Running shoes for flat feet

WantFit

WantFit

Cathlete
Dear All,

After seeing my Physical Therapist, she insisted that I should buy a pair of running shoes that specifically for flat feet since I have a very very flat feet. She said with stretch and new shoes, it should help to reduce my knees problem.

I need your guys help. Which brand name should I buy? This is strictly for running only. I have Ryka Rythem for stepping and weight lifting.

I got a list from Road Runner Sports catalog. For my category (flat feet, samll to medium frame)it lists:
Asics Gel - Foundation VI
Brooks Addiction 6
New Balance 851
New Balance 856
Saucony Grid Stabil MC 5

For those who have flat feet like me, could you give me some of your valuable inputs of which one should I buy? I searched online yesterday. From www.onlineshoes.com, New Balance 856 sold at $79.99 with free shipping. Is it a good one?

Thanks

WantFit
 
Hey WantFit!

I had the same problem with my feet and yes getting good shoes for you type of feet definitely will make a difference. I have worn the Saucony Grid Stabil MC 5 and they were okay, but I wasn't totally satisfied, then I went to the Saucony Grid Omni 4 (but these are being discontinued, so if you want to try them you'd better get them soon - according to the catalog - I have the same one you have. The shoe that I love and wear faithfully now are Mizuno Wave Nirvana (page 79 of the catalog). These shoes feel wonderful!!

If you can find a shoe in your area that carries these shoes, I'd suggest you go and try them all on first....then you can always order from the catalog if the price is better.

Good luck!!

~Marietta
FITXME
http://www.picturetrail.com/fitxme
 
I also have very flat feet, and right now I wear Asics Gel Evolution, which fit like gloves! Unfortunately, they were a little pricey ($110), but I think they're worth it if you're going to run regularly. I used to wear New Balance 855 (which is probably the older version of 856), which also fit fine.

Mainly you want to look for shoes that are wider by the arches so that when you step down, the arch won't stick into your feet. But you want the ankle to be snug so your feet won't slip in and out of the shoe. Your best bet is to just go to a shoe store and try on various brands. Then if you don't want to pay full price, look for sales online. Running shoe stores are best, because the salespeople will analyze your running gait and recommend the best shoe for you.
 
Thank you all for your advices. I almost order online today. But I will take your advice and go to Dick's to try it out this weekend. Then I will go ahead to order it. I really want to increase my running distance. But I don't want to overkill it before I even can reach my goal. I never thought the shoes are so important until now.


WantFit

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ddw98/my_photos
 
Physical Therapist's do give good advice...:)..I don't have flat feet though. I need a stability shoe myself. I have heard good things about all of those brands. Trying some on would be good though. I'll tell you what I do, when I need new shoes I do a search online for the brand and model # that I use and like and then get the best price I can find. I run in Reeboks and have normally ordered thru Road Runner, but they are about $75 plus shipping and tax. The last pair I ordered online from a search and payed $50 without tax and shipping!!!...:)...Carole
 
I also use the Asics gel evolution and have flat feet. These are by far the best running shoes I have owned. I LOVE them!:) :) :)
 
Here's another vote for the Asics Gel Evolution. I've tried the Koji and Foundation (both also Asics), but was still getting a lot of arch pain and blisters. The Evolution is the first shoe I've tried in literally years that doesn't tear my feet to shreds. I really do think that everyone's feet are different and you'll probably have to try several before you find the perfect fit, but consider this one. I'm surprised that so many others on the boards love it too - I thought it was just me! Good luck!
-Kate
 
I have flat feet as well, along with BUNIONS!!!
I bought the Nike shox which were 100 dollars and I LOVE THEM!!!
I would recomend them as well.:7
 
>So, do you use insoles too?

I don't. But I am going to see my orthopedic to get one. My physical therapist said since my feet are so flat that it might be better off to have a pair of customized made. But it has to be ordered thru my orthopedic, you know those HMO thing. Hopefully I will get an appointment and get one soon.
 
I just saw both the Asics Gel Evolutions and the Saucony Grid Stabil MC 5 at Dick Pond's. (Not to be confused with Dick's Sporting Goods)

They had a sample pair of the Asics Gel Evolutions for $89! I tried them on and just bought them. They felt good.


They normally sell them for $99, so that's $10 cheaper than I've seen them anywhere else. The store is right near where I live, but they have a website and you can order by mail.

Here's the link. They offer the lowest prices.

FYI for anyone else looking for shoes: If you don't see the shoe on the website, you can just call and ask if they have it in stock. If not, they can special order. Oh, and they also said if you need a size 7, those are usually the sample/display sizes and they sell them for even less than their already lower prices. That's how I scored that pair for only $89. Of course, you can buy the non sample for the regular low price though too if you wanted. I just saw that same pair on a different website for $110!

http://www.dickpondathletics.com/

They specialize in running and wrestling shoes.
 
I have flat feet as well and was debating on going to the doc to get them checked out to make sure I was doing what I needed to be doing to prevent any injury or long term damage.

Is the orthopedic the way to go versus a podiatrist?
Or getting good shoes and insoles enough?
 
If you can find a running shoe store that has staff capable of analying your foot-type then you can certainly go that route as they will put you in the best show for your foot. They will also let you know whether or not you will need insoles.

If you decide to have your foot checked out by a specialist, go to a podiatrist. They will not however be able to recommend a specific shoe/brand that you should wear. They may offer to make custom orthotics for you but that can be expensive as most insurance does not cover that.

IMHO, your best bet would be to find a speciality running shoe store in your area.
 
I was told by therapist that to go to see orthopedic so that he/she can order customized made insole for me. That case my HMO might cover it. You can check out with your insurance company to make sure.
 
Thanks, Dani.

I got a pair of New Balance 855 (the former model of 856) from Dick Sporting Good (I ordered via phone and picked up at Elmhurst location). It's only $47, please tax is only a little bit over $51. It is really good deal. I tested it this morning. It feels good. Do you think if this is a good idea:I buy another one and wait for 6 months after my current one wear out? I heard that you need to change shoes either hitting 500 miles or 6 mos. I just don't want to throw shoes out in 6 mos even though I do not wear it.

Can anyone of knowledge ladies give me some advice?

WantFit

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ddw98/my_photos
 
Oh, that's great. Did you mean Dick Pond's?www.dickpondathletics.com (Not Dick Sporting Goods right?) Dick Pond's does have a store in Elmhurst. I didn't know you were from around here! :)



Yes, I bought 2 pairs of the shoes I liked. But, I am training for a marathon and running a lot. If they work good for you then it's a good idea to get a back up pair. Yes, you need to change them about every 500 miles or so. If you don't run much, I would wait until you've worn them for 500 miles.
 
Yes, your are right. I mistyped it.

My question actually is if I don't wear it, should I replace the shoes after 6 month? Will shoes materail be worn out not only by running but also the time?

I would like to buy another pair since the good deal is going to run out pretty soon. However, I don't want to have it just to throw it out in 6 months.

How did you train for Marathon? Did you join some running club? How many miles do you run everyday? I ran 5k before. I want to increase my milage. I mostly run in the treadmill. Is it OK to train on treadmill instead of real road? I only have time to run in the early morning. But I am scared to run outdoor by myself in the dark.

Thanks

WantFit

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ddw98/my_photos
 
If you don't wear them that often then they will last you longer than 6 months. :)

I joined CARA to train for this marathon. Here is the website:
http://www.cararuns.org/

It's ok to train on a treadmill for the shorter runs, but for the longer runs, they should be outside.

Here is a link to my training schedule. Click on this link and go to the bottom. I am now on Week #12. http://www.halhigdon.com/marathon/Mar00novice.htm

You can also go straight to www.halhigdon.com and click on his other training programs. There are some really good ones there. If you've alreday run a 5K then click on his 8K training program. It's good. See his NOVICE training schedules. www.halhigdon.com



Here's some great info from RunnersWorld.com about the life of your running shoes. Check it out. :)

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-52-167-0-268,00.html


Runner's World shoe expert, Bob Wischnia, offers advice on getting the most mileage out of your running shoes



Q: What can I do to extend the life of my running shoes?

A: Take good care of them. Don't store shoes in cold areas (like an unheated garage or porch) during the winter or in direct sunlight during the summer. And don't wear running shoes for other sports such as tennis, soccer or basketball. After running in wet weather, be sure to dry your running shoes (including the insoles) thoroughly by placing them near a heat source. But don't dry them in a dryer.


Q: Will my shoes last longer if I alternate two pairs?
A: Not really. Running shoes aren't like your body; they don't need rest days. Shoes are made of foam and rubber, and daily use doesn't significantly affect their durability. Two exceptions: if you run twice a day, or if you get your shoes wet frequently, then alternating them might be a good idea to let each pair dry out better.


Q: I got more than 500 miles out of one pair of shoes but only 375 out of another. What gives?
A: Different shoes are made from different materials. Some running shoes are more durable than others because they are made of more durable materials.

The two most important components of any shoe are the midsole and outsole. Midsoles are made from either ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA) or polyurethane. EVA is used in most running shoes because it's lighter and has a more cushioned feel than polyurethane. But polyurethane is denser and more durable than EVA. Different companies embed a variety of air bags, gels, plastic devices and viscous solution in their midsoles; these can also affect midsole durability because they replace midsole foam.

Outsoles are made from either blown rubber or carbon rubber. Blown rubber is lighter, more cushiony and less durable than carbon rubber. Several shoes use blown rubber in the forefoot (for added cushioning) and carbon rubber in the high-wear areas of the heel (for better durability).

The most durable shoe has a polyurethane midsole and a carbon-rubber outsole. But don't expect this shoe to deliver maximum cushioning and lightness.

If you have any questions about the materials a shoe is made of, ask the salesperson or ask to see product information on that shoe.


Q: Is the shoe's weight a factor in durability?
A: Definitely. Generally, a very light shoe (less than 10 1/2 ounces) is less durable than a heavier shoe. That's one reason racing shoes are not nearly as durable as training shoes.


Q: Are there other factors to consider?
A: All the other factors are related to your individual running attributes and habits. If you're a big runner who trains primarily on roads, your shoe's midsoles and outsoles won't last as long as those of a light runner using the same shoe who trains primarily on grass and soft trails. Similarly, the more you overpronate (your feet roll too far inward upon impact), the more stress you put on the midsole and upper, and the quicker the shoes will break down.


Q: How do I know when my shoes are worn out and should be replaced?
A: For the reasons mentioned above, it's difficult to give an exact mileage guide. But here are some things you can do: (1) stick your finger into the midsole to see if it feels brittle or compressed; (2) place your shoes on a table and check them for imbalances, such as worn areas or tilting to one side or the other; (3) listen to your aches and pains--they often mean it's time for a new pair of shoes.

Finally, it's important to understand that midsoles usually deteriorate before outsoles. In other words, don't stick with a pair of shoes just because the outsoles seem fine. If the midsoles are shot, it's time for new shoes.


Q: What else can I do?
A: Mileage isn't everything, but some runners use their training logs to track how many miles they run in each pair of shoes they own. Not a bad idea. Other runners write the date of purchase somewhere on the shoe. That way, they know when several months have passed and it's time to start thinking about a new pair.


Q: How many miles can I reasonably expect out of my running shoes?
A: Okay, you know we don't want to answer that question because there are so many variables. But, if pushed, we'll say you should get at least 350 miles from a solid training shoe, and you can reasonably expect another 100 or 200 miles. You'll probably get fewer from a lightweight trainer and far fewer from racing shoes. Some runners, particularly those who have efficient running form, get as much as 700 to 800 miles from their training shoes.


Hope that helps!

Good luck!




:7 :7
 
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