Running Shoes
04-08-08, 06:23 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Running Shoes
I do not run very much. Only 5K or Cyclocross. I have a very bad right knee. ACL is completely torn and some cartledge (sp) has been removed. I need a recommendation on running shoes. I think I will run in the woods for better cushioning; however I need your recommendations on a shoe. Are any brands or style better for my knee issue? 20 years ago I worked in a Reebok store and they explained the difference between a shoe with a board last and and slip last. The board lasted shoes just looked a great deal more beefy. Any help would be greatly apprecaited.
04-08-08, 09:28 AM
#2
Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 46
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
from another newbee...I.
'm a tubby, out of shape, middle aged guy, who struggles to run 5-10K distances still after 5 years of running. I have refused to drop weight and I pound my shoes at a weight of about 250 lbs. That will test anyones feet and highlight the importance of good running soes. Gone through alot of shoes....some thoughts came to me reading your question...
...there truely are differences between shoe brands...some good for you...some bad
...there truely are differences between that $40 vs. $120 running shoe...doesn't mean the diff is worth it to you....depends on your needs
...there turely are differences between that trail/jogging shoe and that street/running shoe
So what to do? Personally, I think the only way to go is to try 'em all out. If you're new coming into the store....start at a store with many brands....I'd suggest all the major brands....if your store doesn't have that selection....leave and travel if necessary to find a store that does have that selection. I had to drive 100 miles to such a store.
Next, get a salesperson who actually runs, and is honest....who'll give an honest eval of each shoes pro and con. There is no such thing as a shoe that is "perfect" or "bad". One runners garbage is another runners gem. You need a knowledgable salesperson to work with you...not one pushing a certain brand just for a commision. You need to try on several brands at first. Hopefully the store will give you a little time in them. But....the real true test will require you to go out and run in them....then pass judgement aftrer several runs. Have they stretched? Are you blistering? Most important...do your feet hurt?
You will find subtle or not so subtle differences in heel grip, slippage, cushioning, weight, toe-box space. Unfortunatly, you will really only get a handle on this stuff after trial and error. Be prepared to buy a shoe that does not work for you. Be prepared to walk away from it after you learn why you don't like it (sell it on eBay), and then go and get a better shoe.
After you find your gem....(for me it was Sauconny Hurricanes, I like the wide toe-box).....then you no longer need to travel...you can buy your shoe discount on-line anywhere in the world.
Your shoe will be caput, and shot for comfort, long before the shoe appears to have physicaly worn. When your feet start hurting, get another pair. If you run regularly....you might buy several pair/year...never said this was cheap! I get about 300 miles....sometimes less.
So that's my opinion....no easy way to learn other than trial and error. Don't get hungup on a "brand"...whatever works and the mileage/duration it lasts for the dollar you invested...that's what it's about IMO.
'm a tubby, out of shape, middle aged guy, who struggles to run 5-10K distances still after 5 years of running. I have refused to drop weight and I pound my shoes at a weight of about 250 lbs. That will test anyones feet and highlight the importance of good running soes. Gone through alot of shoes....some thoughts came to me reading your question...
...there truely are differences between shoe brands...some good for you...some bad
...there truely are differences between that $40 vs. $120 running shoe...doesn't mean the diff is worth it to you....depends on your needs
...there turely are differences between that trail/jogging shoe and that street/running shoe
So what to do? Personally, I think the only way to go is to try 'em all out. If you're new coming into the store....start at a store with many brands....I'd suggest all the major brands....if your store doesn't have that selection....leave and travel if necessary to find a store that does have that selection. I had to drive 100 miles to such a store.
Next, get a salesperson who actually runs, and is honest....who'll give an honest eval of each shoes pro and con. There is no such thing as a shoe that is "perfect" or "bad". One runners garbage is another runners gem. You need a knowledgable salesperson to work with you...not one pushing a certain brand just for a commision. You need to try on several brands at first. Hopefully the store will give you a little time in them. But....the real true test will require you to go out and run in them....then pass judgement aftrer several runs. Have they stretched? Are you blistering? Most important...do your feet hurt?
You will find subtle or not so subtle differences in heel grip, slippage, cushioning, weight, toe-box space. Unfortunatly, you will really only get a handle on this stuff after trial and error. Be prepared to buy a shoe that does not work for you. Be prepared to walk away from it after you learn why you don't like it (sell it on eBay), and then go and get a better shoe.
After you find your gem....(for me it was Sauconny Hurricanes, I like the wide toe-box).....then you no longer need to travel...you can buy your shoe discount on-line anywhere in the world.
Your shoe will be caput, and shot for comfort, long before the shoe appears to have physicaly worn. When your feet start hurting, get another pair. If you run regularly....you might buy several pair/year...never said this was cheap! I get about 300 miles....sometimes less.
So that's my opinion....no easy way to learn other than trial and error. Don't get hungup on a "brand"...whatever works and the mileage/duration it lasts for the dollar you invested...that's what it's about IMO.
04-08-08, 11:27 AM
#3
Banned.
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: IL
Posts: 183
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think you should go to a good quality specialty running shoe store, where a properly trained employee can analyze your gait to determine what type of shoe you should be wearing for your specific needs. For years, I bought my running shoes based on how they look, the price, and if they felt "cushy" to me. Boy...did I learn a valuable lesson from that. I finally broke down and went to a running shoe store that specializes in properly fitting you to the right shoe. What a difference! For years I had been running in the wrong shoes and never knew it. I couldn't figure out why I was always in such terrible pain...I thought it was because I was out of shape (which I was at the time) but the truth of the matter was...I wasn't wearing shoes to correct certain issues I apparently had, but didn't realize until I had a professional analyze how I run. I now understand why I need a "stability" shoe, and now know what to look for when it comes to purchase new shoes. I currently am running in Adidas Supernova Control 10's and love them. Prior to that, I was running in the Saucony Hurricane 9's...which worked well for me, too...but the cushioning in the Adidas is slightly better. I've also worn Asics GT-2110's, and Saucony Progrid Omni 6 Moderate. Go and get a professional fitting and tell them about your knee problems...they should be able to come up with a good solution for you. Good luck!
04-08-08, 03:35 PM
#4
Triathlon in my future???
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Southwest Iowa
Posts: 2,193
Bikes: Junk, that is why I am here. :-)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Go to a running shoe store!!!!!
They will watch you run and walk and then pick the shoes you should be wearing. They will give you multiple selections in your size, and then you chose the one that feel best for you.
It was the best investment I have ever made.
They will watch you run and walk and then pick the shoes you should be wearing. They will give you multiple selections in your size, and then you chose the one that feel best for you.
It was the best investment I have ever made.
__________________
2007 Jamis Ventura Comp
2006 Jamis Explorer 2.0
2000 Specialized Hardrock (bought used)
Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun
2007 Jamis Ventura Comp
2006 Jamis Explorer 2.0
2000 Specialized Hardrock (bought used)
Swim, Bike, Run and sounds like fun
04-09-08, 11:54 AM
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Kirksville, MO
Posts: 15
Bikes: Specialized Stumpjumper M2, Kastan (custom built) BMX race bike, GT Raider bmx bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Given your injuries, I think nscrbug and flip are absolutely right, you should start by going to a good running shoe store (one of the good ones around where I live is Fleet Feet, for example) and have them pick out a few shoes for you to try based on medical history and gait.
You should probably also consider getting some custom-made orthotics. I would be willing to bet, since you have had ACL problems, you could get a doctor to write you a perscription, and your insurance will probably cover them.
I had terrible achilles tendonitis when I used to play lacrosse, and have been using custom orthotics ever since. Wouldn't try running without them. Well, I have, but one run absolutely did me in if I even hit 3 miles. Nowadays, 3 miles is recovery run. I usually run 10-20 miles per week nowadays, which I would NEVER have been able to do before. You may be surprised by how much orthotics can help.
You should probably also consider getting some custom-made orthotics. I would be willing to bet, since you have had ACL problems, you could get a doctor to write you a perscription, and your insurance will probably cover them.
I had terrible achilles tendonitis when I used to play lacrosse, and have been using custom orthotics ever since. Wouldn't try running without them. Well, I have, but one run absolutely did me in if I even hit 3 miles. Nowadays, 3 miles is recovery run. I usually run 10-20 miles per week nowadays, which I would NEVER have been able to do before. You may be surprised by how much orthotics can help.
