Running shoe recommendations!

[Lyssia510]

I need a good pair of shoes for jogging/running. I'm currently using a cheap pair I got at Walmart for 5 bucks(wanted to make sure I enjoyed jogging before I bought good shoes)and they have no support whatsoever. I have no idea what to look for in a running shoes and would like to keep the cost to around $60-70 for a pair. I've been to a few different Sport Chek and Foot Locker locations and every time I go in I'm pointed to the wall of running shoes and told any of these would work.
Any advice on what to look for or shoe recommendations would be appreciated!

[ninna]

Hmmm. You could try going to sport place and asking them to watch you run on a treadmill so they can determine how you run...meaning, some people over pronate or under pronate when they run and that can affect the type of shoe you choose and then ask them to recommend a good shoe for your style of running. This is often what the running magazines suggest; of course, the running magazines also want to sell you a $300 pair of Saucony shoes too. I like running but not that much. lol.

You can do the research yourself using the internet. That's kinda what I did for myself. You can tell how you run by looking at the wear marks on the soles of your running shoes. If you over pronate or under pronate you will now based on how the tread wears down unevenly on a particular side. Here's a good link you can try:

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe-finder/shoe-advisor

If nothing it will give you information to help you make a selection.

As for me, I used that tool and looked around online at various shoe store to see who carried those kinds at the price I was willing to pay. In the end, I found myself at a Sears Outlet store buying a running shoe that was a couple years old (style wise) but that I paid $50 for because it was last season's style and colour rather than the new hottest colours.

Also, I have super wide feet so I tend to buy men's shoes which are naturally wider than the ladies styles. I discovered ladies wide shoes are actually more money and I'm not proud. I don't need to wear pink to feel sexy. lol. In fact, I've scored a lovely pair of New Balance in blue and grey and it's hard to tell they are dude shoes.

You will be SO happy once you get a decent pair of shoes that you'll never want to go back to those cheapies, I promise. I totally understand the "don't want to invest a fortune cuz what if I don't like it?" attitude. I did that too when I started running. But with a good pair of shoes they will be light and breathable and you will feel like you can fly.

Good luck and happy running!

[Lyssia510]

Hmmm. You could try going to sport place and asking them to watch you run on a treadmill so they can determine how you run...meaning, some people over pronate or under pronate when they run and that can affect the type of shoe you choose and then ask them to recommend a good shoe for your style of running. This is often what the running magazines suggest; of course, the running magazines also want to sell you a $300 pair of Saucony shoes too. I like running but not that much. lol.

You can do the research yourself using the internet. That's kinda what I did for myself. You can tell how you run by looking at the wear marks on the soles of your running shoes. If you over pronate or under pronate you will now based on how the tread wears down unevenly on a particular side. Here's a good link you can try:

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoe-finder/shoe-advisor

If nothing it will give you information to help you make a selection.

As for me, I used that tool and looked around online at various shoe store to see who carried those kinds at the price I was willing to pay. In the end, I found myself at a Sears Outlet store buying a running shoe that was a couple years old (style wise) but that I paid $50 for because it was last season's style and colour rather than the new hottest colours.

Also, I have super wide feet so I tend to buy men's shoes which are naturally wider than the ladies styles. I discovered ladies wide shoes are actually more money and I'm not proud. I don't need to wear pink to feel sexy. lol. In fact, I've scored a lovely pair of New Balance in blue and grey and it's hard to tell they are dude shoes.

You will be SO happy once you get a decent pair of shoes that you'll never want to go back to those cheapies, I promise. I totally understand the "don't want to invest a fortune cuz what if I don't like it?" attitude. I did that too when I started running. But with a good pair of shoes they will be light and breathable and you will feel like you can fly.

Good luck and happy running!

Thanks for all the info! I started couch to 5k about a month ago and wanted to wait until I was closer to the end of the program to see if it was something I wanted to stick with or not before I splurged on shoes but I actually LOVE running even though I'm still really slow.

[ninna]

Congrats on a starting to run! Who cares if you're slow! You're running...which is more than most people can say.

I did the C25K two summers ago and did the same thing--- wore old shoes in case I decided I was gonna die and give up 2 weeks into it. lol. I figured I'd feel guilty enough if I quit but I'd feel worse if I had a super nice pair of brand new shoes starting at me as well when I quit. haha, About a week before I was slated to run the full 5km I bought a new pair and discovered it was SO much better with good shoes!

I ran on and off last summer but never got back to the full 5km. Got a new job at the end of August and literally did not run an inch until school ended in June.

So basically, I had to start all over again this summer. This time I've been training my daughter to do the 5km with me and it's been great motivation. When I don't want to, she nags me and vice versa. She does run much slower than I do and often I turn around and run in the opposite direction to catch back up with her but I'm just so proud of her for sticking with it because that can be a hard thing to do.

We're just finishing week 5 and tomorrow is the 20 minute run. We are both dreading it big time. LOL.

[trishka]

That's great that you're doing a 5K. Congrats and good luck!


I personally prefer "barefoot running" simply because I like being barefoot. I'm not a fan of wearing shoes (I'm really bad when I'm at my desk at work ) so when I started running again I got a pair of knock off Vibrams which look totally ridiculous but are great for me to do my runs and squats in. Barefoot running is not for everyone though.


If you have benefits that allow it, I would suggest seeing a podiatrist with a background in sports medicine or even a physiotherapist. They can determine best what type of shoe you should be wearing depending on how you walk/run. The link that ninna posted is a good one but the best is going to see an actual person. Some stores have their staff well trained and can actually tell what type of shoe you're looking for. There are hundreds of brands out there and each is a preference, but stay away from "fashion running shoes" which typically have an hourglass shape. Also, when you go to the store, see if you can go for a quick jog/run somewhere, a treadmill, around a certain area of the store. You need to actually run in them, not just stand and walk. Also consider if you're running on trails or on the road. Also, go shopping in the evening (after 4). Your foot will be the biggest around that time and you'll get a better fit.

[Lyssia510]

I ended up at the Rebok outlet and they were SO helpful. I got a pair of RealFlex run 2.0 and they are comfier than my Skyscapes and I was able to get a colour that I really liked. Best part is they were only 29.99+tax!
I can't wait for my run tomorrow to try them out!

[Lyssia510]

That's great that you're doing a 5K. Congrats and good luck!


I personally prefer "barefoot running" simply because I like being barefoot. I'm not a fan of wearing shoes (I'm really bad when I'm at my desk at work ) so when I started running again I got a pair of knock off Vibrams which look totally ridiculous but are great for me to do my runs and squats in. Barefoot running is not for everyone though.


If you have benefits that allow it, I would suggest seeing a podiatrist with a background in sports medicine or even a physiotherapist. They can determine best what type of shoe you should be wearing depending on how you walk/run. The link that ninna posted is a good one but the best is going to see an actual person. Some stores have their staff well trained and can actually tell what type of shoe you're looking for. There are hundreds of brands out there and each is a preference, but stay away from "fashion running shoes" which typically have an hourglass shape. Also, when you go to the store, see if you can go for a quick jog/run somewhere, a treadmill, around a certain area of the store. You need to actually run in them, not just stand and walk. Also consider if you're running on trails or on the road. Also, go shopping in the evening (after 4). Your foot will be the biggest around that time and you'll get a better fit.

Do you use the Vibrams in the winter? These were something I was thinking about getting because I hate socks and having sweaty feet, but after doing a bit of reading it sounds like you almost have to learn to run barefoot?

[trishka]

Do you use the Vibrams in the winter? These were something I was thinking about getting because I hate socks and having sweaty feet, but after doing a bit of reading it sounds like you almost have to learn to run barefoot?

The pair that I have are not for winter, but Vibram does have a pair that are excellent for winter. I run track in the winter as I always have a hard time breathing in the winter. Barefoot running is a different type of running as you put your foot down differently but I find it is more natural. I didn't have many issues when I started it but I talked to my physio about it before I started.

Glad to hear you found a good pair (and cheap too!)

[Mia001]

sorry to be late, i got my running shoes at the Rebock web site, they were on sale + when you register you get an extra % on your order and always free shipping......it cost me $84 taxes enlosed for the 2 pairs i bought , i think i got a great deal as one of them was $110 regular price

[ninna]

Does anyone else have trouble with the toe box on their running shoes? I love the nifty and lightweight mesh that covers all the shoes these days and makes them feel so breathable BUT I am a heel striker and my big toe pokes through the toe box, eventually creating a hole in the mesh covering. My left foot always breaks through first and the right foot follows suit within 1-2 months. My current pair started to wear when they were only 4 months old and one summer of running 2-3X weekly finally did them in.

I keep my nails trimmed so that's not the problem and I have enough room between my toes and the end of the shoes so that's isn't it either. Frankly, I think it's a conspiracy by shoe companies to keep us buying shoes. lol But some of these shoes can be expensive so it's annoying to rip through them and toss them away when they are barely broken in.

I patched my last pair with duct tape sewed on the inside of the shoe because they were only 6 months old and I was darned if I was going to go buy yet ANOTHER pair. So far, so good but I really hate how they look.

Has anyone seen any running shoes that have a leather toe box? I've seen leather on other types of shoes but not on ones designed for running.

[trishka]

Does anyone else have trouble with the toe box on their running shoes? I love the nifty and lightweight mesh that covers all the shoes these days and makes them feel so breathable BUT I am a heel striker and my big toe pokes through the toe box, eventually creating a hole in the mesh covering. My left foot always breaks through first and the right foot follows suit within 1-2 months. My current pair started to wear when they were only 4 months old and one summer of running 2-3X weekly finally did them in.

I keep my nails trimmed so that's not the problem and I have enough room between my toes and the end of the shoes so that's isn't it either. Frankly, I think it's a conspiracy by shoe companies to keep us buying shoes. lol But some of these shoes can be expensive so it's annoying to rip through them and toss them away when they are barely broken in.

I patched my last pair with duct tape sewed on the inside of the shoe because they were only 6 months old and I was darned if I was going to go buy yet ANOTHER pair. So far, so good but I really hate how they look.

Has anyone seen any running shoes that have a leather toe box? I've seen leather on other types of shoes but not on ones designed for running.

I have the same problem. So if you find something, please let us know.