I went for a run last night. I don’t even know what came over me. One minute I was hovering over the fridge trying to decide between leftover Chinese take-out and some tofu Thai concoction, and the next, I had my sneakers all laced up and was headed out the door. iPod cranking Justin Timberlake, my sneakers pounding the pavement – we’re talking alternate universe here.
Don’t worry, it didn’t last long. About three-quarters of a mile on my little journey, my heel started to hurt. A lot. So I made an about-face (not willing to sacrifice my body any further) and when I got home, limping and really, really pissed, I decided this meant one of two things:
1) God does not want me to exercise. Or
2) I need new sneakers.
I figured God had lots more important things to worry about and it was probably just time to invest in some new kicks. Buying new running shoes, though, seems even more overwhelming than the notion that the Almighty concerns himself with whether or not I’m getting my cardio in.
First, there’s the price. Not cheap. I guess the not cheap price may prod me to use my investment more and do the running thing less sporadically. But still. It’s not like they’re pink, or satiny or look really hot with jeans, qualities that normally lure me into spending that kinda cash on footwear.
Then, there’s what kind of running shoe to get. Here’s where I’m totally lost. I’m retiring a good old pair of New Balance. Maybe I should be brand loyal? Can you hear the advice ban being lifted? I need some direction. And soon. I plan on hitting the pavement again as soon as possible. Because, aside from the achy, bleeding heel, it actually felt really good. Probably all those crazy endorphins.
I’m an adidas girl myself.
here’s an article from runner’s world.
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,5033,s6-52-167-0-1038,00.html
Super Runner’s Shop. Go there before you do anything else. They will look at your feet, watch you walk/run, find the best sneak for you. Also if you don’t like them you can return them if gently used. I dont’ know where you live but the one i go to is on 72nd( i think) and 3rd, there’s one in the 80s on the UES and one in Grand Central I believe. Unlike most sneaker shops they know what they are talking about.
Good luck! Keep it up even if it feels crappy at first.
Hi Heather:
I’ve been reading your blog for a while and this is my first time posting. I figured if I could lend a hand with the sneaker selection process then I should (me being a runner and having experienced major foot pain due to inadequate support).
Try checking out http://www.roadrunnersports.com . Go to the “Shopping Tools” section and click on “Shoe Dog”. It let’s you input all the information about your feet and your workout frequency to help you find just the right shoe.
Happy Hunting,
shy
Actually, pink running shoes are very “IN” right now. Check out your local Foot Locker.
I am with Shy. And as a former cross-country runner and a i-will-soon-become-a-runner-again-runner, i’ve always been a devotee of New Balance shoes. All my runner friends are too. I also like their approach: spend less on advertising (getting famous athletes to endorse your shoes) so that you have more $ on R&D – which I’m all for, given that running shoes should be functional and all. PLus, i think they have the cutest shoes that are most flattering to girls, AND should you ever wear them with jeans – you don’t feel quite so square.
I second the SRS recommendation. The UES location is a few blocks north of the subway stop – Lexington and 89th, or 88th, or something around there. Yes, in GCS as well. And the cited Wish article on RW is a classic. There’s no perfect shoe for everyone; what works for us might not work for you.
Starting out is tough. It takes a few weeks, but it does get easier.
I second Christina’s advice. During college, I worked in a store very similar to Super Runners (the UWS location is Amsterdam and 77th), and the people working there actually get training in fitting people for the right shoe. In my opinion, finding a good shoe is much less about brand and much more about the particular model of shoe in any given brand and how it suits your feet (which the people at a place like Super Runners can assess). OK, good luck with this – I really hope that you find some comfy kicks now, because I’ve just exposed the full extent of my running shoe nerdiness!
If you want to just buy a pair of running shoes without having your entire life evaluated by a shoe salesman (emphasis on the word SALES here), let me know. I know a place on 6th ave that’s had a “going out of business” sale going on for three years now. $40 New Balance. Seriously.
When it comes to running, I’ve always used Nike. Not quite sure why, I just have. But I love New Balance for their look. I have two pair of New Balance shoes that I wear for everyday stuff. One of the trusty pairs was all I wore the entire 6 weeks I spent in London almost 3 years ago, and they’re still kickin’. Good luck.
Sorry, Fish, I’m sure I have some good advice for you, but I just can’t get past the whole “Justin Timberlake” thing …
I’ve been running off and on for about 20 years now and I also have heel issues. I used to be loyal to Nike shoes for their small toe box, but the last few pairs of running shoes I’ve had have been Adidas Cairos. Love them. Good luck!
I’m an avid runner and my only advice is this:
1. Go to a running store and have them analyze your stride. They’ll put you in the right running shoe preventing years of wear and tear on your knees. The $100 now may save you thousands spent on surgery and time off in the future.
2. Keep your toenails short. You’d be surprised how much of a difference this thing makes.
3. Have fun. Go at your own pace. Don’t run alone at night and once you get past the 2 mile mark, you’ll feel like you could run forever.
Good luck!
~Africankelli
Also- what i do is go to SRS, have them make recommendations and then find the same shoe online for cheaper usually. I’d try roadrunnersports.com, onlineshoes.com, zappos.com.
i’m an asics girl myself,as are most of the people in my running club. and now also an outed running shoe nerd!
If you don’t mind running shoes from the past few years then http://www.final-score.com is reputable and cheap. They’re part of Footlocker and it’s where they get rid of old stock cheap.
Hmmmm could be plantar fasciitis rather than the shoe as I’ve had that problem before…wasn’t the shoe…it was my foot…
I think I bought a pair of New Balance shoes at that little shop on 6th street last year. They were cheap, but uncomfortable walking in the rain in the city. Haven’t broken em in any better here in rural America.
Adidas are the best running shoes I’ve worn, good for at least half a marathon, and all the training leading up to it.
I heart east-coasters who know that running shoes are called “sneakers.” I get funny looks out here when I say that.
I don’t like New Balance; they pinch my toes. I currently have a pair of Nike cross-trainers that I love. I run, but also take step/aero/kick-boxing/cardio etc. type classes at the gym. I guess ‘cross-trainers’ are supposed to be for everything.
GO FOR MIZUNOS!!! I love them! They got me through my marathon which was not an easy task. But do yourself a favor, Fish, AND GO TO A RUNNING STORE LIKE Super Runner’s Shop. They will make sure you get a shoe that fits your foot rather a pair that is a good price. But don’t underestimate the value of a good pair of running shoes… it’s as imporant as getting a pair of jeans that makes your butt look good! [Which the running is going to help as well!]
I am the first to procrastinate working out by using the “my shoes hurt me feet” excuse. (Not that I think you are using it!) On top of which, I have a horrible time finding shoes that feel good. Yet, a few months ago I found a pair on ebay called “Nike Presto.” They are mesh, but more durable than most and you can barely feel them on your feet. No blisters. They are wonderful! Try ebay!
I agree with Jeanette. Mizunos are the best! I hated running before I invested in some shoes that actually felt good on my feet. As a woman who loves heels, I was a little to accustomed to shoes hurting — running shoes shouldn’t hurt.
Try the ones that look like these:
Great comfy kicks!
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38563&item=3957868799&rd=1
If you find the pair of sneakers you really want, mark down the model number and blah blah blah and go to http://www.zappos.com. They pretty much have every sneaker that you could ever want really cheap and usually with free and fast shipping. Good luck!
I’m a huge fan of Asics. I was told that they are the best for runners. I run 4 miles a day in them, and also use them for hikes, kick boxing and any other form of physical activity, minus the bedroom activity. They require no break in time either, they are comfortabke from the getgo. Asics are for sure the way to go.
Mizuno is the shoe you need if you want to be a runner. By far. Do not choose Nike, Adidas, New Balance, etc. You will not find a better running shoe.
http://www.mizunousa.com/home04.nsf/running?OpenForm
As much as I’m for Pumas and Nikes for fashion wear, i keep my feet and ankles from damage with new balances.
So yeah, stay “loyal’ to the brand you trust.
Here’s a better link. I have not found a more comfortable and supportive shoe.
http://www.mizunousa.com/equipment.nsf/AllProduct/1A82EAFCAE36227A85256F8800559C24?opendocument
To make a sweeping generalization –
Everyone suggesting an evaluation before purchasing is pretty much right.
Everyone claiming that a single brand is the end all be all without knowing your feet and running style is pretty much wrong.
Three cheers for FootJoy! Anyone?
Er, eeg. This is what happens when you haven’t run since 1988.
Kaepa rules.
Most reputable running stores can have you jog down the sidewalk and analyze your stride and excercise habits and suggest the type of sneaks that are best for you. I go to the New Balance outlet in Brighton to buy usually and Marathon Sports for advice and other products.
I’m a New Balance girl myself — i had terrible trouble when i first started running because i have extraordinarily flat feet and collapsed ankles, according to the guy at the running store. I definately reccomend New Balance, they are the greatest, and they come in lengths and widths, i.e. you could get a 9 narrow, regular, or wide, plus a couple other variations. But really get someone to analyze your feet — I felt really, really stupid running around the store, but it was worth it.
Fish:
Mizuno’s are great- for volleyball- I haven’t found them to have too much support for running though.
Nike’s- haven’t tried them lately
Adidas- again, great for inside athletics- but seemed to wear down pretty fast
New Balance- not not not good for running- wear down pretty fast and yea- didn’t hold up very well in the rain for me.
Pumas- great for kicks around the town- but haven’t used mine for running. and are usually expensive.
Saucony- the very best. Seriously very best. They are really comfy, hold up really well, only around 40 bucks- I usually find mine at DSW too… I highly recommend. I’m really suprised no one else has advised you to get them!
Good Luck!
Go to nikeid.com, you can custom design a pair of tennis shoes. They have like 30 different colors to chose from and then they personalize them with your name. I reccommend the nike shox, they feel great and bouncy…
Saucony is the best shoe… you can get them online for $40 (about).
I’m a big fan of Nike Shox!
You CANNOT get a better running shoe than the New Balance 991. They retail for 120 dollars but you can get them for 90 dollars on Amazon. Really super-comfortable. REALLY. My favorite shoes ever. I respect people more who wear them. Really, fish, trust me. You won’t be disappointed.
Hi
I have no idea if it’s for real or not, but several runner friends of mine, when I finally decided to get serious about it, told me to also make sure I get really good socks. Yeah, that’s what I said too.
There’s an entire article about shoes in the latest issue of the New Yorker. It’s really great – fascinating actually. However, it seems that our ancestors were better shoe designers then us. They tested a pair of shoes made according to an ancient model and the shoes, made of bear skin and stuffed with grass and hay, apparently beat anything currently out on the market for comfort and durability.
Maybe you could try some tulips from Park ave. stuffed into the New Balance as a sort of old age wisdom plus modern invention?
Hey H,
You have to dance with who brought you. NB all the way. I’ve popped the seems on Nike, Addias, Sac, you name it. Think about how long you had your old pair, that should justify the investment…and plenty of guys think sneaks on a girl is quite hot.
I put somewhere over 250 miles into my lovely Asics and ran the Dublin marathon in them. They’re still going, but I’ll have to replace them soon.
With another pair of Asics.
Do go and try them out, and spend what it takes, whoever said $100 now is worth thousands later was on the ball.
Mizuno, NB, Adidas, they’re all good, and it depends on you and your toes more than anything.
saucony.
any good, small running store (fleet feet, etc) should help you out … but me, i love asics. they’re the only ones i wear, and i’ve worn ‘em for years. also, this month’s issue of ‘runner’s world’ has a great new shoe section which might be worth checking out. cheers.
I put in another vote for sticking with New Balance. I have a pair and have yet to have any complaints. I do mainly wear them at the gym which is indoors though, so I’ve never had to deal with them holding up or not in the rain.
what happened to you? early Fish was naked, raw, tragic, familiar and totally mesmerizing. I read it now and it is so disgustingly crafted, vapid, and BORING. Not surprisingly, your running shoes, workout woes, shameless plugs, and attempts at fabulousness inspire little in me par pity. But the way you address the passing of a friend, familial dysfunction, the end of a relationship—its insipid, insulting, and disappointing. Everyday you have friends and strangers telling you how excellent you are and it appears to have made you arrogant and worse, lazy. I am sure this falls into your definition of an ‘obnoxious, anonymous comment’ and no doubt you’ll pull it, but please pay attention.
Sounds this site should be renamed “This Fish Needs Some Running Shoes!!”
(You could go with a new logo – fish in running shoes…. might be hard to put feet on a fish, but hey – that’s part of the fun!!)
Seriously, though, I second (or third or whatever) what Mickey said: get an evaluation, try on different styles, listen to a reputable shoe person (who should be a runner him or herself), and go with what moves you. You are the one who will be running in them, so get what you like and will wear regularly.
To Anon:
Yes, your comments are obnoxious, not to mention rude, but if you had any real friends, you would understand that they get to do stuff like this with their *friends*. OK? This is not about you – if you want it to be about you, write your own blog.
(Sorry, Fish, if I overstepped – I just saw this after I posted my own reply…. Hope I didn’t presume too much).
adidas is the only company that doesn’t take advantage of sweatshop workers- so you can run and feel extra good!
I have some really great Nike Shox that feel like walking on clouds… and they actually do look hot with jeans! They’re silver with pink accents.
My fiance is training for the marathon and went to the Running Store in the Time Warner Towers. They’re awesome there, with a treadmill so you can go on a “test run” before you buy. And they were super nice and helpful. The prices were average as well.
Good luck finding the perfect shoes!
I’ve got New Balance sneakers as well – I like them because I’m flat-footed and hate getting blisters under the balls of the feet.
I find the hardest thing with sneakers is not getting a pair that fits you well (any good running shoe store should be able to do that), it’s finding a pair that covers all the types of exercise I do – aerobics, walking (I don’t jog – bad knees from netball), netball (despite the bad knees), touch football… and even with just the walking – I walk to and from work every day in them so they have to be able to handle wet grass as well as not give me shin splints when I’m pounding along at 6km/hr on the pavement.
I think they’ve all got too specialised – I only want one pair of sneakers dammit, not THREE! *sigh*
Oh and I second the thought about socks – a decent pair of sports socks can make all the difference when it comes to blisters. Especially when you’re first breaking in those new sneakers.
- OLS
I’d recommend Pearl iZumi (sadly no frills or pink) but such great shoes to run in. Ask your local running shop for them.
OK, here is the advise I got from every die hard runner:
First, find a REAL runners shop, a store that specializes in running.
Then, find out how much you are willing to spend, $150 seems like the going rate.
Go in and get a running specialist to check you out. (not that way, the way you stand and walk) They should recommend sneakers based on how you roll and type of running you plan; where and distance.
You should try them out inside a few days to make sure they feel great. Then RUN!
sounds like a lot, but it is worth it. Believe somoeone who did it wrong and had down time to hear all the advice.
Fish, I’ve been running in Asics for the past 5 years, since the summer my brother worked at a running shop, and sold them to me as his favorite shoes. I love mine. I’ve also run in Nikes and Sauconys and they’re great too. I think its generally best if you pick the shoes that fit and feel the best, rather than worrying a whole about color.
I’d also second the advice on going to a small running store–you might pay a tiny bit more, but you’ll get good fit, and if you really like that shoe, you can buy it next time for cheap at roadrunner.com.
I’d also second the advice about good socks–it does help. My bro swears by the aerators, and I’m more partial to the smartwool.
Finally, there’s nothing I find more helpful and satisfying in difficult times than a good run or workout. Wow does it help (me)…I’m thinking about going for a run right now myself…
Best of luck to you, Fish.
check these babies out!!
pink and super comfortable!
http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi/site/catalog/product.aspx?iProductTypeSubID=43&iProductID=3596&iProductColorsTB=10004
i retired my NB and replaced them with nikes
i kick and swear at myself everytime i wear them.
As soon as i quit lamenting over the price of the nikes i’m going right back to NB for running they’re da bomb in comfort and support.
New Balance
Huge fan & loyal buyer of New Balance shoes. Just make sure you find the right type… That said, Aaron’s right– GOOD SOCKS MAKE SUCH A DIFFERENCE! I use Wright socks for …
http://www.runnersgear.com/page/R/CTGY/WSC
My experience with Nike has not been great–They don’t seem to last that long, and my phsy ed. teacher/friend said that they’re known for that…
I can’t believe nobody’s said this yet: Take your old running shoes with you to the store. The wear-pattern on the old soles can tell the clerks how your foot falls in your stride.
When I was a serious runner (10–16 miles every morning), the weight of the shoe was very important to me: the lighter the better.
Yeah, too little too late, but I’m with the super runner’s crowd. There’s one around the corner on Lex & upper 80 something, and those guys know what’s going on with the footwear (my boyfriend worked at that particular branch back in the day, and he still helps me fit shoes now. Aside – did you know most women buy their running shoes a size or two too small? It’s freakish how much more comfortable a properly laced 1/2 size bigger pair can be.) Anyway, I also got a great pair of New Balance 855s on the Paragon clearance rack, but I’m a supinator, so I’m different like that. Happy hunting.
Oh – and Wright socks rock. And they say Saucony’s run really narrow. Get fitted (fit?) by some pros – each foot is different. One of my old bosses permanently damaged her feet trying to run the NY Marathon in the wrong shoes. Wrong shoes = bad news!
Pardon my John McEnroe, but “You cannot be serious!” 70 comments about sneakers/running shoes??? Feel the love, Fish. Let’s make it 71 or whatever. Christina had it right. Go to the runnning store as she suggested. They’ll take care of you. I ended up with New Balance for what it’s worth. New shoes and iPods. Kicks the shit outta dating sometimes!
I’m an Asics girl. The Gel -Kayano. I was having the worse shin splints. Bought these VERY expensive running shoes. My gosh, they are awesome. I keep buying them. They really are worth the price if you don’t want the pain.
Asics are good for running cos they dont heat up unlike other shows do from the friction. nike has good designs but i think that the quality is really really quite appalling. definitely not investment worthy.
i would say saucony if asked the question casually at work or over dinner, but like a few other commenters, I’m a little put off by all this trifling over sneakers, and the blog entry that spawned it. Oh the charm of triviality and meaninglessness! But seriously, I have enjoyed some of your blogs fish, but Justin Timberlake? I don’t know if I can read you anymore. It’s as if the respect factor has plummeted irrecoverably.
I’ve had the same style of New Balance shoes for two years now – #765. I’ve seriously gone through six or seven pairs of them. Before them, I tried Nike and Brooks and Addias. And I got a heel spur and had blister problems, you name it. After I acquired my first pair of New Balances, however (and a pair of proper inserts for my heel) I started running 30 miles a week and last October, I ran a marathon in them. I say, stick with that works for you! G’luck.
Wow, you’ll think about lifting that advice ban next time, won’t you? Yikes!
Mmmmmm, endorphins.
I’ve always been a New Balance girl and when I tried to stray from the brand, I found my feet revolting with aching feet. I bought another pair of New Balance running shoes not too long ago and there were several “cute” kinds to choose from. Stay with NB!
The runner in me says:: Saucony if you plan on trekking more than that 3/4 mile… or New Balance if you’re one who gives your running shoes extended vacations… they’re both good; just depends on amount of activity…
And the girl in me says:: just make them cute… more likely to exercise if you’ve got cute shoes.. just sayin’ :O)
OK I just read “fish of another color” and read the comments and it’s closed so no more comments can be posted…cool..how’d you do that?
Anyway, I just wanted to say that was the most eloquent “fuck you” I have ever read. Way to go! Plus it makes me want to go read your earlier work to see what anon is complaining about.
i vote new balance. been using their shoes for ten years (running, walking, the gym three times per week) and have never been disappointed.
Check out the URL below
http://www.aapsm.org/runshoe.html
The American Academy of Podiatrics Sports Medicine has a chart rating running shoes based on foot/gait type.
This is going to save me so much time when I buy new running shoes tomorrow! Thx! LOVE your blog!