Sunday, January 23, 2011

Choosing a Good Running Shoes

This week, my mission was to find a good running shoe. If you remember, last week I wrote about these awful shin splints I got during my first run. I did some research online about shin splints and how to avoid them. What I found was a bit surprising. It seams I was wearing the wrong shoes! For my first run, I wore my Reebok Easytones. I have had these shoes for about a year and a half and have always liked them.

Once I discovered that my shoes may have caused my shin splits, I began researching about the importance of choosing the correct shoe when running. Wow! There is so much information out there about choosing a running shoe. From what I gathered, it seams that the most important thing you need to know when shopping for a running shoe is what type of foot you have. Foot types include:

Under pronating, or high arch

Neurtal pronating, or normal arch

Over pronating, or flat footed

Most running experts advise you to go to a shoe store and ask an expert in running shoes for help when choosing a shoe. So, that is just what I did.

I went to Dick’s Sports here in York, PA and met a really great salesperson who was very knowledgeable in running shoes. He asked me to take off my shoes and socks. He examined my feet and informed me that I have a neutral to over pronating foot. He then asked me if I can often feel the arch of my foot caving into my shoes as I walk. He was right on! The salesperson told me that I should choose a running shoe that offer really good arch support. He then recommended to me several shoes in many brands and prices. He showed me to look for a shoe with a two part sole, with built in arch support on the inside of the shoe and the outside. After trying on several pairs, I chose a winner!
My salesperson also mentioned the importance of finding a shoes that fits well…not to tight and not to loose. Trying a half size up in a running shoes was a good suggestion., so I tried on an 8.5 and a 9. He also checked to see if I need a wide width, which I did not. I ended up getting a pair of ASICS GT-2160 in a size 9. My trip to Dick’s was very informative and overall a great experience.

The last thing I learned about running shoes and wanted to share with you is that running shoes have a relatively short life. Most experts recommend you replace your running shoes at least every 400 miles. I am sure my Easytones have seen at least double that! Dick’s had an amazing pair of running shoes, the ASICS GEL KAYANO 17, but they were a bit out of my price range for now…but maybe they are just what I will need to finish the Marathon! Once I put some miles on my new ASICS GT-2160, I will let you all know what I think!

What has your experience been with running shoes? Is there any you would or would not recommend?

A dream is a wish your heart makes......

--Amy

 
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7 comments:

  1. Asics are one of the best running shoes. That is the brand I almost always use and you know I run a lot. The gel series are always a good bet the bad part is they tend to not last as long as you hope they do I only get about 300 or so out of them before the support start to fail but a good pair of insoles will help you get another 100 to 150 miles out of them.

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  2. I will be getting fitted for running shoes in about a month and a half. So I will let you know how it goes then. Glad you found a pair that works for you and bonus!....they have pink in them! :-)

    Megan

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  3. I have suffered from shin splints (back in the Army training days) which has deterred me from running. I love Jazzercising right now and have really been contemplating running again. I think I stop at a running store and see what they say about the type of shoe I need. I almost have no arch which may have contributed to shin splints.

    When is the Disney Princess Marathon? That would be sooooo much fun to do.

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  4. Nice to meet you Kim! I have never tried Jazzercise. Maybe I will soon! Please let me know how your trip to the shoe store goes. I was told the same thing about shin splints, but that a good show shoe will do wonders. The Marathon is the last week in February, but I am waiting till 2012 to give me more time to train! Hope to see you there.

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  5. I got the Kayanos - in a KID size! (I'm lucky to have small feet) I LOVE them!!! I also got the insoles... Sofsoles athlete insoles.

    I'm new to running, and am doing a half in May 2011 (our half marathon is a big deal in Indy... it seems like half the people I know do it!). I'm hoping to train for the Goofy at Disneyworld in 2012.

    Good luck to you... I'll checking in on your blog to check out your progress, and encourage me to keep up with mine! I'm excited that you're starting around the same time as me, so I don't have to be a newbie all by myself.

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  6. Lucky you...To be able to fit in a kids size! Congrats on adopting running! I am planning a 5k in May for March of Dimes. Wow...a half in May...good luck! I am sure you will do great! And a Goofy! Way to think big! I look forward to hearing about how your training is going as well. Keep me posted!

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  7. Oh yea, please let me know how you like the Sofsoles!

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