Runners-recommend your shoes

CFM102012

I'm new to running. I'm in week 3 of C25K. It has become obvious that I need a pair of good running shoes. The shoes I wear now are athletic shoes but I use them for pretty much everything (work, running, just going somewhere that doesn't necessitate a special set of shoes etc).  I don't have any special foot needs. My arches are pretty normal and I don't roll in or out when I walk or run. 

anna.oskar

Go to a runner's/specialty shoe store and get properly fitted.  You'd be amazed how much all running shoes vary.  They'll direct you towards the shoes best for you and then you can bargain shop.

melfacto

Personally my favourite workout / running shoe off the market (no special orders / fitting) are the Nike Shoxs, but if your serious about running I would do as PP suggests and go get fitted for runners! It will be so worth it!

StephBeanWed61502

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_runners-recommend-your-shoes?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:ca8c4a22-4577-44d3-b715-7e61340cabdbPost:a554a9d5-e46d-443d-9797-959fb6a23ee3">Re: Runners-recommend your shoes</a>:
[QUOTE]Go to a runner's/specialty shoe store and get properly fitted.  You'd be amazed how much all running shoes vary.  They'll direct you towards the shoes best for you and then you can bargain shop.
Posted by anna.oskar[/QUOTE]

<div>This.  When I started running I was in shoes I'd just picked up on clearance, and while they were a good brand, they were the complete wrong fit for the shape of my foot and for my stride, and I had tons of problems with pain and soreness.  I went to a running store, got fitted, and ended up in a different shoe by the same company - I haven't had pain issues since.</div>

firsttimersluck

Vibrams Treks... But I don't concrete run. Only trail run. I do NOT recommend minimalist shoes for concrete running. 

dewingedpixie

Get a Gait Analysis at a running store! Trust me your feet, back, and legs will thank you. Shoes are also only good for 300-500 miles (I kill 4-6 pairs a year minimum)

B

francesmartinez06

Like previous posters have said, getting fitted at a running specialty store is the way to go. When it comes to running, your shoes are really the most expensive piece of sporting equipment ranging from an average of $75 to about $150. Your clothes can be as simple as sweats and a tee, but your shoes... especially since you'll get a lot of mileage out of them (literally and figuratively) need to fit comfortably well. A poorly fitting shoe will make you more susceptible to injuries and discomfort (ie: blisters). The reps at the running store will also show you what to look for in a shoe and most places will keep your chosen shoe on file so you won't have to go through the fitting process all over again. Also, some stores offer a discount if you're in a running group... something to look into.

aor9487

My personal faves are Nike Free's! I love how light weight they are without being "too minimalist" of a shoe. 

CFM102012

Thanks for the tips ladies.  I did try on Asics Nimbus and Brooks Ghost at D ick's sporting goods I didn't buy them.  FI and I are heading to a specialty store tomorrow.

lbarr088

Just to add, if you have multiple specialty running stores in your area, get fitted at BOTH and compare.  I went to one and they fitted me from Brooks Adrenaline and I had problems but I figured since I was fitted that I must not be used to them.  After getting completely sick of knee and shin pain I went to a different running specialty store and they actually watched me RUN instead of walk like the other store did.  They also let me take the shoes outside for a test run.  They fit me in a more neutral shoe than the Brooks (Mizuno Wave Rider)  and I haven't had problems yet and they are very comfortable.

...Just a thought....

huttonhighlander

I use to wear Sauconys when I ran in college from track and cross country. But after training for a Marathon last year I started having pain in my knees. Sauconys just wouldn't do. I switched over to Asics; best shoe ever! I've also tried Under Armour. Those are great for running as well.

mandysmear

You really can't go off of recommendations because what's good for me, might not be good for you. 

LC06022012

I have been running races for a couple years now and having a good shoe makes all the difference. If you are a beginner, a shoe with a lot of cushion is your best bet. I would recommend Asics Nimbus or Cumulus. They are a little pricey, but well worth it.

Jack2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_runners-recommend-your-shoes?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:238Discussion:ca8c4a22-4577-44d3-b715-7e61340cabdbPost:a973a7d6-0689-4af2-aaff-7c1b9842480f">Re: Runners-recommend your shoes</a>:
[QUOTE] They fit me in a more neutral shoe than the Brooks (Mizuno Wave Rider)  and I haven't had problems yet and they are very comfortable. ...Just a thought....
Posted by lbarr088[/QUOTE]

My shoes right now are the Mizuno Wave Rider!  Bright teal and yellow and I think I'm in love!! Definately one of the best shoes I've ever worn and very comfortable for my style of running.

I've been running since 6th grade.  Track, Cross Country, Cannicross with my sled dogs and one biathalon.  Everyone above is correct no one person's feet are the same so get fitted at a specialty store. (Get fitted, find a shoe you like and then price shop other places trust me.  Or wait until Scheels back to school sale)  I've run in just about every shoe out there I think or atleast most of the major brands. So here are my thoughts:

Nike Shox-  Owned 3 pairs, some people I know had knee issues with them I personally loved them.  I liked having a little bit heavier of a shoe to train in because when I switched to my spikes for races you could really feel the difference in weight.  Only issue I started having was that they tend to run on the narrow side for my feet and they started making the heel fit a little lower so I was running into chronic blisters and had to switch shoes.

Puma's- Not my favorite, bought them on vacation in Hawaii because I forgot to pack a pair ran in them maybe twice and just weren't comfortable for me.

Asics- probably the most versital (sp?) and comfortable shoes out there in my opinion.  They do get pretty expensive but they tend to have more of a selection price/fit wise.

Brooks- Haven't really worn their running shoes but all of my spikes for cross country were brooks and they were great shoes.

Those are just my opinions so take them with a grain of salt and good luck with your shoe shopping!  If you find a pair you really like consider getting two sets.  Once you get over 500 miles on them your going to start running into more aches and pains then your used to so switch them out!

runpipparun

Haha. I gave up on my Mizuno Wave Riders YEARS ago. I think the 11s were my last pair.

I just qualified for Boston in Merrell Pace Gloves. I love minimalist shoes, but they are not for casual runners.

I am, however, very ANTI shoes like Shox. Super cushioned shoes that have THAT much differential between the heel and toe promote heel striking, which is very, very bad for your knees and back.

Make sure that you work on your running form such that your are striking on your midfoot/forefoot, with your weight forward slightly and your foot under you. That way, you aren't reaching OUT with your heels and braking your momentum.

You'll also get sexy calves that way, because your feet and lower legs will be doing more work.

runpipparun

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_getting-shape_runners-recommend-your-shoes?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:238Discussion:ca8c4a22-4577-44d3-b715-7e61340cabdbPost:3e045773-4224-48aa-8701-6213b0b08f24">Re: Runners-recommend your shoes</a>:
[QUOTE]Vibrams Treks... But I don't concrete run. Only trail run. I do NOT recommend minimalist shoes for concrete running. 
Posted by firsttimersluck[/QUOTE]

<div>I wonder why you say that. I've been running both road and off road in minimalist shoes for a year now. I think it depends on your level, your experience, your technique, your mileage, how well you take care of yourself, etc. Obviously, you can't put minimalist shoes on a rec runner with no guidance and expect them to run 30 miles a week heel-striking all the way. You have to train yourself to run correctly. But I have run about 50-60 mi/wk in mine for the last year with fewer back, knee, and toe issues than I had in traditional shoes for the last, oh, since I started running in the early 90s.</div><div>
</div><div>I just ran a marathon in my Pace Gloves in 3:30, and a couple of guys in my pace group (whom I beat) has NB Minimus on. I did not, however, see ANY Vibrams. Personally, I don't know very many serious road runners who run in them. But I do see a fair number of people who run in other minimalist shoes.</div>