Home > The Running Report > Archives > 2008 > March > 13 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USTime for a new running shoe
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
You know how misery loves company?
Well I’d like to hear that someone shares my angst when it comes to finding the right running shoe.
I’m buying new sneakers this weekend, and a shoe with both cushion and ankle support would be wonderful.
What about you? Have you ever altered your shoes for comfort? My editor says he knew a guy who sliced the bottom of his shoes with a razor.
I wrap my ankles in ace bandages before I run and always figured a custom-made shoe would be the smart way to go, but Dr. Alan S. Rothstein of Windy Hill Podiatry Associates , says to hold up on that idea.
“It’s not necessary to buy a custom shoe,” he says. “There are so many brands and models for every type of foot. It’s very rare that a person would need a custom shoe. Go to a running specialty store and get sized. [Try on] a half size larger than your regular shoe and wear socks that you run in.”
(Even before you buy a shoe online, check it out it in the store first, Rothstein says.)
Does how a show looks matter to you?
I bought my current pair of running shoes about this time last year - right before the ING Marathon.
It was an ordeal. I found a great pair of Mizunos. Well actually, they would’ve been great for someone who required less support. The store was nice enough to take them back after I ran in them and realized I needed a stronger shoe. Then the sales guy spent an hour, to no avail, trying to find a better pair.
I stopped in Sports Authority a few days later. A couple of sales guys spent two hours hunting through shoe boxes and calling other locations to check sizes for me. I finally settled on a pair of Asics and spent an additional $25 on inserts for better cushion.
It was worth it because I’m still running in them, but it’s time they retire.
ROTHSTEIN’S TAKE ON ACHY ANKLES AND JOINTS
The podiatrist says that when folks complain about their ankles, he usually suspects something else.
“Usually people are talking about joints that roll when they stand. That’s not ankle, that’s foot,” he says. And that could call for a stronger heel counter, [a device in the heel area of the shoe which minimizes pronation] or a different wedge that better supports the foot.”
Tendinitis sufferers sometimes use an elastic ankle support that wraps or slips over socks and helps to avoid pressure from the top of the ankle.
If it truly is an ankle (or foot problem, says Rothstein) an orthotic insert may be necessary. It’s made from an impression of the foot and gives flexible support.
When it’s time for a new sneaker, how easy is it for you to find the right shoe? Are you running and fragile feet?
MORE: State of the Art Marathon Training. USA Fit/Team Spirit Active Trainer. Peachtree Road Race. Road Rules. ING Georgia Marathon.
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Comments
By Koz
March 14, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this
I found the perfect running shoe. Now it’s worn out and time for me to buy a new pair as well. The Air Zoom Hayward is (was) perfect and what does Nike do? The redesign it. Ugh. Now what do I do?
By anonymouscoward
March 14, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this
If you go to places like Sports Authority to buy running shoes then getting something that actually works for you is by extreme chance. I recommond Phidippides or one of the other specialty runner’s shoe stores because the very knowledgeable staff can help you find the right shoe. I ran in shoes for the longest time that were too small because I bought the same size shoe I always wear, but your feet swell when running and you need a larger shoe. I haven’t found these stores to be a rip off on shoe prices, and I’m more than happy to patronize them because of the pounding my feet take.
I had a pair of Mizunos, but never again. They caused me to develop serious heel spurs and it took 6 months after finally moving to a different shoe to get over the heel spurs. But that’s just me - everyone will be different. My favorite running shoes are the Nike Air Pegasus - they work so well for me.
You should get a new pair of shoes about every 500 miles of running, which doesn’t take that long to rack up, even for low-mileage runners.
I’ve suffered through tendinitis, heel spurs, stress fractures — all mainly as a result of not having a good pair of running shoes or running too long on a pair of shoes (probably what happened with the Mizunos). I don’t buy shoes by brand name. I work with the folks at the GOOD running shoe stores to find a pair of shoes that work, period.
By Joe
March 14, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this
This is the hardest part about running for me. My left and right foot are not the same. I have a higher arch on my right foot and more play in my ankles…probably from twisting that ankle so many times. If I buy a shoe to support the right arch it makes my left foot supinate too much and I get bunions on the outside of that foot, but if I buy a shoe that has a lower arch I have calf and knee problems on my right leg. I have prescription orthoics that help some but it is still always a challenge. I would love to have custom shoes made…anyone know who does this?
By Andrew
March 14, 2008 9:21 AM | Link to this
One word - phidippides. Go there and all your problems go away. They’ll make you try on 3-6 pairs of shoes and watch you run. They will ask what you are training for, what hurts, how fast/slow…everything. Best in the business (Ansley Mall). There are probably 10 good brands (Asics for me) and different people worship different brands so decide for yourself.
Saturdays are very busy (you sign a sheet like a dinner reservation). Go during week if you can. And go NOW if you are running ING b/c you want to break them in (say 50 miles) before the big day.
Someone said change them 500 miles but I change between 350 and 425. Treat your feet well…you beat them to death with the runs!! Good luck.
By John
March 14, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this
Don’t bash Sports Authority. I buy most of my running shoes there. However, I also have been running for a few decades and have worked myself in a running shoe store, so I know what best suits me and I have some knowledge of running shoe design.
I also can take my time and try on as many shoes as I need to. And I don’t mind buying last year’s model if I save $50.00.
But if you are new to running and know nothing about your own foot type and know nothing about running shoes it is a good idea to go to a store like Phidippides..if you are lucky you will get Greg to help you..he’s been there forever.
Just make sure a real runner helps you with running shoes..many of those stores at the mall employ whoever will work for them…and they usually have no knowledge of the shoes they are selling.
By John Tackett
March 14, 2008 9:42 AM | Link to this
I always recommend that new runners go to a store such as Big Peach Running Company or Phidippides to have them do an analysis of the runners gait. It is better than trying to run in poorly fitted shoes and then getting hurt or having pain becuase the shoes were not the ones that suit your running style.
I overpronate so I require a stability shoe with cushioning. Asics have done well for me and I own 4 pair of them (The Keyano and GT-2120 / GT2130 are my favs.) I also have wide feet and Asics makes most of thier shoes in wide widths. Also remember that your feet will swell up when running so you may need to go up a 1/2 size. Also when trying on running shoes, bring a pair of running socks with you as well to see how they feel.
After running for over 4 years, I know what suits me and what feels right. Runners World has reviews of running shoes throughout the year. Also if you are running on gravel or trail, you may need to look into trail running shoes as opposed to road shoes. It can be overwhelming, but a great pair of running shoes will make all the difference. Also DO NOT buy a new pair of shoes they day before a big race and try to run in them. You need to break in the shoes. Usually I wear them to work and walk in them for a few days before I even begin to run in them. It can take me 2 weeks to break in a pair of new shoes before I do a serious run/race in them.
By susan
March 14, 2008 10:44 AM | Link to this
I run in Nike Pegasus. They work great for me. Lots of cushion and support. An added plus is that It has a spot for the IPOD sensor rhat tracks my mileage and pace.
By Randall
March 14, 2008 11:28 AM | Link to this
Andrew knows what he’s talking about. Phiddipides in Ansley Mall. I’ve bought my shoes there since I was in high school. Plus, they give you a discount if you pay cash!
By Mom
March 14, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
I went to a specialty running store (Fleet Feet) where they measured my feet, watching me walk, watched me run…etc…and brought out a few shoes to try. Yes, the cost was way more than I had ever spent before…but I have not one single foot problem (and I’ve had issues for years!)with these shoes. One thing I learned: even if I wear a 6.5 in ladies’ shoes, I DO NOT wear that size in athletic shoes! I nearly died when they told me I needed an 8…the reason I had foot problems before was because my feet were too smooshed into my shoes!! You only have two feet: take care of them!
By A Bikila
March 14, 2008 1:24 PM | Link to this
You sissys and your running shoes. I run barefooted. Running shoes keep your feet from working all the muscles. That’s why you get injuries. The only injury I’ve ever had was when I tripped chasing that chicken in Adis Abeba. Stupid bird, I’m still hungry.
By Denise
March 14, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this
Woo Hoo…I am happy to see the shout outs to Fleet Feet and Phiddipides. I have bought shoes from both and was always happy. I used to run daily and I am just getting back on track. The best pair of shoes I have ever run in were a pair of Brooks. OMG!!!! No more pain. They were a size and a half larger and I felt like I was running on clouds. The problem is Brooks stopped making the shoe (Boo Hiss). I am sure I will be able to find another good pair at one of these stores. Both are good…it just depends on where you live and how far you want to drive. Keep running!!!
By Inman
March 14, 2008 1:45 PM | Link to this
Phiddipides is a great store but Big Peach is the best thing to happen to running in this town in a while. They are great at putting you in the right shoe and their prices are the same as Dick’s. The owners are dedicated runners and just opened a store that matched their passion for the sport. It’s nice to see what they’re talking about when they are fitting you by showing you what happening on the treadmill. Then you can go try them out outside to confirm. Plus they have running groups that meet there most weeknights where you can find runners of almost every tempo and distance. I understand the tradition and loyalty of Phiddipides but Big Peach has stepped it up one notch.
By kristin
March 14, 2008 2:13 PM | Link to this
I went to Phidippides and I was VERY unhappy with the shoe that I ended up with. The woman who helped me was rushed and I actually knew more about the different models by doing my own research. But I will admit that I’m the only person I know who had a bad expirence there.
For me it’s Saucony Trigon Ride. I wait for a sale and go to Sports Authority and buy a couple pair at a time.
By Lisa
March 14, 2008 2:49 PM | Link to this
I’ve had excellent experiences at both Phiddipides and Big Peach. The trick for both: go when they’re not busy. The only bad experience I had at a speciality store is because they were swamped at the time. If you want to have a complete evaluation and try on 10+ pairs of shows, try a Tuesday morning… perfect!! If you go in the morning though, try to run a bit before hand so your feet will swell. The evening is better in that respect, but it’s also busier. The size up trick: a definite. I am an 8 or 8.5 street shoe, 9.5 running shoe. The only time I’ve been injured is when I took a “what the heck, they’re on sale” pair of shoes out for about 50 miles. Messed up my gait completely…. bad news. I think it’s well worth paying a bit more for the excellent service and fit you get at Phiddipides or Big Peach taking a guess and buying off clearance shelves of Dicks… Physical therapy and/or time off for an injury cost much more than saving $5.
By in training
March 14, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
Big Peach, the people there know what they are doing
By John
March 14, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this
Phiddipides has been around forever(anyone remember when there were chains in Athens and other parts of Georgia?) and I’ve usually been loyal to them, but I’ve been in there a couple of times when the staff seem more interested in talking about the weekend’s race, than finding me a shoe. But they are usually pretty helpful. But the guys at Big Peach go out of their way to help. The owner, Mike is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. A good runner also. Plus they leave water outside the store for anyone that runs by and wants a sip.
By Injuredlist
March 14, 2008 5:06 PM | Link to this
I recommend going to Phidippides in Ansley Mall. They are an excellent running shoe store and extrememly knowledgeable and patient. I go there when its time to reinvest in my running shoes.
By Adrianne
March 14, 2008 5:13 PM | Link to this
These are great tips!!
Sounds like the weekend is not the best time to shoe shop, but I don’t have much choice.
By the way, here are comments today from Dr. Norman Eng, a chiropractor and strength and conditioning guy.
He said, “One recommendation that I have for my patients is to use their running shoes ONLY for running. I myself am guilty of using my running shoes for a stroll around the park or for a trip to the grocery store.”
He’s a fan of Asics too.
More from Eng: “As for the tendinitis and foot pains, those can be caused by overuse/repititivestress/cumulative trauma. Just imagine how badly your hands can be sore after a day of typing or writing. The same type of condition can occur in your feet as well by high impact running. Ice for 20 min after runs if it hurts, as that’ll help take down any inflammation.
I also recommend that you take care of your feet as a boxer would take care of his/her hands. Your feet are you moneymakers!”
By passingalongthefacts
March 16, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this
Phidippides has 2 locations. The one at Ansley Mall is well known, but there is one in Sandy Springs (next to Brooklyn Cafe). ALL of the staff are trainined by the same employees who have been there 25+ years.
I would NEVER buy my shoes from a store other than Phidippides. None of the staff make commission…they are there to ensure you are buying the most appropriate shoes for your feet. A great shoe for a friend is not necessarily going to be a good shoe for you.
By John
March 16, 2008 6:03 PM | Link to this
Finding the right show can make all the difference in the world, particularly for newer runners who are looking for any excuse not to run. I went through quite a few shoes, then went to an actual runners’ shoe store in my home town. The mall stores and big box stores have popular styles, but not necessarily for runners. I have ended up being very satisfied with the Nike Air Zoom Vomero 2+. I don’t use the ipod spot, but the shoe is probably the most comfortable I have ever used. I run about 20 to 23 miles per week, so not huge distance, but enough to care what I wear.
By lawyerdaggett
March 16, 2008 7:57 PM | Link to this
Fleet Feet is my store of choice. I suffered from huge blisters from long distance walking. They spent over an hour with me and helped me select proper shoes, socks and orthotics. No more blisters.
By Alan rothstein
March 17, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this
There is a misquote from me in this article. The portion that reads if it is truly an ankle problem, an orthotic may be needed. It should read that if the pain is caused by a foot problem, an orthotic may be needed.