As several others have recommended: Find a local, well-reviewed running store, not just a shoe store or sporting goods store, and get properly fit.

If they do it right they'll have you walk while they observe how you walk (whether you pronate or supinate, etc.), then recommend shoes at a range of price points that suit your gait.

Yes, you'll spend more than buying running shoes at a big box store or on-line. Perhaps a lot more. But you'll be less-inclined to injure yourself running.

I did that, years ago, and it made a night and day difference in my running comfort. Plus my recurring problem with shin splints disappeared entirely.

+1 for getting properly fit. Expect a good running shoe to cost $125 - $200.


Also, they are consumable. Keep a rough track of miles. If you're a Clydesdale (like I am), this is super important to avoid injury.


FWIW, I run on Brooks and paid $180 and another $35 for inserts. They've made a big difference in my knee/hip pain on longer runs.

Highly recommend going to a specialty running store. I had debilitating pain with an off the shelf shoe. Went to the running store and the guy took one look at my foot and said you need this type. Never had a single pain since. In my case, it was a specific type of Brooks shoe.

Another bonus of going to a specialty running shoe store is that they likely have a 30 day return policy for store credit toward another shoe - should the first pair not make the cut.

I've got over 30K miles in Saucony. I buy last year models on line, only after I've gone to a specialty store to pin down the model and then stick with that model for several years. Only when the manufacturer changes up the model completely, that I return to a specialty store to find the latest and greatest model.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:

I was being generous, jumping in the deep-end and getting pair of nice Belega's is a shock for beginners.

Since I work in that industry, and have for over a decade, it never ceases to amaze me when I am in a store and I see a consumer grab 3-4 pairs of high end socks and walk up to the register like it's nothing. They are dropping $50-$75 on socks in one sitting. And I know for many of those folks, that ain't a one time thing, they do that multiple times per year.

I went to the running shoe store. They put me on their treadmill and measured everything. Asked me about my preferences on cushioning and other stuff. They brought me five pairs of shoes to try on. I went with Hoka.

quote:

Originally posted by iron chef:
This is akin someone asking, "I'm completely new to shooting but want to buy a handgun. Which one should I get?"

As has been suggested, go to a running specialty store. Bring a pair of old running shoes, sneakers, walking shoes... something where they can examine your wear pattern.

Buy one of their recommendations. Just like shooting, over time, you'll try a lot of shoes. Eventually you'll find what works well for you and what characteristics to look for in shoe models.

^^^ This, right here! ^^^
Many of the stores will tell you to run in front of them. Just a few yards. They'll be able to tell a lot about your stride, gait, and how your feet roll.

Some running specialty stores have foot bed scanners where you stand on a cushioned platform that maps out your feet's shape & hotspots.

A good running store should have a treadmill, so they can watch you run, and so you can get a good feel for a shoe by - surprise! - actually running in them for a minute or two.

Keep in mind foot & stride analysis is part science, part art. They best way to determine if a shoe works well for you is by actually running in it. For instance, just b/c your arches are a little low doesn't necessarily mean you overpronate. You could just be born that way. Or just because you heel-strike doesn't mean you naturally run that way. It could be b/c you always wore shoes designed for heel-striking, which lead you to run that way.

I subscribe to the approach that the way you run w/ shoes on should not differ much from how you run barefoot. Proper running shoes should protect, cushion, & support your feet, but they should not dramatically alter your stride & gait.

Saucony is the brand that fits me well.

I've had good luck with Hoka and yes be sure you go to a running store for proper fitting.

If I were you (and there is no way I am starting a running program), I'd go to a real running shoe store and get some help. You may spend $150 on a shoe that everyone here thinks is great and which is totally unsuited to you and doesn't fit you right.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:
If I were you (and there is no way I am starting a running program), I'd go to a real running shoe store and get some help. You may spend $150 on a shoe that everyone here thinks is great and which is totally unsuited to you and doesn't fit you right.

I'd concur with this.

The last time I got shoes for the son and daughter...both more than casual runners...I went to the local Fleet Feet. Get service from 3D scanning/graphing to helping with shoes that fit your feet. They also recommended good inserts to address foot issues.