I'm going to be doing the couch to 5k running plan...
And I need sneakers.
Heeeeelp!
I'm so lost - nothing seems quite right, and it's SO hard finding shoes that can really support the amount of weight I have, pounding onto two feet, lol. But, I don't want to invest in walking/crosstrainers at the end of this week, only to have to invest in running shoes in 5-6 weeks.
And my sister is in love with running socks, which I think I saw Muffy talk about somewhere - but holy shit. More expensive than I was anticipating - so on the real - do they work? Are they necessary.
Listen, I'm not stupid - I know that no shoe is going to make my feet feel awesome when I haven't worked out in forever (or, ya know, ever really.) but it surely couldn't hurt to protect them as much as I can to make this as sufferable as possible, lol. Ideally I would go to a runner's store and get fitted, but there are none close by, and tbh even if there was, I don't know if I could take my chunk all up in there and ask for running shoes, without them laughing for days. So outside of just trying on super basics at Kohl's (which is where I got the last pair that I hated) I'm pretty lost.
So, do you have any brand/style, etc. names that have done the job for you, that you can recommend?
firstly - you are wrong - a good fitting pair of running shoes CAN make your feet feel freaking amazing! like you are walking on clouds! they actually are quite incredible to slip on your feet once you find "your" pair.
i started running with a super cheapo pair of mens nike sneakers - they werent even running shoes. i made the mistake of getting them too short at the toe - and within 3 weeks some of my toenails were black and eventually fell off!
the brand is not super duper important. but there are some quality running shoes out there.
and you CAN get them at a discount price - more common makers like asics and nike (my 2 personal faves) come out with new models a few times a year - don't buy the newest model, buy last years model - it will be much cheaper and if you can get to a nike outlet store or a sports outlet store, you can get them even cheaper!
this is one thing you DONT want to initially buy online - you need to get to a store and try them on. and you need to try on a few pairs, even within the same brand - and you will know when you get the right pair for you.
a knowledgable salesperson can help you out - by talking to one at, i think it was a foot locker a while back, i found out that asics makes at least 2 different kinds - one gives more support to the foot structure, the other is more soft and cushioned - turns out the one with more foot support feels better and lighter on my feet than the more cushioned one.
and if you get a good salesperson to fit you that is important too - you need to leave enough toe space at front because as you run your feet/toes will naturally jam up into the box. and you MUST tie your shoes properly and snugly each time you put them on. and, imo, good quality running socks are darn important too - just buy one pair to start - i like asics because they are thin and they are specially made for each the right and left foot (it will say r and l at the top) and the special fit of the sock prevents the sock from riding back towards you heels and pinching the toe space. the sock should be streamlined to your foot so that it does not bunch in the shoe.
so, long story short - get to a store with a big collection (without initial intention to buy) and try on a lot and make notes of the brand, size and style/model you like the most - write down the details and once you know what you like, then you can go bargin shopping around in stores or online to get the good price. dont limit yourself to the sale shoes - go for the fit - try on the newest most expensive - why not? and once you find what you like you can then look to prior seasons model for a bargin (asics many times its just a difference in colour - for a huge price diff!)
i know you said that you are not near any stores. but seriously, it is SO worth it to get to a mall - near a foot locker or whatever and try them all on.
running shoes are so important - the do support you weight, you ankles, knees, hips, back... seriously take the plunge. if you are serious about working out and getting in shape (and ita - it will help your fertility chances too!) it is so worth it to get out one time, make the effort, and find the shoes that you feel best in. (you may like a couple different brands/styles - mark them all down!)
for me, good running shoes here in lux cost 3 to 4 times more than the same ones in the us - but now i know what i want, i can order them online and send them to my parents house to pick up during my next visits - easy peasy!
I know that around here we have speciality running shoes stores. They watch you walk and run and then recommend styles they think would work best for you. Well worth it!!
i know you said that you are not near any stores. but seriously, it is SO worth it to get to a mall - near a foot locker or whatever and try them all on.
running shoes are so important - the do support you weight, you ankles, knees, hips, back... seriously take the plunge. if you are serious about working out and getting in shape (and ita - it will help your fertility chances too!) it is so worth it to get out one time, make the effort, and find the shoes that you feel best in. (you may like a couple different brands/styles - mark them all down!)
for me, good running shoes here in lux cost 3 to 4 times more than the same ones in the us - but now i know what i want, i can order them online and send them to my parents house to pick up during my next visits - easy peasy!
Good to know -
I'll ask around, and worse case scenario, I'll make the drive to Cincinnati the next time I have some time to myself. I'm sure you guys are right, and it'll be worth it to figgure out what I would like and need!
I get my super nice running socks (which make a HUGE difference IMO) at the reebok outlet here so they are much cheaper than other places. I also get my shoes there.
You've been given some great advice thus far... but with that said, given that you're at the beginner stage and just getting started, I'd hate to see you lose momentum while you wait for an opportunity to get the perfect shoe. I personally think it's more important for you to get moving and see how you like it more than anything.
Something that will be useful to know is your arch type... check this out, and report back to me. :D
You said you have Kohls nearby... what else? Any department stores? Zappos has free shipping both ways, and they tend to have more of a color selection than anyplace locally for me (even here, in one of the Running Meccas of the Universe, LOL). (Oh, and color should NOT matter, but I have identified *my* shoe, and thus things like color can become important to me again, LOL!) I know it's not optimal to buy them online, but I think if you know your arch type, you might be able to buy/return until you find the right one.
Regarding the socks... I am a big fan, and here's why. (In fact, Santa brought me a big box of running socks for Christmas -- that's all I asked for. :) ) 1) Blister reduction, big time. 2) The technical fabric doesn't retain moisture (i.e. sweat) like cotton. (In fact, as you get more and more into things, you will develop a strong preference for avoiding cotton altogether.)
You're also going to need a good bra, and these aren't cheap, either. I can make some recommendations there if you like.
The start up investment is heavy, but once you've done that -- it's the cheapest form of exercise around. Good luck! :)
ETA: Running socks wear out over time, and I had the unfortunate experience of accidentally wearing a worn out pair when I ran with Dorian and Erin in San Antonio... they can tell you what happened when I didn't have a good pair of socks on -- LOL!
-- Edited by mctex on Saturday 2nd of January 2010 04:13:35 PM
You've been given some great advice thus far... but with that said, given that you're at the beginner stage and just getting started, I'd hate to see you lose momentum while you wait for an opportunity to get the perfect shoe. I personally think it's more important for you to get moving and see how you like it more than anything.
Something that will be useful to know is your arch type... check this out, and report back to me. :D
You said you have Kohls nearby... what else? Any department stores? Zappos has free shipping both ways, and they tend to have more of a color selection than anyplace locally for me (even here, in one of the Running Meccas of the Universe, LOL). (Oh, and color should NOT matter, but I have identified *my* shoe, and thus things like color can become important to me again, LOL!) I know it's not optimal to buy them online, but I think if you know your arch type, you might be able to buy/return until you find the right one.
Regarding the socks... I am a big fan, and here's why. (In fact, Santa brought me a big box of running socks for Christmas -- that's all I asked for. :) ) 1) Blister reduction, big time. 2) The technical fabric doesn't retain moisture (i.e. sweat) like cotton. (In fact, as you get more and more into things, you will develop a strong preference for avoiding cotton altogether.)
You're also going to need a good bra, and these aren't cheap, either. I can make some recommendations there if you like.
The start up investment is heavy, but once you've done that -- it's the cheapest form of exercise around. Good luck! :)
I *think* it's normal... but I'm attaching a picture. It ran a little bit by the time I carried it into the living room and took a picture, but hopefully it's helpful.
Yeah, you can stfu about how I didn't have a grocery bag and had to use a coloring sheet, lmao. ;)
Okay, I understand the whole point of a running sock, it totally makes sense. I didn't try my sisters, so I didn't really get the zones on them (or whatever they are called) - I just noticed they were foxy with tons of color variation, lmao.
I think at this point I'm good on the bra - I've got one, which at my size was a lofty ass investment, and so until I can come done in some sizing and it isn't such a crazy cost, I'll get more. For now I'll make do (ftr, anyone else that is looking, mine was the sports bra on Oprah forever ago - I think it's called The Goddess. All I know is that it keeps me from knocking myself the eff out with a nipple.
As far as dept. stores, pretty much everything but Kohl's is a 45 minute drive for me. Not that I mind driving, but with Hannah's schedule and the craptacularly inconsistant weather, it's just something I'm trying to avoid unless necessary. I think we have an MC Sports nearish by, so I'll probably run there before really make the trek anywhere else.
That looks normal to me, which is good -- it makes this a little easier.
I just looked at the Kohls website, and it looks like they have shoes on sale this weekend. Don't know if this works with the cash flow sitch, but I thought I'd mention it, JIC.
I know brand doesn't really matter much, but with that said, since my "brand" is Asics, I love them. I found this on their website, which helps...
I just pulled my Aug 2009 copy of Runners World, where they had an article about what gear was worth the money. This is what they said about shoes (in summary)...
"Our testing indicates that you can't get an adequate running shoe for less than $40. Around that price point, we found a couple well-made shoes on sale that offered decent cushioning and fit. If you need extra cushioning or have any issue that makes it tough to find the perfect shoe..." (which, based on the test, you do not) "... then you're going to be better served at a specialty retailer. Most people need help finding the right pair of shoes, and you're definitely not going to get it at a discount store."
They then recommend... "Asics Gel-Equation 2 ($40) --- This year-old version of the Equation has the kind of plush ride that wasn't find in cheaper no-name brands." (It doesn't look like Kohls has this one, but Zappos does... it doesn't look like the 2 is still available, and the 3 costs about $60. It's not on the Asics Fit Guide, best I can tell...)
"Brooks Axiom 2 ($45) -- This two-year-old shoe offers more support and softer cushioning than any other bargain shoe we tested." It looks like these are still out there... if you have either a tiny or a huge foot.
I have done both, kohls v. specialty store. The thing with Kohls, famous footwear, Sports Authority etc, is that while they carry the same brands, they are carrying a lesser model, if that makes sense. You CAN get a good pair of shoes there, but I would not expect them to wear as long as a shoe bought from a Foot Locker, or specialty running store. One bad thing about specialty running stores is that they dont carry quite the same volume of stock. For example, I have had the specialty person tell me they have the perfect shoe for me, a half marathoner, big girl, and heard them tell the next person behind me (a grandma looking for a good walking shoe) they had the perfect shoe for her - same shoe! (I have not gone back to that store). The other "specialty" store near me specializes in NB, mizuno, and Brooks - no addidas, reebok, or nike. So, they may be limited in what they are trying to fit you.
So, I fully suggest going to Kohls and trying on a bunch of shoes. Figure out what feels comfortable. As a big girl (myself included - termed clydesdales, or athenas in some race categories) you will just have to expect that your shoe will break down sooner than a skinny minnie, and will need to be replaced a bit sooner anyway. Now, when you start running,everything is going to hurt - but pay attention to your knees and hips. If you develop pain in those places, your shoes could be old and ready to be replaced, or, you may have gotten them too cusioney or not enough.
I definitely agree on the larger toe box or going up a size. My toenails still haven't recovered from my first race. But, I don't tie my laces very tight, it makes my feet fall asleep. lol. Make sure they are stable and you wont twist an ankle, but other than that, again, comfort is key.
Whatever is going to get you back out there the next time.
Thanks for looking all that up for me, Tex. I fo sho won't be shopping for shoes until the weekend, but that's probably a good thing since it will give me some time to browse and read up on the websites I've been seeing, and figure out what I need. And, I'm glad to hear you back up the Asics, too. I've been reading a lot of great things about them (although I know the right shoe for one isn't right for another.)
Anyways, thanks - I'm really getting pumped to start running.
I found this on their website, which helps... 
