Running shoes

[Azygous]

So, I've been running with teh same pair of shoes for 2 years now, and it's starting to become a serious risk. I need a new pair of shoes, unfortunately, I dont' have the money right now.

Anyway, a few questions on shoes:

1) how often do you run? how often do you buy new shoes?
2) how much do you spend on shoes?
3) favorite brands, models?

[Morrigann]

Oooooohhhh... I worry about you with such old shoes! It depends upon your activity level (just like it would with any activity shoe-- ballet pointe shoes, soccer cleats, etc), but two years is quite a while.

I buy new shoes at least once a year. I've recently upped my training to more running-shoes-heavy workouts (I was studying ballet and martial arts, hence an alternate shoe requirement), so I will probably have to buy shoes more often as well.

My favorite "model" costs around $80, last time I checked. They are Adidas "Brevard": http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpageWRS-ABREVQ1.html

I'm on my third pair! Still, each shoe is *very* different, as you and I are. I recommend going to a good running/sport shoe that has staffed trainers or sports medicine-educated employees. They will ask you about your activity, what you do, what you plan on doing, want to see your old shoes (to see how it fits and how the tread has worn down), and of course, watch you run in many different pairs. That way, you get the best shoes for your body type. Well-worth it, I assure you!

GOOD LUCK!!

[VeggieMath]

Typically the soles don't last much longer than a year. They compress over time and can't support the pounding running requires. You could end up with foot problems and shin splints from running on shoes that don't have the padding needed for running. I know they cost more than normal shoes, but you can find sales if you look on line. I like to run in New Balance shoes, I check running websites like runners world etc looking for good sales on a shoe that works. Keep looking, maybe you could afford it more than you are thinking.

[annabanana]

So, I've been running with teh same pair of shoes for 2 years now, and it's starting to become a serious risk. I need a new pair of shoes, unfortunately, I dont' have the money right now.

Anyway, a few questions on shoes:

1) how often do you run? how often do you buy new shoes?
2) how much do you spend on shoes?
3) favorite brands, models?

1) 30-40 miles per week, depending on what event is nearing
2) Up to $100, usually about $80
3) As Morrigann noted, each person will need a different type of shoe to fit the foot type...however, from personal experience, I can tell you not to count on Mizuno shoes. They're great for maybe a month, but after that, they're worthless in terms of coushioning and support. For me, whenever I ran in them past that month, my knees started to hurt, but I bought a new pair and those knee issues magically disappeared. Pearl Izumis are on the expensive side ($90-100) but they lasted me over half a year and through over 900 miles. I can gush about them forever if you want me to elaborate on them :D Most of my shoes have lasted only 500-600 miles, but the Pearls stand out as excellent-quality durable shoes.

[Azygous]

aw crap...i have this piercing pain that comes and goes from my ankle all the way up my thigh....i think i'm gonna have to bite the bullet and buy a new pair...

[Azygous]

just wanted to say that getting new running shoes was a VERY good decision...been increasing my mileage weekly with almost zero problems!

[Trivegelete]

You should replace your running shoes every 300 miles or so. Using them longer than that is really risking injury.

I need shoes with some extra stability and have had good luck with the Asics Kayanos.

[Poppy]

You should replace your running shoes every 300 miles or so. Using them longer than that is really risking injury.

Yep! 300 to 400 is what I've been told. New running shoes are such a treat!

[Cassiel]

1) 50-70 mpw
2) $90-95
3) I've been wearing Mizuno Wave Inspire for the last two years or so, and I think they may be the best shoes I've ever used.

The most quoted figure for changing out your shoes is 300-500 miles, depending on your body weight and the amount of running you do. I usually have to change mine out every 6-8 weeks, unfortunately. It does get expensive, but consider the fact that you don't have to buy anything else if you want to run. Then running looks pretty cheap, even with the shoes. :)

[CaptainSwab]

I replace my shoes every 400-600 miles.

I am currently wearing Brooks Adrenelines which seem to have lasted me longer than any other shoe I have ever worn. I have have 550 miles on them now and usually I need to replace right at 400.

One way I try to save money on shoes is to use shoes with more miles on them for shorter runs during the week and then wear a fresh pair (under 400 miles) for long runs.

[Azygous]

so i got this new pair of brooks a few weeks ago and now the bottom of my right foot has been getting really sore, like there's not enough cushion. do you all think this is a serious problem?

[CaptainSwab]

Yes, I would get it checked out. Did you get your shoes at a running store? Bring your current pair to a running store (not footlocker or something like that) and they will watch you jog around in them and may have a better reccomendation for you.

[supermep]

I just run in my trusty canvas shoes. Haha.

[coelacanth]

1) how often do you run? how often do you buy new shoes?
basically every day. i haven't bought new shoes in about a year, and i use the shoes i run in as normal shoes, too.

2) how much do you spend on shoes?
i'm not sure. hopefully less than $80, though.

3) favorite brands, models?
i think new balance is pretty good, but i've been training for cross country this summer (20 to 30 miles a week), and now i need to finally buy some cross country spikes. does anyone have any suggestions? many of them say they're synthetic, but i heard that lots of them had leather trim and stuff like that. any suggestions would be very much welcome. hasta luego.

[coelacanth]

well, i just ordered some new balance rx 240's. wish me luck, i guess.

[kathym]

As someone that started running in High School in the 70's and have been running ever since I can tell you that those here that have said change your shoes every 300 to 400 miles know what they are talking about. It is so true and unfortunately it can be expensive but it is a "very small price to pay" for the upkeep of your body.

Another thing that I have learned over the years is that no one can tell you what shoe to buy because we all have individual scenarios, for example I am a forefoot runner and I get the absolute worst aches and pains in my forefoot of anyone that I know, train or run with. So I have to sometimes try on several shoes several times before I make my decision. And darn it every time you find one that works for you they phase it out next year. But with me... what works for me this year doesn't always work next year as I develop new issues.

[Cassiel]

those here that have said change your shoes every 300 to 400 miles know what they are talking about. It is so true and unfortunately it can be expensive but it is a "very small price to pay" for the upkeep of your body... And darn it every time you find one that works for you they phase it out next year. But with me... what works for me this year doesn't always work next year as I develop new issues.

True dat. :no: But I do find that in the more expensive shoes (only marginally more expensive - like Mizuno is prolly $10-$15 more per pair than New Balance) they tend to keep the same models much longer. Wave Inspire has been around for at least the last 2 years with only changes in color scheme. It truly is a PITA to try and find the shoe you had before, or something like it, when they phase out your model, so I'm willing to pay a bit more. I notice that ASICS is like this too (my brother has worn gel Kayano for a couple of years now and there have been no significant changes in that either).

[kathym]

I'm glad to hear that ASIC models stay around for a couple of years because that is what I switched over to last year. The model that I'm wearing is designed specifically for forefoot runners. Since wearing this shoe, I have had no problems and I was about to give my sport up!!!

People are always asking me what brad I wear and I tell them that it doesn't matter because what works for me may not work for you. It's taken me years and years and many miles to land this shoe.

[DieselAmy]

I'm not much of a runner, just started back up on the treadmills at the gym a couple of times a week, but I had terrible back pain with my old shoes. The pain lasted for weeks.

I went to a running store where they videotaped me on the treadmill and were able to tell what type of shoe I needed by the way I run. I bought the Mizunos they brought out and they are great! No pain at all, and best fit I've had.

I like New Balance and have had success with them in the past, but as a woman with size 11 feet, it's hard to have much selection in shoes (regular stores only carry a few ugly styles in that size if they have any at all). It was refreshing to go to a specialty store and get what was right for me and not be made to feel like a freak!

[Gita]

I like New Balance and have had success with them in the past, but as a woman with size 11 feet, it's hard to have much selection in shoes (regular stores only carry a few ugly styles in that size if they have any at all). It was refreshing to go to a specialty store and get what was right for me and not be made to feel like a freak!

Why not get mens shoes? I am a very tall woman and wear an even larger size than yours (speaking of freak) and although I can find a few choices in woman's, I have a truck-load of choices in mens. I just generally find out what color their woman's style is, and get a color close to that (for instance white and blue rather than grey and silver) A lot of companies make a unisex type color choice that covers all the bases -- hardly anyone knows or cares, and I have never been fond of pink shoes. I have been trying to reaserch what shoes women in Scandinavia buy-- I hear the average girl out there is about 6 feet tall.

[DieselAmy]

I do buy men's shoes sometimes. But certain kinds of shoes just fit better, for me anyway, if I buy the ones intended for my gender. My feet tend to swim around in most men's shoes--I think they're too wide. Same issue with men's pants--usually more practical and roomy (I need pockets and don't like fitted clothes), but sometimes the fit in the crotch/hips/rear area just isn't right.

On the other hand, it's nice to share clothes and shoes with my boyfriend. I never had a sister to share with!

[ChelsRm007]

Hi, I run just about everyday for a total of about 50 miles/week, but I'm slowly increasing my mileage with the aim of running 100 miles/week. I've found the trick for minimizing my injury is to have several pair of running shoes that I rotate on a regular basis. I replace my shoes every 400 miles and I usually average about $95 per pair. I'm currently running in the:

Brooks Adrenaline Six (for everyday kind of running and long runs because they're nice and worn in)
Mizuno Wave (ultralight for speed work)

and my favorite (because I'm addicted to the trails)

Salomon Gortex trail running shoes (can't remember the model number)... these guys are indestrucible..

I'm also a fan of Montrail shoes.. but I'm an endorphin junkie that loves to put in a lot of miles and Montrail's are mostly geared towards ultrarunners.

If anything, make sure you go to a running store and have them pick out the shoes that your body needs... that's the easiest way to do it.

Good luck.