sneaker recommendations for running 1/2?

[CampbellScot]

I'm interested to know what others have worn to run the 1/2 marathon. There are 84,000 choices out there when it comes to running sneaks! I've almost narrowed it down to the Asics Gel Nimbus 11 and the Pearl Izumi XC...but I'm not sure really what would be best. I've also tried and on liked sneakers from Brooks and Mizuno.

I know that it really comes down to the type of runner you are, if you are over pronated or under or neutral or what have you...and support vs. cushioning...and a bunch of other this and that!

I'm just interested in sneakers that have worked for people who have the 1/2 before!

thanks!!!

 

[Sarah_Rose]

Asking other people what shoes will work for you is like asking other people to choose your ice cream flavor - you might get something perfect, or you might end up with a disgusting bubblegum/salted caramel combination.

I'm not trying to be rude, but your combination of shoes that you've chosen as potential choices is so bizarre that it's convinced me that you absolutely have to go in to a running store and talk to someone to help you choose the right pair of shoes.

I personally wear the ASICS Gel Nimbus, because it is a great road running shoe if you have high arches and underpronate. Do not take that as me suggesting that you should buy it, because it is only an acceptable shoe if you run on roads, have high arches, and underpronate. If you have none of these things, then it could injure you.

Next, the Pearl Izumi XC is a TRAIL RUNNING SHOE! It is only an acceptable shoe if you run on trails, not roads. Since you are training for the Disney 1/2 marathon, you will be running on roads, and so if you train in the Pearl Izumi XC on roads, you will injure yourself.

There are so many different types of shoes because there are so many types of runners and foot shapes and what works for me will not necessarily work for you. Heck, I have only found 2 different types of shoes that don't result in me dislocating a bone on the outer side of my left foot when running! That is how much of an exact science this is. Go in to a running store to determine if you have flat feet, high arches, or neutral feet, and if you underpronate or overpronate. If you underpronate (roll outwards on your foot when you run) you will need a neutral/cushioning shoe. If you overpronate (roll inwards when you run) you will need a stability/motion control shoe. Motion control shoes are only for severe overpronators. And even then, not every pair of shoes will work, so you'll have to try a few on to see how they feel.

Again, there is no sense in other people telling you what to buy because it doesn't matter what works for them; it will not work for you.

Hope you find the shoes for you!

Sarah

 

[FireDancer]

I would stay away from the trail shoes on the road. Have you gone to a running store? They will be able to help you out much better than any big box running store. There is no way to give you good shoe advice when it comes to specifics but whatever you wear make sure to break them in and get in at least one long run. If they aren't going to work you will want to know long enough out to get new ones, not at mile 10 of an event.

I wear the Mizzuno Wave Riders but I have a very neutral gait. Good luck finding something that is right for you.

 

[laxdef69]

couldn't agree more with the above posts.

I was in a stability shoe because I liked how they looked, and how they felt when I walked in them...but I need a neutral shoe.

SO, the shoe was correcting a problem with my gait that I don't have, and resulted in not only an ankle injury, but problems with my shin and knee.

Get to a REAL running store. If you can't find one on your own, find a running club near you and ask them where they buy.

Second bit of advice is "Don't try to save a couple of bucks on the shoes" I'd gladly write a check for $25 times the number of pairs of shoes I've worn out if I could get my knee problems to go away.

Also, one of the recent Traithlete magazines had a shoe review...either June or July's issue.

Good luck!

 

[bunnyfoo]

I agree with the other posters. Go to a running store if you live near one or sometimes if you have a PT they can sometimes help you pick out a shoe as well. I would also recommend getting more than one opinion - I went to two different running stores and one sales person recommended a stability shoe while another sales person recommended a motion control shoe. Also make sure you get a nice pair of running socks - they're more expensive than regular cotton socks but will make a world of difference.

As for my shoes... when I started running last year, I wore Asics Gel Kayanos. The 13s worked well but when they changed to the 14s. I had problems with the toe box not being high enough. I switched to New Balance 769 and love them

 

[CampbellScot]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I've been doing A LOT of research precisely b/c I want to avoid injury. I had a meniscus injury a few years ago. i've been cleared to run by my PT but I'm feeling very cautious and want all the information I can get! I have been to a running store. (It's called Fleet Feet!) The Pearl Izumi xc is actually a racing shoe that was designed for distances from 5k to marathon. It was recommended to me as a I do a lot of running in parks and some trail running as well as road training. It has a plate in the front of the shoe that protects against bruises on the ball of the feet. (which i've had trouble with ouch!) The owner of the store is a seasoned marathon runner and he said he actually ran a half and a full in these and really liked them b/c they are extremely light. (7.3 ounces!!). I realize that normally a "trail shoe" would not be a good choice for a long distance run, but that isn't the only intended use for this sneaker and I was blown away at how truly light and supportive these shoes are!! (I don't overpronate but I need the cushioning!).

The Asics Gel Nimbus 11 is a crazy supportive shoe. I really like it. I also tried on the Asics Kayano 15, which was also nice. The Mizuno Wave Creation 10 was cushy too. Then there is the Spira Striker, which I also loved b/c it's very supportive but I found it to be slightly heavy. So many choices!!!

Anyhow, I was just interested in what other people have used and liked. Just part of my research! I know that running sneakers are a very individual choice and based on a lot of different factors and body mechanics. Perhaps I should have directed my question at those of you who do not overpronate and have a need for decent cushioning with a tendency to run more on the balls of your feet!

thanks again everyone for your input.

 

[Sarah_Rose]

I think you need a second opinion on the Pearl Izumi XC - a trail/racing shoe is not an appropriate shoe for doing any kind of training on roads. In fact, a racing shoe is just that - it is meant to get you through that marathon quickly, but is not meant to do any sort of long-term training in. I've also researched the XC, and they've combined a trail shoe (which requires less padding because your foot strike is softer on a trail than a road) with a racing shoe (which cuts out a lot of the padding to make it lighter). This shoe would only be appropriate if you had another pair of shoes to wear whenever you train on roads.

Also, every pair of shoes that you've chosen is for neutral/underpronators, except for the ASICS Kayano 15, which is for overpronators. It doesn't matter if it "feels comfortable", it will lead to injury in the long run if you don't pronate, as mentioned by a previous poster. Shoes for underpronators try to roll you inwards to correct your natural gait; shoes for overpronators try to roll you outwards, to correct your natural gait.

Seriously, don't buy a pair of shoes until you have your gait and feet examined. Some stores have fancy testing equipment that records how you run, and some stores just have experienced professionals that can look at your feet as you stand in socks and tell you what should work. Either is better than you just researching on your own and trying to make an informed decision. And this kind of analysis (even the high tech ones!) is normally free as long as you buy your shoes at the store afterwards.

Again, good luck - you'll find a lot of good advice from other posters here, many of whom have learned from experience just how important shoe choice is. It's always nice when you can learn from other's mistakes.

Sarah

 

[CampbellScot]

thanks for your advice. I'm sure I'll figure out which one works best for me.

 

[cryssi]

I wanted to say that I wear the Asics Gel Nimbus 10, have almost flat feet, and was originally in a stability shoe. The stability shoe gave me massive arch blisters, but the neutral Nimbus has worked beautifully for me for this past wdw full and princess half. I must be an "efficient" runner (haha). Anyway, you *may* have to get a pair recommended you by the running shop, run in them for a bit, and then make adjustments later. Like I said, I was originally fitted into a stability shoe (Asics GT2130) because I guess I was overpronating, and of course the flatish feet. I ended up with hip issues and the blisters. I trained for and ran the DL half last year in those shoes and had blisters at mile 5. Realized that the shoes were making me supinate, so got refitted (at a different shop) to the neutral Nimbus 10. No blisters whatsoever, even without body glide. I LOVE how cushioned they are...perfect for distance running. I also have a pair of neutral Nike vomero 3, but they are nowhere near as cushy as my Nimbus 10. I've heard that the 11's are not as cushy as the 10's, so I have yet to try those on. Good luck. Not sure how Fleet Feet works, but if they let you take the shoes home, and run in them for up to 30 days to see how they work, I'd do that.

BTW, I am exclusively a street runner...no treadmills, no trails.

 

[binkblum]

You all have had great advice. I recently picked up the running bug and am also looking for a new shoe for training and running the half in Jan. What I fear the most about going into the running store for a fitting is getting directed to the more expensive shoe rather than the best shoe for me.

Most importantly, during these economic times, I am trying to save whatever I can and really can't afford top of the line. Then again, I don't want to hurt myself especially having recovered from a replaced ACL 2 years ago. I am sure I am prone to injury.

What is the average cost of a running shoe? Do you have to pay extra for a fitting?

 

[Todd and Toni]

thanks for your advice. I'm sure I'll figure out which one works best for me.

There is not a lot wrong with using a trail runner on the road. The key here is runner, and not racer. Like previously said, a racer is not intended to withstand as much of the pouinding you will put on the shoes while training.

I use a New Balance trail runner on road and off road. It has worked fine for me. I thought it was crazy at first. This whole thing will depend on your feet and running style.

 

[Todd and Toni]

You all have had great advice. I recently picked up the running bug and am also looking for a new shoe for training and running the half in Jan. What I fear the most about going into the running store for a fitting is getting directed to the more expensive shoe rather than the best shoe for me.

Most importantly, during these economic times, I am trying to save whatever I can and really can't afford top of the line. Then again, I don't want to hurt myself especially having recovered from a replaced ACL 2 years ago. I am sure I am prone to injury.

What is the average cost of a running shoe? Do you have to pay extra for a fitting?

I do not know about the cost of a fitting fitting as I have never had anything special done (I have seen the machines though).

I am guessing the shoes will cost between $75 and $125. Your local running store will be able to find a good shoe for you. Make sure to mention your knee. They can find somehitng with the proper cushioning and support for you. Toni has had multiple knee surgeries, including ACL, and she was able to find shoes. I think she uses the Asics 2140's.

 

[laxdef69]

Todd, do you guys use the Downers Grove Running Company?

 

[Todd and Toni]

Todd, do you guys use the Downers Grove Running Company?

I use them when I can. They do not carry my shoes and they would need to special order them. I usually do not like them special ordering anything for me. I usually end up buying a fair amount of my running clothes there though. Toni, on the other hand, will special order her shoes through the store.

I also will occasionally do the Monday eveing run from the store too(co-sponsored by Chi Luna Chix Tri Team).

 

[binkblum]

Thanks Todd!