I guess as a child I had "running shoes" that is what they called pretty much all shoes except the ones I wore to church. Now they would be tennis shoes, basketball shoes, training shoes, etc... Any way put they were not designed for running. I was always faster the day I got new ones though. My Dad always knew it.
Four years ago I decided to take up running. Mainly just to try to get in shape so I could keep up with my 5 year old daughter and infant son. I grabbed an old pair of elastic top sketchers out of the closet. I ran in these shoes until they were so worn out the heelcup was actually cutting my heel. I then grabbed an old pair of discount sk8 shoes out of the closet. My wife had picked them up on sale for bumming around at the cottage. I am still using them as my main "running shoe" but they are almost dead. I think they will last until the end of the winter.
yeah I know reused image...
In all as much as I am a "runner" these are all "running shoes". I am enjoying running more lately but think that it will get shadowed over when real cycling season kicks back in. I need a pair of "running shoes" and think if I am planning on doing any longer runs than my current 5 and 7KM lunch hour runs I may want something designed for the job.There are so many styles etc.. out there. Plus minimalist shoes. What do I need to know before snagging a pair?
This is where I hope I can drag in a few runners to my cycling blog and help a guy out. Thanks in advance... I'm out...
Holy loaded question/can of worms, Batman. Hold on to your hat, you're about to get 87 differing opinions on what you should get.
ReplyDeleteGo to a running store and have someone walk (ha!) you through the process of what your particular foot needs.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely go to a specialty running store. More knowledge, better prices. Tell them what you need, then try on as many shoes as possible. The shoes that feel the best are probably the right ones for you.
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely not a runner and my choice in "running shoes" is probably a good indicator. I've owned nothing but Vans and skate shoes for as long as I can remember. Funny, I'm not a skater either....but I do prefer them to traditional running shoes.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy Your Run
Darryl
While I don't think "go to a shoe store" was exactly the advice that you were looking for, I will agree that it's the best way to figure out what's for you. For instance, I overpronate, so I need a really strong shoe, esp. when I go trail running. That's not something that you can necessarily get a feel for until you try on about 15 different pairs.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a cool guide to get you started, though. Esp. if the thought of venturing into a store and dealing with the hard sell of salespeople before you have an idea of what you're looking for makes you cringe as much as me:
http://tinyurl.com/5ugs2vw
I think that is where I have made my mistake thus far. I keep popping into multi-sport stores and looking at shoes. The kids working there are all goofing off and don't seem to be well educated in running shoes. "Those Black Nike's are cool" are the comments I am getting. I am not sure if I need high end shoes and therefore have stayed away from running stores. Maybe I just need to go into one and find out more about the attributes of running shoes.
ReplyDeleteI was lucky enough to participate in a marathon clinic a few years back and they set me up with which reputable store to check with and all the first timer stuff - in fact it's probably time I go back to these classes. Do you have a local run club?
ReplyDeleteNewtons are all the rage these days it seems and I'm about ready to get me a pair. Also, Kelly @chmpgnepolitics swears by the Montrail Mountain Masochist trail shoe. Oh, yeah I want some VFFs too. I need to ask Darryl for a raise.