Picking the right pair of shoes

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
I've had some trouble lately finding shoes that don't hurt my feet. I recently bought a pair of Nike Revolution 2 Running Shoes and they started to hurt my left foot right where the heel and arch come together. Feels bruised. I'm not a runner, I just wear them as every day shoes to work and I play ping-pong in them, so I do a fair bit of movement in them.

I had a pair of Nike Flex Experience Run 2 Running Shoes that were pretty comfortable, but they started to stink really quickly and the soles wore out quickly.

I also have a pair of Skechers Diameter Vassell Shoes which are fairly comfortable, but they don't have a lot of cushion, so my feet get tired quickly when walking around in them.

Based on WebMD's description, I think the issue with my heel may be Plantar Fasciitis, but I haven't been to the doctor yet for an official diagnosis.

Regardless, I'm looking for some advice picking some shoes. I want something I can wear all day and use for some physical activity like ping pong, the miscellaneous P90X workout and walking once the weather warms up some more.

Any advice? (other than go see a doctor about my heel pain)
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
79
86
For running, I generally go with a pair of Nike Frees. For literally everything else, it is either Jordan 11 lows or some Chuck Taylor Slims on leg days.

But, you're best bet would be to go to a store that has the equipment to get the shoe that fits you.

The Jordan 11 is the best shoe ever made, this is a fact and cannot be disputed. Good luck finding a pair not on eBay though.
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
For running, I generally go with a pair of Nike Frees. For literally everything else, it is either Jordan 11 lows or some Chuck Taylor Slims on leg days.

But, you're best bet would be to go to a store that has the equipment to get the shoe that fits you.

The Jordan 11 is the best shoe ever made, this is a fact and cannot be disputed. Good luck finding a pair not on eBay though.

Could you tell me what makes the Jordan 11 so good? Maybe I can find some of the attributes in another shoe that would be "good enough" and better than what I have.
 

pauldun170

Diamond Member
Sep 26, 2011
9,286
5,341
136
I've had some trouble lately finding shoes that don't hurt my feet. I recently bought a pair of Nike Revolution 2 Running Shoes and they started to hurt my left foot right where the heel and arch come together. Feels bruised. I'm not a runner, I just wear them as every day shoes to work and I play ping-pong in them, so I do a fair bit of movement in them.

I had a pair of Nike Flex Experience Run 2 Running Shoes that were pretty comfortable, but they started to stink really quickly and the soles wore out quickly.

I also have a pair of Skechers Diameter Vassell Shoes which are fairly comfortable, but they don't have a lot of cushion, so my feet get tired quickly when walking around in them.

Based on WebMD's description, I think the issue with my heel may be Plantar Fasciitis, but I haven't been to the doctor yet for an official diagnosis.

Regardless, I'm looking for some advice picking some shoes. I want something I can wear all day and use for some physical activity like ping pong, the miscellaneous P90X workout and walking once the weather warms up some more.

Any advice? (other than go see a doctor about my heel pain)

My advice to you is to stop buying running shoes. Running shoes are designed for running. Not walking.
(I'm a runner and I also walk a lot of miles on a day to day basis)


Find a pair of crosstrainers or plain old walking sneakers
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
79
86
Could you tell me what makes the Jordan 11 so good? Maybe I can find some of the attributes in another shoe that would be "good enough" and better than what I have.

The Jordan 11 is just a great blend of function and style As a basketball shoe, they preform very well and has a 'daily driver' they look good. It is just something sneakerheads have come to agreement on.
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
67
91
Sadly, you probably have to try different brands until you find something that fits.

People at running stores will be able to get you a running shoe that fits properly. Yes, you can use them for walking. My local store also told me what brand of dress shoe I should look at. Basically something that doesn't flex much.

I'll be blunt, the people at running stores know how to fit a shoe. It's not like going to Dick's and getting some pimple faced kid to help you get something that he really knows nothing about. People at running stores know how various brands fit differently and can tell you what brand to get. If needed, they can also order wider shoes for you ... which was my case. I never once was told I have to special order running shoes for my wide feet till I went to a specialty store. If you have an old pair of sneakers that you are worn, take them to the store with you. They can learn more about you based on wear patterns.

If you are a hard core ping pong player, basketball or cross trainers would probably be a better choice.
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
Thanks for the advice. This may be a stupid question, but would the people at a running store be able to help me pick some cross trainers for general purpose?
 
Sep 29, 2004
18,656
67
91
The running stores near me only stock running shoes. Not all are created equal though so I am not certain of this.

My experience is that these people are incredibly friendly and willing to help. You could go there and tell them what is going on and they might be able to help even though they will not get a sale. Kinda socially awkward though, knowing that you won't be buying anything from them.

Your pain sounds like my pain. I had two problems. I have VERY wide feet which I never knew till I went to a running store. That was part of the problem. Also, tieing my laces too tight caused more pains in my foot during activities (usually on top of the foot though, so it is not your issue).

And finally ... there is a web site for everything (assuming you have flat feet):
http://www.crosstrainingshoe.net/best-cross-training-shoes-for-men-with-flat-feet/

From Wikipedia:
It (Plantar Fasciitis) is commonly associated with long periods of weight bearing and is much more prevalent in individuals with hyperpronation (flat feet).

In my experience, I got shoes that better fit my feet and it was like night and day.

Sorry for any rambling on in this post. I was editing as I typed so the flow might be messed up.
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
The running stores near me only stock running shoes. Not all are created equal though so I am not certain of this.

My experience is that these people are incredibly friendly and willing to help. You could go there and tell them what is going on and they might be able to help even though they will not get a sale. Kinda socially awkward though, knowing that you won't be buying anything from them.

Your pain sounds like my pain. I had two problems. I have VERY wide feet which I never knew till I went to a running store. That was part of the problem. Also, tieing my laces too tight caused more pains in my foot during activities (usually on top of the foot though, so it is not your issue).

And finally ... there is a web site for everything (assuming you have flat feet):
http://www.crosstrainingshoe.net/best-cross-training-shoes-for-men-with-flat-feet/

From Wikipedia:
It (Plantar Fasciitis) is commonly associated with long periods of weight bearing and is much more prevalent in individuals with hyperpronation (flat feet).

In my experience, I got shoes that better fit my feet and it was like night and day.

Sorry for any rambling on in this post. I was editing as I typed so the flow might be messed up.

No, it's fine, I welcome your input. One thing I haven't been able to find online is that if I have flat feet, do I want a shoe that's flat and fits my feet, or do I want a shoe with an extra bump to help support my arch and potentially correct the "flatness."
 

Koing

Elite Member <br> Super Moderator<br> Health and F
Oct 11, 2000
16,843
2
0
I wear my Nike Frees for daily and for playing tennis in. The Nike Frees are showing signs of wear but they are lasting better than my Reebok basketball shoes.

I do not run.

Koing
 

SP33Demon

Lifer
Jun 22, 2001
27,928
142
106
I have flat feet and Chucks. I run wind sprints with the Prowler in them, can bench, deadlift, and squat comfortably in them (although lately I use OLY shoes for squatting). However, I don't do any of that long distance running nonsense in them.
 

killster1

Banned
Mar 15, 2007
6,205
475
126
i like my nike air max 2014.. dont see why not get them.. have alot of nike shocks too.. but im not picky.. everything is fine with me.. maybe lace them a diff way
 

gar655

Senior member
Mar 4, 2008
565
0
71
No, it's fine, I welcome your input. One thing I haven't been able to find online is that if I have flat feet, do I want a shoe that's flat and fits my feet, or do I want a shoe with an extra bump to help support my arch and potentially correct the "flatness."

It's easy to see if you have flat feet. Wet your foot, walk across a dry floor, concrete/cement works well and see how much of your arch is visible. People with really high arches (stiff, inflexible feet) show no or very little arch contact, normal would be continuous but slim contact from the ball to the heel, flat would be little to no "curve" of the arch contact.

The higher the arch normally the more need for cushioning and the lower the arch the more need for stability.

Running shoes can be used just as well for walking, no need for a "walking" shoe.
 

MongGrel

Lifer
Dec 3, 2013
38,466
3,067
121
I have problems with shoes myself, I still like wear running shoes for work, but I usually put Gel Pads in them also myself.

I have flat feet more or less and a high arch on the top, makes anything a PITA.
 
Last edited:

norseamd

Lifer
Dec 13, 2013
13,990
180
106
I've had some trouble lately finding shoes that don't hurt my feet. I recently bought a pair of Nike Revolution 2 Running Shoes and they started to hurt my left foot right where the heel and arch come together. Feels bruised. I'm not a runner, I just wear them as every day shoes to work and I play ping-pong in them, so I do a fair bit of movement in them.

I had a pair of Nike Flex Experience Run 2 Running Shoes that were pretty comfortable, but they started to stink really quickly and the soles wore out quickly.

I also have a pair of Skechers Diameter Vassell Shoes which are fairly comfortable, but they don't have a lot of cushion, so my feet get tired quickly when walking around in them.

Based on WebMD's description, I think the issue with my heel may be Plantar Fasciitis, but I haven't been to the doctor yet for an official diagnosis.

Regardless, I'm looking for some advice picking some shoes. I want something I can wear all day and use for some physical activity like ping pong, the miscellaneous P90X workout and walking once the weather warms up some more.

Any advice? (other than go see a doctor about my heel pain)

why are you wearing running shoes?

you need side support for stuff like 90x

use cross trainers
 

norseamd

Lifer
Dec 13, 2013
13,990
180
106
and so also you guys need to try walking barefoot for your foot evolved for walking like this or that
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
why are you wearing running shoes?

you need side support for stuff like 90x

use cross trainers

I chose running shoes the last couple times because they were most comfortable of the ones I tried on. Obviously not the best choice, but at the time they seemed like the best of the ones I had to choose from at the store.
 

HendrixFan

Diamond Member
Oct 18, 2001
4,646
0
71
The Jordan 11 is the best shoe ever made, this is a fact and cannot be disputed. Good luck finding a pair not on eBay though.

You can find legit pairs easily enough, you just have to pay for that luxury. I've only had the Columbia retros and the silver anniversary Jordan 11s. I personally think they aren't all that great, especially with newer shoe tech. I am tempted to grab the upcoming concord lows.
 

spacejamz

Lifer
Mar 31, 2003
10,933
1,590
126
Just got a new pair of running shoes from Run On (running store)...

They watched how I walked/jogged barefoot so they could recommend the right shoe build for me...

Once they figured that out, they brought out several pairs of shoes to try on and the one I ended up choosing were the ones that were on sale (which pretty much never happens to me LOL)...

I never had this done before and can't believe how much of a difference it makes. These shoes feel like I am walking/running on air...According to the sales person, running shoes should feel like slippers which the shoes I ended up with definitely do...
 

Scarpozzi

Lifer
Jun 13, 2000
26,391
1,780
126
I like Brooks running shoes. You may be able to get some insoles and *fix your current shoes.

Running shoes typically give arch support, but are typically as light as they can be. Cross-trainers are a little heavier and are made of thicker material....sometimes less breathable and thicker outsouls.
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
I like breathable... the last pair of cross-trainers I had started to stink within a month. Of course I did wear them 16-18 hours a day...
 

smackababy

Lifer
Oct 30, 2008
27,024
79
86
You can find legit pairs easily enough, you just have to pay for that luxury. I've only had the Columbia retros and the silver anniversary Jordan 11s. I personally think they aren't all that great, especially with newer shoe tech. I am tempted to grab the upcoming concord lows.

I think the only pairs of 11s I don't have are the OG Concords and the OG Space Jams. I already have the Low Green Snakeskins and will probably have the Low Concords in a few weeks.
 

ScottAD

Senior member
Jan 10, 2007
736
77
91
I definitely second, third and fourth the running store suggestion. I over-pronate so need motion control shoes. Fleet feet is where I get all my stuff but for what you are wanting crosstrainers seem the likely candidate. That or go for two pairs.

You need proper running shoes to prevent injury. It sounds like you already have injury to the plantar fascia. Does it hurt the worse when you first get out of bed or stand up from sitting for a long time?
 

Jeff7181

Lifer
Aug 21, 2002
18,368
11
81
I definitely second, third and fourth the running store suggestion. I over-pronate so need motion control shoes. Fleet feet is where I get all my stuff but for what you are wanting crosstrainers seem the likely candidate. That or go for two pairs.

You need proper running shoes to prevent injury. It sounds like you already have injury to the plantar fascia. Does it hurt the worse when you first get out of bed or stand up from sitting for a long time?

Yes, it does. I can play ping pong for an hour with no pain... go back to my desk for a few hours and then limp to the bathroom.