I have a confession to make.
My “old” sneakers were straight off the shelf from Kohl’s for $19.99.
They were Nike – so I thought… “They must be good for running…” right?
Well, I have discovered that not all running sneakers are created equal (or for every “body”).
Last weekend my husband took me to a specialty running shop in Rhode Island. I have heard about this place before, but never considered myself a “real” runner enough to enter. I don’t know if I was exactly expecting people to be running laps in the store… or talking times and splits on their last races… but I was intimidated to enter.
Well… toss in a husband and 4 boys – you can imagine my hesitation (even more) upon entering.
Pleasantly surprised… the shop was AWESOME. They let my sons run around. They let me try on about 15 pairs of shoes. And they thought our relay race sounded amazing! Almost like finding the wedding dress of my dreams… as soon as I slipped into my Nike Max Moto’s, I knew. These were the shoes. Love at first sight.
My Girls...
So we’ve been hitting the pavement (or… well, belt) together every morning. I’m only up to about 2.5/3 miles… but my feet for the first time (ever) feel really good!
(Thanks Christine for listening to me vent about not having the “right” shoes!)
I really need to get better running shoes. Mine are also from a discount outlet. They’re New Balance, supposedly.
I went to a running store once, long ago. I forget what happened to those shoes. I doubt I wore them out. Heh. But now that I’m back “in the saddle” or “on the pavement” I think I need to treat myself.
Good luck with your relay!
I’m convinced that there are “running shoes” and then there are RUNNING SHOES. I’ve owned and run in both kinds in the past, and think that it’s worth the investment for real running shoes and getting fitted. I’ve gone to a running specialty store at my grandma’s insistence (“I don’t want you to run your knees with bad shoes!” she said). I had also thought I’d feel out of place, but the people there are so knowledgeable and helpful, I felt totally comfortable. The real runners I know go to running specialty stores, and even the shoe salesguy at Dick’s said that if I’m putting real miles on my shoes, I need to go to one.
Totally agree with everything you, Housewife and Katherine are saying. I found a great running store once I realized I should make the investment when I started hitting the road again and they’ve been wonderful! I ended up with some asics but more than that, I got in and they are such a great help and so knowledgeable! The shoes are more expensive but it’s worth it! Now I just have to learn to go get new shoes when I need them…haha. It’s hard when they’re more expensive. But my feet (and knees) will thank me
I know just what you mean. I finally visited a real running store AFTER running my first half-marathon. Sooo wishing I had done it sooner. I was wearing a stability shoe instead of cushioning…no wonder my knees were hurting! My store has a computerized system where they video you on a treadmill, analyze your gait, and select the right shoes for you. My first shoes were expensive, but they were still the wrong ones for me. I learned that even high-end running shoes can hurt you if they aren’t right for you. Everyone should be properly fitted if they plan on putting in a lot of road time.
Yay Audrey! Good running shoes make such a big difference.
Amy — I will have to find a running store like yours in my area. I would love to have that type of analysis and match up on shoes. Our local one, which is really, really good, had a tough time fitting my extra wide/bunion-y feet with shoes. I ended up going up a size and they never fit well, so didn’t run as much. I discovered shoes on my own, but would still like a serious assessment of the right shoe.
I love when I get new running shoes. Did this a couple weeks ago myself!!!
Ha! It’s totally like finding the perfect wedding dress. You feel like a new woman in new shoes!! Love it!
the best running shoes are always made of very resilient synthetic rubber~;~
running shoes made of synthetic rubber are great and some of them are water resistant too,”"