I second ASICS, Gel-Kayano 13 or Gel Nimbus 13 are in my rotation with my Flintstone-wide feet. Potomac River Running Co. or Fleet Feet can help you out with getting fitted properly. GL

Don't know anything about how being post-kid would affect all this. However, I think the best thing is to go to a running store and ask for help choosing the right shoes. Sometimes the size you take may be different from what you take in other footwear - for instance I almost invariably take size 6 or 6 1/2 in regular footwear, but need a 7 in my running shoes.
And FWIW I love love love my Asics shoes - they're a model called Gel Kayano.

Definitely get thee to a running store for a gait analysis. Based on how you walk in a basic, middle of the road type of shoe, they will recommend some specific ones to suit your needs. They can also identify a true size vs what you think you should wear. I had mine done at Potomac River Running.

I was in your position a few months ago and have been using Vibram barefoot shoes. You need to start off slow and work into them, which is perfect since you need to do that anyway as you are just starting. I am really enjoying running again now that I'm not getting the shin problems I had with running shoes, even fitted ones. Just got off the treadmill after 3.5 miles, yay!

From another kid related overweight mom who started running again and has now lost 17 pounds and counting-

I went to a running store and they fitted me for shoes and watched my running style (it was a bit embarrassing since I am also not the fleetest of foot). they gave me some recs and I ended up buying something somewhere else, but used their recs. I loved the brooks ghost 5 running shoe the most but ended up with a pair of Nikes that are also very comfortable. I pormised myself that if I stay serious about running for at least 6 months, I will invest in the Brooks.

I was never a good runner, but now am up to 3.75 miles without stopping (felt like I was a gigantic monster running when I first started about 3 months ago and could not runn more than TWO MINUTES without stopping). I hope to do a 10K this fall.

Good luck to you - I feel much better about myself now that I am active again

Out of shape me, recovering from a 6 month bout of plantar fascitis, got fitted at Potomac River Running for a pair of Mizunos, and I would highly recommend you try them.

Go to a running store. I go to pacers and walk out with beautifully fitting shoes in minutes. Different shoes are good for people with different foot shapes and running/walking strides.

Suggest cross posting in the Fitness forum.

Nb minimus. More and more they are attributing injuries to overly supportive shoes with lots of cushioning and theoretical motion reduction. I started in the minimus 30 lbs overweight and no run for a year with no injuries.

Haha. I Was wondering about the toe.

OP - running shoe brands are different. I have wide feet with high arches and love Nikes. Cannot fit into Reeboks, for example.

I'd really try to get some feedback on fit from someone knowledgeable (and if you have the money, buy from the person who helped you out, ok?) I get bargain hunting, but bargains are bargains because they DON"t have trained people who can help with fit.

OP, I agree with the people who say to get yourself to a running store. People usually prefer a specific brand because it works well with their foot - whether it is narrow, wide in the toe, whether there is pronation involved, etc. Go get fitted.

Where do you live?

Anonymous wrote:I swear by Asics. Everything else I try (and I've tried many), my middle toe ends up getting so bruised it turns black and falls off...
Don't know why...but this hasn't happened in Asics

PP here
Yikes...the NAIL turns black and falls off---not the actual toe!

I swear by Asics. Everything else I try (and I've tried many), my middle toe ends up getting so bruised it turns black and falls off...
Don't know why...but this hasn't happened in Asics

I would go to a running shop for this and then buy online once you've found the right fit. That said, I have wide flat feet and like Saucony.

I would gratefully welcome suggestions for running shoes for an out-of-shape, overweight, fallen-away mom runner. I feel like a Clydesdale when I am out there and need my shoes to help make it work.

Any suggestions?