Looking for new shoes (Read 1129 times)

I haven't tried these yet, but I would check out www.vitruvianrunning.com. A lot of people have recommended them to me... $30 plus shipping or $60 plus shipping for their shoes.

The big question is what type of shoe you need. Standard running shoe, stability, motion control, etc. This is determined by how your foot reacts to each step.(roll in, roll out, no roll, etc) Having the right shoe is so critical and worth the extra bucks to do so. I would encourage you to look into a local running store, where the staff are runners and understand the difference between the shoes/needs.

I'm a young runner, but based on conversations I've had with many older runners, I would very much agree with bmorgan on this point. I try to be very cautious of advice that pushes the "perfect shoe", particularly the reviews that you'll read in a number of running magazines. These reviews may be useful once you know what kind of foot you have, but I think they're mostly just flashy advertising. I think most runners would agree that finding the "perfect shoe" is a very individual choice (almost as individual as prescription eye-glasses, I think). And that choice may be based on the biomechanics of your gait, the shape of your foot, and, yes, even your budget. I would definitely agree with bmorgan's suggestion to visit a specialty running store (NOT just a sports store) and specifically asking if they can do running gait analysis (many will) or at least look at the way you run or walk. Then they can help you find the best shoe for you (with your price in mind). Then try on a LOT of shoes and run in them! The best shoe will FEEL good immediately (you DON'T have to break them in). If the store's staff don't seem to have the time/knowledge to help you, find another store. There are some really good ones out there. Relating to your price question, in my experience, there is a difference in comfort and quality between the lowest priced shoes ($50-60) and the slightly more expensive shoes ($70-90) and I generally look to buy in the latter price range. But I'm a relatively young runner.. do any more experienced runners think that price makes a difference? Any opinions regarding even more expensive shoes ($100+)? Are they worth the expense?

Hope the Brooks work for you. I have fallen arches and ovepronate, and the Brooks Beasts have been the best shoes I have found for me. I have been wearing them the past couple of years (on pair #7), and have had absolutely no problems. Like all of us, I want to keep my feet happy (My wife says if I spent as much on her as I do my feet, she'd be happy, too.)

If you keep checking websites like www.spoofee.com you can sometimes find deals for 20-30% off eastbay/footlocker.com . I got a couple pairs of asics 2100s for only $55 each! (granted that's only happened once... I should have ordered 100 pairs!)