Disney Mommy:
Long response coming--sorry, that's how I roll.
Oh, I know how you feel about being intimidated by running stores. It took me a long time to feel I'd "earned" the athlete label and screw up the courage to go into a running store. And let me tell you, the last thing you want to do is screw up your feet at the beginning of your journey. I had blisters the size of half-dollars to pay for my ignorance. So like everyone else says--and you yourself acknowledge--going to a running store is your best bet.
I have to tell you, going to the specialty store was the best thing I did for myself as a runner. Better than the quality sports bras! (And when my girls aren't happy, I'm not happy.
) Not only did I get a good fit that helped me with my blister problems, I felt welcomed into the racing community. No one treated me condescendingly. They asked me questions about my training and goals, examined my gait in socks and with shoes, I got to test drive the babies on a TM, and they gave me suggestions for strength training to boot!
But you might like to do some research on your own, just to feel more comfortable about the experience. Just come in with an open mind as to the shoes you might end up with after a proper fitting. I recommend starting by reading some
Runner's World articles on Running Shoe basics, such as those on
foot diagnostics. Having a general idea of your foot type & running gait you have might make you feel more comfortable talking to shoe specialists.
Be aware that these articles will give you a general idea of fitting considerations--fittings are not a "one size fits all" model. For instance, in my New Balance 1223s, a stability shoe recommended for overpronators, I take a size 8. That's a full size up from my regular shoes. In other brands, I take a 7 1/2. I like the New Balance 1223 because it has a wider toe box and narrower heels. It's recommended for for "average to bigger runners with low arches looking for a good combination of support and cushioning," according to RW. I have normal arches, but the shoe really works for me. So you'll have to try on a lot of shoes to find "the one." (Or the two or three.) This where professionals come in, and it's so worth the temporary discomfort of your first fitting experience. (It gets easier, I promise, once you realize they're your ambassadors into the racing world.)
I agree. Remember, they aren't there to judge you, just to help you. The vast majority of the running community is always ready to welcome new members to our little club.
Word. And a shout-out to Frank! I've missed seeing you around!
You might live near a Fleet Feet store--they have a good reputation. And while I generally hesitate to recommend a brand-specific store, you might be comfortable getting fit in a New Balance shoe store--and not because I wear NB. They've transformed themselves into a lifestyle store, so they attract a range of customers: runners, walkers, people who need to be on their feet all day for their jobs, etc. You might find yourself more comfortable there as a new runner who's also doing some walking. While I haven't found their staff to be as knowledgeable or their fittings to be as comprehensive as a running store, they do offer more information than, say, a Sports Authority or a Dick's Sporting Goods. And you might not have quite the anxiety. So if you absolutely can't get to a specialty running store yet, maybe the NB store would do?
In terms of your current shoes, I concur with what lil_mermaid says. It sounds like you might need a 1/2 to a size larger, depending on the brand. Check your arches, too, as it sounds like you might need some support there.
Good luck with everything, and be let us know what you decide. And, as always, we're always here to answer questions and cheer you on in your training!
) But I find that I can pretty much throw on any pair of NB running shoes in an 8D and my feet are pretty happy. I get new shoes every 3 months or so. We have a program here with the local running groups to recycle sneaks, you should see what some of us turn up with (bags and bags of shoes!).
