Shoooooeeeesssss

Footprints
Footprints

Oh yes, it's time to fork over some hard earned moola for new runners.  Here's the interesting part though....I finally did a wet test (after thinking I should do this for a looong time.)  See, initially when I started running I was positive I supinate.  However, running store girl #1 said I pronate.  I thought that was weird so I went in on a different day and running store guy #1 said I had a neutral gait/slight supination.  Went to running store AGAIN and running store guy #2 said I pronate.  So I tried a bunch of shoes on and ended up with an Asics stability pair.  I loved them (they were comfy!)  Injuries during this time: super horrid shin splits (though I'm positive it was made worse by being on pain meds for a broken hand so I didn't notice the pain right away) and some IT Band aggravation.  Changed to a Brooks  stability pair and I have grown to hate them....I'm positive they have too much support.  My feet/calves have always hurt in these ones after runs.  Being that I spent a lot on them I figured I'd just suck it up.

I do not keep good mileage track on my runners and consequently have most definitely worn both pairs down more than they should have been.  Oops.

Now, this wet test revealed high arches.  (Which confirmed my initial feeling about being someone that supinates.)  Technically (according to this) runners such as moi should not wear stability or motion control shoes.  The thing is I'm scared to NOT wear a stability runner.  I'm afraid my ankles will snap or something equally as painful.  This could be an irrational fear, lol.  Do you think it really matters?  Should I go to a different running store and see what they think about my running form?

Also, I want to begin to rotate pairs.  (Just two to start with.)  For those of you that do, are you using the same pair or different ones?  Do you use a racing flat for speedwork or intervals?  Are there any benefits you can think of besides the shoes lasting longer?

Bush - Glycerine



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jeffandrew916
Scary picking out new shoes. Be careful who you take running shoe advice from. Most running shoe sales people are 1. Kids that don't knoe much or 2. SALES people who want you to go with a certain brand. I've run about everything and I've finally settled on Asics (but that was not always the case). It sounds like your mostly neutral, meaning you're not really bad one way or the other. If you have narrow feet I would say Addidas. Stay away from the ones with no sole between the heel and the fore foot (they are bad about that on there newer shoes and they break down and put a lot of pressure on your arch). Addidas is a neutral shoe with good cushioning and lighter that shoes like Brooks and New Balance. Also Saucony (Grid and Shadow) has some very good shoes (if you have wider feet) but they are on the heavier side as well. The Saucony's last longer too though. I don't know of a good running shoe by Nike that's out right now. They have some good racing shoes but their trainers suck. I've run over 3000 miles a year for the last 12 years so trust me when I say I've tested shoes!!! It's never easy finding shoes you like (and once you do they stop making that model) so good luck.
RunForLife
Thanks a lot for the advice; I'm hoping I'll be able to find a pair I like this week. Last week I went to a non-running store to pick out shoes and I knew more than the salesperson. I got irritated and left, haha. So I think going to another running store may be the best bet even though they usually cost a bit more there. I've run in a few pairs of Nike shoes at the Nike Runner's Lounge but I don't really like them either. I've never tried Saucony before so I'll test them out. Thanks again. :)
the laminator
I think rotating shoes is a personal choice. I've done both ways, and found pluses and minuses for both. Right now, I do the rotation thing. Since I like to alternate long/training runs with short/interval training runs, I alternating different shoes for different purposes. My short/interval running shoes have much less support, but is very light so I can run faster in them. The long run shoes are stability controlled and have less tear on me feet
I also think you have to be careful about where you shop for shoes. I like to visit a specialty running store and get some expert opinion on shoes before I commit a large sum of money. I sometimes ask them a few questions just to "test" if they have a clue what they're talking about. Anyway good luck with your search.
baldzach
If you're nervous about going with a totally neutral shoe, try the Asics Fortitude (hard to find) or Brooks Glycerin.
RunForLife
Thanks for the input! I am going to try to head out to test some shoes tomorrow and hopefully find something that'll work well.

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