Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - OT - Do you have a good source online for running shoes

I can't find affordable running/trail running shoes that I like anywhere. 'm looking for a source for name brand decent quality running or trail running shoes under $50. I just can't bring myself to spend more. I've looked at Sears, kohls, REI, Campors, Zapps.com, Seirra Trading Post, JCPenny (good deals if I wanted to buy 2 pair instead). i don't have any unusual size issues (size 11 med). and my foot fits nicely in New balance and ASICS, and not so nicely in Nike (arch is in the wrong place).

I'm spending money that was supposed to be used to ward a kayak purchase so its even harder to spend the money than normal form . Plus, apparently over the last 2 years sneakers got really ugly.

Suggestions are appreciated.

Are you wanting them for comfort or actual running? As with a lot of stuff, you get what you pay for.

Yes, and I'd be shocked if you found name brand anything when it comes to shoes below $50. I usually use low-end New Balance running shoes and I end up with about a $62 bill when it's said and done.

Indeed, you get what you pay for. If $50 is really your limit, it seems like it might be time to rethink your limit, if you're looking for name-brand and not the X-Mart special.

I believe New Balance has an online outlet store.

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/category.asp?type=MNFTRN&showDetails=no&filterSize=11&filterWidth=D&filterLast=&perPg=48&sortBy=ASC

If you're going to be running/jogging, the question you need to ask yourself is this:
Is my continuing podiatric well being worth more than $50?
If the answer is no, then go ahead and find a pair of "running shoes" for under $50. If you value the ongoing use of your feet, then consider spending a few bucks more and getting a shoe which will do you some good. Since you're asking in the C&A forum, I'll take a wild guess that you're not the typical 150-ish pound runner physique, so you'll want a shoe with a denser and more durable cushioning. Since you mention New Balance, the 621 or 662 (~$70) is a high cushioning shoe so it will be comfortable; but if you're heavy, you'll wear them out fast. The 498 offers denser cushion and some stability control, and comes in around $80. I wear 587s, which have strong motion control (repositions heel strikes against pronation/supponation) and high durability, but they'll set you back about $105.

I believe New Balance has an online outlet store.

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/category.asp?type=MNFTRN&showDetails=no&filterSize=11&filterWidth=D&filterLast=&perPg=48&sortBy=ASC

And this is where I usually get my shoes ...

I also hate spending big $ on sneakers / running shoes. I do believe you generally get better support with a more spendy shoe, but the durability of all sneakers just sux so bad these days that I blow through them in about 4 months of use regardless of price.

Try these: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/p/11030,2006F_Columbia-Footwear-Pagora-Hiking-Shoes-For-Men.html

I just got some - very comfy, great fit, seem well made.

I do use SOLE brand insoles in them though - I use them in all my shoes, boots, ski boots, skates, etc. www.yoursole.com Worth every penny. Some swear by the superfeet brand insoles but I've not tried them.

Insoles that come wiht most shoes are completely worthless.

I can't imagine shopping for shoes online, unless you've been to a retail store and tried them on first.

But even then, you won't necessarily get the correct shoe for your foot/body. (At least that's my experience)
I've worn New Balance shoes for decades and nothing fits MY feet better. But the 'cheap' NB are not the same (on my feet) as the 'good' ones.

I hate paying $100+ for running shoes but what I hate even more is paying MORE than that by having to buy several pairs in order to get something that I can wear for walking/running/workouts -- and it turns out to be the $100+ pair (NB 859s) that I should have bought in the first place.

road runner sports is a good choice. i believe they have a liberal return policy. i have bought from them multiple times directly and through amazon and have been pleased. my wife likes a particular pair of older asics that we can not find locally

amazon also sells shoes directly and through many vendors. i have used the new balance 990 series for ever. i once got a 140 pair for 80.

you should always try on a shoe first to make sure it fits. i traditionally used local stores to buy from, but they are out of my size so often, that out of necessity I bought a pair online and have not gone back.

http://www.runningwarehouse.com/

its free shipping right now, with some pretty good deals.

Thanks for posting that link gypz. Once you find a pair of running shoes, you tend to stick w/ the model whenever you need to replace them. Getting them online cheaper is always good.

I agree with the "You get what you pay for stance" I used to be in the same boat that I wouldn't spend more then fifty bucks on sneakers until I started experience knee and foot pain while running, playing sports, etc. I found the Asic Gel T904 to be my shoe and will shell out the $80 for them. They last and and are very comfortable for me. I found due to the pain from the cheap shoes I didn't want to run or excercise. Swtiched shoes and everything is more comfortable etc. That being said, I play volleyball in a retro Reebok High Top Basketball shoe. The new fangled shoes with all the stability features made my knees hurt.

If there's a Big 5 Sporting Goods near you, I'd try that.

Saucony and Asics Gel are about the best running shoes out there, and at Big 5 they've almost always got a $70-$90 pair marked down under $50.

Also remember you need to replace them every 6 months or so, as they wear out.

I can't imagine shopping for shoes online, unless you've been to a retail store and tried them on first.

I have an unusual size (women's 10EE), and have a very hard time shopping for shoes retail. If I'm buying an athletic shoe, I can get a men's shoe at a retail store. But when I need a "women's" style, my first stop is the Internet. Places like Zappos let me search by size, and actually stock shoes that fit my Sasquatch-inspired feet.

do u know the requirements of your feet? I am not patronizing, but we can point you in the direction of a shoe type if you need some help there too...


source, licensed physical therapist

I would rather go to a running shoe store and make sure that I am getting a good shoe for my style of running. Once I find something I like, I may buy two pairs because the next model of the same shoe will not always be the same. New Balance is one of those types of shoes that I used to buy and no longer do because of poor quality.

Running is EVIL!

I would rather go to a running shoe store and make sure that I am getting a good shoe for my style of running. Once I find something I like, I may buy two pairs because the next model of the same shoe will not always be the same. New Balance is one of those types of shoes that I used to buy and no longer do because of poor quality.

i vote yes to this platform

Running is EVIL!

I used to think so, but I have changed my mind after making a 5k a goal two years ago. Then I ran a 10k as a workout not long after. I used to think a 400 was a killer.

Like I said before, get yourself some GOOD insoles and you'll be much happier -- whether you spend $50 or $150 on your shoes. Even $150 shoes come with crappy insoles compared to third party offerings.

And, I don't mean to stir a pot -- but if there are two running shoes, both made in China or Maylasia -- one costing $150 and one costing $50 -- what do you think the delta is in the cost to manufacture that shoe? Somehow I doubt it's anywhere approaching the difference in the pricing of the shoes (even assuming a decent profit margin, and a difference in unit sales).

I would rather go to a running shoe store and make sure that I am getting a good shoe for my style of running. Once I find something I like, I may buy two pairs because the next model of the same shoe will not always be the same. New Balance is one of those types of shoes that I used to buy and no longer do because of poor quality.

One has to do the best they can. For example, I'm like jeneralist when it comes to my shoe size. Being a man, though, I don't have her option. I'm very lucky if I can find ANY shoes in the average store that's my size (usual shopping time per pair of shoes in a store: 1 1/2 months). So online through a huge shoe retailer really becomes my only option, and usually New Balance is the only option.

Hopefully the best option can come about for each person.

www.roadrunnersports.com (http://www.roadrunnersports.com) I have had a lot of luck on this site.

I believe New Balance has an online outlet store.

http://www.nbwebexpress.com/category.asp?type=MNFTRN&showDetails=no&filterSize=11&filterWidth=D&filterLast=&perPg=48&sortBy=ASC

I just spent a couple of hours shoe shopping at a local 'manufacturer's outlet' mall - what else is Reading known for? - and found the prices in store are comparable to prices online. I realize your options in WV aren't as numerous as mine here in the Mecca of outlet shopping, but I recommend doing a bit of legwork and trying on shoes.

(BTW, I went home with a pair of New Balance 460 trail running shoes for less than 50 bucks. Size 12 4E isn't that easy to find.)

I have been using Brooks Cascadia which are a light trail running shoe, lots of support and once you find the right size you can find some deals online, through ebay and other outlets..

One thing for big runners like us is to go to a running store and find out what kind of shoes to buy, I went with a friend a found that the shoes I was using were all wrong for me.. I was using stability shoes which is good for pronators but I was a severe under-pronator which means neutral shoes worked much better for me..

Once I started using the right shoes, running became much more enjoyable..

Check out the Vibram Five Fingers. They are crazy shoes. It's like running barefoot. I run marathon's in them no problems. Once I got them I can never go back to running in normal shoes. When you get them though, wear them for liek 2 hours a day max until your arches get strong enough to put down some serious mileage.
http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/

Best money I ever spent was going to RunOn in Richardson Texas. It cost me about $100. But, they took the time, asked me what I was doing or attempting, then watched me walk and jog - for a while. Then she brought out two shoes and said, "These are your choices. Pick one" Mind you, they had a wall of shoes and many with much higher price tags.

All kinds of aches and pains went away after that.

The other bit of advice is to prolong the life of your shoe by not wearing it on consecutive days. If you use them everyday, get two pairs and rotate them. This will not make them last (longevity) x (2 pairs) = (2 pairs longevity) it will be more like (longevity) x (2 pairs) = (3-4 pairs longevity). Basically, this is how it works. The heat and moisture from your foot softens the materials and the stitching as you wear them. After you take them off, they need recovery time to get back to full strength. If you wear them the next day OTOH, they will start in a weakened state and only get worse the longer you wear them.

My fat feet used to burn through dress shoes about every 6 months. I'm now working on the same 3 pairs for 3 years and they don't even look close to wearing out.

So I also have a useful post, I find Sierra Trading Post to have great prices:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/search/SearchResults.aspx?searchdescriptions=true&ne=110000000&n=8003226+8003227+9420481+119000010