kicks" they are open for people who are serious about their well-being while improving their athletic ability. With all do respect, please don't knock the store. They had a pair of shoes that was right for you, you just didn't like the way they looked, which is not their problem.

FYI my sneakers are not pretty and I would never wear them other than when I am exercising, but they feel amazing and make me run better so I don't give a hoot.

I merely stated that they did not offer me a product I was interested in buying so I went elsewhere!! TheDudette, you say the only people that should go to these shops are "people who are serious about their well-being while improving their athletic ability" well I stated to the shopkeeper that I only wanted a pair for going the gym and doing 5k runs. it’s not like I said I wanted Pro shoes. maybe at that point he should of stopped me and said. this shop is not suitable for you. but they didn't. they proceed to try and sell me trainers that I was not interested in.
I did not go to the shop just to get flashy trainers as I already have out of gym shoes! the reason I didn't like the style was because I felt I would of stood out wearing them in the gym that I go to, not because I wanted to make a fashion statement.

Because a sales person spent 1/2 an hour with me, I don’t think should feel obliged to buy a pair of trainers that I don’t like, are over my budget and would make me feel uncomfortable if I wore them in the gym. I mean, as if anyone in there right mind would do that?? Not at any point of the consolation did they tell me that I had to buy from them. So, I reserved the right to shop elsewhere and that’s what I did for a fraction of the price.

The best athletic shoes I ever bought was from a small athletic store here in my town that focuses on runners- I will never ever ever go to a big name store again to buy shoes~ get someone to look at your gait, running & walking..look at your current shoes how you wear them~ that all plays into it...

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?

it was a high street running shop. I looked them up on the internet. don't get me wrong I am not saying they selected the wrong shoe type. it was just that the models that they brought out for me to try on, I either did not like the style of them or they were too expensive. I was slightly disappointed because I had gone to a running shoe specialists and it seemed that they had limited stock when it come to shoe selection, they only gave me a choice of 5 shoes in total.

Well... I'd rather have feet and knees that didn't hurt than the most beautiful shoes I've ever seen. And you really do get what you pay for in terms of running shoes. If you go buy some crap at Kohl's, just because it's Asics or New Balance doesn't mean it's quality. They have lower end models and that's what you'll get there for BOGO or $45. Harsh reality.

True that girl! Well said.

If you want a pair of sneakers for fashion than why were you getting fitted? If you want to run properly without pain, who the hell cares what your shoe looks like? Sounds like someone went for the wrong reasons. These places don't expect people to come in to get a "cool new pair of kicks" they are open for people who are serious about their well-being while improving their athletic ability. With all do respect, please don't knock the store. They had a pair of shoes that was right for you, you just didn't like the way they looked, which is not their problem.

FYI my sneakers are not pretty and I would never wear them other than when I am exercising, but they feel amazing and make me run better so I don't give a hoot.

I merely stated that they did not offer me a product I was interested in buying so I went elsewhere!! TheDudette, you say the only people that should go to these shops are "people who are serious about their well-being while improving their athletic ability" well I stated to the shopkeeper that I only wanted a pair for going the gym and doing 5k runs. it’s not like I said I wanted Pro shoes. maybe at that point he should of stopped me and said. this shop is not suitable for you. but they didn't. they proceed to try and sell me trainers that I was not interested in.
I did not go to the shop just to get flashy trainers as I already have out of gym shoes! the reason I didn't like the style was because I felt I would of stood out wearing them in the gym that I go to, not because I wanted to make a fashion statement.

Because a sales person spent 1/2 an hour with me, I don’t think should feel obliged to buy a pair of trainers that I don’t like, are over my budget and would make me feel uncomfortable if I wore them in the gym. I mean, as if anyone in there right mind would do that?? Not at any point of the consolation did they tell me that I had to buy from them. So, I reserved the right to shop elsewhere and that’s what I did for a fraction of the price.

Did you let them know you were on a budget? I went to a local running shoe store and told them I couldn't spend more than $150. I knew I'd probably have to pay more because I'm flat footed and needed support in my ankles. He only brought out shoes in my budget and asked me to try on one of different pairs so I could get a feel for what I liked. I ended up paying 113 with tax and it was so worth it. They are ugly shoes and they don't match anything, but I love them and it was definitely worth the 113$ rather than risking injuring my knee or ankle and paying hundreds if not thousands.

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?

it was a high street running shop. I looked them up on the internet. don't get me wrong I am not saying they selected the wrong shoe type. it was just that the models that they brought out for me to try on, I either did not like the style of them or they were too expensive. I was slightly disappointed because I had gone to a running shoe specialists and it seemed that they had limited stock when it come to shoe selection, they only gave me a choice of 5 shoes in total.

Well... I'd rather have feet and knees that didn't hurt than the most beautiful shoes I've ever seen. And you really do get what you pay for in terms of running shoes. If you go buy some crap at Kohl's, just because it's Asics or New Balance doesn't mean it's quality. They have lower end models and that's what you'll get there for BOGO or $45. Harsh reality.

True that girl! Well said.

If you want a pair of sneakers for fashion than why were you getting fitted? If you want to run properly without pain, who the hell cares what your shoe looks like? Sounds like someone went for the wrong reasons. These places don't expect people to come in to get a "cool new pair of kicks" they are open for people who are serious about their well-being while improving their athletic ability. With all do respect, please don't knock the store. They had a pair of shoes that was right for you, you just didn't like the way they looked, which is not their problem.

FYI my sneakers are not pretty and I would never wear them other than when I am exercising, but they feel amazing and make me run better so I don't give a hoot.

I merely stated that they did not offer me a product I was interested in buying so I went elsewhere!! TheDudette, you say the only people that should go to these shops are "people who are serious about their well-being while improving their athletic ability" well I stated to the shopkeeper that I only wanted a pair for going the gym and doing 5k runs. it’s not like I said I wanted Pro shoes. maybe at that point he should of stopped me and said. this shop is not suitable for you. but they didn't. they proceed to try and sell me trainers that I was not interested in.
I did not go to the shop just to get flashy trainers as I already have out of gym shoes! the reason I didn't like the style was because I felt I would of stood out wearing them in the gym that I go to, not because I wanted to make a fashion statement.

Because a sales person spent 1/2 an hour with me, I don’t think should feel obliged to buy a pair of trainers that I don’t like, are over my budget and would make me feel uncomfortable if I wore them in the gym. I mean, as if anyone in there right mind would do that?? Not at any point of the consolation did they tell me that I had to buy from them. So, I reserved the right to shop elsewhere and that’s what I did for a fraction of the price.

Did you let them know you were on a budget? I went to a local running shoe store and told them I couldn't spend more than $150. I knew I'd probably have to pay more because I'm flat footed and needed support in my ankles. He only brought out shoes in my budget and asked me to try on one of different pairs so I could get a feel for what I liked. I ended up paying 113 with tax and it was so worth it. They are ugly shoes and they don't match anything, but I love them and it was definitely worth the 113$ rather than risking injuring my knee or ankle and paying hundreds if not thousands.

I did not tell them my budget and they did not ask. I have never been to a running shop so I was unaware how much running shoes would cost. If they had told me what the potential price range before consultation. I would of asked them if they would be able to analysed my running and I would of gladly paid for the privilege, but they did neither. I then found myself in a situation, so I decided to leave it and have a look in a few other shops.

I think it’s a bit extreme to say I am risking injury by not buying from a specialist. I know what type of shoe is suitable for me and I bought the right type in another store but at a lower price. I know it might seem like I am being a bit vein but I am not. no one else wears trainers like there ones I was offered in my gym. I have struggled with having the confidence to go to a gym in the past but I am starting to get over that now. I did not want to take the chance of being mocked!! Then not wanting to wear them.

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.

I agree completely. I'm always looking for a bargain but this was one area where I knew I wanted "the best" for me. The small running store I went, I was able to go out in the parking lot for a 'whirl' (his words, not mine) with every pair I tried on if I wanted. After about 20 pairs, I found the best one that worked for me. Happened to be Asics and because I bought from him, he gave me a percentage off.