Need new sneakers! (Read 743 times)

BacOfThePac


    Can anyone recommend a sneaker for me? I have been told (by sales person at a specialty running store) that I over pronate slightly. I have checked out my shoes and the wear pattern would indicate normal to under pronation. I did the footprint test and that shows I have normal feet. So I really have no clue what would be best suited for me. My knees are in rough shape so I would like to minimize impact as much as possible. I find the most comfortable shoes for me are those that have a lot of cushion and good arch support. I have recently started running again. (Following the couch to 5K plan) I have a tendency to stop running in the winter and pick it up again in the spring. Last year I had terrible shin splints and ended up not running at all (never determined the cause... not sure if I took on too much too soon or if it was the new sneakers). I am nervous cuz I think I am starting to feel traces of shin splints this year.... I don't want to lose another season.

      Unfortunately for your question, we are all an 'experiment of one' and what works for me may not have any carryover  to you.   If you sampled 100 people here at RA, I'd guess there would be 20+ models of running shoes used.  Some would be more common then others, but the spread is pretty amazing.

       

      Recommend you find a running store (sounds like you have one), and let them know your budget, the amount and type of running you do and put your trust in them to help you with selecting a good shoe for you.

       

      Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.

        I don't know about a sneaker, but I would be willing to recommend Sneakers - great movie.

         

          Your best bet is to locate a running shoe store.  They have professionals who can watch how your run and walk in order to figure out where support is needed.

             ::insert overly excited annoying salesman voice here::

             

            hey bacofthepac, what if i told you that you could have a shoe that will be the most comfortable, supportive and priceless piece of running equipment you will ever own? not to mention, it will last you several times longer than any other pair youve worn as well as more effectively prevent injury?

             

            sound too good to be true? IT IS!!!

             

            im talking about barefoot or minimalist running shoes. you specifically mentioned in your post that you need good arch support and plenty of cushion. those two things alone are enough to destroy your feet.

             

            before you do any shopping, do yourself a favor and go on over to the barefoot running forum and do a little research. want a better stride? want less injuries? want to save money? trying to stay injury free? want a better PR and more logged miles?

             

            in all seriousness, your life will be better, guaranteed!

            BacOfThePac


              Thanks for everyone's advice! I guess I was hoping some magical shoes would just pop up. We are all different right, so how realistic was that really! Smile

               

              I have not heard too much about BF running. Sounds interesting. There seems like so much push in the running community to get the right sneakers. If you have the right sneakers you will avoid injury. And yet every pair of $100 running shoes I have gotten has fallen apart in some way. Doesn't give me "the warm and fuzzies" about how well they are really performing for me. Maybe this is just all just a corporate ploy to get me to pay $$$ for something that I really don't need. I'll have to look into it!

                Before jumping into barefoot running. Please read the series on "The Science of Sports" that can be found here:


                http://www.sportsscientists.com/


                I am not a zealot who believes people cannot run barefoot, however, great precaution has to be taken if considering it.... in other words, it needs to be eased into. Essentially, you will change your running mechanics and to do so overnight would be foolhardy. I personally know too many people who jumped into it too fast and ended up injured as a result. The 5 articles in the series sum up a lot I would have to say in a much more coherent and educated manner.

                Steve


                Do not attempt.

                  The word "sneakers" annoys me just about as much as "joggers".

                  "Able to function despite imminent catastrophe"

                   

                  "The most common question from potential entrants is 'I do not know if I can do this' to which I usually answer, 'that's the whole point'.--Paul Charteris, Tarawera Ultramarathon RD.

                   

                  ✓ 12 Hours of Hostelity 14 Jan

                  ✓ Mountain Mist 50k 28 Jan

                  Delirium 24 Hour 11 Feb

                  Tarawera 100k New Zealand 17 Mar

                   

                    The word "sneakers" annoys me just about as much as "joggers".

                     

                    its pronounced with a soft "J."


                    No offense.

                       ::insert overly excited annoying salesman voice here::

                       

                      hey bacofthepac, what if i told you that you could have a shoe that will be the most comfortable, supportive and priceless piece of running equipment you will ever own? not to mention, it will last you several times longer than any other pair youve worn as well as more effectively prevent injury?

                       

                      sound too good to be true? IT IS!!!

                       

                      im talking about barefoot or minimalist running shoes. you specifically mentioned in your post that you need good arch support and plenty of cushion. those two things alone are enough to destroy your feet.

                       

                      before you do any shopping, do yourself a favor and go on over to the barefoot running forum and do a little research. want a better stride? want less injuries? want to save money? trying to stay injury free? want a better PR and more logged miles?

                       

                      in all seriousness, your life will be better, guaranteed!

                       

                       

                      If it sounds too good to be true, it is.

                      Ultima tastes like failure.

                        The word "sneakers" annoys me just about as much as "joggers".

                         
                        Yeah.  Saying "sneakers" is like saying "fishing string."  But I guess a lot of people don't differentiate running shoes, tennis shoes, basketball shoes etc.  Sneakers to me are thin soled canvas shoes.