I just started to enjoy running this past June and now that I’m racking up the miles, I’m wondering if it is worth it to pack my $39.99 Avia shoes away and perhaps visit a running store with running-specific and higher-end shoes.
What are the qualities of a good running shoe? Why do you buy them instead of whatever is on sale at DSW? Why would I make the jump from my Avia’s to a pair of shoes only found in running stores? I’m intersted in some fancy running shoes, but I don’t know why and I don’t know what I’m looking for.
I’m looking forward to hearing any thoughts, feedback, or testimonies.
YES. Go to a store that specializes in running shoes (not your run-of-the-mill sporting good store) and get properly fit. Good shoes will save you a world of injuries. I learned the hard way and ended up with compartmental syndrome b/c I was running in the wrong shoes (and overstriding, but that is a different thread). I have a closet full of discount running shoes ('cause I’m dumb and don’t learn the first 5 times) that I bought b/c they were such a good deal. Ran in them a few times and wish I hadn’t. There are several threads about this subject in past posts that you can search as well.
EDIT: I would venture an uneducated guess that people who are natural runners can run in crap shoes with fewer problems. I am NOT a natural runner and it is my weak spot.
Go to specialty running store to determine the type of shoe you need - motion control, cushioned, neutral, etc. Buy a pair from them. In the future you might find discounted shoes that fit your needs. When you find a pair that your really like buy at least one extra pair to have as a backup. Just like bikes just because it is expensive does not mean that it is best for you. Find shoes that are comfortable for you and your stride.
The answer to this question is very personal. I would say, No, expensive running shoes are not worth it. My $110 shoes never seemed to give me a proportionately higher number of miles than my $75 shoes. I was spending a lot of money on shoes running 250 miles a month.
Now I’ve gone off the deep end and run all my miles in racing flats or when there was grass available, bare feet. Since finishing another bad marathon in LA in March, I have run about 800 miles in three pairs of shoes: a pretty old pair of Saucony 8 oz flats, and for the last three months I have alternated between a pair of Brooks T3s and some Asics flats. The T3s are my “barefoot” shoe now and the Asics have a little more cushioning.
If the shoes you wear now are not causing you any issues then I would keep running in them if they only cost $40. If you are following a sensible, patient plan in building your mile then your body becomes accustomed to what you run in. When I was replacing my cushioned adidas Boston’s every month, my body became accustomed to that level of cushioning. When the cushioning was mashed after 250 miles then my legs started to hurt. Now that I run in shoes with virtually no cushion then my legs have adapted and I don’t have any issues. And I can just run in shoes until they fall apart.
I’m not saying that is for everyone, but it is an option for some.
I have actually had more problems running with “high end” shoes that were given to me in specialty running shops. Now I run in a pair of $45 dollar shoes that have no cushioning, support, or anything. And I have been told that I am an overpronator, with less than ideal biomechanics by many experienced individuals in sports medicine.
So, I guess the answer is that it depends. Just be smart. If your current shoes aren’t causing you any problems, I wouldn’t change. If you start to have problems, well, then it gets complicated. In some cases, really complicated. It took me 7 years to get things worked out.
So, why do you think you might need to change shoes?
wow, i find this amazing. are you not concerned about the long term effects of such impact (with less cushoning)? and are you saying that you’re gaining better conditioning running barefoot/in flats because you aren’t relying on cushioning?
please tell me more about how you decided to do this, what results you hope to gain, and how it’s going so far…it’s very interesting!
Well, I want new shoes, but I don’t know if I need them which is why I’m trying to get a feel for it here on slowtwitch.
I do have pain when I run, leftover from surgery in March for OCD, but I have a feeling no shoe would lessen that pain. But then again, if running stores actually measure and fit shoes to your foot, perhaps so!
Unlike bicycling and swimming I have no training in it whatsoever, so I know nothing about it except to put one foot in front of the other. I still love it nonetheless!
My approach to buying running shoes has always been to try on everything of the correct type for me while ignoring price. Pick the couple pairs that are the most comfortable and then make the decision based on price.
The most expensive shoe isn’t necessarily the best shoe for you - but it also might be.
Like the others have posted, go to a running speciality store to get fitted in the right type of shoes. Would you go to WalMart to get cycling gear? Once you’ve determined the type of shoe you need, you can think about price. For the most part, more expensive shoes are made with higher quality materials, offer better cushioning properties, etc… Do you need to spend more than $100 on running shoes? Probably not. You can get great shoes for about $65-$85, and that’s not including any discounts/sales. With every ASICS available to me, I run in the $75 GEL-1100. Good luck.
It is worth it to go to a high end running store with a treadmill and a highly qualified/experienced staff. If they are good, they won’t just put you in the most expensive shoe. Rather they will put you in the most appropriate shoe for your foot. Treat your feet well if you want to be around for the long run…
yes, and i’ll add that even though you go to a “running store”, make sure there is someone there that can watch you run on a treadmill, or tape you while running outside (and then come inside to watch it).
for years i went to a running store, where no one had watched me run, and as a result, wore corrective shoes that actually helped me develop the injury that i have.
so call ahead and ask if they do a running analysis via treadmill and tape. if a store says no, keep shopping for one that does. if they say they can do it but only during non-busy store times, do your best to get there for this service. it is imperitive that you wear the shoes that are best for your gait. otherwise, all kinds of problems can develop…you don’t want to get in that situation.
the knowledge you can get from being a loyal customer from a running store is well worth the few extra bucks. they’ll get to know you and they will be able to make recommendations on clothes, and all sorts of things. it’s a good thing.
I try to find a good, comfortable running shoe, but I’m not going to spend a lot of money on a pair of shoes. I don’t run huge weekly miles, but I still go through shoes fairly quickly. I’m just not going to spend $100 or more for a pair of shoes I’ll only wear a couple of months. I will pay $80, maybe $90 plus shipping if I order online. I’d rather pay closer to $50 or $60, but I’ve recently fallen in love with my Adidas Supernova Classics. They run $80-ish, and I’m willing to pay that. But not much more.
Running in non-running shoes/x-trainers/tennis shoes are all bad ideas but shoes technology hasn’t really changed in years and keeping up with the newest models each year is unnecessary IMHO. I run pretty well but over-ponate a bit. I know I can run high mileages safely in any of Asics 1000 seies, 2000 series and Kayanos (proably others too but I haven’t tried them). All have gel heels are very well built and last longer than the rubber on the sole. Gel in the forefoot (that you get in the 2000s and Kayanos) is marginally more comfortable but this year I could get (in the UK), :
Last season’s 1000 series for £35
This year’s for £65
Two year’s old model for £30
Last year’s 2000 series for £55
This year’s for £75
Last year’s Kayanos for £95
THis year’s for Kayano’s £115.
I guess the question is how much do you wnat to spend?
Running shoes are a cost-no-object purchase. $130 might seem like a lot for shoes, but I guarantee doctor bills are more. Running in bad shoes is not only asking for athletic injury and disappointment, but risks permenant physical disability.
Bite the bullet now so that it doesn’t bite you later.
I’m not cdw, but I have had similar experiences to him. I’m not concerned about long term impact one bit for the simple reason that my knees and body feel great. I’ve talked a lot about it in my posts on this site, but I tried it because I was constantly injured and feeling achy. My knees felt like garbage - ITB, runners knee, you name it. And I had constant shin splints - on 8 miles a week!
I attribute it to better form while running - my lower legs and feet absorb the impact, not the shoes. There’s more to it that simply getting a pair of no nothing shoes, but for me, running in shoes without any significant lift, cushioning, or motion control was a big part of getting back to running.
avia makes a nice shoe the 2050. I think it is just as imporant what you run on . Me ---- well — old 53-- I try to run on soft stuff if I can. I have several pairs of running shoes and try to mix them up.Shawn is right asics 1100 are a very nice shoe . Lots of nice shoes out their for around around $75 bucks.
Just wanted a bit of quick advice re the new Cumulus. I have been running in Nike Moto II’s until recently, including training for and racing IM Germany. However, I have started to have hamstring problems and am now keen to try a different shoe (psychological as much as physiological). I wore a pair of Cumulus for a couple of days but took them back in exchnage for Moto III’s simply because I was concerned that the material on the inside of the shoe may not withstand the pressure placed on it by my orthotic. The material appears super breathable but I was concerned as to its integrity and strength. By contrast the Moto’s material is really strong and almost looks reinforced.
I was therefore wondering whether the integrity of the instep area had proven to be a problem? While I am sure that I could return the shoes after a reasonable period if they did tear, I am generally loathed to buy something that might cause a problem down the track.
Any thoughts you could offer would be appreciated.
PS - I love the fit of the Cumulus - just like a glove (although not OJ’s)
The only other piece of advice I would give is to replace your shoes often. What often means is dependant on mileage but most experts seem to be around 300-400 miles. The shoes will not look worn out at that point but the cushioning properties will be prejudiced and could lead to injury. Been there…done that.
The Cumulus isn’t necessarily designed for orthotic-wearers, thus the instep, or the instep material is not reinforced. However, a guy here in the office swears by the Cumulus plus his orthotics and hasn’t had any problems. If you’re concerned, I would recommend the GEL-Landreth…a neutral shoe with some very mild support and a slightly beefier upper. May be harder to find because of limited distribution, but could be a viable option. Also, check out the Nimbus…great fit.
OK! you’all knew it was coming. Dr. Dre’ turned me on to Vitruvians. His (Chuck’s) old models are still available for $30, shipping included. His new models are still a bargain at $60. I have both. I love 'em. I’m trying to wear out my old ones, so I can put in more miles on the new ones.
“You’ll think they’re heavy as you’ll take then out of the box (they are). You’ll run a few miles in them and firmly believe it’s the lightest shoe you’ve ever run in. They’re that nice.” -Dr Dre’ from a March 05 thread.
(The new ones are a little lighter.)
By the way. Chuck recommends that you find a shoe that suits you and get 2 pair. Run in one pair 90% and the other 10%. when you can tell the difference, it’s time to get a new pair. Make that new pair the 10% and the previous 10%'s your 90% shoes. Makes sense to me.