Affordable running shoe for men?

[EllenFrasier]

My 18 year old son has taken up running. He wants to be a police officer and figures he better build up his endurance. He is not out of shape, but not too muscular and kind of tall and skinny.
Anyway, I think he should have good running shoes for support, etc. but I have no idea what brand to get and I don't want to spend a fortune. He bought himself some in Walmart, but I don't know how good they really are.

 

[bosuch]

Go to your local running store. Not a general sporting goods store, but a real running store. They will watch him walk, examine the wear pattern of his current shoes, and perform all sorts of other voodoo to pick out the best pair. You'll pay more than WalMart, but tell them you're on a budget and they might be able to steer you towards clearance shoes or let you know of an upcoming sale.

If he's going to be running on a regular basis it's worth it to get a properly fitted pair.

Bill

 

[chris31997]

I second the need to get fitted with the proper fitted running shoe. DH does alot of running and we go thru the running shoes. But I am willing to pay the $80-120 for good shoes because he needs the right ones to protect his feet.

 

[jam217]

I absolutely agree with the prior posters about going to a running store. I am a relatively cheap person but that's the one area I won't skimp on. Not wearing the right shoe can not only be uncomfortable but lead to other problems.

 

[Alsobrook]

I can typically find those shoes online for about 15% less, on average.... and I agree.... get fitted.

Running shoes are nothing to cheap out on....the orthopedist won't cheap out when you're trying to work out your plantar fascitis.

 

[timmac]

I'll also add (as someone who has run many a race now) that once you've been fitted by a professional the first time around, future shoe purchases can be made elsewhere, and your son will have a better idea what type of shoe he needs, and can experiment a bit with brand and style. But for the first pair of shoes, expect to drop about $100, give or take. Worth every penny.

 

[clh2]

Running store...only way to get fitted properly. Just like all PP's have mentioned.

 

[PatMcDuck]

Try to buy New Balance. Made in the USA!! They also come in width, and they do not glue the sole inside down. That makes it easy to take it out and replace with an orthodic if necessary.

 

[Zerosinthecloset]

Second the suggestion to be fitted at a quality shoe store. You should be able to find something decent in the $70 - $80 range, maybe a little more. Then get a catalog from and check out roadrunnersports.com for some of their deals. As a former runner...now just lazy...it pays to have more than one pair, alternating every other run. Seems to make them last longer.

 

[Deb & Bill]

Once you find a shoe that works, buy the next pairs online. You can get lots of discounts and free shipping. Kelly's Running Warehouse is one good site. Also Roadrunnersports. com

Just Google the shoe and see what you can find.

 

[shortbun]

Running store...only way to get fitted properly. Just like all PP's have mentioned.

Running shoes are a place where you just shouldn't scrimp. The two runners in my family always get fitted.

 

[angelmav]

Does he have narrow feet? If so Nike seems to be a good or Asics, both of which you can get an entry level running show that will hold up well for a decent price, For a wider foot New Balance are a good shoe too, but I wouldnt recommend them for a narrower foot. I wouldnt advise too much running in anything that Wal-Mart sells unfortunately. This is one area that you really need a better product than they are likely to carry, especially to avoid repetitive or stress injuries.

 

[devilmafia11]

it is best for you that you can find from internet

 

[cassandrap83]

Get fitted? I have never heard such a thing. Is you son just looking to start running to increase his endurance, or is he looking to run marathons?

I have always used zappos.com for our shoes. Asics make great, lightweight running shoes. You can get a pair for $50 or under.

If you exercise regularly, you should be replacing your shoes every 3 months, so keep that in mind when it comes to cost.

You can also find hundreds of reviews on Zappos for each individual shoe -- most people will say "I'm a runner, and these have been great" or "I'm a runner and these are horrible"....etc.

 

[BBandDisney]

 

[timmac]

Get fitted? I have never heard such a thing. Is you son just looking to start running to increase his endurance, or is he looking to run marathons?

Not getting properly fitted is part of the reason so many people suffer from shin splints, plantar fascitis, and other similar ailments.

You can also find hundreds of reviews on Zappos for each individual shoe -- most people will say "I'm a runner, and these have been great" or "I'm a runner and these are horrible"....etc.

Just seeing someone say "I'm a runner..." doesn't say anything about their foot, arch, stride, or otherwise. These details are vital to finding the right shoes.

 

[Bob NC]

I glanced at the title and thought you were looking for:

Adorable running shoes for men......

 

[jam217]

Not getting properly fitted is part of the reason so many people suffer from shin splints, plantar fascitis, and other similar ailments.



I absolutely agree with this.

I'd also caution against listening to people who have their "favorite'' shoe brands and make recommendations. What works for one person, won't necessarily work for someone else. Someone posted about Asics being good for a narrow foot and New Balance for a wide foot. I have wide feet and Asics is one of three brands that I wear. I've also tried New Balance and hated them. Other people love them.

And before someone says that perhaps I wasn't fitted properly and that's why I didn't like New Balance, I'm fortunate to be part of a test panel that tries new running shoes for a major running magazine and reports on them after 3 weeks of use. The shoes that I wear for the testing are fitted to my feet by shoe expert at a local running store.

 

[mountdew1]

Get fitted? I have never heard such a thing. Is you son just looking to start running to increase his endurance, or is he looking to run marathons?

.........

If you exercise regularly, you should be replacing your shoes every 3 months, so keep that in mind when it comes to cost.

Get fitted. No doubt about it. Find a local running store, and have them fit your son. If he has an existing pair of sneakers he has used, bring those in as the wear pattern can help to tell them alot in addition to watching him run. Most stores will have a treadmill in store he will use, or will tell him to run up and down the street outside the store.

Be wary of shopping by cost. First time I was fitted, they didn't even tell me the price until I said which I liked the best. Shopping for the cheapest can end up causing serious discomfort while running, and possible injury. If you tell the store you are looking for something affordable, they should definitely be able to gear their choices towards that direction. But expect to pay 80-100 for them. They can run up to about 160.

If you do go to a local store, buy the first pair there. They took the time to fit you and help you to make an educated choice. If you just try them on, and then buy em online you are hurting a local business that tried to help you out. After you find a style you like, then by all means look online and find them cheaper to buy a second/third pair to hold on to for later. I actually usually luck out and find my shoes at Bobs Stores when they changing models, and get them at a great deal so I use the same "model year" sneaker for a while. And once they no longer have that same "model year", get fitted again. The shoes change from year to year, so even though it may have the same name, it won't necessarily be the same show. Just like a car, a 2011 Ford Focus isn't going to be identical to a 2012 Ford Focus. The shoe company could change their last, use a different amount of cushion underfoot, all sorts of things that can make a serious difference.

The 3 months replacement thing - not hard and set. They should be replaced when they don't feel comfortable, or are showing serious wear. I've got about 6 months on my current pair, which includes 2 1/2 marathons, and 1 full marathon, and I am just getting to the point where they need to be replaced.

Looking at reviews from running magazines, asking for opinions can help you to weed out shoes that just don't cut it, but unless you know your needs they cannot be the only deciding factor. Does your son overpronate, underpronate? Have a flat arch, high arch? Certain shoes are meant to address certain issues.