Best Shoes for Running

Hi Angela,
I am afraid I haven't anything helpful to say about the gravity defyers. But for running shoes, really nothing can beat going to an actual running shop and getting help. Here is a link to Hanson's Running shop's site (which honestly, I have never used them online ... but it looks like they sell online too) http://www.hansons-running.com/ But I can say -- in person -- I can't speak highly enough of their staff. I am not a hardcore runner, so their advice was extra helpful to me and they really understood my needs and judged my foot falls and everything! All the staff are highly qualified and just so nice. They have a locations in Utica, Royal Oak, Lake Orion and Grosse Pointe Shores. Good luck!!

I used to sell shoes in college and would recommend that you get in to a good sporting goods store and try on several running shoes. What's a great running shoe for one person can be awful for another. Find a store with salespeople who know something about running; if not, go to another store. Also check out the reviews in Runner's World magazine ... they're a good starting point for quality models. You don't need gimics like gravity defyers to get a good shoe.

I'm training for a half marathon (my first and last) though I am not, by nature a runner.

For several years, my husband and I have been going to a local company (in our local area it's the Running Company). They were founded by elite level runners and fit you based upon your running style and needs. Because I wear orthotics, my podiatrist has strict instructions to get non-stability shoes.

This store knows this and only recommends shoes in that category. I just got a new pair yesterday - had been wearing the Asics Numbus and LOVED them. They changed them ever-so-slightly from when I got mine, and the fit was not as good this time. Ended-up with a pair of new balance.

I'd highly recommend going to a store that specializes in running and spending the money - though they're really not that much more expensive than going to a good Sporting Goods store.

Good luck.

I buy Air Nike's. I had shin splints when I first started running too. These just seemed to give me more cushioning and took care of the shin splints. I can usually find them on sale for about $40 to $50 at any Sporting Goods store and even department stores.

Another way to make sure you are getting the best shoe for your needs is to visit Playmakers in East Lansing (or Okemos, can't remember). They can select a shoe to fit your needs and have a big selection of running shoes, however, you will almost be guaranteed to pay more for them.

When you consider in this hobby that the most important thing, and about the only thing you need is shoes, it's worth the investment.

good luck,
S.

New Balance are the best. I have been wearing them for over 10 years. Buy a half size bigger than you normally wear your feet will swell a bit and you will be less likely to get blisters. good luck

Seriously, got to Hansen 's Running Shop in Royal Oak. There are so many shoes out there and everyone has different feet. Hansen's shoes vary by price but once they fit you, you know what is the best brand for your feet.

Good luck!

Hi Angela---Go to your nearest store that specializes in running gear. Everyone's foot AND running style is different. An expert will be able to help you determine which shoe is best for you. When you can, consider adding some weight training into the mix. Weights are great for women. It also helps to strengthen bones, keep muscles firm and is also a great all-around exercise activity.

Good luck and good job on your new running habit. Be sure that your diet will support this very good-for-you activity. Exercise, while very important for health, creates more free radicals in the body, which requires lots of fresh fruits and veggies, whole grains, legumes, nuts and seeds to balance the oxidative stress.

I've been taking a series of wellness classes taught by a Naturopath who has her PhD in nutrition. I'd be happy to share that info with you. And if you'd like to know how to get the nutrients of 17 different fruits, veggies and grains on a daily basis, give me a call.

Good luck and keep on running. In health and wellness, D.
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I am not a runner by any means, but I workout a lot and do a lot of fast-paced walking and a little running. I just bought Pumas and I just love them! They are so comfortable! My sister is a big runner and she also loves Pumas. I haven't had shin splints before, but my sister has and she said that the Pumas are great for those! Good luck!

I would advise that you actually go into an athletic shoe store, it's not necessarily how good the shoe is as much as how it fits your particular foot. An athletic shoe salesman/woman can assess wether or not your foot is pronated/supinated (whether you put more weight on the inside or outside edges of your feet) and how much arch support you need.

The trick is to have the force of running distributed through your whole foot and not just part of your foot which can cause alot of joint stress and shin splints. Your shoe needs to contact your entire foot and put you in a more even stride (so if you naturally supinate/walk on the outside edges of your feet, your shoe will need to push you a little more into pronation/toward the inside). Also the surface that you run on makes a difference, if you notice that one leg seems more sore than the other it could be the slant of the road (usually slants down at the sides) so make sure you vary your surface or run somewhere the ground is as even as possible.

I hope that makes sense, I'm a Physical Therapist...I don't know if that gives me more credit haha but I do know what I'm talking about.

Angela,

I noticed you are from Ionia. I would recommend you take a trip over to East Lansing and stop at Play Makers. It is a store that specializes in exercise equipment and the employees are trained to find the shoe that fits your running style and the shape of your foot. Make sure you tell them about the shin splints.

Even better, if you find the shoes are not working for you after a couple of days Play Makers will take back the shoes even if you have already run in them. I had to do this two years ago and had absolutely no problem returning the shoes that didn't work and they helped me find shoes that fit my feet beautifully.

If you need directions to Play Makers feel free to send me a personal message. Good luck finding the right shoes for you.

C..

It may not be the shoes, make sure you are stretching, try not to over due it. When you run too fast you can get shin splints. I run in champions and they are very comfortable and only cost around $40 so you don't have to spend a fortune

My hubby and I LOVE our Saucony running shoes! They feel like socks with soles - you can buy inserts to put in for a bit more cushioning if you need it. They aren't terribly cushy in the heel - I'm very heavy on my heels, but hubby is not, so he doesn't notice. Might be worth trying on at least. :)

Hi,
I used to wear Nike Shox but they started hurting my feet my personal trainer said she didn't like them... She like and my feet feel better after switching new balance and ascis.. I believe nordstrom still might have ascis on sale right now online.