Beginner runner, shoe question?

Question

Hey there, so i am a beginner runner, I am currently using my normal tennis shoes, and i have to be honest, my knees kill me after I run. , same with my ankles and feet, so I've decided that I need new shoes, since mine are just not cut out for it, so I was wondering, which ones would you reccomened? I just need a pair of shoes that will support me.

Answer 1

I just found a great pair of running shoes and was in the same situation. Once you get a real pair of running shoes, you'll realize that your feet feel lighter.

If there's a Miles Ahead near you, I would recommend going there (they have actual runners there who look at your foot and judge which shoe would be best accustomed for you)

If not, Asics are a really good brand (I have them and they're perfect!) They are really good for narrow feet

But mostly go to a store and try on lots of pairs, make sure they fit just right and dont be pressured into buying a pair because of their looks cause afterall, if your shoes fit perfect and people laugh at how they look, you'll just blow by them on the track becuase yours are good for you !

-hope this helps!

Answer 2

Shop at a specialty running store where the salespeople have the knowledge to help you find the best shoe and right fit. And replace your shoes regularly. When the midsoles-the supportive layer of the shoe between the bottom of your foot and the outsole-break down, your foot motion during will be affected, which in turn can place stress on the tendons and ligaments of your legs and lead to injury.

When you pick up the women's model of a particular shoe, are you really getting a shoe designed for a woman's foot, or it is simply a smaller version of a men's shoe? "Companies do have different men's and women's lasts but generally only in overall width. Men's shoes are made on a D width and women's on a B," says Paul Carrozza, Runner's World shoe consultant and owner of the Run-Tex running store in Austin, Texas.

Answer 3

That's all going to depend on you.  If you are a heavier person you want to make sure your running shoes have plenty of cushion (heavy is above 180 lbs).  

Take a look at the soles of your shoes and see how they wear on the heel.  If the outside of you shoe wears more than the inside that is usually normal (called pronation) as your foot should tend to roll inward.  However, if this is heavily worn, then you might need shoes with stability.  If the inside of your heels wear more than the outside you are supinator and you definitely want stability in your shoes.

  

You may also need arch support depending on whether you have high arches.  Most brands will tell you whether they are control shoes and/or cushioned.  

Try them on at the store and make sure they fit and you are comfortable in them.  You want a little wiggle room (not too much or you'll get blisters) otherwise you'll smash your big toe (some long distance runners lose their toenails because they wear them too tight).  Some stores online will offer you a trial period with a return policy.

One other recommendation is to look into massage therapy, especially for your legs.  A lot of knee pain comes from (not only shoes not designed for running) but overstressed muscles - especially in your thighs and hamstrings.

Happy running (btw: I get very frustrated with shoe companies, they change their models often, which drives me crazy when they discontinue shoes that I have grown to like).

Answer 4

Unless the others are professionals, I would not listen to the other responses...leave the decision to the experts.  your best bet to to a specialty running store.  Those people tend to know how to recommend shoes based off how you run, whether you pronate or not, what your gait is......

But at least you hit the nail on the head....If you are going to seriuosly run, get a pair of shoes that fit you, not that look "pretty"  have fun and good luck

Answer 5

Reebok, Nike, Saucony, Asics, and New Balance are all great shoe makers for running...what i reccomend is that you go to "The Athlete's Foot"...most stores have this computer system that analyzes how your feet strike and then the store rep can reccomend the best shoe type and brand for you...if you don't have one near you or they don't have a system there then i reccomend going with a saucony or asics shoe followed by reebok...saucony shoes are my personal preference because they last long and are extremely comfortable