Running Shoes for Flat Feet

[Alone]

I'm flat footed and I'm looking to replace my current Asics shoe (not sure which model, but someone at the Running Room picked it for me).

I enjoy running but it beats the hell out of my feet and hurts my shins, so I think my shoes need replacing (they used to be better, IIRC). I'd like to try something else to see what I like best.

I usually run on pavement, much to my chagrin, but what can you do.

Looking to spend $150-200 on a good pair. eBay is an option, too, so if the shoe is $250 feel free to mention it, too.

So far I'm leaning towards the Nike Zoom Structure Triax+ 13, or the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 9. But I don't really know much about shoes.

 

[marvdmartian]

Have you checked out the "barefoot running" shoes? I know it sounds strange, but everything I've read about them, they seem like they could really help you out. Everyone I've read about in this thread, who has tried them, says they not only run better, but don't have the problems they used to have with shin splints, joint pains, etc.

I think a set runs in the vicinity of $100 or so, so might be worth a look. :awe:

 

[RagingBITCH]

Alone - I'd hit up a specialty running store off-base. Most people with flat feet tend to get fitted for support or motion control, depending on their pronation.

The Adrenalines are support, and the MC version for Brooks is the Beast. I've run in Adrenalines since I started running, and it's never done me wrong. The runners at the store will watch you walk and lightly jog through the store to see how much you pronate and fit you accordingly. Good luck!

 

[Alone]

That's what I did originally, and I suppose it worked so I'll give that route another shot.

 

[RagingBITCH]

How many miles would you say you have on your shoes? Shin splints have never been fully "solved" - there's all kinds of causes, from too much mileage in your current shoes, to the wrong kind of shoe, to weak calf muscles, etc. Tell them your current problem with your shoes now (bring them in as well) and let them re-analyze you and fit you for other shoes.

 

[alkemyst]

shoedog for the win:

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/shoe-dog/shoeDog.jsp

 

[brikis98]

I have totally, completely, ridiculously flat feet, loose ligaments, collapsed arches, tight achilles tendon, etc. I used to get foot pain and shin splints. Trying all sorts of different shoes - including "properly" fitted ones from a running store - didn't do anything. The only things that helped are:

1. Strengthening the feet. You know how you do that? By NOT wearing fancy shoes. All the arch supports, orthotics, etc are just a crutch that never allow the foot to get strong and support weight like it's supposed to. Go barefoot or in minimal footwear such as Vibram Five Fingers. Run/walk on sand. Ice skating and roller blading in cheap skates (again, w/o any arch support) will also strengthen the feet.

2. Learn to run properly. Look up POSE and barefoot running techniques.

 

[StageLeft]

FWIW the only study I'm aware of that looks at expensive vs less expensive running shoes showed more injury in the expensive ones. Correlational, but there you have it.

If you have front of shin shin splits then you may find some resolution in heel striking gentler and increasing your cadence.

 

[StageLeft]

I have totally, completely, ridiculously flat feet, loose ligaments, collapsed arches, tight achilles tendon, etc. I used to get foot pain and shin splints. Trying all sorts of different shoes - including "properly" fitted ones from a running store - didn't do anything. The only things that helped are:

1. Strengthening the feet. You know how you do that? By NOT wearing fancy shoes. All the arch supports, orthotics, etc are just a crutch that never allow the foot to get strong and support weight like it's supposed to. Go barefoot or in minimal footwear such as Vibram Five Fingers. Run/walk on sand. Ice skating and roller blading in cheap skates (again, w/o any arch support) will also strengthen the feet.

2. Learn to run properly. Look up POSE and barefoot running techniques.

This is worth consideration too. I run in VFF but you can also spend $6 on aqua shoes at walmart for similar minimal shoe benefits. To be honest I think most modern running shoes are fvcking crap. If your only pains are shin splints, though, you may find you can tweak what you're doing to resolve it and keep wearing those big shoes if you really want to.

 

[Alone]

I'm required to run with my regiment and I don't think VFF would fly with them. If it were on my own time, I'd definitely try it.

 

[katank]

What about a pair of low cut Chuck Taylors or other old school sneakers? Those things are reasonably minimal and can also serve as a decent pair of lifting shoes.

 

[RagingBITCH]

This is worth consideration too. I run in VFF but you can also spend $6 on aqua shoes at walmart for similar minimal shoe benefits. To be honest I think most modern running shoes are fvcking crap. If your only pains are shin splints, though, you may find you can tweak what you're doing to resolve it and keep wearing those big shoes if you really want to.

Without blowing this up into a barefoot vs modern running shoe debate that well, we've seen far too often - I actually have to agree with your last sentence. The phrase "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" works well. I only started getting injuries this year due to changing my form and going for broke in minimalist shoes. (My fault for not doing it the right way) If someone is having all kinds of issues, then I might steer them in that direction if they want to try it. If it's minimal or something minor like shin splints, then new fitted shoes are where I'll point those I'm coaching to.

 

[Capt Caveman]

You definitely don't need to spend $100-200 on a pair of running shoes. Most of mine are $50 or less at the NB outlet store.

With flat feet, you probably overpronate and will want to look at a stability shoe. Instead of price, worry more about fit and comfort. Try out as many different shoes to find something that feels good. Based on your overpronation and flat feet, you may also want to add a little arch support - SuperFeet Blue insoles.

 

[kamper]

I have totally, completely, ridiculously flat feet, loose ligaments, collapsed arches, tight achilles tendon, etc.

You've mentioned a few times about how unideal your feet are. Any chance you'd mind posting a pic?

 

[Shani Clinton]

100$ for running shoes.I will never purchase.

Shani.

 

[brikis98]

You've mentioned a few times about how unideal your feet are. Any chance you'd mind posting a pic?

Heh, don't think anyone has asked to see pictures of my feet before, but sure. I snapped a couple pics with my iPhone, so the quality sucks and the angle is awkward, but hopefully it gives the general idea: foot relaxed, foot with weight on it, side view. Where an arch should be, my foot just juts out to the side. Oh yea, my awesome foot print on the lovely sand of Ocean Beach.

 

[kamper]

Heh, don't think anyone has asked to see pictures of my feet before, but sure. I snapped a couple pics with my iPhone, so the quality sucks and the angle is awkward, but hopefully it gives the general idea: foot relaxed, foot with weight on it, side view. Where an arch should be, my foot just juts out to the side. Oh yea, my awesome foot print on the lovely sand of Ocean Beach.

Man, that is kind of weird. I don't mean to mock you or anything of course, I was just curious. I don't know much about foot structure, but I think about it a lot more lately.

 

[Alone]

Everything I checked suggested the Nike Triax as an option. Decided to go with these. Hopefully going to give them a shot tonight.

 

[StageLeft]

You aren't kidding, those are flat. My eldest daughter has pretty flat feet, too, though the youngest has nicer arches.

 

[alkemyst]

OP I just noticed you have Triax and GTS9 in your selections...you have flat-feet but these shoes are targetted to those with high arches.

You want to look for shoes that offer motion control with flat feet.
If you like:
Nike: Zoom Nucleus MC+
Brooks: Addiction 9 (or even the 8's)

 

[alkemyst]

My eldest daughter has pretty flat feet, too, though the youngest has nicer arches.

 

[Nintendesert]

What about Nike Free? They don't look as ridiculous as the VFF. I wanted to try those until I saw people with them. They look dumb as hell.

 

[Capt Caveman]

What about Nike Free? They don't look as ridiculous as the VFF. I wanted to try those until I saw people with them. They look dumb as hell.

I currently run in the Nike Free and like them a lot. They're very light and flexible with just enough cushion. Note, they provide no stability and if running on any trails suck up pebbles big time.

 

[blamb425]

I enjoy Brooks running shoes, myself: check out the Trances and the Adrenalines. If you have a Brooks outlet store near you, be sure to check out the 8/9 versions, as they may be a better fit than more recent makes of the same shoe.