Hi there,
Seeking help on a new pair of women's running shoes? I am 40+, short (5'2") and of average build/height (125 pounds). Have just gotten into running again after years of doing other forms of exercise and typically run about 2-3 miles a day on mostly flat roads (e.g. sidewalks, paved roads). Have some issues with my feet in general (plantar fascitis). I am not a speed runner and am mostly doing this as a light form of exercise which I really am enjoying. I want a pair that feels mostly light on my feet, but gives me some good cushion to run short distances. There are tons of options, but seeking input from women who have BTDT and have a go-to pair of running shoes. Up to $150 is ok for me to spend. |
Everyone is different. A running store will be able to advise on good shoes for your feet and any over / under pronation. |
Go to a running store. |
I would go to a running store. I am about your size and wear asics gt2000 which helps with my shin splints, and i use profoot inserts to help with plantar fasciitis. I got fitted by Pacers in Old Town |
I really like my Saucony Kinvaras. They are light weight with good cushion. |
I highly recommend you go to a running store and get fitted. A good store will evaluate your stride and make a recommendation based on any pronation. supination, etc.
Potomac River Running, RnJ, Fleet Feet, and Pacers are all stores with good reputation. I personally don't like Road Runner. They push their custom orthotic insoles WAY too hard. They are very aggressive on them. However, if you're getting fitted and don't mind saying "No" to the custom insoles about 5 times, then you're fine. Per my podiatrist (a marathoner who does Boston every year), Superfeet insoles are very good and a fraction of the price of custom ones. You can definitely get a quality pair of shoes for less than $150, but Superfeet are around $50 now. |
Agree with going to a running store. I like Brooks Ghost or Brooks Launch but you will want to get someone to look at your pronation, strike and gait before committing. |
The correct answer is to go get fitted at a running store. However, what I actually do is go to DSW and try on all of the sneakers until I find the one that feels right. Everyone’s feet and strides are different so recommendations aren’t going to help. |
I have the Brooks Ghost. Very happy with them. I have a neutral step, so neither pronator or supinator |
Yep go to a running store - and be dressed to run - I do laps up and down until I am satisfied. Find what you like and you can then browse DSW & Amazon in the future. Though I hit the running store every 2-3 shoes - keep them in business and things change! Also, don't forget insoles - that's what helped my plantar fascistis the most. |
This is op. Truly thanks everyone! I forgot to note that I actually went to a running store a few months ago and have a pair of Saucony Formfits (that's what the guy recommended). I don't love them but I only ran on the treadmill and didn't do laps or anything. Plus I'm not such an experienced runner to have a good point of shoe comparison. I'll go back to a running store and try a few more options but these suggestions are really helpful! |
What in particular are you looking for? Running a few miles doesn't really call for much shoe - - basically, something that fits and doesn't cause any pain. Most of the technology out there - high end foams, lightweight shoes, plates, etc. are really only for significant distance or speed work. They'd be a lot more shoe / money spent than you need. |
NP. If you have plantar fasciitis you need a supportive shoe and probably an insert. Minimalist or even neutral shoes have not helped or even exacerbated my PF over the years. You also need a wider toe box so your toes can adequately spread out as your foot strikes the ground. Anything that crowds your toes or doesn't allow for full range of motion in your foot will tighten/tense your fascia. And make sure you stretch your calves like crazy after every run! |
+1 same, and I've had plantar fasciitis. Just don't wear them too long. Track your miles. |
I have planters and love my Hoka Bondi 7 running shoe. I'm on my 4th pair and run ~30 miles a week. For me, they run small, so I get at least a half size larger. They are shaped as a rocker on the bottom to lessen impact and was recommended by my doctor and the running store. |