Need Help Finding Shoes for Running

Just to knock the ball home...I, too, am not the thinnest woman. I do eat right and excercise. Spending the extra cash on "professionally" trained people with a good pair of sneakers make ALL the difference. You dont have to be a "runner". Even if you are not a marathon runner, those stores REALLY make a difference. I found it weird that I wasnt choosing MY style...they brought out maybe 3 pair, and THEN I chose.
BTW, I am so flat footed that I leave a "brick" mark with my feet rather than "feet"....

HTH...

My son and husband are both runners. The best thing you can do is to go to a running store, preferably a privately owned one rather than a chain which just employs clerks who don't necessarily know anything. You need to go to a store that caters to runners - you could ask local running clubs or high school track coaches if they have an arrangement with such a store. Often these pros will give a discount to a school in the hopes of getting a lot of traffic - the chains don't do that. At the store, they should have a treadmill (unless they are in a mall and have a large area where they can watch you walk) - they should watch you walk toward them and away from them, and/or to walk on a treadmill. They are watching for the way you run (such as heel strike - whether you land on your heels or the balls of your feet, and whether you are "even" on both sides) and for pronation (whether you tend to roll inwards or outwards - and again, whether it is the same on both feet). It is essential that you run/walk absolutely naturally when you do this - don't try to adopt a style that you think they want to see. It's about your body's natural rhythm and style -- then they can see what is causing you the problem, and suggest a shoe to compensate. Arch support is important but it is only one aspect. So, spend the money on good shoes, and buy really cheap shorts and shirts! Cut back somewhere else but not on shoes!! Everyone's feet are different - your problem could be a high arch, but then again, you might just have a high arch but that's not causing the problem. Know what I mean? My son has been a competitive runner for 7 years so we've been through a lot of shoes.

Colleges also have deals (sponsorship) with running shoe companies, but by then, the athletes usually know what they need and they just order them directly from the manufacturer, so no one is actually fitting their feet with shoes. However, if you have a college near you and want to ask the coach or trainer for recommendations for a local running store, you can try that. My guess is, you won't have as much luck getting through.

It's okay if you use a store that also sells cross trainers or walking shoes, but their focus should be running. Do not buy on line until you have found a shoe that is absolutely perfect. Then you can replace it. Also, keep track of your mileage - the cushioning can wear out after a while and the shoes need to be replaced. A good running store will be able to check your shoes for you and let you know if there is still life in them. If not, retire the old ones and use them for gardening but not for serious walking or running.

Good luck!

I just got fitted for a pair of Asics Gel-Evolution 6 sneakers. I went to a specialty running store to be fitted and it was well worth the trip. If there is one in your area, seek out their expertise. I had no idea that the shoes I had bought just last summer were half a size too small. Your size is probably bigger than you think, especially after pregnancy. I was a 9/9.5 before my first pregnancy and am now a 10.5 in running shoes after my 4th.

Anyway...I LOVE these shoes. They are designed for maximum stability for us heavier runners who overpronate (ankles roll in). I have plantar fasciitis and achilles tendonitis and these do a great job supporting the ankle, heel and arch. The high, firm arch feels great against my own arch and it's like having my PF massaged away with each step.

Go get fitted at a store where someone who knows what they're doing can watch you jog around the store in different shoes and can let you know which pair will offer you the best stability. Asics and New Balance are known for great arch support. If even that doesn't work, I've heard great things about Superfeet inserts.

Go to a true running store and have them assess your foot and gait, they will make a recommendation. You can also read up on proper running technique and make sure your form is good. Runners wolrd and other sites normally have lots of articles on this

http://www.runnersworld.com/

IF you are adventurous you could try the Vibram 5 fingers. Lots of people swear by these - it mimics barefoot running. I know several people that use them and say they no longer have foot or knee problems. A little counter intuitive to what traditionalists have always said and the form you use is different. I haven't used them, but my daughter who ran cross country has and loves them.

www.vibramfivefingers.com

I'll add something no one else has mentioned: make sure you stretch out your Achilles tendon and calf muscle several times a day, as this tightness can contribute to heel and foot pain. If you go to a heel pain website they will show you stretches and exercises.
This is in addition to what everyone else said: go to a professional running store, do not skimp on shoes, and change out your shoes every 300-500 miles, and keep track of that. Me, when I get shin splints, it's time to change shoes; they've gone flat.
Oh, I'll also say this: don't skimp on a sports bra either, unless you want to be tucking your boobs into your pants when you're older. If you belong to the House of Large Knockers, Enell is your sports bra. I'm 38DD and that damn thing immobilized me for an entire marathon. Boob running heaven!

Hi! Go to Fleet Feet - the employees are athletes and they are trained to fit you properly according to your foot, your gate and your circumstances. You won't be disappointed. Good luck!
N.

I don't know but my mom have many feet problems and I get her many stuff incluiding shoes from Footsmart.com, and I have see there a lot of stuff for what you are looking for.

Forward Motion in downtown Danville will watch you run and get you a shoe with a proper fit. I can always tell when I need a new pair of shoes because I start to feel pain when I run and a new pair a shoes always does the trick in fixing the problem. I usually replace my shoes about once a year and use them 4-5 times a week.

Hi, Not sure if there is a Fleet Feet nearer to you but there is one in Pleasanton I use that is worth driving down to from Concord IMHO. They are amazing & everyone I've heard who has gone there agrees. They watch the way you walk & see what kind of shoe you need & then recommend pairs to try. I get shin splints & general foot pain. Both shoes I got there fixed the problems (til my 1st wore out). The pair I have right now is Saucony & it is soooo comfortable. But Saucony might not be right for you. I would go there & try them. They are a few dollars more that other places but that few dollars is sooo worth it! Oh & also, in between the 2 pairs I bought there I was at the outlets in Gilroy & I told them I wanted a pair similar to the ones I had, brought in the pair & everything. They pulled out a pair that were supposed to be the same - just a newer one...they killed my feet. That $40 was a complete waste! Can not recommend more highly, will never buy a pair of athletic shoes anywhere else now.

I like Mizuno brand. If you are near a Sports Basement store, they carry a number of them so you can try until you find one that works.

Since you are flat-footed, you probably over-pronate. Go to either the Asics website or the New Balance website to learn more about what to look for in a shoe. Both sites are great educational sites.

If you were using Dr. Scholl's inserts, toss them! You may wish to try either Spenco or Superfeet as both of them are incredible and recommended for flat-footers.

Finally, find a running store in your area and enlist their help. Avoid mall or discount stores unless you know exactly what you need because these places typically don't tend to hire knowledgeable salespeople.

I was going to say what Diane B said! Running stores will test your pronation and really help you! See what they say, bit I'm thinking you would probably love Brooks or Saucony shoes.