Walking & Running shoe advice needed.

[MAKmom]

I'm in week 2 of walking & up to 1 1/2 miles. I have been wearing Crocs. Is this ok? I have Osteoarthritis in 1 knee & a hip. The Crocs make a big difference in my pain management. I also have very wide flat feet. Do you think I need a sneaker? I ran part of the way yesterday. Any advice welcomed.

I've lost 11lbs

 

[Fitswimmer]

When I started the Couch to 5K running plan I went to a local running shoe store and got fitted for shoes. The program takes you from walking to running 3 miles in 8 weeks. Anyway, I would recommend going to a good shoe store and having someone fit you. I got the name of my store from some friends at my local Y that are runners. There is also a chain called Fleet Feet that is supposed to be very good, if you have one of those near you. Just going to Dick's or Sports Authority, or even Foot Locker is ok if you know what type and size of shoe works best for you, but when you're first starting out you might not know yet.

 

[luvmydogs]

My advice is the same as Fitswimmer's--go to a store that will test your feet before fitting you with a shoe. Getting the proper running shoe for my foot, along with some orthotics, really helped me manage my foot pain (I have Achilles tendonitis and very high arches). The proper fit will *really* make a difference.

Good luck with your program!

 

[Hercules10]

I do quite a bit of walking (2 shepherds, walked 3 miles each day). I went through a lot of walking shoes. Then when I went to Washington state to do some hiking I got some hiking shoes.

BEST shoes I've had for walking and kinda make sense when you think about it (in my case). Columbia Razor Ridge Low.

 

[hydster]

If this is something you want to continue long term it would be worth it to invest in a really good pair of shoes. If this is something that you are only going to do for a month or 2 maybe not so much!

If you are going to continue it I would also suggest finding a store that will fit your foot with a good shoe. We have a running store here that records how you walk and run on a computer model, take an impression of your foot and then make the shoe for both your foot and how you walk and or run and it's about $10 more than a regular shoe.

It made all the difference in the world for me. No more hurting shins, knees or ankles and I now LOVE to run!

 

[MAKmom]

My goal is a 5k so I plan to make this part of my new life. I will Google Columbia Razor.

What store will fit me for the custom shoe? I do not mind spending money on my feet. I can only wear Birkenstock & Crocs with out pain so far. Please give me names if possible. Thank you for your help everyone.

 

[MAKmom]

I do quite a bit of walking (2 shepherds, walked 3 miles each day). I went through a lot of walking shoes. Then when I went to Washington state to do some hiking I got some hiking shoes.

BEST shoes I've had for walking and kinda make sense when you think about it (in my case). Columbia Razor Ridge Low.

They are only $54.00 at the CBS store. I will show DH them for him. He is my walking partner.

 

[Buckalew11]

I buy my running shoes at Roadrunnersports.com . I think they have an excellent selection and wonderful customer service. DH is the true runner in my house and has used them for years. He has also done the going to place that watches how you run and then fits your foot accordingly. That was a good experience also although the next pair of shoes is likely to be different because shoes companies update often and change the style, color etc.

I only wear Birks and my crocs also. My running/walking shoes are Brooks and I could not be happy with those shoes!

Gppd luck and congrats on your progress!!!

 

[Deb in IA]

I've been running for 20 years now, and I think that you would need more support than you get from Crocs.


I'm a fan of Saucony running shoes. They are made with a wide toe box, which accomodates my wide feet and bunion well. They also come in a variety of motion control (for pronators vs. supinators), firmness or cushioning (for lightweight vs. heavier runners) and board or slip lasts (whether the soles have a hard board-like material or are sewn together).

Here's their website:http://www.saucony.com/

Others like New Balance a lot. Their shoes some in variable width sizing.
http://www.newbalance.com/home.php

But I agree that you should go to a running shoe store and be professionally fitted for the right type of shoe for your particular foot and walking/running style.

Good luck!!!

 

[ZachnElli]

My dad's been a runner most of his life (50+ years of running) and he loves New Balance. He said the higher the number of the New Balance the better they are (and more expensive). I just asked him this question last week.

 

[PlaneJoy1]

We have a store called "Foot Solutions" around here, they will fit you for shoes of all types including running shoes. I haven't tried them, but I keep meaning to.

Good luck! I would like to work up to a 5K and maybe a half marathon as well.

 

[Green Tea]

I had had the best success with Gel Aisics, I think the model # is 2110. Just replaced a pair I'd killed. No back, knee or hip pain while running with this model; had not had that level of success with other brands. A good running shoe store will be able to tell what is best for your particular gait and foot. What is great for one is bad for another. Good for you for getting out there!

 

[MAKmom]

You guys are great. I get such an education on this CB Board!