Running Shoes

ashwarren21
ashwarren21 Posts: 18 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm in need of some new running shoes, but am having a hard time deciding on the best for me. I'm only amateur runner/ jogger, but need know of a few feet issues that I have that cause some pain. According to some professional foot mapping, I have a VERY high arch and put all my pressure on my heels and big toe. This causes pain in my toes, and I've dealt with Plantar fasciitis in the past. I'm needing a shoe that has an even bottom on it that will not cause the ankle to roll. I've been recommended the Brooks Glycerin 10 with an additional high arch orthotic, but would be interested in what other have had luck with. Thanks for you input!

Replies

  • JSheehy1965
    JSheehy1965 Posts: 404
    go to the nearest professional running store and get fitted properly. Explain your condition and they will look at your arches and watch how you walk/run and bring out a load of shoes especially for your feet. That's what I did, and I ended up with Brooks Ghost 5 which are perfect for me! Definitely get fitted properly rather than spending a lot of money on shoes that may not be correct for you.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    I might suggest visiting a running store (not a shoe store) where they will analyze your gait, etc. and recommend shoes that will best support your feet. They also sell the inserts you'll need for your high arches. The service is free and some stores (Road Runner Sports, for example) offer a 90 day exchange policy so you can take the shoes back if they aren't perfect for you and get a different pair for no additional cost other than any difference between the shoe prices.
  • ashwarren21
    ashwarren21 Posts: 18 Member
    I have visited one store that has done some mapping that suggested the Brooks Glycerine with Aertrex inserts. I don't have a store near me, though that has a treadmill and will watch you run on it to determine the gait. Somehow, I have a hard time believing that if they just watch you walk in a store that they will be able to truly determine my gate and pronation with out watching how you run.
  • JSheehy1965
    JSheehy1965 Posts: 404
    I have visited one store that has done some mapping that suggested the Brooks Glycerine with Aertrex inserts. I don't have a store near me, though that has a treadmill and will watch you run on it to determine the gait. Somehow, I have a hard time believing that if they just watch you walk in a store that they will be able to truly determine my gate and pronation with out watching how you run.

    I went to Fleet Feet - who watched me walking down the store without shoes or socks on. And then when they fitted me, they watched me run up and down the car park as well. Is there a Fleet Feet near you?
  • LeenaRuns
    LeenaRuns Posts: 1,309 Member
    The right show changes everything. I have wide, flat feet and always wore heavy stability motion-control blah blah shoes. I hated running because my knees always hurt. Switched to VFFs and never had an issue again. Now I love running.
  • Runner50266
    Runner50266 Posts: 66
    Well it's true, watching your gait does show them what you need. I was skeptical too until I had it done. Then I wore the shoes indoors for a while because I could return them if I didn't like them but I loved my Brooks so much that I wear them all the time even when I'm not running.

    Depends on where you run too. Trails, road, what? Shoe choices are individual.
  • phillieschic
    phillieschic Posts: 615
    Yep.
    Get fitted professionally.
    It's worth the money.
    Love my Brooks Ghost 4s

    :drinker:
  • emgs52
    emgs52 Posts: 67 Member
    i love brooks its all i wear
  • LoraF83
    LoraF83 Posts: 15,694 Member
    I have visited one store that has done some mapping that suggested the Brooks Glycerine with Aertrex inserts. I don't have a store near me, though that has a treadmill and will watch you run on it to determine the gait. Somehow, I have a hard time believing that if they just watch you walk in a store that they will be able to truly determine my gate and pronation with out watching how you run.

    So, you tell the second store that you've had professional mapping done and what the results were. That coupled with their analysis (watching you walk and run) should help them put you in the right shoe. I'm guessing for you, it's going to be more about the insert than the actual shoe.....since you have arch issues, the insert will be the biggest help.
  • Sox90716
    Sox90716 Posts: 976 Member
    I was having problems with recurring shin splints and knee pain. I started the Chi Running Method and transitioned to Vibram Five Fingers over 3 years ago. Everybody is different but the change up worked for me. Good luck!
  • badgeratheart
    badgeratheart Posts: 91 Member
    I second the Fleet Feet suggestion. They have earned my loyalty for life. I once returned a pair of shoes that I didn't like after I had run on them, outside!, a total of 5 times. They gave me a full refund. Now my problem is that my very favorite pair of running shoes has been discontinued. I hate when companies do that! Grrrrr....
  • SelkieDiver
    SelkieDiver Posts: 260 Member
    You could take the info from your mapping to www.roadrunnersports.com and use their shoe dog to get you a pair of shoes. If you become a VIP member you can return the shoes on a 90-day guarantee and you're allowed to run in them outdoors to make sure those are the right shoes for you. That may be a good alternative if you don't have a running store that does gait analysis nearby.
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    You could take the info from your mapping to www.roadrunnersports.com and use their shoe dog to get you a pair of shoes. If you become a VIP member you can return the shoes on a 90-day guarantee and you're allowed to run in them outdoors to make sure those are the right shoes for you. That may be a good alternative if you don't have a running store that does gait analysis nearby.
    I mentioned Road Runner earlier, too. I actually took the first pair back and upgraded a few weeks later to a different pair because they ended up being a little too small. I took THOSE back, too, a few weeks later because they just weren't quite right. They gave me zero hassle and were more than happy to help me each time. I have to drive 2 hours to get to the closest Road Runner but their service is SO worth it.

    They have you run on a treadmill barefoot, not walk. They also have a pressure pad which gauges your arch. And when you try on the shoes, they have you run around the store in them to make sure they feel right. Their online site is great and it only costs a few dollars to join their VIP club which gets you discounts as well as the 90 day return policy. Well worth the money!
  • Karrie262
    Karrie262 Posts: 152 Member
    You and I have the EXACT same issues my dear. I went to Fleet Feet, a running store which also does shoe fitting. I've used both the Brooks Glycerine and Nike Pegasus WITH orthodics they recommended. They have worked wonders for me. Also--something to help before/after running: get a tennis ball and roll it back and forth across the bottom of your feet (lean hard on it). Feels and works great!

    Karrie
  • dandaninc
    dandaninc Posts: 392
    Thank you for posting this. I live in NH and my wife and I both need new shoes. I found a great running store and plan to go either this weekend or next.
  • MrDel
    MrDel Posts: 33
    Running stores are very helpful and they work with new runners every single day. That is absolutely the best thing to do for your first pair. After going once they should be able to help you identify the types of shoes you can buy in the future.
  • Collinsclan22
    Collinsclan22 Posts: 76
    Well it's true, watching your gait does show them what you need. I was skeptical too until I had it done. Then I wore the shoes indoors for a while because I could return them if I didn't like them but I loved my Brooks so much that I wear them all the time even when I'm not running.

    Depends on where you run too. Trails, road, what? Shoe choices are individual.

    Just a small piece of advice - your running shoes should be only your running shoes - not your walking around shoes as well. Just like muscles, your shoes need a chance to "Recover" between runs as well. It will also extend the life of your shoes! The man who fitted me at a running store shared this advice with me, and since following it, it has made quite a difference in the fit and feel of my running shoes when I only wear them to run!
  • SueInAz
    SueInAz Posts: 6,592 Member
    Well it's true, watching your gait does show them what you need. I was skeptical too until I had it done. Then I wore the shoes indoors for a while because I could return them if I didn't like them but I loved my Brooks so much that I wear them all the time even when I'm not running.

    Depends on where you run too. Trails, road, what? Shoe choices are individual.

    Just a small piece of advice - your running shoes should be only your running shoes - not your walking around shoes as well. Just like muscles, your shoes need a chance to "Recover" between runs as well. It will also extend the life of your shoes! The man who fitted me at a running store shared this advice with me, and since following it, it has made quite a difference in the fit and feel of my running shoes when I only wear them to run!
    Great advice! Wearing them for only running will also extend their life. Running shoes are only good for 300-500 miles. After you buy a new pair, you can then use the old ones for general purpose. I'd suggest replacing the insole at that point, though, so they remain comfortable.

    I found a pair of my Mizunos, but a few model years older, at Marshall's recently for a very good price. Since I'm still on my first pair of running shoes, I bought them to use as my general purpose/walking shoes because I love my running shoes so much.

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