10 replies to this topic

[Kate22]

Hi,

I have just started running and live in a Wilderness Park in the Kimberley so do all my training outside. It's all on dirt or packed sand and I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to what kind of shoe would be best and if there are any good online stores to buy from?

Thanks!

Edited by Kate22, 03 February 2009 - 01:46 PM.

[emjay]

Kate,

it is very difficult to recommend a shoe as everyone's feet are different so what works for another person may not work for you.

There is a very good article in this month's Run For Your Life magazine which explains about many of the different shoes that are currently on the market, and is worth checking out. if you cant buy the magazine locally, you can always order it online.

[Didge]

emjay, on Feb 3 2009, 01:54 PM, said:

Kate,

it is very difficult to recommend a shoe as everyone's feet are different so what works for another person may not work for you.

So true, the type of shoe that works in one brand may not work in another. For instance, I need a neutral cushioned shoe - New Balance or Brooks are perfect for my feet, and yet Asics are crap for me. There are so many variables. Your best bet would be to see a pod, or at the very least get a footprint done at a shop that specialises in running shoes.

Edited by Didge, 03 February 2009 - 03:37 PM.

[Ellie80]

Probably not so easy to get to a podiatrist in the Kimberley! Where are you Kate22? Beautiful country up there - and gorgeous running but I bet at the moment it is pretty hot!

I think your best bet might be to have a search online for detail on how to do one of those tests where you wet your feet and stand on something that it will make a mark on to see if it you pronate/supinate etc. Then draw an outline of your foot for size and get in touch by phone with a good running shop anywhere in Australia (Perth or Darwin probably quickest, but running specialist is best so you can have a good conversation with them about your needs) and you can post them the outline for sizing once you decide what you want to try.

A good shop would let you return if they didn't fit or feel right (presuming you hadn't run outside in the dirt!!) - it just might take a bit of time and trial and error. Would be easier in person of course but that might not be an option!

[Didge]

Ellie80, on Feb 3 2009, 03:52 PM, said:

Probably not so easy to get to a podiatrist in the Kimberley!

oops! Forgot about that bit...

[JustinS007]

Kate22, on Feb 3 2009, 02:45 PM, said:

I was wondering if anyone has any advice as to what kind of shoe would be best and if there are any good online stores to buy from?

Using a mobile phone, get someone to video your feet whilst running and send it to the email suggested in this:

http://www.runningwa...r/?video=FOOT05

It's a free service and a very good start for beginners. Possibly no need for expensive additional gait analysis at this stage. Once you know your gait type then you can select appropriate shoes.

J.

[antil]

Ironkid94, on Feb 3 2009, 02:47 PM, said:

Asics for sure !

Half of the runners in the Olympics use them. Very goodin preventing injury and there very light weight.

Their marketing department must be pleased to know that they reach their target market.

The right shoe makes all the difference and it takes a while to figure out which one is the right one for you. Speaking for myself, I have a few from different brands that I learned to trust because they work for me and none of those are Asics. I refuse to pay that much and when trying them on in the store they felt weird. As I said, everyone is different.
Justin's suggestion is a good one for a start.

[Lost Boy]

Forget about brand. Brand is totally irrelevent.
Like others have said, try and identify the characterstics of your feet. You will want to know your arch type and will want to know how this changes when you actually move as opposed to standing still. Obviously you will also need to measure your foot for size. From there, identify some of the most popular shoes which suit your foot and gait type. Ultimately, without visiting a shop you are going to have to take a little gamble and order a shoe which is of a type which suits your foot and gait. Some stores will allow you to try the shoe on and return if it seems wrong as long as you dont run in the shoe outside and pay for postage.
Best of luck.

[sarz]

For off-road/trail running I could suggest the Brooks Cascadia or Adrenaline ASR (....although I'm a little biased!). I suggest these as they have a more rugged outsole pattern with better grip.

But as everyone has mentioned, the most important thing is to get the shoe which has the right amount of cushioning and support for your foot type.

Feel free to email me if you have questions, or would like more info - info@runhappy.com.au. There are retailers who would be most happy to mail out shoes for you.

Run happy

[loubee]

I was going to suggest what Ellie80 said, but after reading Justin's suggestion I would try both. Also have a look at the wear on your shoes as this will also give you an idea of foot landing. With all the information you have you could then call a spec store. I have used Athletic Edge , postage is cheap and you can return if they don't feel good!

Different shoes for different people, good luck!