Shoe advice

[ladyinred]

Hey Ya'll. I don't know if this is the right place to ask this, but I figure people who regularly post here know something about good shoes. My feet are killing me. I can't seem to get my shoes right. I've been wearing Brooks for the last couple of years and they are usually about $60-$70 Canadian (although I usually get them on sale - oh, but I guess that doesn't matter). For the most part they've been okay but my new pair hurt. I'm looking for cross trainers since I usually just use them for walking/occasional running on the treadmill and then using the bikes and elliptical trainers at the gym. Reeboks seem to pinch the wide part of my foot no matter what style I get. I'm just wondering what you've all had success with, how much you pay, and if there's anything in particular I should be looking for when I try them on. Thanks.

[jroche5998]

Re: Shoe advice

If they are pinching the wide part of your foot you might need wider shoes. I personally have had good luck with New Balance, they specialize in running shoes but have cross trainers as well. Plus they seem to have the most wider sizes of any brand. I pay between $40 and $60(USD) but you could pay well over $100. But something I learned in basic training, "your feet are your wheels, take care of your wheels". If your feet are hurting you will be much less likely to do exercise that requires them (which most does).

[Swimmom]

Re: Shoe advice

The best advice I have is to get thee to a running store (not a chain/mass-market one, but one of those little mom & pop stores) and have them evaluate your feet for shoes. Also take in a pair of well-used running/walking shoes so they can check your wear pattern. They will look into several factors including, but not limited to:

How wide is your forefoot?
How narrow is your heel?
How do those compare to each other?
Do you excessively pronate or supinate your feet?
Do you have a high, medium or low arch?
Have you had previous foot or ankle injuries?

They will recommend a shoe for you based on the answers to those questions. At that point, you can either thank them nicely and see where you can get those shoes cheaper or you can thank them nicely by buying your shoes from them and supporting their business (and buying them cheaper next time ).

I used to swear by Rykas until I got my feet professionally evaluated at a running store in Texas. They told me I should wear nothing but New Balance. Miraculously all my foot, ankle, heel and knee pain went completely away because I was finally wearing shoes that had been built on a last (the form around which they make shoes) that was built like my feet.

I think it's harder for women to get good fitting fitness shoes because some fitness shoe manufacturer's only use MEN'S lasts. Men's feet are generally nearly the same width from ball to heel whereas women generally have a much wider forefoot and a narrower heel. I know Ryka only makes shoes for women, so their lasts are designed from women's feet. I also know New Balance uses different lasts for men's and women's shoes. The last time I tried to wear Reebok, they were still using men's lasts to make women's shoes and my heels slipped around in them like crazy and I had terrible blisters.

Okay, there's my two cents!! Good hunting!

[californiacasey]

Re: Shoe advice

That is great advice to go to a specialty shoe store. Personally, I wear Saucony. I have since high school. I tried nike and new balance, but they didn't fit my feet, I got blisters from those shoes, so going to a specialty store will help narrow down what will fit you best. (And remember running shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles) (even if they "look" ok, they lose padding and can make your feet ache.

[ttdriver]

Re: Shoe advice

You've gotten GREAT ADVICE!

NEVER NEVER NEVER WEAR SHOES THAT HURT. MAJOR RED FLAG.

I also love New Balance .. I wear the 1221s and they are wonderful for my feet. Lots of good cush for these bony feet of mine.

Just be sure you get shoes that are a size bigger than your street shoes. Oh and keep track of how many miles you have on them ... they should be replaced after 300-500 miles.

Betty

[ladyinred]

Re: Shoe advice

My winter boots are a size bigger than my street shoes, but the runners seem too big. Well, I'll try that again. I always make sure there's a roomy toebox though. I hate when my toes get squished. Thanks Betty.

Thanks everyone.

[ttdriver]

Re: Shoe advice

I know what you mean how they feel big at first .. but the more you run, you will appreciate the room! Take it from one who didn't listen and lost her toenails...............


Betty

[ladyinred]

Re: Shoe advice

Eeeww! I guess toenails don't regenerate themselves? I'm not really doing any running yet. It's still a thought. But I'd like to do it. I want to try Couch to 5K.

[atkinsagain]

Re: Shoe advice

Just wanted to pop in and say, "yeah, what ttdriver said" about getting one size above your regular size. I did that and it has made all the difference in the world for me. Personally, adidas fit my foot better in the heel/ankle area than other shoes, but getting a bigger size this time has been the real key.

[allierw26]

Re: Shoe advice

I second those who said "running store"! I went to one and I am soooo glad I did. I was fitted for a pair of brooks and I love them. They came in a wide, which I needed. I did have to break them in a bit, though.

If you can't find a woman's shoe that fits good, try a man's shoe. Often they are just a bit wider. A lot of people like new balance but I have never had a comfortable fit with them. I used to wear a lot of adidas but they rub my heel now.

[Isabeau]

Re: Shoe advice

There are lots of Running Rooms around Toronto. If you can head up to Markham, my absolute favourite running/triathlon store is there (they have a web page), Running Free. They do fantastic analysis' and watch you run or walk in the store. Their prices are fair and everyone who works there are runners or into multi-sport. They're also great friendly people who respect everyone, athletes or not! Great place to talk shoes and pick their brains even if you choose to look for the shoes they recommend elsewhere. The Running Room is pretty good too, but my second choice.

[ladyinred]

Re: Shoe advice

Thanks Isabeau. Markham? Might as well be Mars! lol I work downtown near "the big mall" there. I'll have to see what specialty stores are in there (I don't go to the mall unless I have to).