Recommendations for walking and crosstraining shoes

I live in the Chicago area. What I need is to buy a couple pair of shoes--1 pair of walking shoes and 1 pair of crosstraining shoes. Because I am prepared to pay real money for these shoes, I would like to be served by an employee who can help me get a good fit and a good shoe for my gait and needs.

I typically wear sandals from drugstores or general stores so I have absolutely no idea about buying shoes! I walk about 4-8 miles a day in total and take a 3-5 mile walk most days on cement so I need a decent shoe. I bought a cheap pair at a general store and have worn through them in less than a month (the sole is coming off!). The Crocs work OK for walking, but I wear the tread off them really quickly.

So what are some good shoe stores?

Thanks,

Amy

Try something like Foot Locker that specializes in athletic shoes.

When I first started walking I just had a pair of Reeboks and I woke up every morning with really sore heals and ankles. My mom reccommended that I get a pair of New Balance so I did and I haven't had a problem since. You can get them pretty much anywhere

I swear by Brooks.  If you have a Runtex or Academy store they can help you out.  However, those may be Texas chains.  Good luck

My brother runs about 5 miles a day and he goes to the New Balance Store.  He doesn't just buy the shoes, but actually goes to the store because he said that they are really good at fitting his foot.  I don't know if all of the stores are like that, but it is a thought.  I personally love asics.  They are the most comfotable shoe I have ever worn.

I hear Asics are good, however, I dont run.. I just know what I'm told by others.  I wear Adidas and Nike.

I'd suggest going to a store for runners. in boston we have marathon sports, i'm not sure if they have locations elsewhere. i got my running shoes there and they are amazing. you go in, and first they watch you walk barefoot. then they bring you some shoes for your specific gait. they have you try them on and actually go outside and jog a bit (did this in a suit during lunch hour on a very busy street in boston haha). they make sure you leave with the best possible shoe for your foot and how you walk/run. mine are sauconys and they were about $100, but worth every dime. good luck! 

check out a running magazine like runner's world. in the back you will find several running store ads and these usually have employees that know what type of shoe to fit you in after a series of questions and a look at the wear pattern onyour shoe.

i would avoid retail stores in malls because the employees are usually not as knowledgeable as you will be led to believe! good luck!


by the way i am from st.louis and get my shoes from a running store called fleet feet. they are great and really know their stuff!

I've taken a liking to New Balance.  I used to use some shoes that I bought at American Eagle, but they were more "casual" tennis shoes than running/crosstraining shoes.  So after a while, my knees and back started hurting A LOT!  It's not that I was trying to be fashionable or anything (beleive me, I really don't care what I look like while working out, lol).  It's just that they were the only decent pair of tennis I had (I have some Adidas that are all torn and falling apart - not good).  I finally invested in some good (decently priced ~$50 on sale) New Balance about two-ish weeks ago, and I kid you not, my knee and back pains were gone within DAYS!  They're SO comfy and light-weight!  I love them!  Good luck... hope you find what you're looking for!

aovermy I live in the Chicagoland area. I tend to head to Dicks sporting goods or a sports authority before I hit up the mall. I also know that Chicagoland has some great discount malls like in Aurora, Gurnee, and Huntley. They have Nike and Reebok outlets as well. I agree with Nikki, I'm partial to New Balance Cross trainers.

OK, I asked a co-worker and he suggested Dick Pond's Athletic Shoes, which seems to be a local chain and it has a branch in Lisle. Anyway, I went there and a knowledgeable salesperson was able to fit me and get me a great fitting, comfortable pair of Asics. He looked at my shoe and could tell I'm an over-pronator and we went through a few pair before we found one that fit perfectly.

I would highly recommend them for anyone looking for a running shoe. That's all they sell, but running shoes and walking shoes aren't that far apart and I have started trying to run a little bit anyway.

New Balance is stellar because you can get any shoe in any width. They make all their shoes in a wide variety of widths, and if your store doesn't have your size, they'll order it in for you, so you'll have it in a matter of days.

I love New Balance too, but highly recommend that you get fitted for them first.  My coach looked at my current New Balances and said there wasn't enough arch support for my feet (and I am fairly flat footed).  They are getting old and need to be replaced anyhow.  Road Runner Sports is specifically designed for runners and they are knowlegable.  I would steer away from Dick's and Sport's Authority until you know what you need.  I have several local shops here in Colorado that analyze your gait and your feet before making the recommendation......  (one store name is Running Wild...will have to see if I can think of others....)

Good luck!

WHAT NOT TO BUY: Nike Shocks!!!  What a nightmare they are for running!!  yuck

I'd say do with Mizuno or Asics

No one here has bothered to suggest you buy a pair

of eco-sensitive and Sweatshop free brands - so I will!

Veja in France has some nice, green alternatives to the

synthetic and oil based crap that Nike and all the big, exploitive

co.s sell.

There's also Yellow Port (my favourite) www.yellowport.cawho make absolutely amazing stuff out of recycled rubber, cotton canavas etc.

and without the disgusting labour practices that most of us turn a blind eye to. (watch China Blue.................)

Good Luck