Need some advice (distance runners)

[Tyche]

I need new shoes. I've been running in some Free 5.0s. Arch support isn't an issue, as I already have supports from cross-training. There's about 6 weeks left until I run a half, but I haven't bought shoes for distance running in a very long time. I'm leaning (quite strongly) to the Adipro PR flats. Light weight is a must. I hear mayflies kind of suck now. I'm not worried about the longevity and durability, I just want something new now so I have time to put 50 or so miles onto them.

[pohibaba]

I'm not much of a distance runner myself, so take my advice with a grain of salt, but I've heard from friends that the Newton Distance shoe is really good because it keeps you in the proper running position (on the ball of your foot)

[Tyche]

Well, form isn't an issue, but I really dig the shoe for someone training or new...the price is a bit of a turnoff. I don't want to pay $150 for a shoe to teach me forefoot striking when it's not an issue.

[Churchill]

adidas stopped making my favorite shoe...was the climacool 360

[Elesirdur]

I've always been very happy with New Balance's tarmac/road running shoes. Although I've got long, narrow, and flat feet but their standard sizes seem to fit well for me.

[Tyche]

I'm torn between the Brooks T5 racer and the Adizero pr now. The Brooks weighs a bit more, but people have reported that they feel like walking on a marshmallow, which is pretty damn good for a shoe of the advertised weight. Still, I've yet to read a bad review on the adizero PRs and I am accustomned to Nike Frees which is like running barefoot. No support and little comfort.

[Katlan]

I like those Newton shoes... gonna go look around for em locally, don't want to buy a pair of shoes online

[SDSD]

http://www.asicsamerica.com/products...Y_ID=250001546

I love this shoe. Just ran a half in them. The cushioning is excellent and it's not too heavy, 7.9 oz. Gel-Hyper Speed is nice, I've ran in them before but I prefer more cushioning to a lighter shoe.

[Plow]

Seems like everyone I know personally uses New Balance stuff, not sure why, and probably doesn't help any, but throwing that out there.

[Tyche]

I ordered the adizero pr's early this afternoon. I'll post how they are for those generally intrigued by running in what is essentially a pair of socks with a sole.

[Saga]

i run in brooks adrenaline GTS 8's, love them so far. running a half in them in a few weeks, had them a few months.

[Talus]

It couldn't hurt to go to a specialty shop that is just for running. One chain I know of is Fleet Feet, but there are many... in the D.C. area for example, one of the stores is owned by the Mayor of D.C., Adrian Fenty's father. He is apparently "the foot whisperer" but most places will watch you run either on a treadmill or outside to observe your biomechanics, and recommend a certain kind of shoe for you.

For example, the three major types of shoes are motion control, cushioning, and stability.

Motion control shoes are for people with low arches who tend to have moderate to severe overpronation, where the heel strikes the ground and as your foot rolls through to toe off, it rolls a lot medially, i.e. toward the midline of your body. Bigger runners (over 185 lbs) tend to need motion control shoes. Cushioning or neutral-cushioned shoes are for people with high to normal arches, who are biomechanically efficient runners and just need maximum cushioning in the heel and midfoot, which takes most of the pounding from running. Stability shoes are for people with low to normal arches who need little medial support, unlike motion control shoes, but adequate cushioning in the midfoot.

My advice is to go to a specialty running store, have them watch your gait, and they should recommend a few different models for you. What works for some people doesn't work for others, ultimately it comes down to personal preference. I had a pair of Brooks Dyad 4's that I liked, it was a good cushioned shoe that initially felt tight in the midfoot (I have wide feet). My shoe of choice is typically an Asics though, but I am biomechanically efficient so I just need a neutral-cushioned shoe.

Good luck with your half. I'm running a marathon in October, should be pretty fun. Or as fun as running 26.2 miles with 30,000 people can be.

[Edit: Forgot to mention, 50 miles seems like more than enough to break them in, most people recommend running in shoes for 350-550 miles. Lighter runners who aren't as hard on the midsoles & soles will be toward the upper end of the range and heavier runners will be lower. I run about 500 miles in a pair of shoes before they're relegated to cutting the grass or walking in, and I get a new pair of shoes.]

[Tyche]

I actually went to a fleet feet and they suggested the PRs and some nike plus shoe. Forgot which one. They didn't have the PRs, and this was early into my search, so I didn't put much thought into it. I went to another local running store (we had 3 specialty shoe stores in driving distance) and they suggested some Sacony A2? i think. Forgot the name. They didn't have them in stock in my size. I eventually called about 50 shoe stores and noone carried the PRs, so I ordered them from Eastbay. Their reasoning was that it was a race only shoe, not a trainer, and beings it's race only, they don't sell many since people generally only use them 4 times a year or so. Oh well, I got a free pair of shorts out of the deal for ordering them through eastbay...

[ozz]

I need some advice too, my ankles don't go directly into my feet, they sorta shift to the inside and make my knees come together...how can I not do that <_<

[Elesirdur]

I need some advice too, my ankles don't go directly into my feet, they sorta shift to the inside and make my knees come together...how can I not do that <_<

Try and find a store in town that specializes in running equipment. They often have staff that can assess your feet and legs, even your running stride, and determine how to find a shoe that works best for you. These consultations typically do cost money, but runner friends of mine tell me it's worth it.

If your described problem is something that occurs while you walk, not just running, or hampers your movement, then you may want to get referred to physiotherapist. They may just prescribe some orthotics to help support the inside of your foot, but you almost make it sound like you've got knock-knee (Genu Valgum)

[killerx]

I tend to really walk on the outside of my feet. Seams like my shoes always start to wear down by pinky toe the tread is like gone. I know i should probably change that and even out how i walk better but id have no idea how to go about that. I'm on my feet all day at work, any one have like an idea for some good just hard floor walking shoes? Seams like the cheep ones I've been getting aren't doing anything but killing my feet. Not that im helping any lol.

[Artemas]

I use the Brooks GTS 8. Great shoe.

[Jefe]

For pavement and hard surfaces I recommend Adistar Cushion 6. Got em about a month ago and holly shit. They feel really comfortable, lightweight, well ventilated, and offer great protection. Those are a little pricey though ($120 bucks) ;/

As for forefoot running, the body automatically switches to it depending on how fast a person is running. Try it and you will notice the switch.