Running shoes

[Martin]

So I'd like to do some decent running this summer. Last summer I managed to go from being able to run about 3km to about 10km several times a week and this summer I'd like to do more (maybe being able to run half marathon buy the end of the summer)

I have old and crappy shoes, so I definitely need new ones, but I'm not sure what to get. I've seen some of these light and well ventilated ones:
http://www.newbalance.com/running/training/MR670/

and they seem pretty good, but then they have things like Nike's Shox and I'm not sure if they're just a gimmick or would actually be pretty good.

 

[Riverhound777]

Go to a running store and have them set you up. I had a problem with my arch hurting like mad on my left foot after running a mile or so, so I stopped running. But I went to a running store and the guy took a look at my stride and foot, even the wear pattern on my current shoe. He then had me try on a few different shoes to see which fit best. I went and did some research online and confirmed this was the best route. The price was only $5 more than online and I went ahead and purchased the shoes at the store. Highly recommended.

 

[Capt Caveman]

Originally posted by: Riverhound777
Go to a running store and have them set you up. I had a problem with my arch hurting like mad on my left foot after running a mile or so, so I stopped running. But I went to a running store and the guy took a look at my stride and foot, even the wear pattern on my current shoe. He then had me try on a few different shoes to see which fit best. I went and did some research online and confirmed this was the best route. The price was only $5 more than online and I went ahead and purchased the shoes at the store. Highly recommended.

I concur. A running store should be able to analyze your foot and stride then recommend a proper shoe for you.

 

[zebano]

I used to think that only New Balance made shoes wide enough for my toes. I went to a running store and after analyzing my stride, they recommended three different types of stability shoes (on was NB) which were wide enough. I actually went with the Asics which are fabulous.

 

[996GT2]

You should go to a running store to get your gait analyzed even if you don't plan to buy from there (sometimes you can get better deals on the same shoes online). If you overpronate, you need stability shoes, which have a layer of denser foam on the inside to prevent injuries. If you have underpronating issues, then you need to get support shoes for the same reason. If you have a neutral gait, then you can choose from a wide variety of neutral cushioning shoes that are lighter and more flexible than stability or support shoes. I personally don't know much about support or stability shoes myself since I haven't worn them, but if you have a neutral gait I would recommend either the Asics Gel-Landreth or the Asics Gel-Cumulus 9. Both are lightweight shoes that will provide good long-distance cushioning. As a side note, I wouldn't buy shoes that are extremely light (sub 9 ounces) because these shoes usually make some compromises in the cushioning department to achieve the light weight. They are designed more for extremely efficient runners or skilled racers that can make the most of the lighter shoe and don't care about a little less cushioning. For beginners, though, they aren't that comfortable for long runs.

Also, I wouldn't recommend gimmicky shoes like Nike Shox or Adidas A3...the "shox" on those just add weight and don't really provide good cushioning.

Hope that helps in your search for shoes.

 

[RagingBITCH]

What everyone else just said ^

I had major problems with shin splints among other things running in regular shoes. I'm now on my 2nd pair of Brooks Adrenaline Six's, and haven't had any issues after I went to a running store and gotten fitted for shoes. Best $100 I've ever spent on shoes. (Well, $100 twice)

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
What everyone else just said ^

I had major problems with shin splints among other things running in regular shoes. I'm now on my 2nd pair of Brooks Adrenaline Six's, and haven't had any issues after I went to a running store and gotten fitted for shoes. Best $100 I've ever spent on shoes. (Well, $100 twice)

++

Please go to a real runner's store and have them watch you run, and select the correct type of she for your foot.

Here is a link describing the three basic types of shoes, and what type of foot fits that shoe:

http://www.spinalhealth.net/running-shoes.html

Running in the correct shoe for your foot will help alot.

 

[sash1]

i've always worn aasics, i refuse to wear anything else. they have great support for my knees and fit my high arch very well.

you need to find a shoe that perfectly fits your foot. things to consider are both your arch (high, low, normal) and your pronation. if you over or under-pronate, there are shoes that help with that as well.

 

[Martin]

That's good advice, I didn't know they did that at running stores.

Do they offer the same advice at the New Balance store? If they do, I'd probably just go there since I know they'll probably have my size (15) whereas it would be pretty unlikely in other stores.

 

[gramboh]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
What everyone else just said ^

I had major problems with shin splints among other things running in regular shoes. I'm now on my 2nd pair of Brooks Adrenaline Six's, and haven't had any issues after I went to a running store and gotten fitted for shoes. Best $100 I've ever spent on shoes. (Well, $100 twice)

I used to get shin splints bad, once I got a pair of New Balance shoes with orthotics it made a HUGE difference.

 

[GarfieldtheCat]

Oh and get a pair of add-on insoles.....the insoles that come with all running shoes suck.

If you are a neutral or under-pronator, and can just use extra cushioning, I highly recommend an insole with sorbothane in them.