Saucony Kinvara -- love this shoe and think it's perfect in just about every way.

Anonymous wrote:It has been proven several times that motion control shoes cause, not prevent injury. Stop and think: if everyone's feet move that way, maybe they are supposed to? And the cushioned heel encourages heel striking.

This is a gross generalization and not universally true by any stretch.

If you are a heel striker, try Chi Running. Changed by life. Didn't think I would be able to run again after 35 (terrible heel striker). It can be hard to concentrate on all the form, but worth it. At least start with the leg part. Makes a huge difference.

Anonymous wrote:Do not go to Dicks. Go to a real running specialty store. The staff should all be runners and they should let you try the shoes on and run down the sidewalk in them before you buy them. My faves over the years have been Mizuno and saucony. Fleetfeet in Adams Morgan is good as is Pacers (multiple locations).

I'm not recommending Dicks, but don't go to FleetFeet. They did the worst job ever fitting my feet, and I ended up with completely wrong shoes for me. My toes got numb every time I wore them. I still feel ripped off. I have had good luck at Pacers.

It has been proven several times that motion control shoes cause, not prevent injury. Stop and think: if everyone's feet move that way, maybe they are supposed to? And the cushioned heel encourages heel striking.

You REALLY should go to a running store and let them help you figure out what you need. I really like Road Runner Sports. They can do a whole thing where they check out you gait, whether you pronate or supinate (or neither), etc. I have done Potmac River Running's version of this, but I thought the RRS was more thorough. But I also had a real jerk at PRR, so maybe it depends on who you luck into helping you.

I have also been to Fleet Feet in Gaithersburg. They don't do any of that, and I always had a bad experience. I always seemed to have the bad luck of getting someone who appeared to me to have only been working there 2 days, while those around me get the semi-pro runner who knows everything and gives real service.

I wear Asics. I have for 15+ years. I have, here and there, tried other brands (usually at the behest of someone at the running store, like FF). I always go back to Asics. Also helps in these instances that I have had someone who doesn't seem to know anything to go back to my old standby.

BTW, RRS also has a VIP program. It is 2 bucks, and you get at least 10% off every purchase.

In any case, go to a real running store, at least initially. The wrong shoes will kill your legs and all other parts of your body and make running a bad proposition.

Maybe it's because I went on a slow day, but Dick's watched me run, assessed my gait, and did not hesitate in bringing out at least half a dozen shoes for me to try on.

Definitely use a specialty running store. They watch you run and assess your gait. Then, once you know the 'right' shoe for you, buy future pairs online. I wear Brooks Adreneline and they upgrade the model each year (current one is GTS 12).

Type of running shoe is so personal, primarily based on the characteristics of your feet. I have wide feet with no arch. I love Mizuno and Asics. I used to wear Saucony, but lately they feel more narrow. I can't even fit my big toe into a Nike shoe.

Anonymous wrote:Do not go to Dicks. Go to a real running specialty store. The staff should all be runners and they should let you try the shoes on and run down the sidewalk in them before you buy them. My faves over the years have been Mizuno and saucony. Fleetfeet in Adams Morgan is good as is Pacers (multiple locations).

+1, but I like Asics.

Do not go to Dicks. Go to a real running specialty store. The staff should all be runners and they should let you try the shoes on and run down the sidewalk in them before you buy them. My faves over the years have been Mizuno and saucony. Fleetfeet in Adams Morgan is good as is Pacers (multiple locations).

Anonymous wrote:But if the shoes are crappy, you will not enjoy your run, and you will be far more likely to give up on the running.I like Saucony. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.

This, plus if you get crappy shoes you'll probably get injured. Go to a running store and get fitted. Tell them your price range. But you are likely going to be spending at least $80.

But if the shoes are crappy, you will not enjoy your run, and you will be far more likely to give up on the running.
I like Saucony. Not the cheapest, but not the most expensive.

You'd be better off going to a store like dick's sporting goods and trying on shoes to see which suit you best.

I want to do Couch to 5k, but the closest thing I have to running shoes are Converse sneakers, which are probably NOT ideal. I'd like to either find a pair that I can also wear as general-purpose sneakers, or a pair that are cheap, because I don't want to feel like I've wasted money if I flake on the running...