Running shoe recommendations?

M

midnight

Cathlete
OK, I know there are ZILLIONS of them out there. My foot profile is wide in the toebox, narrow in the heel with low arches. I don't put on a lot of mileage, this is just a supplement to my Cathe workouts and a way to keep my dog in shape. My local store keeps recommending the ASICS Gel-Kayano to me but the $100+ price just leaves me cold and seems like overkill for the type of running I do. I just want a good, basic running shoe that will fit my foot profile and provide stability (but doesn't weigh a ton). Just to narrow it down, Nikes are out, I've never found a pair that fit me correctly. My podiatrist does like the ASICS shoes but what model??? I think my local store is just trying to make me spend as much money as possible.

Advice, please. and thank you.

--Lois

"Don't forget to breathe!"
 
You only have to replace your shoes after about 500 miles, depending on your weight. So they could last a couple of years.

Don't they sell the same one you have that you can buy again? If not, you really will have to go and try on shoes to see how they fit. There are very good shoes out there (Asics, Adidas etc), and some models are cheaper than others.

Can't you go to another running store and see what they advice? I personally do have the Kayano after buying and trying three other (cheaper) pairs and this one was the best for me. though they are very pricey.

Dutchie:)
 
Have you tried the Nike Pegasus in the wide size? They have a lot of cushioning & room. They are not that attractive (I'm a shoe fanatic) but, alas, they are the most comfortable for my wide feet/low arches. New Balance is the next best bet, but I can't remember which I used to use.

The best shoes ever, were the Pegasus from like 1988. They were so comfortable, I could run indefinitely. They discontinued them & now, several years later, they revived them, but unfortunately not exactly the same.:-(

I would NOT recommend Nike Shox. They are hard on the heels.


Marla
 
I have a wide foot that is very hard to fit. If I find a shoe that feels good on my feet I go with it, since it doesn't happen that often. Last year I found Mizuno's, they felt sooo good on my feet. I spent more than I wanted to on them but now I see them at Sierra Trading Post and I'm going to get another pair.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/EU...e+matchallany&track=true&sid=42571B0072EDE17F

You could always find a pair that fits and then shop online for a better deal :)
 
Is there another store you can go to for a recomendation? And definitely shop online - Google the model you like and see who has the best prices.

On the pricing issue, I'm an occasional runner too and I paid more for my runners than my crosstrainers. I have foot problems and figured cost wasn't an issue if the shoes keep my feet healthy and pain-free. I also have narrow heels and low arches (though I'm not wide in the toe box) - Mizuno Waves and Brooks Adrenaline are two models that I love.

Allison
 
Lois, I have a wide foot too, but not really a narrow heel. I also hate spending $100 or more! I like Adidas and Reeboks and usually get them online thru www.roadrunnersports.com as our local running store is quite expensive...:)...Carole
 
I wear Asics Gel Cumulus and get them in mens instead of womens because I like the roomier toe box. I have flat feet and use Dr. Scholl's Advantage Sport inserts for extra cushioning and stability. The Gel Cumulus is around $60-65 at Roadrunner sports I think. I've been buying them for years. I'm a high mileage runner and I think they wear pretty well.

Erica
 
Lois,

Have you actually gone to try out the Kayano, or does your local store just recommend it over the phone? Maybe that expensive pair doesn't fit your feet the best. You should really go to a specialty running store to have trained salespeople look at your feet and how you step. They will bring out a number of shoes and you can try them on to feel which fits best. You may get lucky and find that a cheaper shoe fits! I know, you're probably thinking that you don't want to make such a big deal for shoes that you will only use occasionally, but if you get a cheaper shoe that pinches or your heel slips, then you won't enjoy running anyway, so that would definitely be a waste of money. Consider this: even if you fork out over $100 for a great-fitting pair of shoes, you don't run that much anyway, so you won't have to replace it for a really long time!

PS I also have wide toes, narrow heels, and VERY flat feet. I tried on dozens of shoes, and the inside of my feet would jut up against the shoe. The only ones that fit great were the Asics Gel Evolution. Imagine my surprise when I found out it was $110! But they feel like pillows, so I got them anyway. }(

Elaine
 
Picking the right shoe is really an individual thing based on the personal characteristics of your feet and how you strike/land when walking/running. I also recommend going to the shoe finder section at www.runnersworld.com. Click on find the best shoe for you and it will explain pronation and the basic characteristics behind the different types of shoes (ie. cushioned, stabiltiy, motion control etc..) Once you determine the type of shoe you need, you can plug that into the shoe finder and it will generate a list of shoes, prices, and sometimes reviews. Then go to the store and try on as many as you can to find just the right feel & fit. I found it very helpful when I needed new shoes. I prefer Asics and purchased the Gel Nimbus and they are the best running shoe I have ever used. Good luck in your search.

JJ
 
I have tried on the Kayanos and they do feel great. I was just hoping to find something that felt as great in a lower price range because I just got a new pair of Ryka Rhythm IIs for my Cathe work. I ran a lot more last summer and fall training for a 5K and my old shoes were pretty well blown out. If I hadn't thrown them out I could tell you what model they were but they were not Kayanos. I don't think they make that model anymore anyway. I think what I should do is make a pilgrimage to Arlington, MA to a store called Marathon Sports (as in the Boston Marathon) known for fitting runners of all abilities. Probably a good time to go as marathon runners are not getting new shoes this close to the race and after the race, all the newly-inspired will be getting their new shoes. :) If they tell me the Kayanos are my best bet, I will get them because I've been told I can trust them to be honest. I will also check out Runner's World as many have suggested.

Thanks for your input and I'll keep you posted.


--Lois

"Don't forget to breathe!"
 
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