Recommend running shoes for a beginner

[Anonymous]

Please recommend some good running shoes for a beginner. I had a foot injury a year ago and really don't want to damage my feet, legs, knees, etc. but I'd like to start running. Please recommend a safe brand of running shoe for running on sidewalks. TIA

[Anonymous]

Go be fitted. Really. RNJ or Fleet feet are both good and it’s not much more expensive. What’s good for me isn’t good for you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go be fitted. Really. RNJ or Fleet feet are both good and it’s not much more expensive. What’s good for me isn’t good for you.

+1. At a good running store they will observe how you walk/run and make a recommendation based on that. My ankles turn in so I need a shoe that compensates for that. You may or may not, but they will be able to tell you. The people who own/run Fleet Feet are serious runners and know their stuff.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go be fitted. Really. RNJ or Fleet feet are both good and it’s not much more expensive. What’s good for me isn’t good for you.

+1. At a good running store they will observe how you walk/run and make a recommendation based on that. My ankles turn in so I need a shoe that compensates for that. You may or may not, but they will be able to tell you. The people who own/run Fleet Feet are serious runners and know their stuff.

+1 more

When it comes to mechanics, fit, feel, etc.... every runner is different. Go to a store that can assess your gait, and bring an old pair of shoes with you so they can check the wear pattern. This indicates if you need more support on the medial (inside) part of the shoe to help Overpronation, which is a common cause of running injuries.

Aside from that, brand to brand there are very different fits and feels, and what’s best for you is based on both the shape of your foot (Ie. narrow heel, wide toe), mechanics of your running style (Are you a strong heel striker, strike more mid foot), and preference of how you ,Ike the shoe to feel (really soft under foot, or more rigid and responsive).

I would personally look at the more traditional running brands available at a good specialty running Specific store - ASICS, Saucony, New Balance, Mizuno, Adidas, *some* Nike, etc.

Go, and plan to spend some time. If it doesn’t feel good in the store, it’s not going to feel good on the roads. It’s really worth the time and money investment to get good shoes.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for going to get fitted. A lot of places like Pacers are doing virtual fittings, but I believe you can also make an appointment to get fitted in store. Do not go to a generic store like Foot Locker. PRR, Fleet Feet, Pacers are all great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Another vote for going to get fitted. A lot of places like Pacers are doing virtual fittings, but I believe you can also make an appointment to get fitted in store. Do not go to a generic store like Foot Locker. PRR, Fleet Feet, Pacers are all great.

+1 more. I'm a Pacers fan but PR and others are also good. Get fitted- it makes all the difference.

[Anonymous]

Go to a running store and be fitted. Everyone has different feet. What works for one person won't work for their friend.

[Anonymous]

+1 on the get fitted. RNJ is great.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone. I'm going to get fitted for a pair of shoes.

[Anonymous]

Fleet Feet in Gaithersburg has gone under.

[Anonymous]

Saucony

been running in them for 40 years

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thanks everyone. I'm going to get fitted for a pair of shoes.

I went to PRR in Vienna back in October and spent about an hour in there. Getting a good fitting pair of shoes has been life changing. I highly recommend it.

[Anonymous]

Good luck with your fitting! I recently started running in my 40s after not doing it for 15 years, and I was amazed at how much sneaker technology has changed. I wound up with a pair of Brooks (Revel 3, if anyone is interested) with knit uppers, and they are great. I've always avoided running because I have some knee stability issues dating back to high school. But I was desperate for a way to get exercise during this era of closed gyms and few group workout options, plus I wanted an excuse to get out of the house and away from my (lovely) family. Well, I'm three months in and after having to make a gait adjustment after the first couple times out, I'm feeling great and my knees have had no issues at all.

I will say, the trend now is toward tons of cushioning, which I was skeptical about at first because the last time I ran the trend was the opposite. But I'm sold. The cushioning on my shoes is ridiculous (which is why I had to adjust my gait) but I think it's saving my knees. I also haven't had any shin splints, which used to plague me.

Basically, running shoes have come a long way and I hope your experience is as good as mine has been.

[Anonymous]

Can anyone recommend good socks?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Can anyone recommend good socks?

Socks are the same thing as shoes.. everyone likes something different. Get a good quality wicking sock as a basic, in a style that you prefer (ankle length, sockette, etc.) And in the thickness that you prefer. Socks like Thorlos are thick and have extra cushioning, while others like Wrightsock are thinner. There are socks for special needs, like double layer for blistering, but you may just need a regular sock. I run in just cheap sport socks I got at Walmart as they serve me well, but that’s not true for everyone. I’ve worn all kind sof different socks through the years, and while some are awesome, they don’t always justify the price. They’re socks... unless you have a problem, in which case, you want to look at getting a “proper” sock that fits your needs (blistering, extra padding, etc.)