Sneaker help from those that run/walk

[Mom21]

It is time to buy some sneakers that will support my feet while I walk (hopefully run soon). I overpronate (feet rotate in). Anyone have any suggestions on good shoes so I can start shopping. I was looking and there are so many different kinds I am overwhelmed. I would like to narrow it down to some specific models. Thanks.

 

[ohMom]

i have a wider foot, in the 'toe box' so i wear New Balance; but they have shoes with "Rollbar" that helps with overpronating. or so they say.

I would recommend going to a running store and getting fitted by the employees. they will watch you walk/run, sometimes on a treadmill; and suggest a shoe based on your step. Once you find a brand you like you can bargain shop on line come time to replace.

 

[tiggerlover]

I have had problems in the past with plantars facitis (sp?) and my doctor told me the best sneakers for support are New Balance. I used to wear Nike or Reebok, but now all I buy is New Balance.

 

[HMHunters]

Definitely go to a running store. Bring shoes that you've been walking/running in to show how they're wearing. They'll watch your stride and put you in the proper shoes. It really makes all the difference in the world! I didn't think so until I had it done.

 

[MickeySP]

Another for going to a running store, one that is well known. Ask around to folks you know who run/walk seriously.

I am lucky I live in the Boston area and we have Marathon Sports, they cater to lots of serious runners.
A good place will watch you walk/run look for pronation, then work to find a good fit. Once you find one you like they should watch you again to see if works for you.

I have a wide foot so I avoid Nike & Reebok, I love my Asics Gel, but Brooks are good too. Brooks seem to let more air through the toe, that helps on really long walks/runs.

Good Luck.

 

[Mom21]

Thanks everyone. I am off to sneaker shop, now that I know what to look for.

 

[westcliffemom]

I just went to a running shoe store, and got my gait analyzed. It was a neat experience, and I was able to try out different types of shoes on the treadmill.

What I thought was interesting was that I did research before online about what kind of shoes I thought I needed to fix my problem, but the salesman recommended a different kind. Usually I buy Asics, but the Brooks felt better.

I've used the Brooks for 9.5 miles so far, and they are helping! I'm really glad I went and got it done. I would definetly recommend it to anyone!

 

[Judy from Boise]

I pronate.......Asics for me! Actually my DH too, and our feet are built very differently. I had knee pain with reeboks that went away with my asics.

 

[FirstTimertoDiz]

As an employee at a small running store, that is what I vote for! Actually, the owner and myself are the only two people that work at the store, and we are both certified athletic trainers. This helps tremendously, because we both have a background in biomechanics, and in gait analysis. We both have also treated patients/athletes for numerous injuries, so we have a working knowledge of anatomy and rehab techniques; this comes in handy for people looking to change shoes due to injury or overuse.

If there are any stores that employ someone that has this sort of background, I would highly recommend them. Hope this helps, and good luck!

 

[Judy from Boise]

to add we both get our shoes at a local runnung store that does analysis etc. I agree go to the experts, not a kid at foor locker!

 

[amyfinke]

I agree with going to a local running store and asking the experts. My mom doesn't run, but she went to a running store and they performed a "digital stride analysis" on her where they filmed her feet while she walked on the treadmill. Based on the video, they were able to fit her with the proper shoe. Also, I've learned the hard way that you cannot pick your running/walking shoes based on what they look like My best piece of advice is to find one make/model you love and STICK with it! Good luck!!

 

[Chattyaholic]

My best piece of advice is to find one make/model you love and STICK with it! Good luck!!

Good advice, but what do you do when the company makes a change in the shoe you love?

I went through 2 pair of New Balance 842's and LOVED them. Found out they changed the number to 843 and they must have changed something else about them because I got the same size and they just don't feel "the same", in fact they slip on my heels and just don't feel as good as my previous two pairs.