Running shoe help

[your_perfect_enemy]

I try to run 2-3 times a week and I usually go about 4 miles 2.5 of which I run. I would like to go further and/or more frequently but I really can't because my legs start hurting. Not to make excuses but the best I can tell is it's my shoes and probably poor form that stems from compensating for the shoes. I say this because they have this support in the arch and seems like the soreness is up the leg on the inner calf, right about where I would expect the pounding of running to take it's toll. I usually run in Asics and never had problem with the first few pairs I had (until they wore down too much) but the last few pairs seems to cause problems with these really stiff supports. I have been seeing and reading about these 'barefoot' shoes and they really seem like the way to go (I never had the soreness when I would run on the beach). I was reading birthdayshoes.com which breaks down the different types and was wondering if anyone had tried them or had any opinions positive or negative toward them? Which brand do/don't reccomend? I accept that I will have to 'retrain' my feet to get used to them but are there any other negatives? How long of an adjustment period should I expect? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[G8rChuck85]

The people I know who have used the "barefoot type shoes" don't usually stick with them. Not enough support would be my guess.

I've had good luck with these. Actually, the hard rock version of these..



http://www.amazon.com/Montrail-Sabin...262359&sr=1-13

With these insoles..


http://www.amazon.com/Superfeet-Prem...6262512&sr=1-2

[BossaGator]

I like my Inov8 F-lite 230's. They're minimalist running shoes and I don't do super long distances (e.g., nothing over 10 miles & rarely over 5 - usually 3-5 at a time). But they fit my purposes nicely & are more comfortable while running and not for me than lots of other shoes I've had over the years.

[LeafUF]

I am seeing more and more people in the gym wearing vivrams but they arent running. It is probably better for lifting at times.

As far as shoes go, part of the problem is they wear out way faster than you think. I would recommend going to a running store to get your gait tested before buying another pair. My friends are into triathlons and all of them have done this to make sure they are buying the exact right shoes for their feet.

[deviation]

I run 5 times a week, ranging from 15 to 20 miles a week. I personally love my nike max 2011.

Mine look like these - http://www.footlocker.com/product/mo...Froogle-_-null

Green & black. The comfort is awesome and have lasted me quite awhile.

[fbgator27]

Before you jump into a new type of expensive shoe you may want to try the "barefoot" (toe running) running style in a regular pair of shoes to see if you will like it. No reason you can start the retraining in regular shoes. In other words change one variable at a time.


Sounds like the posterior tib (the muscle that forms your arch and runs into your inner calf) is getting overworked as you try to up you levels. Toe running will be a good way to get it stronger and eventually improve your pain levels.

[Dreamliner]

I hardly ever run, per se, but I do like to go out in the back yard and run light sprints barefoot. I like the way it forces me up on the balls of my feet and I experience none of the aches and twinges I did when I was running heel-toe style.

[Gatormb]

What is this running you speak of?

[oneatatime]

I have been running for nearly 30 years and nobody can advise you on a specific running shoe.

my sincere advice is to head to a local running specialty store (not sports authority or footlocker) and have someone evaluate you. Be sure to bring your current shoes as they will assess their wear patterns.

Once you get a better understanding of what you need (which doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a lot of money), then your second purchase could be made at a sporting goods store or online) but the first shoe should be made with the help of a specialist. You'll probably spend $10-$20 more, but it well worth it

[G8trToid]

Originally Posted by oneatatime

I have been running for nearly 30 years and nobody can advise you on a specific running shoe.

my sincere advice is to head to a local running specialty store (not sports authority or footlocker) and have someone evaluate you. Be sure to bring your current shoes as they will assess their wear patterns.

Once you get a better understanding of what you need (which doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a lot of money), then your second purchase could be made at a sporting goods store or online) but the first shoe should be made with the help of a specialist. You'll probably spend $10-$20 more, but it well worth it

Good advise. I have also run for over 30 years, several marathons and averaged about 50 miles a week for over 10 years.

I started distance running as just a student at UF before "running shoes" were even available retail. About 20 years ago I switched to Saucony because I too could not run wearing Asics without leg pain.

Saucony is a running shoe for runners, and not everyone carries them, or will carry only a few models. This is the only shoe I have ever run with that I can buy, put them on, and run 10 miles without any problems, right out of the box.

The ProGrid Hurricane series is what I have bought for the last 10 years, and to save money (because with my millage I may go through 3-4 pair a year) I usually buy last years model from Amazon, #11 and #12 are available and about the same style and price (~$80) -

http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-ProGri...502053&sr=1-18

http://www.amazon.com/Saucony-Progri...502097&sr=1-26

Note that most running shoe companies suggest that you should buy 1/2 size larger than your shoe size. There are other very good true running shoe choices like the high-end New Balance, but for the money these have worked best for me, Good Luck.

[your_perfect_enemy]

Thanks for all the advise guys I appreciate it. I had been thinking about doing the running specialty store, but just havent because of laziness.

[Gatorgrrrrrrr]

Asics Gel shoes are the best. I have a couple of pairs in different colors.

[your_perfect_enemy]

Well since this thread I started got brought up again, I figure I'll give an update. I went with adidas cc riders. They arent the vibrams but they're the minimal support type and I could not be more pleased. they dont have all that pain in the ass support stuff that force you to heel strike and I dont think I will ever go back to regular running shoes.

[slmdLS1]

A friend just got some New Balance Minimus and he likes em.

[BossaGator]

Originally Posted by slmdLS1

A friend just got some New Balance Minimus and he likes em.

I also have a pair of those, but the training shoe, not the running shoe. They're pretty awesome. I love working out in them. they're also my dedicated deadlifting shoe.