34 replies to this topic

[Alexg]

hi all,

i run basically any distance above 400m and i was wondering exactly how important are shoes when it comes to it?
I was told i should get a new pair of runners, right now all im wearing is a pair of linx joggers about 4yrs old and a pair of new balance x trainers about 2 1/2 yrs old so ive never really had a pair of "proper" running shoes. I dont feel like theyre that bad when im running in them but i dont know the difference between them and say... a pair of Asics Gel Kayano.

now im thinking it should be about the difference between a Charade and a Ferrari seeing as one cost 50 bucks and the other $250, but i dont know! so for those who do please tell
thanks

[littleblackpug]

Don't believe the hype about shoes, more $$ doesn't mean better for you.

I believe, and from my experience, good technique is more important than the most expensive shoes.

I haven't got great technique, but it's a whole lot better than it use to be, and I am injury free. I use to wear Asics, replace them every 6 months, and had stress fractures, shin splints, compartment syndrome, hip bursitis, you get the picture, and I was only able to run 3-4 times a week. Now I wear basic, much cheaper NB and Loco shoes, up to 1000kms, with minimal bells and whistles, and I run almost every day.

I improved my strength, posture and core strength and did a lot of reading on Pose and Chi then learned to mid foot strike, it's made all the difference and was really worth the persistence and time and effort.

Edited by littleblackpug, 21 July 2008 - 03:59 PM.

[RossBris]

I didn't believe in the hype either untill I actually got a proper pair of running shoes. It made life so much easier and almost instantly fixed many of my injury/pain issues.

I got mine from Intraining at Milton and what was surprising they didn't recommend the most expensive pair in the shop, actually it was more like the least expensive pair $199. I guess for me as a beginner it gave me a slight boost having proper shoes to run in.

I have started to read up on the Chi stuff and found it is helping, but also for me losing a lot of my fat has dropped the shin pain dramatically.

I guess shoes are about as important as tyres on a car.

[shortarse]

littleblackpug, on Jul 21 2008, 03:53 PM, said:

Pose and Chi then learned to mid foot strike

Please explain Pose and Chi - what are you talking about?! I am trying to improve my technique and it is getting there, but mid foot strtike is very difficult for me. Did you teach yourself or did you have a coach?

shortarse

[Bellthorpe]

Alexg, on Jul 21 2008, 03:33 PM, said:

I was told i should get a new pair of runners

Did the person say '... because ...' and explain exactly why you needed new running shoes?

Many people don't use running shoes at all.

There is far too much hype surrounding expensive 'brand' running shoes.

If you don't have any problems, stay with your cheaper shoes. They'll wear out eventually if you run decent distances. But don't ever feel that you must have $200 shoes. Most major running shoes are amazingly similar to each other.

[JustinS007]

Alexg, on Jul 21 2008, 03:33 PM, said:

i run basically any distance above 400m and i was wondering exactly how important are shoes when it comes to it?

I run long distances (100km per week). The right shoes are critical for me to avoid injury and maximise comfort. I had very controlling shoes and got all sorts of lower leg and foot problems as a result because I later found out I have a neutral gait.

I'm not sure how important the right shoes are for shorter distance runners. During races at the 400m distance I assume you would need good support and grip, but clearly the support and grip is about helping your pace rather than helping you achieve comfort and avoid injury.

So, if you plan on running long distances on hard surfaces then it might be wise for you to determine your gait type and then get shoes that are right for you. Kayano's for example are for people with some degree of overpronation and hence are not good for me with a neutral gait. I use Asics Nimbus instead. The foot specialists aroud here (CR's) will probably have some good advice about what to wear to help you with shorter events. An indication of the distance you run and type of running you do each week would also help.

J.

Edited by JustinS007, 21 July 2008 - 04:26 PM.

[serena]

I was fitted for shoes that were not right for me just before joining up here. I did a Half in them and had all sorts of foot and toenail issues. Went and had them changed for shoes that were better suited to my feet (and incidentally cheaper) and ran them through the full marathon with no problems and pretty toenails at the end.

I think while it's not necessary to spend heaps on decent runners as littleblackpug says, it is worth making sure they are a good fit and right for your foot. I have a good running style already, so this hasn't been an issue for me when considering shoes, especially, apart from a little extra pronating support.

I would suggest you see running shoe fitters who know what they are talking about when buying your next pair. I haven't ever asked for a brand and I couldn't even tell you what my shoes are other than Brooks. I just go with what the guy says. Maybe I will get fussier if I up my kms a lot, I don't know.

sj

[RunBare]

I was told I needed the most expensive shoes in any given store, due to my foot type/pronation level. I tried them.

Now I wear no shoes at all, and I have far less injuries (in fact none to date). Good form is better than expensive shoes I reckon.

If you are happy with your current choice, don't let someone else tell you what you 'need'. If you are suffering from injuries then perhaps a suitable professional could assist you.

Otherwise I think there's a large degree of hype attached to shoes.

[tim]

RossBris, on Jul 21 2008, 04:07 PM, said:

I guess shoes are about as important as tyres on a car.

you can run further without shoes then your car can go without air in its tyres.

and shortarse I think a search of the CR message boards and on google would be a good start.

[runningaway]

Hey Alexg- when you say GOOD shoes you have to remember that GOOD shoes are the ones that are good for you- whether they give you the support you need, or the confidence you need or whatever- so if you are running happily in your shoes without injury then I wouldn't change a thing. A running shop for athletic feet suggested shoes that made running extremely painful for me- I should have just stuck with what I was with.
(Now I have been recommended shoes by another shoe store that I trust, but I am too scared to try anything else- but they are good for me so I don't really mind).

[tim]

RunBare, on Jul 21 2008, 04:33 PM, said:

I think there's a large degree of hype attached to shoes.

and I thought it was your feet

hey that is a response to that question "where's your shoes?" answer: "attached to a large degree of hype"

well at least i am laughing.

[RunBare]

I'll be using that one next time someone asks me

[walshy2]

for me shoes are vitally important. As others have stated that doesn't mean you have to spend $200+.
I sometimes go to a doctor who was a very good long distance runner and still runs for enjoyment. He told me that once you get a shoe that works for you, get as many as you can, as even the same model one year to the next can be different.

[Dangerous]

Alex

I suggest you find out (via here) of a good Pod or running store near wherever you are. Get your feet/gait checked and give a shoe a try.

Personally I believe good shoes are important - but good is not necessarily the most $$ one... its what suits YOU.

As you move up distances there can be a bit of trial and error - its amazing what can hurt after 30-40km that is fine at 10-15.

good luck in your quest...

[pipi]

The most important thing is a pair of shoes that lets you run freely, pain free and don't cause injuries. If you can get that from lynx or volleys then don't waste your money on expensive shoes. For most expensive shoes, a lot of your money is paying for marketing and image or just ripping you off because you live in Australia.

[slowmo]

walshy2, on Jul 21 2008, 08:18 PM, said:

He told me that once you get a shoe that works for you, get as many as you can, as even the same model one year to the next can be different.

Very true - I know someone who recently got a troublesome injury after getting a new pair of kayanos after having no probs with a number of previous pairs. He queried the company and they admitted they'd had quite a few reports of the same thing and gave him a credit-refund.

I'm due for a new pair of shoe-flaps myself...
 P1000294.jpg   58.12K   27 downloads

slowmo

Edited by slowmo, 21 July 2008 - 10:11 PM.

[Alexg]

ok well, im running usually 14k a day or more, and my shoes are getting quite worn out. Being that the soles are coming unglued alittle in places. I mainly run cross country and rarely track but when i train its mostly road surface as its the easiest way to get in a long run. i have no idea what people are talking about in regards to running technique and the such, but i usually run on the balls of my feet? just behind where your toes are, and moreso on the outside edges of my feet, its just where i tend to run naturally and feels better. i usually avoid landing on my heels as its alot more jarring and only ever do so when im going fairly slowly.

Thanks for the help with the shoes, might be able to afford a new pair without having to worry now. One thing i have noticed with shoes though is the HUGE difference weight can make. For instance, my new balance x trainers have sweet tractor grip on them but they weighed a brick. Well atleast thats what i discovered when i wore on a pair of spikes for a 3k track run. It was Amazing how much lighter they where, feels like youve got springs in your feet. was like when i wore ankle weights for 2 months straight and only took them off for showers and bed. When i took them off.... Damn.
So anyway yes i suppose ill just have a look around then? theres a rebel sports and an A mart all sports near me so ill have a browse and see what i can find. Preferably something light that can go the distance and ill be happy.

Edited by Alexg, 21 July 2008 - 11:10 PM.

[Rugbygal1978]

As others have said, I think the right shoes for you are critical, forget cost etc. I recently (well, four months ago) "splurged" on some Asics Kayanos and they represent the worst pair of shoes I have ever worn - stupidly high heels included. I got bad blisters due to my feet moving around, knee, ankle and lower back pain. When I showed my physio my shoes, he said they were the worst shoes I could've bought! Very happy with my $160 Brooks now Although they're not as flashy

[LG1]

I own a sports store and my biggest piece of advise would be to go to a store where you will get good advice and service. Bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Don't buy shoes because the salesperson says they wear them and they are great. Buy what is right for you which means what suits your needs and budget. Good running shoes cost a lot of money so they should also come with lots of service and information. The best shoe in the world is a waste of money if it's not the right shoe for you.

[Fitnhealthy]

I've never believed the hype either AlexG, but when I started training seriously for the first time (increased to 4 sessions a week) I started getting pretty painful right knee problems. I went and saw a proper shoe shop, got my gait anayalysed and found I was overpronating and bought some shoes to resolve this as per their recommendations. At first I was skeptical, but since then I haven't had pains in that knee...

Good shoes for your feet are very important, especially if you are having problems...No problems maybe there is nothing to fix???

[Phoenix]

Important to get shoes that suit your level of pronation as a starting point. But no shoe will prevent stupidity - i.e. overuse injuries - doing to much too soon, combining hills and intervals without your body being ready for it etc.

[wobbly man]

Phoenix, on Jul 23 2008, 08:01 AM, said:

.... no shoe will prevent stupidity - i.e. overuse injuries - doing to much too soon, combining hills and intervals without your body being ready for it etc.

Next time say hello when you see me out training Phoenix!

[Ewoksta]

I went to a "Proper" shoe store when I first started running and they fitted me to what there machine reccommended. Shoes were comfy enough but every run I went on I developed a blister of some sort. At first I thought it was because I was running more than I had and my feet hadn't "Hardened up". Ran the Sydney Half last year and the blisters at the end almost meant I couldn't walk. Went back to the store for the third time that afternoon, threw the shoes at the salesperson and said that I wanted a refund. Manager came out, showed her the blisters. Went through the whole fitting thing again and they realised they had sold me the wrong shoe for my foot!!! Exchanged them for a pair that felt better even with the blisters. They advised to put some inners in them to cushion the impact a bit more. Blisters again during the Sydney marathon. More attributed to the inners than the shoes.

Threw the inners to the S%$#house and have not had a problem since!!!

Not sure if I will go back to the shoe store but now I know what type of shoe I need it shouldn't be too hard.

I think Good shoes are critical for comfort and performance. Price doesn't matter.

Cheers
Andrew

[TehAxe]

wobbly man, on Jul 23 2008, 09:51 AM, said:

Next time say hello when you see me out training Phoenix!

haha, I thought he was talking to me too!

[bandak]

This is probably not the place for this, but here goes...

I've never had shoes properly fitted. When I was running heaps 25 years ago, just bought what I thought was best. Never had a problem.

Resumed running about 14 months ago and was amazed at how far shoes had come. Still haven't had gait tested, but have run in Kayanos since start of the year.

Finished first marathon on GC three weeks ago and have had sore knees since, although last couple of days OK and will run tomorrow.

I'm now thinking that maybe I need to get gait/feet tested, but don't who to see - podiatrist, physio or some else.

Any thoughts, anyone????

[Bellthorpe]

Thoughts? That a bit of 'sore knees' is probably normal after your first marathon and a break from running of many years. Sometimes I think we're too quick to blame shoes for every ailment below a headache.

[bandak]

Bellthorpe, on Jul 23 2008, 05:14 PM, said:

<font color="#0033FF" size="3" face="Calibri">Thoughts? That a bit of 'sore knees' is probably normal after your first marathon and a break from running of many years. Sometimes I think we're too quick to blame shoes for every ailment below a headache. </font>

Bell

Yes, agree sores knee after first marathon to be expected, and I'm not blaming shoes. Actually, really like the Kayanos.
I just want to make sure all is ok, and that there is nothing wrong with the way I run.

[Dangerous]

Bandak

Not sure if you should be worrying too much, based on what you have said...

...not run much for 25 years - started again 14 months ago...and now you turn out a 90min 1/2 and 3.36 in the full.

If its your shoes that are the "problem" I am going to be needing some Kayanos!

Thats an excellent effort.

[bandak]

Dangerous, on Jul 23 2008, 06:47 PM, said:

Bandak

Not sure if you should be worrying too much, based on what you have said...

...not run much for 25 years - started again 14 months ago...and now you turn out a 90min 1/2 and 3.36 in the full.

If its your shoes that are the "problem" I am going to be needing some Kayanos!

Thats an excellent effort.

Tks Danger

Just being impatient, I guess.

Keen to get back into running after the GC and work towards next event.

Had an easy 5k canter this morning, knees a bit sore, but feel OK now. So will continue to take easy for a while

[Linkspurr]

I recently purchased my first pair of shoes from a running store - In Training at Milton in Brissie and I was so impressed. Before this I've only ever bought shoes from Amart All Sports (I feel bad admitting that), Rebel and Athletes Foot.

I have been running in Brooks for a while now and while the Trance 6's were great, I've had ongoing forefoot blisters with my Trance 7's. Decided to go and speak to the specialists this time and was so impressed at the time they spent analysing my gait and trying different brands and models. I ended up with Asics 2130s. I've been running in them two weeks now, ran 15kms on day two and no blisters, long run of 19km this week and again no dramas. Well worth the investment. I also invested in a pair of wright socks and I'm very happy with those as well.

In the end I'd say good shoes are important but the main thing is getting the fit right. I'm no expert but there are some great running stores out there that are only too happy to spend the time with you and make sure you're happy.

**Steve and Margot - congrats on your store and your staff, I was like a kid in a candy shop and I will most definitely be back for my next pair of shoes.**

[BrisMatt]

Based upon how poor a condition my shoes are in for the last 1/3 of their life, and the fact that I am quite happy and injury free in them, I think that having the flashest shoes may be a bit overrated.
Matt

[Alexg]

well i got my shoes, asics gel 1130or whatever. the gold ones!. $160 from rebels... or 130 from insport factory outlet!! hehehe.
ohh and they had last model of kayanos, green ones. 100 bucks!... but only in 7's 9's and 12. no wonder was so cheap, but if your that size then damn your in luck

yaay, feet are very happy now. I never realised how much better some decent shoes are. i didnt bother getting the next ones up for alittle extra gel and all the other little pros theyve got. theyll be worn out in under 6 months regardless, theyre sure as heck better for running in then linx joggers. i did get a blister yesterday but thats probably because it was raining. Yeah my times are actually better in the rain i ran 7k in 25mins so go figure!

[Ralph Wiggum]

Quote

I haven't got great technique, but it's a whole lot better than it use to be, and I am injury free. I use to wear Asics, replace them every 6 months, and had stress fractures, shin splints, compartment syndrome, hip bursitis, you get the picture, and I was only able to run 3-4 times a week. Now I wear basic, much cheaper NB and Loco shoes, up to 1000kms, with minimal bells and whistles, and I run almost every day.

Me too. It sucks having a really odd foot-strike and gait because it's so hard to find something that 'works'. Throw an orthotic into the mix and it's even tougher.

I'm really jaded over shoe buying these days because my bad-to-good experience ratio is something like 2:1. With that said, I'd still probably avoid running in shoes not designed for some other activity (cross-trainers, bball boots etc.). Whilst wandering around in the bush in my hiking boots last week I was day-dreaming about running and wishing that I could develop some kind of impenetrable skin for my feet to allow me to run off-road barefoot. Weird I know...

[RunBare]

Ralph Wiggum, on Jul 31 2008, 03:18 PM, said:

Whilst wandering around in the bush in my hiking boots last week I was day-dreaming about running and wishing that I could develop some kind of impenetrable skin for my feet to allow me to run off-road barefoot. Weird I know...

Vibram Five Fingers. That's was I use for offroad 'barefoot' running. Quite like an impenetrable skin, but you can take them off when you're finished

[azza]

Slightly off-topic but related - I went to a podiatrist the other day (my first ever visit) and was told that I should only by Brooks and Asics! Exact quote was, "Adidas and NB may be cheaper, but they just aren't as good.".

Upon further discussion, it came out that she has a vested interest in the performance of the local Athlete's Foot chain. Funnily enough, Brooks and Asics are the most expensive runners they stock.

Lesson learned - when getting information, consider your source.

I don't think I'll be going back to that pod any time soon...