running shoes, help please?

I've recently started running again (used to play soccer about 3 years ago and been on and off running) for the last 2 weeks and plan to getting to 5 miles a day. Right now I'm up to 3 but in total need for some new running shoes considering I haven't bought any new ones in about 7 or 8 years. My old ones have bout had it. I can use them to walk around in but if I run for a long time I can feel it in my soles and ankles. I was wondering if I could get some suggestions on some good shoes.  I just bought a pair of ASICS Women's Gel Strike running shoes but wanna be sure they're what I want before I use them and can't return them.  Are these good shoes? If not, what would you recommend?

I really like asics, but it completely depends on YOUR feet - arch, pronation, etc. are all important for picking shoes - if possible go to a real running store (not just a foot locker) where someone will watch you walk or run (some even have treadmills for this) and have them help you select a good pair of shoes.

Original Post by amethystgirl:

I really like asics, but it completely depends on YOUR feet - arch, pronation, etc. are all important for picking shoes - if possible go to a real running store (not just a foot locker) where someone will watch you walk or run (some even have treadmills for this) and have them help you select a good pair of shoes.

^^^  spot on :-)

Yea, I figured it'd be a little hard to be like "oh these are perfect for you" heh but I don't really have flat or a high arc so I've been using special soles to add to my shoes to also help. my sister in law actually went to a place specially for that. she told me they watched her walk, made her run on a treadmill and everything which is awesome...the downside: im on a college student's budget and cant afford the hundred and something dollars she told me it turned out being...but i'm glad to hear that you've had good experiences with them. which asics do you wear?

I've known shoe stores that at least will watch you walk for free, even if they don't have the equipment to assess further.

I've got the gel nimbus, but bought them a little while ago, so I don't know what model or anything (I'm not a runner, so they last longer for me).

I agree 100% with amethyst too.

If you don't have access to a "good" running shoe store that can fit you, try starting here.

I've been an Asics guy since i started.  I'm kind of afraid to change...because they work for me.  Why fix it if it aint broken.

I've been told that rotating shoes is good too.  Actually having two pair.  Now, I wouldn't do this until you MAKE SURE that you're going to stick with it.  No sense in wasting $85-$110 on a pair of shoes that you're going to wear to the store.  I have two pair.  One for short runs and one for long runs.  They're both Asics 2140's.  Just like dieting, everyone has a different opinion.  My advice to you is to build up your mileage slowly.  Don't rush into getting to 5 miles per day.  10% per week is about all you should be gaining.  The last thing you want is to get hurt and have to start over from mile 1.

Good luck

thanks ucantseeme =]

i'll definitely check out the link. you also made me feel better about the asics i bought. i heard they were for running and thought id give them a try. i have been alternating between two different shoes for a while, that's why i haven't bought them in a while. i just wanted to make sure before i invest so much in some shoes. thanks for the advice about running as well. i'm making sure to take it slow. ive always been a good runner and even when i got lazy i could pick it back up so i hit the 2 miles like nothing but im definitely taking it slow up to the 5. my dad's a exercise fanatic and actually owns a small gym so im trying to get up his level. he's in better shape than me and he's twice my age heh

thanks a lot!!!

I just went out and found this.  If you read the review, it would leave me to believe that the Strike isn't the best shoe for the amount of miles you plan on running. 

This may be way off base but I'm a beleiver that "you get what you pay for".  I don't discourage looking for good deals and especially buying last year's model.  I'm not sure what the most current model of the 1100 Series shoes are...I think it's the 1140.  So look for an 1130.  They're usually much cheaper and have very small changes from the previous model.

Now, above I talked about the 1140's.  Don't go out and buy them just because I said so.  You first need to make sure that's the type of shoe you need.  (Back to amethyst's comment).  Hope I'm not confusing you.  If so, tell me to shut the heck up:)  Running (and all the unwritten rules) can be confusing enough. 

Original Post by waddaamelontoes:

thanks ucantseeme =]

i'll definitely check out the link. you also made me feel better about the asics i bought. i heard they were for running and thought id give them a try. i have been alternating between two different shoes for a while, that's why i haven't bought them in a while. i just wanted to make sure before i invest so much in some shoes. thanks for the advice about running as well. i'm making sure to take it slow. ive always been a good runner and even when i got lazy i could pick it back up so i hit the 2 miles like nothing but im definitely taking it slow up to the 5. my dad's a exercise fanatic and actually owns a small gym so im trying to get up his level. he's in better shape than me and he's twice my age heh

 

thanks a lot!!!

 

 

 that's funny!  I run in a few races a year and it's always the old guys that are blowing past me...must be all that sleep they get :)

Good luck!  One foot in front of the other....

I don't run so I can not make any personal recommendations.  But Fitness mag has some great articles on how to choose the best shoe for you.  I went with their recommendation when I bought my last pair of walking shoes and they were worth every penny!

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/fitness/search /results.jsp;jsessionid=PBIYTMG3FW2RWCQCEARCB HQ?_DARGS=/fitness/templates/searchForm.jsp

If you subscribe to consumer reports I am sure they have performed several tests as well.

Good luck shopping.

Sorry to side-track the topic but I have started getting serious about running in the last few months and am up to about 6 miles on my long run.  I run about 3-4 times a week and am planning on doing a 20k this fall.  I have had my running shoes for....years.  Mind you they have gone long stretches without being used at all and I used them as my all around workout shoes for a while (on ellipticals and such).

I run outside, always.  I never run on paved surfaces and am constantly going over roots and sticks and pinecones and up and down steep slopes.  I run through sand and grass and dirt and mud.  My feet NEVER hurt, nor do my ankles.  I feel like I have pretty strong feet and ankles and I don't want a shoes that doesn't let me FEEL what I am running on or elses I am likely to hurt myself or wipeout.

Any suggestions for a more light weight and less cushioned shoe that can stand up to the elements?  Should I look for shoes that are made specifically for trail/outdoor running?  Do I even need new shoes if I have no problem running in my old beat up ones?

Original Post by floataway:

Sorry to side-track the topic but I have started getting serious about running in the last few months and am up to about 6 miles on my long run.  I run about 3-4 times a week and am planning on doing a 20k this fall.  I have had my running shoes for....years.  Mind you they have gone long stretches without being used at all and I used them as my all around workout shoes for a while (on ellipticals and such).

I run outside, always.  I never run on paved surfaces and am constantly going over roots and sticks and pinecones and up and down steep slopes.  I run through sand and grass and dirt and mud.  My feet NEVER hurt, nor do my ankles.  I feel like I have pretty strong feet and ankles and I don't want a shoes that doesn't let me FEEL what I am running on or elses I am likely to hurt myself or wipeout.

Any suggestions for a more light weight and less cushioned shoe that can stand up to the elements?  Should I look for shoes that are made specifically for trail/outdoor running?  Do I even need new shoes if I have no problem running in my old beat up ones?

 First things first.  Shoes wear out...just like the tires on your car.  Sure, they may still have air in them but they could be the cause of injury if you're not careful.  I'm 6'4 and I weigh 215 lbs.  I keep a very close eye on my mileage.  I limit my shoe mileage to 350 miles.  That mileage is different for each runner becasue of the "way" you run and what surfaces you run on. It's actually easy for me to tell when they "brake down".  My shins, calves, hips, and even my back begin to become fatigued quickly and my recovery times are longer.  The 350 is a number that became my "bogie".  Yours may differ.  The importance of a good running shoe that "fits" me became very apparent, very quickly for me.  I was riddles with sore muscles and bones until I began the research.   My suggestion is that if you're getting serious, get out there and get yourself a new pair.  Like running on a cloud!

Okay, as far as trail shoes, all I can say is "there out there".  I think pretty much every running shoe company makes them.  I don't do much trail running because of weak ankles.  One little pine cone could spell disaster for me.  Go out to the websites and read the reviews.  Search for trail shoes.  I think that they're bascially a running shoe with better traction and maybe a softer sole to absorb the rocks and pinecones in your case.

Good luck

Original Post by ucantseeme:

Okay, as far as trail shoes, all I can say is "there out there". 

 Just went a link posted earlier and found these babies:

Women's Pearl Izumi Peak XC
http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/ PZW190/#long_description

I am 5'6", hover at 120 lbs. 

I just don't want to drop a good amount of money on shoes and have them fall apart on me before I hit a good number of miles.

Original Post by ucantseeme:

I just went out and found this.  If you read the review, it would leave me to believe that the Strike isn't the best shoe for the amount of miles you plan on running. 

This may be way off base but I'm a beleiver that "you get what you pay for".  I don't discourage looking for good deals and especially buying last year's model.  I'm not sure what the most current model of the 1100 Series shoes are...I think it's the 1140.  So look for an 1130.  They're usually much cheaper and have very small changes from the previous model.

Now, above I talked about the 1140's.  Don't go out and buy them just because I said so.  You first need to make sure that's the type of shoe you need.  (Back to amethyst's comment).  Hope I'm not confusing you.  If so, tell me to shut the heck up:)  Running (and all the unwritten rules) can be confusing enough. 

Lots of great advice already.  The only thing I wouuld add is that I would recommend that if youu are leaning towards AASICS 1140's, consider the 2140's if you are over 150#.  I am and that's what I wear and I have used some of the 1000-series a couple of times and they just didn't hold up for me to my weight.  There's a 3000-series too, but that's new and I don't know much about it.

Original Post by ranchobernardo:

Original Post by ucantseeme:

I just went out and found this.  If you read the review, it would leave me to believe that the Strike isn't the best shoe for the amount of miles you plan on running. 

This may be way off base but I'm a beleiver that "you get what you pay for".  I don't discourage looking for good deals and especially buying last year's model.  I'm not sure what the most current model of the 1100 Series shoes are...I think it's the 1140.  So look for an 1130.  They're usually much cheaper and have very small changes from the previous model.

Now, above I talked about the 1140's.  Don't go out and buy them just because I said so.  You first need to make sure that's the type of shoe you need.  (Back to amethyst's comment).  Hope I'm not confusing you.  If so, tell me to shut the heck up:)  Running (and all the unwritten rules) can be confusing enough. 

Lots of great advice already.  The only thing I wouuld add is that I would recommend that if youu are leaning towards AASICS 1140's, consider the 2140's if you are over 150#.  I am and that's what I wear and I have used some of the 1000-series a couple of times and they just didn't hold up for me to my weight.  There's a 3000-series too, but that's new and I don't know much about it.

 yes, yes, yes...I made that same mistake.  There's about a $20 difference and the difference is worth every bit of $20.  Like I said above, I weigh 215# and I could here those poor 1140's screamin with every step :)  I think the ShoeDog will recomend the 2140's for heavier runners.

Okay, for the record.  No woman (or man) for that matter wants to buy shoes for "heavier" runners.  I've had this conversation with a girl I work with.  When I asked what she weighed, she told me "148.6" or something like that.  When I told her that she's going to need a good stability shoe with more support (for her weight), she about kicked my ass!  I had to calmly and gently explain to her that shoes don't know how tall you are or how muscular you are...they only know the weight of each step.  My point is this:  Get shoes that are best built for you!  If you want green and the one's for you only come in red...suck it up and get the red ones...it's not a fasion contest until you're getting that medal at the end!  Keep the green one's in car for the awards ceremony :)

I'll be the lone dissenter here.  Don't spend a lot of money on fancy running shoes.  There is quite a bit of research that indicates that the more you spend on shoes (I did say more) the more likely you are to get injured.  Have a look at this abstract:

http://bjsportmed.com/cgi/content/abstract/31 /4/299

And there is other evidence on the web if you hunt around.  Don't be fooled by expensive advertising!

Ummmm are you a doctor?  I re-read that thing about 10 times and couldn't make heads or tails of it. 

Okay, you have a report with some data that supports your theory.  I on the other hand have personal experience.  I started out running (because that's what we're talking about here) buying a standard off the shelf $45 pair of Adidas "running shoes".  As I increased my mileage, my legs became fatigued and began experiencing the early stages of shin splints.  I spoke with a buddy of mine who is a seasoned marathon runner and his first question was, "What kind of shoes do you have"?  When I told him , he suggested that I go with a pair of Asics...because that's what he used.  So I went to the local sports store and picked up a pair of Asics 1120's...because they were cheaper.  I ran with them for about a month and began experiencing the same problems...so I called my buddy again.  He told me to stop messing around with a "sports" store and got to a running store that will tell me exactly what I need.  They watched me walk, they watched be run, they checked pronation, they weighed me and they came out with 3 different pair of shoes.  A pair of Brooks and two pair of Asics (2120's and Kayano's).  I went with the 2120's and the rest is history. 

The fact is that shoes (running shoes) ARE engineered differently for different body types as well as running styles.  A heavier runner will break down a lesser shoe...quicker (from experience again).  Sure, a cheaper shoe will get you out there running but not as long.  If you want a cheaper shoe, that's fine but be prepared to buy that cheaper shoe at least twice as often.

Original Post by ucantseeme:

Original Post by waddaamelontoes:

thanks ucantseeme =]

i'll definitely check out the link. you also made me feel better about the asics i bought. i heard they were for running and thought id give them a try. i have been alternating between two different shoes for a while, that's why i haven't bought them in a while. i just wanted to make sure before i invest so much in some shoes. thanks for the advice about running as well. i'm making sure to take it slow. ive always been a good runner and even when i got lazy i could pick it back up so i hit the 2 miles like nothing but im definitely taking it slow up to the 5. my dad's a exercise fanatic and actually owns a small gym so im trying to get up his level. he's in better shape than me and he's twice my age heh

 

thanks a lot!!!

 

 

 that's funny!  I run in a few races a year and it's always the old guys that are blowing past me...must be all that sleep they get :)

Good luck!  One foot in front of the other....

ahahaha =] i know exactly what you mean!!! i usually try to run outside because it's so boring on a track for me, but when i do go do the track there's an old dude who totally dusts me every time i go. my dad's crazy, he'll do 8 or 9 miles a day going about 8 minutes each. ridiculous...

also, thanks for the research. i actually think i'm taking the shoes back. i called up a running store i found online that's in my area and the "look at me run" is free but the shoes are pricey. i guess i'll just have to save up for a bit

wow!!! i only remember getting one email that i got a reply so i was extremely happy to find that actually i got a lot of replies and for everyone's help. thanks everyone for all the links and advice. i've been reading through them and i knew that shoes were important but i had no idea how completely important and utterly different they are.

off to the store =]

thank you!!!