Topic: Ultimate Criteria for a Running Shoe?
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David
WV
Member Since:
08/13/2006 Total Posts: 80
2.3 Years Ago
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I don't normally post this many messages, but I'm in the process of beginning a running program and appreciate the input of the readers of this forum. What is the ultimate criteria for a running shoe? I've taken the "shoe dog" test on www.roadrunnersports.com, and the clear recommendation for an underpronator with high arches, running on a hard surface, is New Balance 1060. When I wear them around the house however, they just don't feel right. I went to a local sporting goods store and tried a pair of Asics GT 2110s, and they felt great.
If there was a good running store in my area I'd make use of it, but there isn't.
So how much stock do I put in online reviews and recommendations, and how much stock do I place in what "feels right"?
Thanks again for all the input here!
David B. |
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Re: Ultimate Criteria for a Running Shoe?
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Gary
AR
Member Since:
04/13/2006 Total Posts: 713
2.3 Years Ago
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David,
Regardless of the "Shoe Dog" test with RRS you need to road test them. That is why I recommend using their 45 day road test full refund guarantee. I ordered 3 different pair from them over a period of 45 days until I found the one I liked. It is good to get in the ball park with underpronation vs normal vs under and also the arch test, but until you hit the road and run in them it is just a guess.
One of the pairs I returned was the New Balance 1060 because I did not like the arch support. I ended with a pair of Brooks Trance 5's. I am a slight underpronator (shoe shell tends to lean to the outside of the sole over time), normal to high arches, a clydesdale (weigh 229) and run on asphalt and concrete.
It seems like a hassle to have to order a pair, road test them, mail them back, order another pair, but if you are serious about running in the long run (no pun intended) it will be very worth it to avoid injury.
I am VIP member because I intend to have a least 3 pair of shoes per year because I alternate days and want to keep a fresh pair for longer runs. The extra discount and free shipping is worth the cost to me.
I hope that helps. |
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Re: Ultimate Criteria for a Running Shoe?
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Beverly
MO
Member Since:
05/31/2005 Total Posts: 1143
2.3 Years Ago
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Hey David...you're just starting out. If the Asics feel good (when you're running) then that's what I'd do. Listen to your feet/body. Also, remember the 'rule of thumb'...your feet swell when you run so you should have your thumb's width of space between the end of the shoe and your toes. I normally wear a 7.5 shoe but I wear (in my Saucony's) 8.5. Other runners have been size 8. So some of it is very shoe dependent. I loved my asics when I had them, I just didn't give my feet enough room...now they're my everyday tennies. I hope this helps and it's purely my opinion. Beverly |
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Re: Ultimate Criteria for a Running Shoe?
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David
WV
Member Since:
08/13/2006 Total Posts: 80
2.3 Years Ago
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I've tried several pairs of shoes now, and the Asics GT 2110 WAS at the top of my list. Then I tried the Asics Kayano XII. I thought I had died and gone to runner's heaven! The local sporting goods store had a price on them which was much higher than I could find online, so I ordered the exact same pair from Road Runner Sports. I have VIP membership there, so it worked well for me. They should arrive tomorrow.
It does pay to "shop around" and be patient!
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Re: Ultimate Criteria for a Running Shoe?
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Beverly
MO
Member Since:
05/31/2005 Total Posts: 1143
2.3 Years Ago
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YEAH!!!!!!!! You did it :) Your body will let you know. Good job at taking the time to find what's right for you! |
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Re: Ultimate Criteria for a Running Shoe?
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Gary
AR
Member Since:
04/13/2006 Total Posts: 713
2.3 Years Ago
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David,
I have the same pair David, but they are not supportive enough for me. They are very flexible and fit very, very good and when I lose another 29 pounds they will be the shoe for me. Right now they induce my plantar flacsitis in my heals. I ran in them years ago when I weighed <200 pounds. But for now I need a stiffer and more supportive shoe. I run in the Brooks Trance 5's now and just ordered a pair of New Balance 1222's. I am looking forward to running in the Kayano's soon. They make a good racing shoe now for 5K's, but for my clydesdale size, I need the extra support for longer training runs. |
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Re: Ultimate Criteria for a Running Shoe?
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Haley
TX
Member Since:
09/22/2008 Total Posts: 3
8 Days Ago
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I also have a pair of Asics that i wear to run and they're amazing. But i agree with what was said, you should buy a pair thats a 1/2 or 1 size too big because when you run your feet tend to swell, making the perfect running shoe uncomfortable. Also, don't get too attached to your running shoes, they can only take so many miles. I found this out after tearing my achilies tendon, so don't make the same mistake. |
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