Running/Shoes for USMA

sydthesquid35

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Joined
Dec 12, 2019
Messages
27
Hi there!

I've been searching for the best running shoes for beast (and the school year), but I'm not entirely sure where to start as I cannot go to my local running store and try on different kinds (darn COVID).
First of all, I am a pronating forefoot striker, so I definitely need a shoe that has lots of support in the forefoot. The ones that have been most recommended to me so far (and they look wonderful!) are the Women's Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Trail Running shoes.

What kinds of terrain will we be running on at beast? Is a trail running shoe recommended or should I search for a track running shoe because it seems to be that all the best forefoot running shoes are all trail running shoes?

Thanks for the help!
 
I’m not a current or former cadet, but I am a severe pronator with some running background. So I can advise you to focus on shoes classified as “stability” or “motion control.” Most, if not all, trail shoes fall under those categories because they share the same structural features. That is, the same structure that keeps you from twisting your ankle on a hike also keeps you from overpronating in a workout.

Unless WP specifically directs you to a trail shoe, I’d go for a standard running shoe that’s either stability or motion control. It’ll be lighter, which is important for the mileage you’ll be doing. Whatever you do, don’t base your choice on aesthetics. Fit is all that matters.
 
Hi there, also an incoming plebe,

I too have pronated feet, while my running experience is limited, i found that while the right shoe is important, being mindful of the way you run, how your foot strikes the ground, minimizes the stress on your ankle caused by the pronation. And by the way garmont boots offer great support so the pronation was not much of a problem. Hope this helps.
 
I’m guessing that USMA is similar to USNA in offering shoe inserts to address pronation issues. DD, who’s a mid, was issued inserts early in Plebe Summer. She switched them into whichever shoes she was wearing — running shoes, black boots, summer whites — and they worked well.
 
You will only be running on roads during CBT, at least in my experience. I would look for a shoe with more cushion. You can get custom inserts from KACH however it takes forever and you can only get them after going to sick call with foot problems (I would advise to have some in your shoes on R-Day).
 
Just wanted to throw this out here... I’m a long distance runner and Hokas tend to have thicker soles and lots of my running mates dislike this aspect because it causes them to strike the ground heel-first. Most of the runners I know love the Nike Pegasus Zoom (including me, if you couldn’t tell). These are the only running shoes I’d ever recommend... Just my two cents!
 
Just wanted to throw this out here... I’m a long distance runner and Hokas tend to have thicker soles and lots of my running mates dislike this aspect because it causes them to strike the ground heel-first. Most of the runners I know love the Nike Pegasus Zoom (including me, if you couldn’t tell). These are the only running shoes I’d ever recommend... Just my two cents!
XC and track runner and I like wearing Hokas(have worn Cliftons for 3 years now) as does much of my team. Hokas do have a big sole and it can lead to rolling your ankle pretty bad if you're not used to them. I used to get shin splints and had knee problems a lot but this got better once I started wearing Hokas. I am a heal striker already so I don't have much to say to that. I personally like them because they are good on any surface, comfortable to wear all day, and have helped my leg issues. Ankle rollover can still be an issue on bad ground but after a bit I got pretty good at knowing how to treat them so they treat me well.

Any shoe you get I would recommend making your day to day shoes for a while to get a good feel for them
 
Zappos offers a 'Runlimited Guarantee' on running shoes (Terms listed below) where you can try out a pair of running shoes & return them within 30 days if they don't work out for your specific run style. They have loads of options & very detailed reviews on most models.
They also offer free shipping & returns so to me, it's a no brainer!

Runlimited Guarantee Terms and Conditions:
Shoes purchased and worn during the Program must be returned within 30 days of the purchase date in accordance with the return instructions received by the purchaser via email after the purchase date. Unworn Shoes remain subject to Zappos' standard return policy.
 
As a long time cross country and track runner I would recommend that you go to a specialty running shoe store in your area and have them make a suggestion based on the way you run. This is what all my friends who run in support shoes do and it seems to work for them. Also, I once ran in hokas and did not like them. My pair had a zero drop meaning that the foot was parallel to the ground when wearing the shoe. This did not work out well for me and gave me a little pain in my thighs. Some people swear by Hokas but they are not for everybody. I’ll see you this summer!
 
XC and track runner and I like wearing Hokas(have worn Cliftons for 3 years now) as does much of my team. Hokas do have a big sole and it can lead to rolling your ankle pretty bad if you're not used to them. I used to get shin splints and had knee problems a lot but this got better once I started wearing Hokas. I am a heal striker already so I don't have much to say to that. I personally like them because they are good on any surface, comfortable to wear all day, and have helped my leg issues. Ankle rollover can still be an issue on bad ground but after a bit I got pretty good at knowing how to treat them so they treat me well.

Any shoe you get I would recommend making your day to day shoes for a while to get a good feel for them
I bet xc runners could sit down and debate about shoes for hours🤣
 
Also, Brooks has a 90 day guarantee for their running shoes. Run as much as you want in them, and if they don't work out for you, you can ship them back to Brooks and get a full refund. Check out their "True Blue Guarantee"
 
Hi there!

I've been searching for the best running shoes for beast (and the school year), but I'm not entirely sure where to start as I cannot go to my local running store and try on different kinds (darn COVID).
First of all, I am a pronating forefoot striker, so I definitely need a shoe that has lots of support in the forefoot. The ones that have been most recommended to me so far (and they look wonderful!) are the Women's Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Trail Running shoes.

What kinds of terrain will we be running on at beast? Is a trail running shoe recommended or should I search for a track running shoe because it seems to be that all the best forefoot running shoes are all trail running shoes?

Thanks for the help!
Whatever you wear, make sure they are comfortable for YOU and slightly broken in
As pointed out, plan on roads. Some slight hills such as Stoney Lonesome. ;)
 
Update:
Sorry, I almost forgot that I posted this earlier last month!

I ended up researching different types of shoes regarding running styles (as I am a pronating forefoot runner) and came across the NewBalance FuelCell Rebel. There were tons of comments about marathon runners loving this shoe, especially with the extra cushion for pronation, the gel support on the entire forefoot of the shoe, and the fact that they only weigh 6.1 ounces. I bought a pair, and I absolutely love them! So comfortable, lightweight, and supportive...my knees and ankles do not hurt anymore since the cushion is designed specifically for forefoot striking.

Thank you all so much for your help!!
 
Update:
Sorry, I almost forgot that I posted this earlier last month!

I ended up researching different types of shoes regarding running styles (as I am a pronating forefoot runner) and came across the NewBalance FuelCell Rebel. There were tons of comments about marathon runners loving this shoe, especially with the extra cushion for pronation, the gel support on the entire forefoot of the shoe, and the fact that they only weigh 6.1 ounces. I bought a pair, and I absolutely love them! So comfortable, lightweight, and supportive...my knees and ankles do not hurt anymore since the cushion is designed specifically for forefoot striking.

Thank you all so much for your help!!

So glad you choose this shoe, I love my new balances! If you didn't mention your update I was going to refer those shoes to you lol.

I'm a track and field athlete and High School. Rarely had shin problems, but these shoes do make a difference to the amount of force you can exert when running and not feel sore. The cushion you get on the heels and around the toe area of the shoes helps a lot, especially since New Balance's Trail Running Shoe models kinda has the toes raised off the ground so that when you step its sorta like a rocking chair and your whole foot isn't hitting the ground at the same time.

I have the "Fresh Foam" Model Hierro V3 style. Definitely the new Hierro V5 style is on my list for this summer, if you have a few extra dollars look into also trying out a Fresh Foam Model from new balance. I'll also look into the fuel cell, thanks on the update.👍
 
So glad you choose this shoe, I love my new balances! If you didn't mention your update I was going to refer those shoes to you lol.

I'm a track and field athlete and High School. Rarely had shin problems, but these shoes do make a difference to the amount of force you can exert when running and not feel sore. The cushion you get on the heels and around the toe area of the shoes helps a lot, especially since New Balance's Trail Running Shoe models kinda has the toes raised off the ground so that when you step its sorta like a rocking chair and your whole foot isn't hitting the ground at the same time.

I have the "Fresh Foam" Model Hierro V3 style. Definitely the new Hierro V5 style is on my list for this summer, if you have a few extra dollars look into also trying out a Fresh Foam Model from new balance. I'll also look into the fuel cell, thanks on the update.👍

Yes of course! Thank you for the advice, and I am glad I could help :)
 
We easily could debate about running shoes for hours, but in the end what it comes down to is preference some prefer Nike some prefer Adidas some prefer brooks some prefer hokas its all what you feel comfortable running in
Really want to make a run-on sentence / running joke here
 
Hi there!

I've been searching for the best running shoes for beast (and the school year), but I'm not entirely sure where to start as I cannot go to my local running store and try on different kinds (darn COVID).
First of all, I am a pronating forefoot striker, so I definitely need a shoe that has lots of support in the forefoot. The ones that have been most recommended to me so far (and they look wonderful!) are the Women's Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 Trail Running shoes.

What kinds of terrain will we be running on at beast? Is a trail running shoe recommended or should I search for a track running shoe because it seems to be that all the best forefoot running shoes are all trail running shoes?

Thanks for the help!
I have been running in Hoka Speedgoats for the past couple of years (25-35 miles per week). Whether on trails or hard surfaces, they are by far the best shoes I have ever run in.
 
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