Thanks, everyone. I went to RnJ in Rockville. The guy was very helpful and spent at least 45 minutes with me before I had to go. He watched me walk in socks then in each of the seven or eight pairs of sneakers he brought out. We agreed on a pair of Brooks, which were comfortable, and some running socks. I tried them for the first time today and all was good. Thanks!

I would highly recommend going to a running shoe store that has a treadmill and staff that can evaluate your gate. If you pronate or supinate, they will be able to diagnose it and find the right shoes for you.

You can usually try on any shoe and run on the treadmills to see whether they are comfortable. I go to Georgetown Running Company.

Anonymous wrote:I'd like to take up running. It would be short distances and I'd be starting from nothing, so basically going from a power walk to short jog, back to power walk, etc as I build endurance. I've had some hip and SI joint problems so I need good cushioning. What sneakers do you recommend and where should I buy them? I'm in north Bethesda/Rockville, close to Rockville Pike. I'm a 5'8" leani-ish woman (if that matters for shoes). Thanks.

Go through hypedc online site there you will get the type of shoes you want.

OP if you are just taking up running and already have a problem -- padding. Some reviews will say only a pro needs so much padding and is heavy. When you become a pro, you can go with a slipper, until then -- you need it --even if you are skinny -- lot of pounding on the joints. treat your body with care and love.

Anonymous wrote:Definitely get fitted. When I took up running I bought a pair of sneakers in my regular size. After several feet issues I went to one of the Potomac Running stores - turns out my running shoe size is a full size bigger than my regular shoes. Wasn't a huge deal when I started but now that I'm running more it makes a huge difference. Also buy running socks - those are key!

+1

OP, definitely get padding for your shoes. Most beginners get some form of planar fasciitis (or some kind of -itis) That ending usually means will come back and it very painful. So get the padding. and pad for your pronation. Most people say get a size larger than usual so you can fit the extra padding in there. I love Ascis nimbus for my high aches. best of luck.

Definitely get fitted. When I took up running I bought a pair of sneakers in my regular size. After several feet issues I went to one of the Potomac Running stores - turns out my running shoe size is a full size bigger than my regular shoes. Wasn't a huge deal when I started but now that I'm running more it makes a huge difference. Also buy running socks - those are key!

Thank your or the suggestions!

Fleet feet is hands-down the best store in the city. They have never steered me wrong and they don't just recommend the most expensive shoes. I've been going to them for years for gym shoes. Recently took up running and love the shoes they recommended for that too.

FYI - A DCUMer recommended the NHS Couch to 5K program to me. I did it and it was awesome. Totally second the recommendation. Great way to start running if you, like me, were very, very beginner level.

I have had good luck at REI before. They have some running shoes and very knowledgeable staff.

Go to R & j and get fit for the right shoes. They are discounted, they do a great job, and they are close to you!

I'd like to take up running. It would be short distances and I'd be starting from nothing, so basically going from a power walk to short jog, back to power walk, etc as I build endurance. I've had some hip and SI joint problems so I need good cushioning. What sneakers do you recommend and where should I buy them? I'm in north Bethesda/Rockville, close to Rockville Pike. I'm a 5'8" leani-ish woman (if that matters for shoes). Thanks.