Fairly heavy women: which athletic shoes do you wear for endurance exercise?

[Anonymous]

I'm feeling the cruel fate of the weight loss gods. I have been diligently walking and slow-jogging since September, 9 - 10 miles a week. My feet are killing me and I don't know what else to do. I'm practically in tears after one mile, and this situation is going to torpedo my program now that I've finally proven I have the mental discipline to stick with it.

I have proper orthotics.

I spent real money on Saucony AND New Balance shoes that say, on paper at least, they are the correct width and size.

I have been fitted by a professional runner at Georgetown Running Company, who watched my gait, etc.

So, heavy women in particular, what shoes do you wear to distance walk or jog? Who fitted you? I'll assume you, too, have wide feet. Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Could you try something else for a while like stationay bike, elliptical, swimming? I'd go to a podiatrist, it's possible that it is not your shoes but something like a stress fracture. Pain is a signal that something is wrong, I wouldn't stop exercising but I would do something with less impact. When you go back to it I'd consider a treadmill rather than the sidewalk if you have been working out outdoors. Good for you for sticking with it, hope you feet feel better soon.

One more question-what are your non-workout shoes like? I'd make sure that they are comfortable and supportive as well.

[Anonymous]

OP, have you tried Asics? I thought New Balance was really uncomfortable and a bit narrow. I was fitted in Reston-can't remember the name of the store.

I hope you find a great shoe! Congrats!!

[Anonymous]

I'm overweight, but I just wear plain Nikes or whatever brand's on sale. No foot or knee problems. (I'm just getting into jogging so that might change).

However, all my running friends swear by RnJ Sports in Rockville for knowledge and fitting.

http://www.rnjsports.com/shop/home.php

[Anonymous]

asics

[Anonymous]

My husband is a heavy man and has struggled with good running shoes for his size. He wears Brooks Beast, which are made specifically for heavy men. Of course he loves that he wears a running shoe named "the beast". They last him for one year, After that he starts having pain which tells him it's time to buy new shoes. The equivilent shoe for women is Brooks Ariel. They are described as good for "motion control" and low/flat arches and excessive pronation. http://www.brooksrunning.com/product/1200451B/123208

[Anonymous]

I second the recommendation for Brooks Ariel. Also, get fitted for SuperFeet - they're inserts that support your feet extremely well (get the green ones for wide feet). I got my Brooks Ariels and SuperFeet at RNJ Sports in Rockville. They trimmed the SuperFeet in the store to fit my shoes.

Good luck, OP!

[Anonymous]

Agree with PPs who mentioned that it may be time for new shoes or there could be something wrong with your feet like a stress fracture. My guess is it's time for some new shoes since you've been at it for about 6 months, at 10 miles/week, so your shoe mileage is around 260 miles. The average lifespan for shoes is about 500 miles but for heavier folks, it may be more like 200 to 300 miles. Try getting some new shoes (have them properly fitted again) and see if you notice an improvement. If not, maybe go see a podiatrist. And in the meantime, don't let this get in the way to your fitness goals and try non-impact exercise. GL!

[Anonymous]

solidifies what other PPs have said:
http://walking.about.com/od/prshoe/tp/shoemotion.htm

[Anonymous]

I bought some Addidas after being fitted at Pacers. I love them. Love, love, love, love them.

[Anonymous]

I have heard good things about Brooks too. I gained 80 pounds during my pregnancy and was on bed rest for 2 months. After I had DS and started moving again, my feet hurt me too. Like painful, hurting. After about a month or two of working out and finally losing some weight, they started feeling much better.

However, it may be a good idea to see a doctor. If it is a stress fracture (as someone pointed out as a possibility), then continuing to exercise is only going to make it worse.

Hope it feels better soon!

[Anonymous]

Nike. Actually known for support for heavier women (as well as narrow feet).