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AR15.COM
4/22/2009 9:49:16 PM EDT
Ok first off, I search around for this and couldn't really find much. I know I should probably go to foot locker or something and try shoes out, but i'm lazy and i don't want to get talked into buying a $150 pair of shoes I can buy online for $50. I've been working out for the past few months, started out around 330ish, down to around around 300 now. But at this rate i'm TEARING up shoes..i've destroyed my favorite hiking boots, my puma futurecats are too narrow to run in, and my vans..well..they pretty much blew in half. All my buddies (who are fit) wear Nike shox like they are going out of style, i hear about it everyday..is it mostly hype or are these any good? I know i'm a heavy guy and its alot of wear and tear on cheap stuff. any thoughts or ideas?
4/22/2009 9:56:31 PM EDT
[#1]
I used to get free Nike shoes (had a sponsorship with them back in highschool along with all my classmates)....we all hated the shox because they made us run weird and encouraged bad form.

If anything go to the store to find out what types of shoes you should look at.  I'm going to be going to one on Friday to see what they have to say and see what they've got.  I haven't been running in 8 years so I'm really really rusty, but I think today I had my epiphany because I didn't get shin splints and I felt great after running my intervals.  I'm going to see how I fare in a few hours with my distance run after I get some sleep here
4/23/2009 12:12:20 AM EDT
[#2]
I would LOVE to be able to find someone who could advise me on the right kind of shoes to wear, who DIDN'T sell them for a living. Any ideas, besides the orthopedist?
4/23/2009 3:15:46 AM EDT
[#3]
Shoes for what?   Different types of shoes are designed for different activities.   If you are talking about running, I'd highly recommend you go to an actual running store and have a knowledgeable employee suggest fit you and make suggestions.   They have you run around the store, watch your gait, check for pronation, etc.    Yes, you will likely pay MSRP, and a quality shoe will probably be $100+,  but it is worth it, and a reputable running store isn't going to steer you to the more expensive models simply to make more $$$.

Shoes are about the worst thing you can buy online, sight unseen, (especially for any physical activity or prolonged time on your feet) as sizing varies dramatically, even with the same brand and wearing the wrong size or ones with the wrong support for your body can seriously f*** up your joints, even more so if you are overweight.   If you are 300+, you probably have wide feet (you mentioned one pair you own are too narrow), so I'd guess they'll start you out looking at New Balance, as they are one of the new sneaker companies that makes nearly all of their models in wide widths.

ETA: Nike generally sucks, overpriced flash where you are paying for the name.   For running,  Mizuno, New Balance, Brooks, and Asics are a good place to start.   NB and Brooks also make lots of "walker" type shoes.
4/23/2009 5:33:58 AM EDT
[#4]
pearl izumi for running - high $, but worth it IMO
4/23/2009 4:04:39 PM EDT
[#5]
go on roadrunnersports.com and do the "shoe dog"...it'll give you a good idea what you need, then go get 'em!!
4/23/2009 6:37:49 PM EDT
[#6]
I've had great luck with the vasque trail shoes.  I have done a lot of running and would get about 120-150 miles out of a pair.  I'm about 6'2" and 205 lbs.  so I'm not a little guy.
4/23/2009 7:57:37 PM EDT
[#7]
I rock Chucks
4/24/2009 8:33:56 AM EDT
[#8]
No worries, there are plenty of fat runners out there and yes the shoes companies make shoes for you.

Expect to pay about 120 - 140 for a pair.  Yes, I'm serious.

Go to a running store.  Have them analyze your gait (usually by jogging on a treadmill while they watch your footstrike.)

They will tell you what will work for you.  Because of your weight they will almost certainly advise a shoe with tons of motion control and cushioning.  Being big, this is a good thing.  

As you lose more weight, you can slowly transition to less expensive (80-100) shoes and they will last longer.  And be lighter.

Good luck and keep running!

4/25/2009 5:13:46 PM EDT
[#9]
New Balance for running, Brooks for lifting
4/26/2009 10:13:05 AM EDT
[#10]
I was just going to ask a very similar question.

I am 210 with a bad right knee and left foot(looks funny as hell when I run) and usually wear New Balance running shoes.  I am a decent runner.

Looks like I will be heading to a running shoe store to analyzed.
4/26/2009 11:02:31 AM EDT
[#11]
I agree NB are great for running and there wider than normal,  I m 6 ft 3 and 250 and i go threw a pair a year they hold up very well
5/1/2009 10:14:14 PM EDT
[#12]
I switched to asics and i'm never switchin back, try a trainer, or like a gel kayano.
5/2/2009 1:07:50 PM EDT
[#13]
What about running barefoot?
5/5/2009 1:10:35 PM EDT
[#14]
Quoted:
I switched to asics and i'm never switchin back, try a trainer, or like a gel kayano.


BIG +1
I wore New Balance for years and then they started making them in the US and the shoes turned to crap, falling apart after less than 300miles on them.
I switched to the Gel Kayano and saw a big improvement in my times( shaved a minute off of each mile after a month down into the sub 7 range for 5+ miles). Its amazing how much faster you can run when you are wearing comfortable shoes

RoadRunnerSports is the place for shoes since they offer great customer service with an damn good return policy.