Running Shoe's ... any suggestions.

[lopxtc]

Well I am going to start running again and wanted to get some input from the AO crowd on what running shoes you guys like and why.

Figure get a good list and then go try them on and see which feel the most comfortable.

I am looking for a pair that will be worn for running only, and running over mostly paved surfaces or track surfaces. No cross-country running or over broken surfaces.

Thanks,

Aaron

[gibby]

Definitely get Asics gel...also, get soles with arch support and replace the ones in the new shoes. Granted, all running shoes look kinda ugly, Asics being on top of the fugly list, but it's a really comfortable shoe! Have fun running! :)

[fire1811]

i still say its hard to beat a good pair of nike running shoes.

[FooTemps]

I have a pair of nike spiridons (i think that's how it's spelled). They are light as hell and provide a lot of breathing. The only problem I have with them is that they aren't very good until you put some inserts in them.

[Mango]

Yay a thread where I can actually make a worthy reply!

First important thing you must know about running shoes, for a new runner, is what kind of "pronation" pattern you have. This is the anatomical term that describes the type of kinematic motion your foot undergoes during a planted stride, at the moment of impact. This is CRUCIAL to finding a proper shoe because different shoes are for different kind of "pronators". You can tell what kind you are by the wear patter on the bottom of a pair of shoes that you wear a lot. People fall into one of 3 catagories:

Overpronators - the sole of your shoes is worn most on the inside
Neutral/normal pronators -wear in the central area, normal
Underpronators - the sole of your shoes is worn most on the outsides

This link explains

I'm an overpronator, but my arches are strong so that article is purely generalizing. You have to examine the wear patterns to understand it best.


The reason this is important is because if your foot biomechanics are wrong because a shoe does not offer support in the areas you need it, this exacerbates injury potential and will make your running less efficient. The amount of force your lower extremeties must withstand while running is ENORMOUS (every time your foot lands while running, your lower body and spine are absorbing the equivalent of 3 times your body weight). Take your weight, multiply by 3, and yes, thats what your running shoe must help absorb.

You can see the importance of the right shoe. Expect about a 4 to 6 week period of adaptation response. The bones of your lower body have to strengthen and get used to the pounding they are taking. They will actually increase in size (thickness) so your diet is important. Make sure you are getting plenty of calcium/vitamin D/phosphorous and stay hydrated. I wouldnt do much more than 3 running days a week to start, pick a pace that you can maintain while talking. The talk test is pretty effective for a quick self assessment. After the adaptaiton period kick it up. If you've ran before the adaptation period will be shorter but your muscles need to adapt as well.

Good luck and enjoy, running is extremely beneficial to the body and just makes you feel great. I know I enjoy it. :) :)

[lopxtc]

Mango -- I had someone once tell me I was an overpronator but had no clue what they ment, thanks for the article explaining that.

Aaron

[lopxtc]

Mango -- Going to tap your brain one more time ... where do you recommend as a good shoe store to shop. I know local places are local places, but of the big name stores do you think one is better then another when it comes to having knowledgeable (sp?) staff on hand.

Aaron

[Mango]

99% of the big name shoe stores have a staff that knows nothing about shoes in terms of biomechanics. Your lucky to find one that understands a true runners needs. I have found that Finish Line is the friendliest chain store to a consumer with brain. They have these little guides that they hang on the shoe wall that tries to at least inform the consumer of what type of shoe is best for differnent running needs. I know www.runnersworld.com has a forum, maybe you can ask around there for a knowledgable running shoe store in your area.

[painball]

I have a pair of new Adidas A3 Cushion shoes for running.

I'm not sure how much I enjoy them as they are a bit on the heavy side. I should have bought a pair of Asics instead. Hopefully these will work well for cross country.