Running shoes

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I recently decided I should get a good pair (been running 1 or 2 miles before work ~5 mornings a week for a few months now and I plan to keep it up) so I googled some info on how to pick a pair out.

... O_O. I had no idea it would be so complicated. I figured I'd just pick a pair up in my size next time I was a at a store.

Does it really need to be so crazy? I just want some shoes to run in that are comfy, fairly light, and won't increase my chance of injury.
I've just been using a pair of hiking shoes that I got pretty recently - they have great cushioning but they're a bit bulky.
My feet aren't horribly deformed or anything - pretty sure I put weight on my feet evenly and have a pretty unremarkable/average arch. Don't feel like I need to get special shaped shoes or anything, I have no idea.

Anyone have any advice for me?

I hate shopping for shoes. For one I have no idea where to go for certain shoes like Ross isn't going to have running shoes or walking shoes. I can try Sears or any department store and ask the employee if they have any. but it's crazy if they don't have what you're looking for.

Then online, you can't even try them on to see how they fit and feel so if you get them in the mail and don't like them, you have to return them and start over again.


It sucks.


But luckily I only work part time so I don't really need walking shoes so I got a pair at Ross for $18.99 and I tried them on.

Sorry no advice here but I feel your pain.

My dad's a runner, and they can get crazy with all the different kinds of shoes. My advice is to go to a running/sports store, I think my dad shops at Luke's Locker, but I don't know if they have those in your area. They have people at those types of stores that actually know what they're talking about. You tell them about your running routine, and they help you pick out a shoe.

I second this advice. Specialty running shoe stores are the best places to shop for running shoes. The really good ones will let you run in the shoes to see how they feel and to give the salesperson a chance to observe you run. It helps them make a recommendation on the best shoe for you. I've done this everytime I needed to get a good pair of running shoes.

Thanks so much for the advice! I'll head to a running store next chance i get.

Running shoes are getting ridiculously expensive. My personal favorite is Saucony Progrid Omni which are about $90 now. Others go up to $150 or so, but aren't any better in my opinion. I have wider feet plus they offer a nice mix between support and lightness. You can get much cheaper shoes until you decide whether or not it is your thing and you build up your stamina. Hiking shoes aren't probably a good idea. Really though look online and make sure you have relatively good form while running and that will limit your aches and pain while helping prevent injuries.

Well, you need to know what type of feet you have:

*Flat (low arch, almost touching the ground)......over pronation
*High-arched ....under pronation
Or normal.

Then, you'll want stability for flat and I can't remember the other categories right now.

A good brand is Brooks, been loyal to that brand for 4 years of almost injury-free running. (the only reason I'm hurt now is because I've been using a pair for over 7 months I just realized this.) Oh, and switch shoes every 4 or 5 months....

And I'll third this advice. And I'll add to try and go at a time when they're not very busy. I've spent two or three hours just trying on different shoes. It's kind of frustrating sometimes because I'll go in with my current shoes, if I like them, and say "I'd like more of these, please". Invariably, it seems, the shoe manufacturer has either discontinued that model, or "improved" it to the point where it no longer works for me.

Another point to keep in mind ... get some replacement inner soles while you're there. The inner soles wear out faster than the rest of the shoe, and they're a whole lot less expensive to replace!