I'm buying new running shoes this month. I know I have to try them out and all that but to narrow it down a bit, does anyone have any they just love or a brand they turn to over and over again? My toes are killing me in my present Nikes, so I need to get a new pair pronto. I'm not that into athletic shoes (I usually go with cutest) so I need all the advice I can get.
Are you feet wide or narrow? I've always thought Nike was for the narrow-footed. Also, do you pronate a lot?
I have a wide foot and I'm a heavy pronator. I've had good luck with New Balance and my new pair are from Asics. Both companies make shoes with the side supports that allow me to run properly.
Are you actually using them for running or just for walking around? If you are using them for running, you should go to a running store and have them evaluate the way you run and have them make reccs. You should also buy your running shoes a size to a size and a half larger than your regular size that will prevent your toes from hurting or your feet falling asleep.
I under-pronate (run on the outsides of my feet) and have narrow feet. I find that asics work the best for me, they are damn ugly, but I would rather save my knees.
I have an average sized foot, at least I think but I think I'd err on the side of wide, if I had to choose.
I have no idea what pronating is!! I feel like such a dork!
I have a fairly high arch, so I have to have something that fits properly.
I plan on wearing the shoes for running and walking (attempts will be made to insure more running than walking is done though!).
I might end up going to a store like you described, mckenke, but I'm hoping to avoid that because they are pretty pricey in my area (been there before). But even if I do go, I want to know what I'm doing and be able to handle my own with the salespeople.
Girl, if you are going to be running in them, go to a running store!!! I promise you, it is worth every penny. They will make sure you are in the right shoes, which will save you from injury and help you run in proper form (which prevents injury, duh).
Before you buy, make sure they have a return policy where you can take the shoes home and run in them and return them if they feel weird. I had to do this recently and the people were SO nice and helpful.
Just go once and find out what kind of shoe you need and buy them. From then on, you can just keep buying that same shoe off ebay or discount stores.
__________________
Know first, who you are; and then adorn yourself accordingly.
-Epictetus