Advice - Running Shoes

[Jenky]

I run all of the time at the gym. I picked up some new New Balance Minimus running shoes. WoW! It's like running w/ just socks on.

Great running shoe if you are looking for a minimalist type of shoe. I ran on the Nike Free's before and loved them and these are even better I feel than my old Free's were.

<a href="http://www.girl-heroes.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/New-Balance-Minimus-2.jpg" target="_blank">

I've never seen these before. So these are lighter than Nike Frees ?

 

[Dallas]

I've never seen these before. So these are lighter than Nike Frees ?

The &#8220;minimus&#8221; Sneaker from New Balance&#8230; better than the Nike Free ?

My Free's were also the 5.0 which as this bloger informs you, they don't make anymore. I stumbled across this blog because I was frustrated w/ the new Free 3.0 and 7.0 as well, so I was looking for something different and I saw the NB minimus available now, so I went and researched them further before investing. Glad I did. Here ya go...

Over the last 2 years I have been living in my Nike Free sneaks. The other day I forgot my nike&#8217;s and had to wear an older pair of asics I had in my office. I literally felt like I was walking in moon shoes. They felt like they weighed 100lbs. I knew my Free&#8217;s were comfy and light but I had no idea that a normal sneaker would feel that ridiculous on my foot.

Anyway my mileage is really starting to increase on my runs and my runs just have not been feeling good. I can&#8217;t get to that place of total comfort, I can&#8217;t calm my mind.. and my feet are sore and tired the days after my runs. I&#8217;ve been confused because I wore my nike frees throughout race season last year and had no problem. Turns out I was wearing the Nike Free 5.o and they no longer make that. I got new nike frees when my training started this year and they are a complete new design although they look almost the same.. now they only have the 3.0 or 7.0 and its a much wider shoe and the heel is thicker than it used to be. I have narrow feet so the sneaker has been feeling to big and basically I am gripping the sneaker w/ every stride&#8230; thats why my feet have been so sore afterwards.

Today I went to city sports to find some new shoes and I had the coolest chick helping me out&#8230; she was a sneaker conosore ( spelling ???) She knew everything about sneakers, especially about all the minimalist sneakers. She started telling me about a new sneaker coming out from New Balance on March 1. It is called the minimus sneaker. She snuck out a pair to show me.. the design was great &#8230;and she said it was the most comfortable and her most favorite of all the minimalist shoes so far.

She mentioned that the newer Nike Free actually has the same lift in the heel as your average shoe does&#8230; basically making it just as supportive as your typical running shoe, and not Free at all&#8230; If you look, the nike free 5.o ( the ones I used to have), and these new sneakers from New balance have a really minimal heel support&#8230;therfore they are not provoking an instant heel strike during your run&#8230;which you do Not want.

Click HERE if you&#8217;d like more info on the new minimus sneaker. This interview is short and sweet
If you&#8217;re not a runner but are still intrigued by the &#8220;minimal sneaker movement&#8221; that seems to be taking over..than you may be interested to know that New Balance has paired up w/ Vibram to make a minimal outdoor sneaker, great for walking and hiking, especially on trails.

This one has a bit more support, but I am obsessed w/ the style. I will definitely be picking up 2 pairs on March 1st <a href="http://www.thetrainingfix.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" target="_blank">
I wrote this blog very quickly and am well aware it may be hard to make sense of and there may be tons of grammar issues&#8230;.
take away this one point.

I AM EXCITED TO GET A PAIR OF THE MINIMUS RUNNING SNEAKS FROM NEW BALANCE ON MARCH 1ST AND WANTED TO SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOU&#8230; ESPECIALLY THOSE OF YOU THAT LOVE MINIMAL SUPPORT SNEAKERS, AND THOSE OF YOU THAT LOVE VIBRAMS BUT FEEL A LITTLE SILLY IN THEM, AND THOSE OF YOU THAT MAYBE JUST NEED A NEW PAIR <a href="http://www.thetrainingfix.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" target="_blank">

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I'm a big fan of the Nike Dual Fusion shoes because they are lightweight but I'm not a big fan of the "shoeless" feel of the Free's and other minimalist shoes.

Those are pretty comfortable then? Have you seen that you'll get your money out of them running on a regular basis? Maybe you already have gotten your money out of them, I don't know.

Some of the big show makers have discount stores.
Nike / New Balance
Google them.
The shoes there are usually the old models - but they are just as good as the one's in store. at about a 35% savings.

Me I like Nike. But that is a personal preference coming from a long time running.

I would only look for strictly running shoes. No cross trainer or workout shoes. These types are structured differently and will rip you up if you go out and run on the roads with them.

Yeah I realised that as I was looking for stores to get these shoes at. I realised, very quickly, that you can't really get a shoe that is made for working out and then running as well. You really need a quality pair for each specific thing. Meaning I'm going to cost myself a bit more than I had planned on but it'll be worth it in the end.

 

[tomson75]

Yeah I realised that as I was looking for stores to get these shoes at. I realised, very quickly, that you can't really get a shoe that is made for working out and then running as well. You really need a quality pair for each specific thing. Meaning I'm going to cost myself a bit more than I had planned on but it'll be worth it in the end.

You're right....to an extent. If you want a REALLY good shoe for both activities, you're going to need to buy two pairs of shoes.

However, if you can sacrifice a tiny bit of performance for each activity, Reebok is making a Crossfit specific shoe that is pretty damn tempting. I think I may buy a pair.

http://shopcrossfitreebok.com/footwear/realflex-nano-u-form-men-s-1.html

 

[The30YardSlant]

Those are pretty comfortable then? Have you seen that you'll get your money out of them running on a regular basis? Maybe you already have gotten your money out of them, I don't know.

I'm on my second pair now, my first pair lasted about two years before the heel got worn down and it lost some of it's support. I run/work out between 4-6 times every week so I got a lot of use out of them, not counting the many times I just wore them out casually after a workout or something. Nike athletic shoes are very durable, which is their advantage over Adidas IMO.

And don't get me wrong, minimalist shoes are VERY comfortable. I lounge around in my Free's all the time but I like the cushion and "bounce" of a slightly thicker, heavier shoe when I run. Plus, I also play basketball, lift weights and do other various activities in them. They are technically "training" shoes and are very versatile.

 

[Kangaroo]

Some people swear by these new things you could always try them

Those finger type shoes just an example of one brand

http://www.rei.com/product/811206/v...-EAAB-E011-9A77-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA

 

[tomson75]

Some people swear by these new things you could always try them

Those finger type shoes just an example of one brand

http://www.rei.com/product/811206/v...-EAAB-E011-9A77-001B21631C34&mr:referralID=NA

I have those, only in grey and black. Love them, but they have their issues like any other shoe. You HAVE to learn to run properly in them though. If you're a heel striker, you're going to have some pain issues.

 

[Kangaroo]

I have those, only in grey and black. Love them, but they have their issues like any other shoe. You HAVE to learn to run properly in them though. If you're a heel striker, you're going to have some pain issues.

I read about the heel striking issue; I am thinking about trying a pair

 

[TellerMorrow34]

You're right....to an extent. If you want a REALLY good shoe for both activities, you're going to need to buy two pairs of shoes.

However, if you can sacrifice a tiny bit of performance for each activity, Reebok is making a Crossfit specific shoe that is pretty damn tempting. I think I may buy a pair.

http://shopcrossfitreebok.com/footwear/realflex-nano-u-form-men-s-1.html

I'm on my second pair now, my first pair lasted about two years before the heel got worn down and it lost some of it's support. I run/work out between 4-6 times every week so I got a lot of use out of them, not counting the many times I just wore them out casually after a workout or something. Nike athletic shoes are very durable, which is their advantage over Adidas IMO.

And don't get me wrong, minimalist shoes are VERY comfortable. I lounge around in my Free's all the time but I like the cushion and "bounce" of a slightly thicker, heavier shoe when I run. Plus, I also play basketball, lift weights and do other various activities in them. They are technically "training" shoes and are very versatile.

Thanks guys. I'll look into these two shoes for sure. I appreciate all the help. It's going to save me a lot of time trying to figure it out on my own what to be looking for.

 

[rkell87]

my advice, if price is not an obstacle(or even if it is) you really can't go wrong choosing a brand whose main focus is running(or anything else you may be looking for)

example, about ten years ago my aunt got into roller-blading and went to the store to drop about $200 on a new pair, I told her to get K-2s because they are the top guy for that sport but she had never heard of the brand so she got nike, they sucked so bad she was in her old $50 pair by week 2, she took them back, got the K-2s and they were the best thing she had experienced roller blading.


brands like brooks, asics, mizuno, new balance, and saucony have a focus on the runners market so they are the safest bet.


on a side note my GF has asics and loves them, I run in nike prestos which are pretty good but I liked the ones I had in high school better, when I wear these out I'll go to runners link and test out the top tier stuff from all brands

 

[Hoofbite]

As for your shin pain, it sounds similar to shinsplints (although I'd be in heaven if my pain would subside after ten minutes). Perhaps you're running too much on your heels, letting your calves overcompensate for the muscles in your shin...which, like mine, may be underdeveloped?

Just a guess.

I want to thank you again for this post. I was browsing the NB site the other day and they have some videos on running. Just short clips about technique and such and I was reading some other things on their site and I can all but assure you that my heels are hitting the ground first.

I'm going to go try to find a store that specializes in running and get a proper fitting shoe sometime.

 

[trickblue]

Best Rated Athletic Shoes

 

[baj1dallas]

Don't go out and buy a pair of shoes because they look cool or people here suggest them or somebody you know tells you they're great. None of that stuff has anything to do with YOUR FEET.

1 Go to a RUNNING STORE. A place that caters exlusively to runners.
2 Tell somebody you are looking for running shoes, you don't know what you are looking for.
3 They'll have you walk around or even run on a treadmill, and look at your feet. The type of shoe you want depends on the angle of your feet and the height of your arches.
4 They'll suggest at least one, maybe 2 or 3 pairs that have a similar fit. Buy whatever you like (cheapest, coolest looking)
5 Wear it for a while. If it works for you, next time buy the same model online for cheaper. If you feel pain (in your feet or knees), return them.

 

[Dallas]

Don't go out and buy a pair of shoes because they look cool or people here suggest them or somebody you know tells you they're great. None of that stuff has anything to do with YOUR FEET.

1 Go to a RUNNING STORE. A place that caters exlusively to runners.
2 Tell somebody you are looking for running shoes, you don't know what you are looking for.
3 They'll have you walk around or even run on a treadmill, and look at your feet. The type of shoe you want depends on the angle of your feet and the height of your arches.
4 They'll suggest at least one, maybe 2 or 3 pairs that have a similar fit. Buy whatever you like (cheapest, coolest looking)
5 Wear it for a while. If it works for you, next time buy the same model online for cheaper. If you feel pain (in your feet or knees), return them.

Surely the OP knows to do this advice already. Who goes into a store and grabs the advised shoes and does not speak to the salesman about them OR EVEN try them on and walk around in them?

Excuse some of us for bypassing all of that hoping for a little common sense?



I would expect he goes in and tries many of these shoes on and check out what works. I have no problem taking advice from someone who runs consistently. They probably buy a lot more running shoes than most, thus the request for feedback.

 

[Hoofbite]

Just saw this on slickdeals.

They have a link to a site that is having a sale on New Balance and other shoes.

Not sure what's left, most the stuff on that site flies.

http://slickdeals.net/f/4136196-Men...rs-from-40-Free-Shipping-on-Orders-75-or-More

 

[bringinthehurt31]

I recently switched to Mizuno Wave Creations and really like them. I have a narrow foot with very little arch. I also tend to pronate. I was running in Asics but was having a lot of discomfort in my knee's. After talking to a relative who was an olympic marathon runner and is a current head track and CC coach at a D1 school, he suggested staying away from Asics. He went on to say that a lot of people have knee discomfort when wearing Asic's. I used to run in Addidas SL96's. I always thought they were the greatest running shoe.
Also, for shin splints, you can take a cold can of soda and roll it from top to bottom on your shins after running. This will tend to help some. Also you can lay on your back and have someone pull your toes down. This will help stretch out the shins some. The best thing to do is try running on a soft surface like grass, trails or even a track. Slowly work in milage on concrete. When we were training, we had a stretching routine, that when done properly would last 1/2 an hr. Run a "warm up", stretch out good, due your work out, run a cool down and repeat your stretches. This is vitale. Doing that will help flush lactic acid out of your system also.
Foot issue's are a hard thing to deal with. A lot of the time it is due to improper foot wear. I used to always get a "pulling sensation" in the arch of my foot. I would roll my foot around on a tennis ball while watching tv or something. This really helped and after about a week, I would never get it again.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Don't go out and buy a pair of shoes because they look cool or people here suggest them or somebody you know tells you they're great. None of that stuff has anything to do with YOUR FEET.

1 Go to a RUNNING STORE. A place that caters exlusively to runners.
2 Tell somebody you are looking for running shoes, you don't know what you are looking for.
3 They'll have you walk around or even run on a treadmill, and look at your feet. The type of shoe you want depends on the angle of your feet and the height of your arches.
4 They'll suggest at least one, maybe 2 or 3 pairs that have a similar fit. Buy whatever you like (cheapest, coolest looking)
5 Wear it for a while. If it works for you, next time buy the same model online for cheaper. If you feel pain (in your feet or knees), return them.

Surely the OP knows to do this advice already. Who goes into a store and grabs the advised shoes and does not speak to the salesman about them OR EVEN try them on and walk around in them?

Excuse some of us for bypassing all of that hoping for a little common sense?



I would expect he goes in and tries many of these shoes on and check out what works. I have no problem taking advice from someone who runs consistently. They probably buy a lot more running shoes than most, thus the request for feedback.

lol. Yes I figured on trying them on and finding a good fit and doing what I needed to for a good shoe. I was just looking for some direction on some good types to look at and this thread has provided it.

I appreciate all the suggestions in this thread though. I've noted things about everything to keep in mind when I go to find some shoes. It's all greatly appreciated.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

Hey guys and gals wanted to thank you all again for the kind help.

Yesterday I purchased my new running shoes and I actually wound up going with the Mizuno Wave 13 (or 14).

I tried on pairs of Nikes, New Balance, Asics, and walked around in them all, ran around in them all a bit, trying to get the best feel for them and the Mizuno just simply felt the best. My second choice was the Asics. Those were quality shoes for sure.

 

[Kangaroo]

Don't go out and buy a pair of shoes because they look cool or people here suggest them or somebody you know tells you they're great. None of that stuff has anything to do with YOUR FEET.

1 Go to a RUNNING STORE. A place that caters exlusively to runners.
2 Tell somebody you are looking for running shoes, you don't know what you are looking for.
3 They'll have you walk around or even run on a treadmill, and look at your feet. The type of shoe you want depends on the angle of your feet and the height of your arches.
4 They'll suggest at least one, maybe 2 or 3 pairs that have a similar fit. Buy whatever you like (cheapest, coolest looking)
5 Wear it for a while. If it works for you, next time buy the same model online for cheaper. If you feel pain (in your feet or knees), return them.

I rarely ever trust salesman sorry they are out to make a buck like everyone else nothing wrong with that I just look at salesman as hype machine for the manufactures

 

[Muhast]

Get some Reebok zigs