Source
r/Fitness•
RedditBeatsWork

Which running shoes should I buy?

Hey guys, I want to start jogging regularly but don't have a decent pair of shoes. I've never cared about shoes (always just bought the cheapest thing I could find).

So I turn to you r/fitness. Help a guy out and let me know what are the best running shoes I can buy. I only care about how good they are for me (feet, ankles, etc.) and price (my limit is about $100, but I would definitely like to pay less).

Thanks in advance guys!

Posted May 28, 2010, 4:55 PM UTC

36140
TannusCorwinRunning•

The Best Advice I can give you is go to a running store, like a real running store, and have them set you up with running shoes. They will look at your feet, your gait and your pronation, and set you up with a pair of running shoes that will match you. If you just pick one out willy-nilly, you could cause injury to yourself.

Also it helps if you bring the socks to the fitting with you. It does make a difference when sizing them up.

34
RedditBeatsWorkOP•

Cool, thanks for the help. But could you elaborate on what a "real running store" is and where I could find them (I'm assuming google)? I'm brand new to this, so sorry if this is a noob question.

6
Furthur•

a national chain is Fleet Feet, the socks advice was a great point. Try to get fit in the style of sock you wear to run in. Gait analysis and foot strike pattern is what you are looking for here. I tend to buy last years model and if you find a shoe that you really like.. a LOT.. buy a few pairs on sale as they wear out you'll have the exact shoe you like. I've run in Asics-Nimbus from models 8-12 and hated the 12s.. so I went to a shoe I really liked and bought a few past years models for about 1/2 the retail price.

6
JohnnyBeagle•

Stay away from Big Box stores. See if there are any 5K or 10K races in your area and go to watch the race, then ask the runners where a good store is. Or, call your local high school and ask of you can speak with the track coach - they will know where the good places are.

6
TannusCorwinRunning•

I guess that depends on where you live. I am in the KC area so I go to Garry Gribble's Running Sport store. They have me get down to my socks and watch how I walk.

If you can find someone in a shoe store who knows the difference between a motion-control, stability and neutral running shoe, that would be a pretty good indicator.

3
RedditBeatsWorkOP•

I see, so googling running stores in the NYC area is probably a good bet then?

3
[deleted]•

There is one of these in Paramus, and where I got my shoes.

In the city, JackRabbit is a good bet...

3
johnny5iveTriathlon (Competitive)•

Urban Athletics

JackRabbit

Super Runners

Those are some of the best one. Some people say Paragon Sports but I'm kinda iffy on them.

2
TannusCorwinRunning•

That would be a good start, check out the stores website, see if they mention anything about fitting the shoe to you. Another good indicator is if they sponsor local races. Chances are if they do, its a running store.

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[deleted]•

[deleted]

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[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
dmmagic•

Thanks for posting this--I'm in Springfield but we visit my brother-in-law in KC regularly, so I'll have to check them out :-)

1
qwak•

If you're having trouble locating a proper running shop try finding a local running club. Their website may have links (and possibly discount vouchers) to a running shop, or they'll be able to refer you to a shop if you ask directly or on their forums.

2
menge101•

They'll likely have "running" in their name. You could also look at local races and look for stores that sponsor that aren't a national chain like Dick's.

In my area, it's Elite Runners. You can tell what they are right there. Running is what they do.

1
AstroZombie138•

If you go to roadrunner sports they will put you on a treadmill barefoot and record you jogging (only for 20 seconds or so) using a high speed cam down by your feet. They can then watch your steps to see if you have a pronation, etc. They will also have you step on pressure sensors to see what your natural stance is, etc.

Then there's the whole barefoot running movement...

1
elquesogrande•

Do a local google search for "running" in your city - this should help you find the local high-end running store(s) that can make sure you have a good fit. Certain shoes are better for runners who have underpronation or overpronation issues. A good running store can also help point you towards the local runner's clubs and running events.

If cost is a big issue for you, then look for last year's model online versus buying directly from the running store itself. (I like to support the store if it is locally owned, though.)

1
FantasmicMurphy•

Listen to Tannus. In CA we have FleetFeet, RoadRunners, A Snail's Pace, Village Runner and a lot more. The awesome thing about RoadRunners is that they'll actually have you stand on a pad that shows you the pressures of your feet. Then do a video recording of your feet running on a treadmill to look at over or under pronation and whatnot. But any good running store will suit you. Good luck!

1
butteryhotcopporn•

Make sure you get a Master Gaiter to size you up.

2
awkward_panda•

Perfect advice- I work at a running store in Canada and fit people every shift. They'll know which shoes will provide you with the best support for you feet/gait. Best wishes and happy running!

2
boredinthedesert•

I agree wholeheartedly with this. I had gait analysis done, and it was determined that I overpronate a bit. They gave me a list of suggested shoes and I picked one off the list. Helped quite a bit with fatigue and pain. Definitely worth the time.

1
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

A pair of running shoes that will continue to do damage to your joints, most likely.

Skip the heel padding and learn to actually run the way our bodies are meant to. This is why I recommend VFFs (see the other comment)

1
sg47•

Usually, running stores will try to sell you the most expensive shoe once they decide your shoe type. I recommend reading up on the model and see if there are similar shoes in the same brand that lack a few dispensable features but are relatively cheaper. I was recommend MR1225 by the sports store. It costs $140. I read up on the technology and found that MR769 (now discontinued) has the features except for less cushion on the forefoot compared to the 1225. The 769 was available for $50 at runningwarehouse.com. I bought 2 of those after trying them out at a nearby store.

1
crwper•

This is great advice. I've been buying shoes from a "real" running store for a few years now, and have never come away with a pair of shoes I didn't love.

But the biggest reason I wanted to comment here is that I've never got the same pair of shoes twice from these guys. Each time, I tell them what I liked about the shoes I've got, and I walk away with a pair that soon becomes my favourite so far.

If anyone tells you X is the best shoe, take it with a grain of salt. There are loads of great shoes out there, and the best way to find out what's right for you is to buy from a store that looks at your gait etc., then tell them next time what you liked, and what you didn't.

1
[deleted]•

Vibram Five Fingers:

http://www.vibramfivefingers.com/barefooting/barefoot_running.cfm

30
Quingyar•

Came here just to suggest this- if your feet are spoiled (mine were/are) they are going to take some serious punishment at first, but only 2 weeks in, they are amazing and getting better every day :)

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HaveSomeVictoryGin•

if your feet are spoiled

well said

4
[deleted]•

I still get blisters if I walk on concrete for too long. I've babied my feet all my life. I've found it really makes me appreciate cool grass and natural earth so much. When walking with friends I'll walk off the sidewalk and absolutely love it!

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RedditBeatsWorkOP•

Any confirmations that these are good? I get that running barefoot goes with how our feet evolved, but the lack of padding still worries me (but then again, what the hell do I know).

Also what's the difference between all the types? There are like 6 different types on the site.

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HaveSomeVictoryGin•

Yup. I have done a marathon in these.

I am an avid runner. I use to run in $120 Brooks. Nothing but the best. It got to the point that I couldn't go 200 yards without an ITB flair up.

It isn't so much that FiveFingers are the only answer as it is that they make you run with good form. You can not run with bad form in Vibrams. On top of that, your feet will get stronger and your joints will stay healthier.

Modern running shoes are a marketing gimic.

2 books for you if you are just starting out

  1. Born to Run

  2. Pose Method Running

In regards to the types, try them on and see what you like.

Your arch is your padding. Your calfs are your padding. Running shoes do not take away impact, they take away pain.

Your feet have as many or more nerves than your hands for a reason. They need to feel impact so that your body adjusts. When it adjusts, it protects your knees, hips and back. Blocking those nerves from feeling impact is why so many people have injuries from running.

23
wrathofcainUltimate Frisbee•

I'd love to get a pair of Vibrams, but what about those of us with flat feet?

I have arch supports in my shoes, I also stick them in my cleats/snowboard boots. No arch kills the spring in your step(and jump) from what I understand. Before I got the arch supports I would have an intensely painful ripping feeling from the tendons(ligaments?) on the underside of my arches, I still get them if I walk barefoot or with flops for too long.

3
HaveSomeVictoryGin•

Great question.

Your arches will actually get stronger with Vibrams, and higher. Your arch supports are making your arches weak. Vibrams will improve your arch.

That painful feeling is the weak muscles in your feet. They will hurt like hell for the first couple of weeks. After you have gotten stronger, that pain will disappear.

8
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

Fallen arches is the end result of wearing "supportive" shoes your whole life. This is what minimalist shoes are here to fix/prevent. You have had support in an area of your body that should never have been supported, so the whole area got weak.

The "ripping" is probably the foot's version of muscle soreness taken to the extreme.

You can fix this by walking barefoot / in minimal shoes for a long time. It will take a while for your feet to strengthen. The other option is to forget about it, continue with real shoes, and assume you're broken for ever.

3
noob09•

I was born flat footed (as in, ridiculously flat footed). I know which pain you are taking about, its the worst and I couldn't walk properly for a couple of days after using my VFFs for the first time. Take it easy, after a while it stops hurting. I am very very pleased with my VFF KSO's

1
shinesapper•

I've been getting blisters with VFFs after about 5 miles on hard top, 10 miles on beach. What do you do about the blisters?

2
AstroZombie138•

They also have Born to Run as an audiobook from Audible.com I really enjoyed this one and its one of the reasons I started running.

1
HaveSomeVictoryGin•

Nice. Good to know.

1
dmmagic•

Keep thinking about getting some, and your comment pushes me closer :-P

Upvote for VictoryGin.

1
creddit1General Fitness•

Running barefoot is really beneficial and helps decrease the risk of injuries. With Vibrams you're almost running barefoot but with an extra layer of protection. It takes time to get used to it but start off slow and you'll manage to get the hang of it.

7
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

There have been numerous articles recently about the benefits of barefoot style running, minimalist shoes (VFFs, Feelmax, Vivo Barefoot, Nike Free), and how running shoes actually DAMAGE your body.

We're not built to heel-strike when we run. It sends shockwaves up through all the joints. Running shoes just make it hurt the heel less. You still take the impact. Conversely, if you run DIFFERENTLY (pose or chi style), you land on the toe of the foot, causing your leg to bend at the hip, knee, and ankle. At this point, the muscles tense and absorb the impact in the same way a spring would.

The best way to learn how to run properly is to use minimalist shoes (or go barefoot) when running. Just make it not hurt. It's easy, natural, and instinctive.

The human leg is an epic machine. Don't destroy yours by slamming it against concrete too much.

7
eatadonut•

For running, you almost certainly want the Sprint. You can stop reading here, if you want.

I ran in the Classic for a while, and it's just fine, but the strap on the back of the Classics can get irritating when you run. For casual wearing, I like the look and feel of the Classics.

I've never tried the Bikila, but they claim it's their running-specific model. Looks pretty excellent, I'd give it a try alongside the Sprint when you go shopping.

The KSO's are meant for mud, basically. They've got a collar to keep crap from getting inside. I've never wanted that feature, I have no problem pulling mine off to knock out a rock once in a while. The KSO Trek is just the hard-core version.

The Moc is an indoor shoe.

The Flow is warmer than any of the others, and good for watersports.

TL;DR - go to a store and try them all on.

4
EvolutionTheory•

No, for running you want the bikilas!

3
eatadonut•

Have you tried them? They look promising, but last time I bought a pair of VFFs they weren't out yet.

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phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

The sprints are also the best for anything more athletic than running that requires jumping and the like

2
eatadonut•

Swimming especially. I was always a little worried that my classics would come off in the lake, so I'd tighten them up - never lost one, but I wouldn't have worried at all with the sprints.

1
ebryan•

I use my sprints for lifting as well and crossfit.. they work great!

barefeet lifting = the best

1
Janus_Grayden•

The classics never looked like they would stay on very well in an active setting, anyway.

1
eatadonut•

The only time I've lost one is when I stepped on my heel running. They're like a glove - swinging your feet around won't knock them off, but as soon as you catch them on something, they'll come off.

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phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

They have a cord enclosure around the top - it's not like a slipper. You cinch it shut

2
brqqme•

I love mine. They are super comfy, I forget I have anything on. Read the descriptions to determine which type would suit you best, they have a multitude of different uses.

3
Stubb•

Check out this video on barefoot running. I'm not much of a runner, but I do wear my KSOs when I do so. The foot strike is very different than with padded running shoes and activates your calves much more since you land on the ball of your foot instead of your heel.

3
shinesapper•

Just got back from a six mile run with the VFFs. I LOVE these shoes. I have the KSOs.

There is one caveat to consider with these. Your feet, like most peoples, are likely different sizes. Since the VFFs fit like a glove, you may have to buy two pairs so that you can match the correct size to each foot. For example, my left foot is a 42 and my right foot is a 41. I had to buy two pairs which ran me about $170.

1
[deleted]•

Get fitted with good shoes at a running store per other comments, research and perfect your form, then when you are comfortable running, switch to vibrams.

http://www.reddit.com/help/reddiquette

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HaveSomeVictoryGin•

I'd say the exact opposite.

Research and perfect your form in Vibrams, then look at other shoes. Other shoes will allow you to run with bad form. Vibrams will force you to run with good form.

7
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

Agreed. Learn to run first.

3
[deleted]•

Vibrams don't force you to run with good form, but they do make it easier to keep your feet close to the ground as opposed to running like a Clydesdale. That said, bad form is bad form regardless of what is on your feet. Landing heel first is stupid no matter what shoe you've strapped on.

-2
lapiakNutrition, Bodybuilding (Recreational)•

Thank you for introducing me to these. I'm going to pick up a pair this weekend.

4
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

They take a bit to get used to. Your calves may get sore if you're too used to walking in padded shoes.

2
ubersaurus•

This dude at my gym wears Vibrams, and I've seen his calves steadily turn into fucking coconuts.

6
HaveSomeVictoryGin•

They make your calfs friggin ginormous.

I'm going for milk jugs.

On a side note: one thing I have noticed with the dramatic growth in my calves is that it exaggerates the differences. Maybe only I can see it, but it is there.

2
demifool•

I got a pair a week ago, the KSO, did a 5 minute trial run (i'm not very active and 20 pounds over weight) and it took a week for my calves to stop being sore. but today they feel back to normal and im looking forward to trial run #2, maybe i can go 6 minutes this time. the shoes are real grippy and light so i felt like i was bounding over the sidewalk, an amazing feeling.

4
AstroZombie138•

Try just wearing them as normal shoes for a week or two which should help your feet adjust.

7
automagically•

I have to comment on the bounding.. still adjusting to them myself, so when i have to stop jogging from sore calves, I'll run sprints and I really feel like I'm flying. It's sooo amazing.

2
skater4041•

That's exactly what happened to me too! I figured that being an experienced runner would allow me to do several miles right off the bat in my five fingers.

One week later and my calves were still sore.

1
hackenberry•

Question: I'm totally onboard with the whole science behind vibram, but something about the aesthetic of the shoe . . . disturbs me.

I know. My issue, I can't really explain it.

BUT...is there an alternative that looks more like traditional footwear, or at least isn't formed around the toes?

3
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

Feelmax shoes are decent. I have had a pair of Feelmax Osmas.

http://www.runningandrambling.com/2009/09/feelmax-osma-shoe-review.html

4
AstroZombie138•

Nike has a model called the Nike Free which may be what you're looking for.

4
gilben•

Water shoes are basically already a simple version of all of these no-arch shoes. They're also DIRT CHEAP, and possibly worth trying: http://www.barefootrunner.com/2009/03/review-wateraqua-shoes/

That being said, barefoot is free.

4
scott_beowulf•

I'm the same way. I'm sure they're great, but I can't bring myself to wear them.

Oh, well. My loss, I suppose.

2
EvolutionTheory•

You should get the bikilas! They just came out. You won't regret it. They're the newest and best model.

2
HaveSomeVictoryGin•

On that note, has anyone around here tried the Bikilas?

........maybe I should start a new thread.

1
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

I have. They are (a) hard to slip into. Harder than KSOs. (b) A bit small for the size. I wear 42 sprints, and the 42 bikilas are too tight on me.

In other news, I tried selling them here but got downvoted for some reason

1
EvolutionTheory•

I do have them. They aren't hard to slip into. I wear the injiji socks with them too. Finding the right size was hard. I ordered two separate pair before i found the right size but they're amazing. Many small improvements based on feedback from previous vibram owners.

1
zosboss•

I just tried the Bikilas on today and found them too narrow and too tight. From being barefoot or in 5 fingers all the time (mostly the Sprints) my feet have spread and are pretty wide now. Don't get me wrong, that's what unadulterated feet are supposed to look like, but it was hard to jam these fins into the Bikilas. Plus they seemed to have too much support in the arch and defeated the purpose of an almost-barefoot shoe.

I ended up buying the Performa Janes for everyday wear, which they equate to a driving glove. Luckily I own a gym and I can look like a weirdo all day if I want to.

1
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

Yes! If anyone is in Chicago and is looking for Bikilas, I have a pair to sell.

2
skeletonmage•

This is the best pair of shoes you will EVER, EVER, EVER own.

2
EvolutionTheory•

Bikilas!

2
DonnyPlease•

Yep, I love my Fivefinger KSOs. I jog, sprint, hike, and walk in them and love every second of it.

1
skt2k4•

Do these work for the flat-footed?

1
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

Maybe. If you were born flat footed, then yes. If you have "fallen arches" then you will have to deal with pain. See my comment above regarding fallen arches

2
[deleted]•

Where did you get them? I found one of these discount sellers that has them for about $54 but their site looks a little iffy (despite the fact that they are pretty high on google's page ranking)

1
zosboss•

Vibram 5 Fingers are by far the best shoes I have ever found to run in. I'm a strength and conditioning coach and recommend these to all my athletes.

As others have said, be very careful at first when making the switch from gel soled, air cushioned, $200 lazer beam and spring loaded shoes to a minimalist like VFFs. Start running no more than 2 minutes at a time until your feet, ankles, and calves get strong enough to support themselves.

I equate the transition to getting a cast removed after an injury. Except instead of experiencing the muscle atrophy of a mere 6 weeks in a supportive implement (like a cast) you've had a lifetime of a shoe doing the work for you instead of your feet getting strong on their own.

1
[deleted]•

[deleted]

1
lalalydia•

I cannot upvote this enough! When I read this post I couldn't help but think of Robin Williams talk about the Kenyan who carried his Adidas shoes in his new stand up. I really think that Vibram Five Fingers are a really good choice.

1
[deleted]•

I also came into this thread to say Five Fingers. They've totally changed my life. I can't believe how fun it is to just be outside in them.

1
[deleted]•

Nike Free, I love them.

10
localmotion•

YES these I LOVE mine

2
bclainhart•

I just ordered a pair of those today. I'm really excited to get out in them next week.

1
[deleted]•

Your feet will hurt for a bit if you walk/run a lot, but they will get use to it quickly, the only problem I have with these shows is that since there is no support I've had a rock put a very small hole in my shoe (I can't feel it, so it's mostly cosmetic).

1
bclainhart•

I run about 20-25 miles a week and usually walk the dogs about a mile or two a day. I decided to try them out because I had some problems with my ankles last year, which I mostly corrected by working on my form. Do you use yours much on hills? There are a lot of hills where I live so it's very rare that I'm on flat terrain for more than a mile.

1
ContagiousMold•

Best running shoes I have ever had... Just don`t go for a 10mile run your first day, your feet will hurt a little

1
EvolutionTheory•

Vibram Five Fingers Bikila in my opinion! Learn to run forefoot first and you'll thank yourself every mile.

9
HaveSomeVictoryGin•

Do you have the Bikila's?

3
EvolutionTheory•

Yes =] Red/Grey

3
Chris-T•

The Frugal alternative to Vibram's. Buy some water-shoes , take out the insoles and bam! For less then $20 you have footwear that protects your feet, but still lets you run as if you were barefoot.

8
butteryhotcopporn•

I just heat up a bucket of wax and dip my feet in them.

6
[deleted]•

Damn fine idea!

starts melting all wife's candles and kid's crayons

All kidding aside I wonder if liquid electrical tape or that shit you can dip your tool handles in would work?...Yes, that's what I'll do...I'm going to go dip my feet in liquid tape. Don't worry guys, I'll report back soon.

3
Chris-T•

Spray On Liquid Tape- Just like when they spray on clothes in Futurama. The Future is here!

1
wufoo•

My neighbor does this, and he runs a lot. He picks up ~10 pair at a time when they are on sale at Target for like $2.50 a pair.

1
Craysh•

Haha did you pick that up from my earlier question on it? :D

1
phrakture❇ Special Snowflake ❇•

Here's another frugal alternative: Feiyue Wushu shoes. They have a thicker sole, so the "ground feel" is more limited, but they are much better than ordinary shoes.

1
tehmatticus•

Ive only used them on a treadmill, but they tend to fall apart pretty quickly. They just weren't designed with running in mind, they were designed to be used on a hardwood or padded floor for martial arts moves, not full on running.

Otherwise I think they're spectacular, though the raised sole can be interesting.

1
skeletonmage•

Vibrams, like previously mentioned in this thread.

Also, everyone gets an up-vote that mentioned Vibrams. I love you guys (and gals).

4
HaveSomeVictoryGin•

Reading this thread is making me want to throw on my Vibrams and go for another run.

I swear to God I run like a freakin Avatar in those shoes.

2
vaenivo•

Nike Free, or the Vibram Fivefingers. I use the Fivefingers, although, the Nike Free was going to be my shoe until I found the latter.

Every so often I don't wear the Fivefingers so I can build up the durability of the skin on the bottom of my feet and toes, but the barefooting running experience is second to none.

Whatever you do, highly consider the barefooting.

4
kteagueYoga•

Cheaper is better when it comes to running shoes, "Expensive athletic shoes are deceptively advertised to safeguard well through "cushioning impact", yet account for 123% greater injury frequency than the cheapest ones."

As in, cheap shoes have less gimmicky padding. The Vibram FiveFingers are more expensive than those, but have a minimalist amount of padding, so are an exception to that rule.

2
Adonets•

Just a little protip.

Since you said you want to start jogging regularly I'm going to assume you are not a jogger. So before you go off to buy kicks, go joggig in the shoes you already have. See if you like it, you might not. Also circumstances change, you might be busy or some shit down the road. A year later and a dozen promises to myself that I will start running, my 180$ Nike lunar lites sit in the shoe closet, touched a maximum of 5 times.

Just somethig to consider.

2
eredeathWeight Lifting (Intermediate)•

None! Go to your local high school or park and run in the grass barefoot. It's the best thing for you and will train your form. Most people run heal toe when we naturally run toe heal. Running barefoot allows your body to run naturally and gain the muscle where it is needed to prevent injury. I ran cross country for years in shoes; running heal toe. Suffered many injuries. Then I started running barefoot for a few months and trained myself to run properly. Now, if i must wear shoes, I still run with the correct form and have suffered fewer injuries.

2
RicardoTBG•

Holy Shit I love reddit. I was just compiling a birthday list and came to ask this same question.

2
XYY•

Recently switched from New Balance to barefoot.

Aside from toughening the bottom of my feet, it's been a painless transition. Don't think I'll go back to padded shoes.

1
senthiljams•

I use Brooks Beast and Adrenaline GTS. These are so good that I didnt need to try any other shoes.

1
peyton•

+1 for JackRabbit. Most of their staff is very helpful and knowledgeable.

0
Joleene24•

Asics are great.

0
Guybrush1882•

Puma brand, with the thinnest possible soles. Then learn to run on the ball of your foot or your midsole. Whatever you do, don't go to one of those running shoe stores where they analyze your foot. You will walk away with shoes that have a thick puffy heel, which will get you injured.

0
Blackstaff•

No love for Raramuri/Tarahumara huaraches?

0
clicksnd•

I've been using INOV-8's f-light 230 and loving them!

0
adamsfan42•

i run in diesels

-1
zgirl•

Sorry if this has been mentioned already, but Superfeet insoles are an absolute must have! I run about 20 or more miles a week and was having knee issues. A friend recommended Superfeet and I have not had any problems since. I swear by them!

You can get them at a running store or any sporting goods store.

-1