Alright, my Saucony's are at the end of their life, and it's time for a new pair. I've been partial to Saucony since my cross country days, but I'm open to any brand. I tend to pronate on my outside of my feet, so that should be taken into account in terms of my shoe selection. I run on various surfaces from pavement to trails with most of my running occuring on pavement. I expect to put about 10 miles on them per week max at this point since I'm just running to maintain cardio. Any input from the experienced guys here would be appreciated.
Giving shoe recommendations can be tricky. Everyoen is different and has different needs in a shoe. Best bet is to go to a real shoe store near you if you have one. They can hook you up with shoes best suited for your feet. On the other hand....if you go with shoes along the lines of those Hooker posted, it can be a nice "freeing" experience to run in a more natural way. BUT you have to venture into those waters easy, as you could wind up doing to much too soon in them and developing an injury.
Just returned from buying some new tennis shoes for everyday wear and these are the most comfortable shoes I've ever own for $30.00 dollars. Dr. Scholl"s Men's Athletic White Tennis shoes. Are you gellin'?
I wear Mizuno Wave Riders and Brooks Ghosts (alternate between the 2). however, these are better for a neutral stride (no pronation), mid-foot striker. I like both brands, and am certain they make models for pronation. After reading some reviews, though, I am strongly considering getting a pair of Vibram Five-Fingers to ease into minimalist running.
Wearing VFFs isn't exactly easing into minimalist running, it the closest thing to barefoot running. Something like the regular NB Minimus would be easing into it.
Be careful with the Vibrams. I thought I "eased" into the minimalist approach and messed up my Achilles pretty bad. Couldn't run for about 6 months.
Absolutely. I had to drive to state college back in high school when I started cross country to have a small shop that still did trial runs in the alley look into my stride. That's how I know I pronate on the outside, and started wearing a more neutral show afterwards. Sadly, there's no local shops that can be of any help with this issue. Yep, a quick bit of research on those two, and I'm not sold (no offense hooker). I have NO desire to ease myself or eventually arrive at barefoot or minimalist running. I don't run far enough or often enough to warrant it, nor am I that giddy about running. The Newton's looked to be a compromise, but the very fact that they almost force a midfoot strike (while I understand this is more natural/safe contact), they seem to punish you if you heel-toe strike for any give period of time. Maybe I just don't have the motivation, and need to develop it, but I know for a fact, I will never run a marathon, or even a half marathon. I just like ~5k running, and casual "keep in shape and the body fat % low" running:D
I would definitely recommend that you look at the Newtons before purchasing any. With all my Ironman and Marathon training last year I can for sure say that they had a very positive impact on my running style and success. They have a few different styles and lug depths depending on your current running style so be sure to get fitted by someone knowledgeable. They will feel awkward at first but the results are amazing!
What results (aside from the completion of your ironman and marathon which are really impressive, but likely not attributed to the shoe) did you see that you feel put these shoes above a more "traditional" running shoe (not shox as Boucher recommends)?
Since they promote a more mid to fore foot strike, your lower leg strength will improve greatly. And with the more efficient running form, your speed and endurance will increase. The only negative for the Newtons is the price.
Buying running shoes is like buying a bow, you have to find a pair that fits (and not just in the size). If you have access to a running store then bring your old shoes in - they will use the wear patterns to tell you what kind of shoe that is right for you. I never new how valuable this service was until I used it.
Does that have any negative implications for someone who tends to place a greater emphasis of contact on the outside edges of my foot? I thought it was funny. Understandable. As stated, the only running shoe stores I have in the area are your box stores/chains (foot locker, champs, etc.). I do have access to a solid running shoe store about an 1hr. 15min away that I used back when I raced, but then again, there may be other small operations in the immediate area I'm not aware of. I plan to try to hit up a few anyways (no necessarily for opinions, but to actually get a feel for the shoes on my feet).
Matt, When I wear shoes (usually Saucony Kinvaras) Most of my wear is on the outer edge, so I think I am similar to you in that respect. I also run in VFF's which as someone said isn't "easing" into minimalist at all. I've had no issues bouncing back & forth between these 2 shoes. I have heard tons of good things about the newtons but I can't get over thier price tag. I would htink since your miles aren't going to be too terribly high, most any of the lighter weight neutral shoes are going to be fine for you. It will then be your choice if you want to trend towards a lower heel drop shoe or not. The kinvaras are nice, brooks pure series of shoes, and the NB minimus ones.
