NTTGPR: Recommend a shoe

Gigi0308 · January 2014

What is your favorite brand/type of shoe to exercise in and why do you like it? Feel free to recommend any inserts you use as well. I've been mainly doing walking, light lifting, and cardio (Zumba, step, etc.).

I've always had a tough time finding a shoe that is comfortable. The bottom of my feet really hurt after I'm done, especially under a spot where I had surgery in high school.

AmyC925 · January 2014

I recommend going to a local sports shop and getting fitted for shoes. Something that works for one person may not work for you due to differences in how you step. They may be a bit more expensive, but it's worth it not to have pains and end up buying a second, different shoe.

I use New Balance and they work well for cross training for me.

anitad84 · January 2014

I don't know if they are still out on shelves, but a few years back I bought a pair of Adidas Bounce. Sort of their response to Nike Shocks. I have a lot of knee/hip/back issues, and the Bounce are amazing for me! And they hold up well, I'm still using the original pair I bought.

MusicFanatic · January 2014

I wear Nike, typically.

I agree with the above! My H would most definitely. He does a bunch of sports (he's a phys ed teacher and coach) and he always recommends people who exercise to get fitted at a local running store. You don't necessarily need to be a runner, they will find the right shoe for you. They will test various things on you... have you go barefoot, they'll look at your stride, the way you walk, etc. It's a really good idea because as was said above, different sneakers/shoes fit different on everyone. Nike works for me, but my husband can't wear them.

You can also give them a price range.. you don't necessarily have to pay a ton more for this way

But it'll be best for your feet.

lebradford · January 2014

I would also recommend going to a nice running or exercise store and having them fit you for a specific type of shoe and insert. The place I go to has you walk an a treadmill and considers all kinds of things like your stride, pressure points, arches, etc. and they give you an option of like 3 shoes. They also mould inserts to your foot. FWIW, the brand I have is Brooks.

When I first started running, I bought a $70 pair of Nikes, thinking I was getting a "nice" pair of workout shoes. Unfortunately they were not right for my body and I had all kinds of knee and leg pain until I went to the running store and got the shoes I described above.

Pintobean39 · January 2014

I wear brooks ghost. I go to a running store where they fit your shoes based on how you walk. I HIGHLY recommend finding a shoe store that does that. I also have custom orthopedic inserts that are so freaking awesome. I've tried many different inserts but none of them really worked.

I have awful pain in my feet so I see a podiatrist and go to physical therapy. It's helped so much. I'm hoping to get to start running soon. I also never walk barefooted anymore. I have special orthopedic flip flops that I wear all the time.

BabyCowbell · January 2014

I wear Saucony Pro Grid Guide, or something like that. I was fitted at a store a few years ago and they have been awesome. I also recommend the fitting.

mountainmama65 · January 2014

Agree w/ most here- go get fitted at a reputable running store. You'll probably want some healthy cushion

Gigi0308 · January 2014

Thank you for the responses! We have a couple of shoe stores in my area that sell a variety of brands, so I will be making a stop at one of those in the near future.

@pintobean39 I'm thinking a visit to my podiatrist is in order. I haven't seen him since the last time I had surgery, and that was 12 years ago. Maybe we can look into something that will help with the pain.

Irishcurls · January 2014

CrazyCornball said:

Go get fitted and then find them cheaper online.What works for running doesn't work for other activities...and can aggravate injuries or cause them if you're in the wrong shoe.

I've been buying the exact same shoe for years online. Definitely get fitted!

WestIsleFlower · January 2014

Definitely get your foot sized! I use Asics that I bought on Zappos and they have been great!

Pintobean39 · January 2014

Gigi0308 said:

Thank you for the responses! We have a couple of shoe stores in my area that sell a variety of brands, so I will be making a stop at one of those in the near future.

@pintobean39 I'm thinking a visit to my podiatrist is in order. I haven't seen him since the last time I had surgery, and that was 12 years ago. Maybe we can look into something that will help with the pain.

If you are going to make an appt with your podiatrist I'd recommend doing that first. Mine had a couple of shoes that he recommended. I ended up having to buy a new pair of Brooks adrenaline ASR to wear for a few months after I got my inserts. They aren't running shoes, they have a lot more support. I just started wearing my Ghost again a few weeks ago. I also get discounts at my running store because I am his patient which helps some.

Gigi0308 · January 2014

Pintobean39 said:

Gigi0308 said:

Thank you for the responses! We have a couple of shoe stores in my area that sell a variety of brands, so I will be making a stop at one of those in the near future.

@pintobean39 I'm thinking a visit to my podiatrist is in order. I haven't seen him since the last time I had surgery, and that was 12 years ago. Maybe we can look into something that will help with the pain.

If you are going to make an appt with your podiatrist I'd recommend doing that first. Mine had a couple of shoes that he recommended. I ended up having to buy a new pair of Brooks adrenaline ASR to wear for a few months after I got my inserts. They aren't running shoes, they have a lot more support. I just started wearing my Ghost again a few weeks ago. I also get discounts at my running store because I am his patient which helps some.

That makes sense. Thank you!

REB1003 · January 2014

Brooks are my favorite, like some PP have said. I went to a running store (Luke's Locker, if you have one in your area) and these were the best fit for my foot. I have worn this brand for a few years now..

ETA: I have done the activities you mention in these.

nikiz628 · January 2014

I have a pair of New Balance and I hate them. Even with awesome insoles, I got shin splints. Also, my feet go numb when running. I am trying to find a store to get fitted, because I need a good pair!

Gigi0308 · January 2014

nikiz628 said:

I have a pair of New Balance and I hate them. Even with awesome insoles, I got shin splints. Also, my feet go numb when running. I am trying to find a store to get fitted, because I need a good pair!

The only time I have ever been fitted was at a New Balance store, and I didn't care for the shoes, either (although I know a lot of people who like them). I had the same problem with my feet going numb, and I paid a lot of money for those shoes. I'm hoping my podiatrist can recommend some brands that might work better. If not, I found a local store that sells a variety of brands and fits people like PPs mentioned.

BabyCowbell · January 2014

sngsoprano1 said:

My first bit of advice is go up a half size for running shoes. Your feet swell when you workout so running stores will always tell you to do that. Believe me it makes huge difference and cuts down on the pain.

Ditto to getting fitted at a running store and there are also things you can do on your own like the wet foot test to figure out what brands and types of shoes will feel the best https://www.runnersworld.com/running-shoes/take-wet-test-learn-your-foot-type

I prefer Nike because they are great for more narrow feet, but you have to find ones that work the best for your foot.

Totally agree on going up a half size. I started doing that after being fitted and I have not had nearly as much discomfort with running or workout shoes.

turtles7 · January 2014

For running I wear asics and for group exercises i wear nike free. You should go to a sports store to see which one fits better on you.

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