Recommend your running shoe

[Ashley&Scott]

As I mentioned in the randoms thread lately I've been running with M while he rides his big wheel. Recommend your running shoes. Under $80 would be preferred.

I sort of feel silly buying running shoes but he's fast! I can't comfortably keep up with him in my ballet flats or sandals when we're alternating between a medium jog & a sprint for .5 miles.

[spk926]

I wear Brooks Glycerin but really everyone is going to be different. The shape of your foot, your gait, how far you run, etc.. all make a difference. Visit a running store and get fitted. Tell them your budget and they'll find the right shoe for you! It's kind of like going for a bra fitting in that you'll be really thankful you did and didn't just pull some random shoes off the shelf to buy.

[Ashley&Scott]

Mar 31, 2015 14:43:00 GMT -5 spk926 said:

I wear Brooks Glycerin but really everyone is going to be different. The shape of your foot, your gait, how far you run, etc.. all make a difference. Visit a running store and get fitted. Tell them your budget and they'll find the right shoe for you! It's kind of like going for a bra fitting in that you'll be really thankful you did and didn't just pull some random shoes off the shelf to buy.

This is a good point. Thanks!

ETA: Can you tell I'm not a runner? My last pair of tennis shoes were Nike Shox, I can tell you they're not comfortable for running 

[glitzy07]

I also went to a running store and was fitted. Turns out I was wearing the complete opposite kind of shoe I should have been. I ended up buying the Brooks Ghost 5, if that matters. It was around $100 for the pair.

[linz]

I only use Asics. I have a lot of friends that prefer Brooks. Is there a local store that can do a fitting? That's your best bet. I never buy off the internet because even the same brand has different styles and some won't work as good for you.

[dcn]

Ditto go to a store and get fitted. Nothing worse than a poor fitting running shoe!

I wear saucony omni, because I pronate and need a stiffer shoe to offset that.

[jeaniebueller]

I am happy with my cheap asics, but like others said, go try some on.

[lurknomore]

I'll be the voice of dissent and say if you're really just running 1/2 mile here and 1/2 mile there, that almost anything will work and be better than running in ballet flats. I'd go to Dicks and try several brands on and see what feels the best within your budget. Any running store I've been to to get fit (and that's several) usually carries very little at the lower price points. If you're not seriously thinking of lacing up and going for a run, you'll be fine in almost anything that feels good and doesn't hurt your feet. Be sure to take whatever socks you typically would wear, because that can make a huge difference in fit and feel.

[oswin]

Yep, go get fitted. Try to go to a real running store, not a generic sporting goods store, since the employees at running shoe stores tend to actually know what they're doing. They should be able to help you figure out things like whether you over or under pronate, if you've got high arches or flat feet, etc. Once you know the quirks of your own body and find shoes you like, you can later try other similar shoes - not necessarily the same brand but rather shoes that are marketed towards over pronating, etc.

[luv2rn4fun]

Mar 31, 2015 14:48:36 GMT -5 linz said:

I only use Asics. I have a lot of friends that prefer Brooks. Is there a local store that can do a fitting? That's your best bet. I never buy off the internet because even the same brand has different styles and some won't work as good for you.

This.  I would go to a running store and try all kinds of shoes based on your gait.  I used to run in Nike, then Asics, and for the past 7 years have been in Newtons (although these are very specialized for runners and probably not what you're looking for and double your budget).

[linz]

Mar 31, 2015 15:07:58 GMT -5 luv2rn4fun said:

Mar 31, 2015 14:48:36 GMT -5 linz said:

I only use Asics. I have a lot of friends that prefer Brooks. Is there a local store that can do a fitting? That's your best bet. I never buy off the internet because even the same brand has different styles and some won't work as good for you.

This.  I would go to a running store and try all kinds of shoes based on your gait.  I used to run in Nike, then Asics, and for the past 7 years have been in Newtons (although these are very specialized for runners and probably not what you're looking for and double your budget).

Aren't you doing a half soon? I was thinking we had talked about it on GP.  I was going to sign up for one in May but knew I wouldn't have time. I'm hoping to get back into running. I got my double jogger Friday and can tell I'm so out of shape!

[jene]

Go get fitted. I love Brooks Glycerin and Ghost, but every foot is different!

[scribellesam]

Love my Asics GT series - I got fitted for them almost a decade ago and am still running in them today! Not the same pair of course ;-)

[jessnpaul]

I have Asics Gel Kayano but I was fitted at a running store. Note that I don't really run but I wanted a better shoe for my workouts (cross-training).

[anna7602]

Mar 31, 2015 14:54:39 GMT -5 lurknomore said:

I'll be the voice of dissent and say if you're really just running 1/2 mile here and 1/2 mile there, that almost anything will work and be better than running in ballet flats. I'd go to Dicks and try several brands on and see what feels the best within your budget. Any running store I've been to to get fit (and that's several) usually carries very little at the lower price points. If you're not seriously thinking of lacing up and going for a run, you'll be fine in almost anything that feels good and doesn't hurt your feet. Be sure to take whatever socks you typically would wear, because that can make a huge difference in fit and feel.

But maybe an investment in a better running shoe will make you feel like exercising more and getting your money's worth?

I'm a fan of getting fitted. But I'm also too scared of screwing up my body by buying cheap shoes (I spend a lot of time on my feet).

[VillainV]

Another note about running stores -- you will pay more buying from them, but after the first time you can go on zappos or Amazon and get the same shoe for less money (pay attention to style names and not colors).

Also remember that a shoe for running should really only be worn for running, not for grocery shopping, etc.....so don't really worry so much about how they look (hard, I know).

If we're really only talking about running 1/4 mile here and 1/2 mile there, then yes, probably anything will work.

[Ashley&Scott]

Thanks everyone! I'll go to a running store to get fitted & see what they recommend. I don't anticipate running long distances but I do expect to continue to run a 1/2 mile or so at least a few times a week. 

[heygrey]

I run about as much as you do and I love my Nike Frees. I didn't get fitted. they were $40 on sale at a sporting goods store and my goal was more comfortable and more supportive than, say, Gap flats or Old Navy flip flops. they do the job.

[sjh722]

Mar 31, 2015 14:49:54 GMT -5 swizz said:

Another recc for getting fitted. What works for one, may not work for others.

Be warned, most aren't cute, lol.

Yeah, my preferred way of choosing shoes is which ones come in the color I like.

This is not how you get supportive shoes. I think mine are Asics Gel Kayano, but obviously what you get depends on your foot and gait. 

[sjh722]

Mar 31, 2015 16:18:17 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Thanks everyone! I'll go to a running store to get fitted & see what they recommend. I don't anticipate running long distances but I do expect to continue to run a 1/2 mile or so at least a few times a week. 

I also have had several physical therapists tell me running shoes are the most supportive, even if you're walking or doing other things for exercise. Your legs will be happy. :-)

[nomad]

Mar 31, 2015 16:53:00 GMT -5 sjh722 said:

Mar 31, 2015 16:18:17 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Thanks everyone! I'll go to a running store to get fitted & see what they recommend. I don't anticipate running long distances but I do expect to continue to run a 1/2 mile or so at least a few times a week. 

I also have had several physical therapists tell me running shoes are the most supportive, even if you're walking or doing other things for exercise. Your legs will be happy. :-)

This exactly. I'm a runner that likes to support local running stores even after I find a shoe that works. My H does not run at all but he will also spend the $$ to get shoes that fit and support him and he can tell a difference just after walking around. 

[auntie]

For that kind of running, I wouldn't necessarily go to a running store.

I'm fond of my Ryka Devotion Cross Trainers.

[mmmomof2]

Do you not work out at all? What do you wear to the gym? I would just get a cross trainer, but you won't regret spending a little more for good running shoes.

[Ashley&Scott]

Apr 1, 2015 14:47:38 GMT -5 mmmomof2 said:

Do you not work out at all? What do you wear to the gym? I would just get a cross trainer, but you won't regret spending a little more for good running shoes.

Not unless you count carrying & chasing my kid. I haven'ts set foot in a gym in 3.5 years. I do have Nike Shox that I was wearing back then but they're not comfortable. 

[Ashley&Scott]

Just a quick follow up - I got fitted at a local running store. Turns out I need a neutral shoe. I tried on various shoes & brands. I got a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus 17. They are so comfortable & I'm excited that I found them on sale at Kohls for $120, they were $150 at every other store I went to.

[lurknomore]

May 26, 2015 11:33:00 GMT -5 Ashley&Scott said:

Just a quick follow up - I got fitted at a local running store. Turns out I need a neutral shoe. I tried on various shoes & brands. I got a pair of Asics Gel Nimbus 17. They are so comfortable & I'm excited that I found them on sale at Kohls for $120, they were $150 at every other store I went to.

I love Asics. Good choice!