I need good shoes

[IAmBornOfStars]

I need to get some better running shoes, I have a great pair of walking shoes but as warmer weather gets here I want to get out and run more not just walk. I average 20,000 -30,000 steps a day and I know running will increase this, so I need shoes that will minimize blisters and not wear down right away. Unfortunately my budget is $100 or less, preferably less and I am aware that the best shoes are a lot more than that, I have been window shopping. So I am open to any suggestions.

I will likely be going to kohl's with $20 kohl's cash so hopefully I can find something decent that will only be $75-$80 out of pocket.

[Heybales · Accepted solution]

That's tough as shoes are very personalized to your gait and pronation and purpose and weight .....

And the chances that someone recommending a shoe that works for them matches up with your needs, well, buy lottery ticket is all I can say.

Normally first time getting serious shoe you spend the extra money at place where they are knowledgable and can help find right shoe, and Kohl's ain't that place.

But you don't have to spend more than $80 either - mine are always less than that usually, and from running store.

Just get last years colors - especially now.

Most shoe models don't change much, and sometimes not for the better for your needs anyway. Shoot, I pre-bought some older models because newer changed something worse for me.

And since I know size and need - $60 online now.

[humpfh]

Yes.  You DO need good shoes.  Unless you are some kind of acrobat, your feet support your ENTIRE body weight every time you move.  Mess up your feet, and it moves right up the chain; you end up with messed up ankles, knees, hips, back and neck.  So for the love of God, get good shoes!

And be prepared to replace them every 350-500 miles.  Shoes, much like tires, have a lifespan.  If your feet (or ankles/knees/hips/back/shoulders/neck) start hurting, they're probably toast.  When they get to looking like the ones I have below, you're LONG past time.

Speaking for myself, I buy shoes at Academy.  They're freaking EVERYWHERE here, and have a very large selection.  I wore Nike Air Pegasus for probably 20 years, and then when they quit making that, I had to find another kind of shoe to wear.  I spent something like 2 hours trying on every running & walking shoe they had at Academy in my size (before I ended up settling on another pair of Nikes).  The pair that happens to be most comfortable *to me* fortunately happen to be about $40. but you could certainly spend $80 on a decent pair of shoes, and the investment is well worth it in the long run.

Just bear in mind that if you gain or lose weight, or your muscle to fat composition changes, your shoe size may very well change as well.  I was in 8-8.5 for decades, and now I'm in a 7.5.

[Mukluk4]

I suggest going store shopping to find what you like and then purchase online.  Amazon has some really good deals especially if you are a Prime member.  You may even be able to get the 150-200 in store shoes for under your budget.

[Jinxii]

Shoes are definitely a personal thing.. everyone likes them to fit differently. That being said, these are what I wear.. and now so does my husband (mens version, not pink..lol) and so does a friend! More comfortable than the $130 pair I had been wearing before and the price is good. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0088QY0TU?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

The other Asics that I've tried were horrible. Squished my toes.

[Jinxii]

Wow.. I just noticed that they only have 3 sizes available in the pink ones right now! Uhoh.. maybe I better buy a backup pair in case they aren't going to have them anymore. I like them because they are mostly gray.. don't look old quite as quickly. I'm on my third pair.

[emili]

I can't add anymore than what is already here other than to really ask you to not go to Kohls for running shoes unless you do a ton of research and are going there just to pay and go. The sales people there can not answer questions. In fact even the sports authorities, foot locker and all those places typically can not. I did not go to a specialty store, I read, tried, talked to runners at my gym and tried some more. I was the lunatic doing high knees in the aisle to see how it felt to land. I ended up with the Nike free 5.0. for me the cushion and rounded toe is a must.

[IAmBornOfStars]

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. After about 45 minutes and trying on about 15 pairs of shoes I settled on these, Asics gel flux 2. I like the way they felt and hopefully that will translate to more comfortable steps when I'm plus 30,000 steps in the day. that is typically when things start to become noticeably uncomfortable, tolerable but noticeable. so hopefully now I can go farther. I will let you know after they get broke in. Again thanks to everyone.

[Tave]

Great choice of shoes.  I love Asics, and have been wearing them since 2010, and they really support my feet and body on my longer walks.  May you have many steps in them 🙂

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@IAmBornOfStars wrote:

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. After about 45 minutes and trying on about 15 pairs of shoes I settled on these, Asics gel flux 2. I like the way they felt and hopefully that will translate to more comfortable steps when I'm plus 30,000 steps in the day. that is typically when things start to become noticeably uncomfortable, tolerable but noticeable. so hopefully now I can go farther. I will let you know after they get broke in. Again thanks to everyone.

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[Corney]

Stores like Kohl's, Target, Dicks may sell name brand shoes but they are not the same brand name shoes sold at Running  Stores.  Running stores sales people are runners and knowledgeable about different shoes for different types of runners.  You should take your old shoes with you so they can see the wear pattern on the sole which tells alot about how you run.  Are you a pronator, supinator or neutral.  They will choose several brands and models that suit your style of running, let you try them on and even run in them.  You should wear 2 pairs of sock, one thin sock next to your skin and a regular sock.  2 pairs of sock will minimize the blistering effect since the thin sock will rub against the second sock, rather than your skin rubbing against one sock.  Try on shoes in the afternoon since your feet swell as the day goes by.  Sorry I saw your post this late.  The one thing you should not scrimp on are shoes.  Savings a few bucks on shoes early may cost alot more later on.

[WholeJourney]

I'm so happy I read this thread! It sounds silly but it didn't occur to me to look for a dedicated running store for shoes; I would have just gone to the mall or Mrashalls.  After reading all the posts, I looked online and found a running store in my area and went over last night to get shoes.  The staff there assessd my gait and my arches, watched me walk with no shoes on, etc.  They gave me 4 pairs of shoes to try onin all  and had me walk out of the store around the shopping center to get a feel for the shoes. 

I ended up going one size up from my normal shoe size on a shoe with plenty of width, The staff took the time to gauge my needs and I got a great pair of New Balance W880v6 shoes (go Boston!!) that are just right for my feet.  Going to the pros really made a difference!

[runwalk77]

I agree...going to a specialty running store makes a huge difference. I did that 2 years ago when I got serious about my fitness. Now I just buy the same model every few months online to save a few bucks.

But as has been said...DON'T GO TO A DEPT STORE for your first pair of good shoes. Go to a specialty store to have your gait/arch assessed and decide from there.

[Heybales]

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@runwalk77 wrote:

I agree...going to a specialty running store makes a huge difference. I did that 2 years ago when I got serious about my fitness. Now I just buy the same model every few months online to save a few bucks.

But as has been said...DON'T GO TO A DEPT STORE for your first pair of good shoes. Go to a specialty store to have your gait/arch assessed and decide from there.

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And buy from there!

At least the first time, for all their hard work.

And another comment to buying online - shoe models change every year or two, and sometimes online is the only way to find the same year model that you know works - and no qualms buying it then cheaper.

When I see the last year I know matches what I want going on sale - time to buy a couple pairs - they are about to be gone it seems.

But don't go to dept store or non-specific shoe store thinking you'll find the exact same models - you may find almost perfect duplicates in appearance - almost - but many times something is wrong besides the price being way cheaper - for a very good reason - and not a positive reason.

[DenzelNoup]

Tennis players ' running shoes are always suitable for running. I have tested this on my own experience. I play tennis, but I often take my sneakers for morning and evening runs. Unlike all my neighbors, I've never twisted my ankle in our central park. It still amazes me. Even on sites about tennis shoes like this https://www.tennisshoez.com/best-tennis-shoes-men-women/, they write that tennis shoes are very often to professional marathon runners' taste runners and even basketball players.

[DavideFitbit]

Excellent, thanks for the tip, @DenzelNoup! 

It's great to know they're good for running too.  😁

[Corney]

I was an avid runner for over 27 years. If you are looking for a good
running shoe and do not run with perfect mechanics, look for a shoe with a
straight last, firm heel counter for rear foot stability and a good arch
support. Shoes that offer a lot of cushioning DO NOT offer adequate rear
foot stability, which protects against abnormal pronation at mid stance.
Over pronation at mid stance may lead to further problems as Plantar
fasciitis, patellar/femoral tracking problems causing what is
commonly called runners knee. A firm heel counter and adequate arch
support are the most important factors to look for.