How to Buy Training Shoes, Discussion Topic

[windwalker]

I've given my opinion on this before on here but we have some new people so I think it's time to have this discussion again. Because the shoe choice can make or break a training plan. There is no other piece of equipment that is as important.

Always go to a store with people trained to look at your foot type and your stride and your gait and recommend the correct type of shoe for you. This step is not negotiable, if you have to take a day trip to another city do it.

After the shoe guru recommends a type of shoe, ask them to get every shoe that fits the catagory in your size, (which is a half to full size larger than your dress shoe size). A good store will expect this so ask for them to do this.

Now try on each and every shoe that fits the type you need. Walk around in them, if there is a treadmill run on them if you are a runner, most stores will let you run up and down the street or mall in each. After you have spent quality time with each and got it down to a few pairs repeat the process till you are down to a first and second choice.

Buy the first choice and if you can swing it the second choice also. It is always a good idea to have two shoes that work for you because one can be changed "Updated" and not work any more. Then you have to go shopping for a replacement, but you have something to wear till then.

There are hundreds of shoe styles out there and a very few that will be the right ones for you. Once you have your shoe or shoes picked out you can shop them on line for the best prices. I have found runningwarehouse to be the best prices. Amazingly it was Mizuno that gave me the link to them. My revolvers are $85 at other sites but at the warehouse they are $53.

The next most important piece of equipment are socks. There are some basic rules and a ton of options. The basics: NO COTTON!!, BUY A GOOD BRAND!! TUBE SOCKS ARE BLISTERS IN A BAG!! BIG SEAMS WILL KILL YOUR TOES!!

Fortunately socks are a bit cheaper than shoes so you can experiment. If you get blisters you probably shouldn't wear that sock type any more to train.

I have never quite figured this one out but as you progress as a walker or runner the shoe and sock combination haat has worked well in the past may suddenly stop working for you. I think it has something to do with your feet becoming more muscled and your gait and stride changing as you advance as an athlete.

Come on you guys that have years of experience, please add your recommendations and thoughts.

DAve

 

[Green Tea]

The only thing I can add is that while online warehouses offer better prices, it is the small, independant merchant that took the time to find the right shoe. It costs them a fortune in overhead to have the numbe of shes that we all try on to find the right fit. Not saying not to order online to save money, just to think about what happens if the small, trained shopkeepers go out of business because everyone only gets a pair there then bails.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

Fit is more important than looks.

If it fits great and looks cute, you got lucky.

If it is only cute--cute can be for another day.


If you can, find a running store that will permit exchanges in case a pair you purchased doesn't work out. A local running store owned and operated by runners does this.

Your store should have a treadmill or floor space ample enough for a jog to test before you buy. It won't be quite the same as on the road, but it will be more realiable than the bouncy-jig we often do when trying on shoes to check impact in the shoe.

I forget the rule of thumb--I believe it is NO MORE THAN 300-500 miles on a pair of shoes. You will require more than 1 pair even for the half marathon. I got away with 2 pair for a half, no less than 3 pair for a full.

If doing the Goofy--you need a pair for each day. If it rains during the half, you will count your blessings that you had a backup pair for the full.

Do not purchase a new pair of shoes just for race day. You will hate yourself 10fold for doing this. It is a good idea to have about 100 miles on your shoes. The old buy a new pair and wear them touring the parks isn't the best plan, but it will work if you have catastrophic shoe failure during your taper and can't help but require a new pair.

I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Oasics socks---they are heaven (well as much as heaven can be at mile 26)

On socks--if you start getting blisters after wearing the socks comfortable for weeks or months--it is time for a new pair of socks.

Keep a mileage log. Not just for your training--but for your shoes. You need to know how many miles are on the shoes. It sounds silly--but the shoes can LOOK fine but have expired in terms of training for a marathon. Rotate them to everydaywear if you like. But don't train in them.



I will think about it and add more later. Time to go get my braces off.

 

[Creativebeth]

Keep your running shoes just for running.......I try to do this to 'save' them and also to know how many miles I have on them. I use an old pair to cross train, because even though they are not good for running anymore, they are still ok for the elliptical or for classes.

Beth

 

[Meliechick]

I just wanted to chime in on what a difference proper fitting shoes make. I used to run and then got away from it for a few years. I started running short distances again about 5 mths ago and my knees started bothering me. I got really worried and went to the Dr. and she sent me to an ortho Dr. Neither found anything wrong with my knees. It was time for new shoes so I got fitted for running shoes at a running store. This made all of the difference in the world. Now I am up to 8 miles with no more knee pains.

 

[escape]

What about shoe inserts? I have a friend that always replaces her inserts from the get go and I've heard about others doing this as well. Yet, I've had shoe salesmen telling me that you shouldn't need to replace the insert if you have a good, quality shoe. I guess this is just a personal preference?

 

[Green Tea]

What about shoe inserts? I have a friend that always replaces her inserts from the get go and I've heard about others doing this as well. Yet, I've had shoe salesmen telling me that you shouldn't need to replace the insert if you have a good, quality shoe. I guess this is just a personal preference?

I do, even with good shoes. I run with SuperFeet, the dark pink ones. I have some unused inserts from previous shoes just in my closet.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

What about shoe inserts? I have a friend that always replaces her inserts from the get go and I've heard about others doing this as well. Yet, I've had shoe salesmen telling me that you shouldn't need to replace the insert if you have a good, quality shoe. I guess this is just a personal preference?

I would say personal preference. Purchased inserts provide additional support. I've trained with coaches and have attended "foot" clinics with podiatrists and I have never been told that I needed to replace the insert.

In fact I did replace the inserts once and my feet yelled at me. They like to be in their most flat position and don't appreciate it when equipment tries to make things better.

 

[windwalker]

What about shoe inserts? I have a friend that always replaces her inserts from the get go and I've heard about others doing this as well. Yet, I've had shoe salesmen telling me that you shouldn't need to replace the insert if you have a good, quality shoe. I guess this is just a personal preference?

I replace the inserts in the shoes that have little cushion to add a little. This is true with some of the racing flats, regular training shoes usually have plenty of cushion.

Dave

 

[Steffwalks]

If you can afford it, get two pair at once, especially if you live any distance from the store. Then if you find your knees or back hurting, you can switch shoes, without making the extra trip. AND if you have two pair you can use the second pair if the first gets wet, or muddy, or whatever. And you will have backup shoes for your races! This can be really important! Pack one pair in the luggage and one pair in your carryon, then you will have at least one pair of shoes available for your event!!!

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

If you can afford it, get two pair at once, especially if you live any distance from the store. Then if you find your knees or back hurting, you can switch shoes, without making the extra trip. AND if you have two pair you can use the second pair if the first gets wet, or muddy, or whatever. And you will have backup shoes for your races! This can be really important! Pack one pair in the luggage and one pair in your carryon, then you will have at least one pair of shoes available for your event!!!

Also good b/c as I have discovered...a shoe that I just bought....seems it happens every year this time I buy shoes and when I go to get another pair, that model is no more.

I did find the newer shoe and plan to order on-line.

 

[Tiger Lily 03]

I do not have custom orthotic inserts, but the podiatrist and running shoe store both recommended I consider new inserts every other pair. I've done it this way and it does seem to help me.

Although I am not the "seasoned" in the orthotics or running/walking of events. Only been at this since the first WISH walkers.