Question about running shoes

[roselark]

Hi all! I am just starting a conservative (28 week) C25K program. I am wondering when I should get fitted for running shoes. The first month is all walking and then gradually add in running starting the second month. It is still mostly walking until the 4th month, at which point it changes to mostly running.

My concern is that I am very overweight (about 100 pounds to lose), and I think the way I walk/run will change as I lose weight; I don't know if my foot strike would change though. Should I get fitted now or wait a couple of months? I am concerned both about cost (DH was laid off in December) and about preventing injury.

Thanks!

 

[rubato]

What type of shoe do you have now? If it were me, I'd make do with some decent walking/running shoes in the beginning. I would wait and see until I'm running more. You will probably have some changes, and you don't need to have a professionally fitted shoe at first, if at all. I'm running a half marathon and run at an 8&1/2 min. mile pace and don't have professionally fit shoes. But, I have decades of running knowledge and know my feet!

Just my advice!

 

[roselark]

I have some New Balance walking shoes that are about a year old. I will stick with these for now and change over later. Thanks for the advice!

 

[FireDancer]

I would head to a good running store and try on a variety of shoes. It isn't really about a professional fitting, though that is part of it, as it is about a knowledgeable sales associate who can answer questions. Any good store will let you do some A/B comparisons on the treadmill or in the parking lot so you can feel the different shoes. They'll watch you walk and let you know what kind of gait you have.

It is true that you may change the kind of shoes you need as you loose weight but the more you weigh the quicker the shoes will start to loose cushioning and spring. In the amount of time it takes to loose sufficient weight to necessitate new shoes I imagine it will be time for a new pair anyways.

If you have a pair of shoes that works for you then wear those to the store. If while trying on shoes you realize the ones you already have are working and you don't need new shoes no big deal. Let them know you appreciate their time and you'll be back when you are ready for new shoes.

Good luck.

 

[daisy2jae]

I got shin splints last summer from not having good running shoes. I'm about 50 lbs over weight. I got new shoes but my shin splints have still not healed. I wish I would have invested correctly from the beginning b/c now I'm in a lot of pain. $ is an issue here when it comes to spending money on things we can get by without. However I have learned that if I have good shoes and a w.o. outfit I feel good in I keep up with my w.o.'s Now if I could get my shin splints to heal! Best of Luck!

 

[APrunner]

I would go ahead and get fitted. There are so many shoes out there, it is a good idea to get a feel for what you will like. The concern will be that the fit may change as you lose weight. You may need a wider shoe now compared to what you will need after you lose weight. That is what happened to me. I lost about 100lbs a few years ago, and my foot became narrower.

Good Luck!

 

[maroo]

I, too, am considerably overweight and I would start now. Just walking will rub blisters and those will allow you to figure out what is the right shoe/sock combo that will work for you.

Best of luck and great job on starting to get in shape!

 

[PeterPan09]

Shoes are the most important piece of equipment you have and will make or break your program. Invest the time and the $$ to get good ones and replace them as needed. Otherwise, you're courting injury which will halt your progress.

You can go cheap on everything else, but not on your feet.

 

[crewmatt]

I would say to go earlier rather than later. This way you reduce any chance of injury that might result from your shoe's support being broken down. Good luck

 

[APrunner]

If cost is an issue, when is it not, check out runningwarehouse.com. Free shipping. No tax (may depend on where you live). You can also find a code online to save 15% (usually excludes Asics and Mizuno). Of course you need to know what shoe you need, but once you have that figured out, this can save you in the future. This is where I get most of my shoes.

 

[crewmatt]

Also if you find a set of shoes you like, watch as the companies roll out new models. You can usually pick up the phasing out or last years model at a significant discount. Just remember an injury will cost drastically more than a set of shoes.

Also something that helps prolong running shoes is to use them strictly for working out/racing. What I do is as a set of running shoes starts to give out is I downgrade them to my everyday walking shoes and buy new running shoes. This way my workout shoes stay fresh and I'm not spending money having to maintain 2 sets of shoes. Then of course add on work shoes, etc, and when I travel for work I quickly feel like a girl packing 2-3 sets of shoes for the week (no offense to any females on the thread - just a playful joke)

 

[pixiedust23]

If you have a Fleet Feet by you, I highly recommend going there to have them watch how you run and find a shoe that is supportive and appropriate. I went to them 5 years ago and have been buying the updated version of the running shoe (Asics 2100 series, I think) ever since then. They videotape you running on a treadmill in their store to analyze your stride and see how you pronate. In NJ they also didn't try to sell me on the most expensive shoe, he asked what my needs were and said this would be the best for me. Great experience, everyone I know that is a runner in this area goes to them, they are a chain and have a website, if you want to check for a store.

I agree investing in a good pair of running shoes is far and above worth it! Mine weren't out of control expensive, about $95.

 

[FireDancer]

If you have a Fleet Feet by you, I highly recommend going there to have them watch how you run and find a shoe that is supportive and appropriate. I went to them 5 years ago and have been buying the updated version of the running shoe (Asics 2100 series, I think) ever since then. They videotape you running on a treadmill in their store to analyze your stride and see how you pronate. In NJ they also didn't try to sell me on the most expensive shoe, he asked what my needs were and said this would be the best for me. Great experience, everyone I know that is a runner in this area goes to them, they are a chain and have a website, if you want to check for a store.

I agree investing in a good pair of running shoes is far and above worth it! Mine weren't out of control expensive, about $95.

Fleet Feet is my go to running store as well. They are a franchise so your experience may very but my understanding is that they have very strict quality controls. There are 3 or 4 stores much closer to my house but they treat me so well I make the 30 minute drive out there every time I need shoes.

When I was living in Clearwater the running store I went to was The American Company in Dunedin.

Once you find a good running store stick with them. It is invaluable.

 

[crewmatt]

I've been to fleet feet, good people. I also am a huge fan of roadrunner sports. Potomac River Running and Pacers are also really nice.