Running Shoes?

[MICKEY1024]

I am a beginning runner, I am doing my first 5K on thanksgiving morning and already signed up for the ESPN 5K. I am also planning to sign up for the Princess 1/2 Marathon. I have began training a little but really need to get new shoes. What are a good supportive kind to get? Any advice?

 

[K80K]

Your first stop will need to be a running specialty store. They will have people trained to help fit you for the right shoe for you as a good supportive shoe will differ from person to person. The fitter will look at the wear on existing shoes, the architecture of your foot, your gait and find the right shoe to give you the support you need where you need it. Runners World has a list of running speciatly stores to help you find one near your: http://www.runnersworld.com/store/search/1,7978,s6-240-417-0-0,00.html
I typically buy my first pair whereever I am fitted and then order replacement pairs from HolabirdSports.com or RunningWarehouse.com. Every now and I then I will go back and get refitted to make sure I am still in the right shoe.

 

[FireDancer]

Like Katie said, your first stop should be a specialty running store. I prefer Fleet Feet but they are independent franchises and we have a very good one locally so your experience may very.

A good running store will take multiple measurements of you foot, watch you walk or jog on a treadmill, and make recommendations accordingly. They will let you A/B the shoes on a treadmill and probably even out in the parking lot.

The most important running equipment you will buy are your shoes so make sure you get the right ones, not the ones that look the best.

 

[JoanneNC]

Definitely your local running store. I wanted to wait until I was "committed". Ran my 1st 5k in my everyday off the shelf sneakers and had inquired my hip. Before getting frustrated from NOT being able to run, I went to our local (60 mins away) running store and the shoes I was fitted in felt like heaven.. I knew immediately they were my answer and sure enough they were. No more pains...

I realize I pay more but I will only buy our running shoes from a local running store as a way of supporting what they offer/do for the running community. I have never received better service anywhere else. DH was fitted and tried a new brand of shoes and after about 25 miles on them he wasn't happy - they took them back without a hesitation.

 

[Sandy321]

I am not a "dedicated" runner - but my dh is!! and he made me go to the local running shoe store -

It makes a HUGE difference - I am running in shoes larger than I normally wear - that made a huge difference!! I also use the inserts that they recommended, and I really think they help a great deal as well!!

Good Luck!! Its totally worth it!!