Running Shoes

[wannabeplebe]

Was told by my NROTC CO that I need new running shoes. Of course, I could go to a store and be professionally fitted but I'd rather do this online so does anyone have suggestions for decent running shoes that have good support and are good for 15 or so miles a week? I'm pretty normal in ever aspect of running except that I'm a pretty heavy heel striker. Any advice is much appreciated!!

 

[falcon321]

"Brooks" running shoes are great. They can withstand almost everything.

 

[PackersRule4]

Skechers Go Runs. No joke. I wore them all through high school xc, plebe summer and currently plebe year (I change pairs every so often). They work great for me, they may work for you. Plus they're not too pricey on Amazon. Win Win.

 

[AROTC-dad]

Go to a good store and get fitted. Everyone here can tout their favorites, but everyone has different styles of running and foot issues.

You will run a LOT and great fitting shoes will prevent injuries and reduce blistering.

 

[brob]

I definitely endorse being fitting for running shoes by a professional. Should they not work out for you, they are returnable, even after wearing. Also, buy socks that contain no cotton - that's the worst fabric for retaining moisture, causing the sock to stretch and shift, leading to blisters.

 

[Mayville-Cardinal]

Get yourself measured and your running/striking style assessed professionally and then get a pair of Hoka One One's (brand name). They will likely have a number of different models that meet your requirements (as well as color choice). You won't regret it.

 

[unkown1961]

Definitely, don't go cheap - use a professional running store (not a big box like Dick's). They'll fit you into the correct shoe for your running style and that will save you knee and other problems. You can't get good advice specific for your running style over a discussion forum. Plus, what similar runners like in a shoe, you may not feel comfortable running in. And buy the shoes from the store that fits you - don't waste their time to fit you and then go online. Remember, officers have ethics.

 

[Dckc88]

We have a relative that works at Nike and gets us into the employee store, Nike running shoes work great for 2 of the 5 in our family, one wears mizuno, one saucony and one wears Asics and if we deviate we have problems. Go get fitted it will be worth it. Yes do buy from who fits you but once you know what you wear, I see no problem in the future re-buying the same model (new color) by shopping around to replace the shoes that worked and are worn out.

 

[DesertCaliMom]

Ya, DS does great with Nike cleats but better with New Balance running shoes.


Every foot is different, here's another vote for a professional fit.

 

[Army245bday]

Was told by my NROTC CO that I need new running shoes. Of course, I could go to a store and be professionally fitted but I'd rather do this online so does anyone have suggestions for decent running shoes that have good support and are good for 15 or so miles a week? I'm pretty normal in ever aspect of running except that I'm a pretty heavy heel striker. Any advice is much appreciated!!

I would get the first set professionally fitted so that you know what kind of support you need. Go to a store and buy your first set there.

You may be a neutral runner. You may overpronate or underpronate.

Depending on the type of feet you have, you many need shoes more for stability, motion control, or cushioning.

As some posters have said, you don’t want to go cheap on shoes.

Once you find out the best running shoes for your feet, then you are better educated on buying the right kind online.

 

[Casey]

Go to the store and do an official fitting. You can do the online buying once you know what type of shoe fits your needs. It is very much worth the time.

 

[unkown1961]

Go to a true running shoe store and get fitted. There are too many variables in your running stride that can’t be picked up online. They’ll watch you run and let you take a trial run in different pairs. And it’s worth the extra bucks.

 

[brewmeist]

My son is a distance runner. While he loves to support our local running store, it does get expensive. He'll buy one pair from the store each season, and then use those measurements to buy a few other pair of the same shoe online. As others above have said, go to a real store. It's more than comfort. A proper fitting shoe can be the difference if you will get an injiury or not.

 

[TheRightStuff]

Get professionally fitted and make sure you get new insoles (Superfeet etc.) as well because the stock insoles are garbage.

As was said by @brewmeist, get fitted professionally by the store and get a pair there, but then get additional shoes online. Join the VIP/Rewards program at Road Runners Sports (https://www.roadrunnersports.com) and get a discount all the time.

 

[justdoit19]

Track Coach wife here, mom of 4 track kids.

GET PROFESSIONALLY FITTED

There is no one size fits all shoe. And this cannot be done online. You only get one set of feet. And running on them in the WRONG shoe can do damage.

Good advice already. Get fitted, get a good shoe, pay the money. Use coupons, join rewards programs, shop online after getting your shoe. But have a professional fit your foot at a specialized running store (not a big box store).

 

[nature boy]

As others have suggested go to a store and get fitted. For my feet, Asics running and wrestling shoes are best for my feet. Seemed silly at first as a teenager putting insoles in my shoes, but it makes a difference.

 

[AROTC Parent]

no response

@emmawilson - As you bumped a thread that's four years old you can expect every response after your post, is to you. Are your 'cushiony' shoes the ones provided by the running store that reviewed your running style, gate, ....? If so, go back there and tell them your experience. If not, go back there and determine what shoes they recommend - did they recommend running in sandals or shower shoes? If you're only able to run .5 mile your issue may be conditioning rather than your shoes. If you're having knee pain consider contacting a trainer, physician, or physical therapist. Good on you for working on your running.

 

[justdoit19]

no response

You actually DID get a lot of advice. And GOOD advice, at that. No one here can diagnose a medical issue. But a very fundamental part of running, from seasoned runners here with knowledge about running, is firstly to have your shoe professionally fitted.

You could also go to a podiatrist/other medical professional. They can help you with the proper shoe for your gait/other issues. And also tell you if “this is normal”. My podiatrist, for running, who is also a runner, says to always wear supportive shoes. That don’t scrunch up and bend. For sure not cushy shower shoes. BUT for your OWN pain, if you don’t want to take the advice of getting a good, proper fit (and see if that is the source of your pain), then IMO you should see a podiatrist or sports DR or physical therapist. BC no, knee pain with running isn’t normal. And you don’t want to do damage. And you WILL be running a LOT.

 

[dadinnc]

Brooks Ghosts are generally good for an average runner. I recommend going to a good running store, getting fitted, and buying a pair there (whatever they recommend that works for you). Fleet Feet if available near you. Once you’ve landed on a model that works, you can re-purchase the same online in the future if you like. Ordering a 2021 model for a couple of years will save you a good but if money. But consider getting a good fit initially a good investment in your health.