<p>This is a correllary thread to the Exercising and Getting Healthy thread. I am not on that thread because I’m not yet Exercising and Getting Healthy. And to do this, I think I need some sort of rubber soled, decently padded gym shoe. I went to a shoe store and was struck by the array of high tech, highly specialized, unbelievably expensive shoes. And I’m clueless. My plan is to start with walking, then power walking, and using a treadmill and an elliptical. Does anyone have hints, advice, knowledge regarding what type of shoe is appropriate for this?</p>
<p>Also, the shoe store had shoes with oddly curved bottoms that claim to tone all sorts of muscle groups all by themselves. (I assume you have to actually put them on your feet and walk around to have this good outcome.) Huh?</p>
<p>asics brooks saucony are all good running shoes. i wouldnt run in those toning shoes (it seems like it would only increase the effort it takes to run) but i dont see any reason why you couldnt walk in them. Try goin to a store with a treadmill so you can run a little in the shoes to see how they feel. Some of the better stores even have cameras so you can see how different shoes affect your stride.</p>
<p>Oh, Nester, you may not be exercising your body, but your sense of humor is going strong.</p>
<p>I am a racewalker and I walk a lot. I have tried different types of shoes and I have some advice for you as you start your program. </p>
<p>First of all, a lower end running shoe works much better than any of the so-called walking shoes (I am not talking about shoes for racing, whole other topic and you aren’t interested in that - yet?). </p>
<p>I like Asics GT 2150 or 1150 for training. There is enough cushion, arch support, but flexibility to walk comfortably. I also like the Asics because there is more room in the toe box relative to my heels so they are a good fit for me. </p>
<p>You don’t want too much stiffness in the soles of a walking shoe. You roll your feet more when you walk than when you run, so you want cushioning, but not stiffness. </p>
<p>Now, as to starting a program. I am always trying to recruit people to learn the proper form for racewalking. You don’t have to become a racewalker, or enter a race, but if you want to get the most bang for your exercising buck, there is no better way. Racewalking is not about wiggling. Really. And I can tell you that racewalking form will do more to lift your butt, firm up your legs, and strengthen your arms than most exercises. It is also much easier on joints and you will have fewer injuries. </p>
<p>Yes, try to find a store specializing in running gear (not athletic apparel and shoes stores typically found at shopping malls). You will not any gimmicky odd-looking shoes in those stores, but there will be a selection of shoes for walkers, too. The people who work at those stores are runners (or former runners) themselves, and they will be able to help you to find shoes that fit for your foot and stride type. For example, I run on pavement, and the folks at the Brooks Outlet recommended Brooks Gycerin shoes which I’ve never heard of, but they are now my favorite running shoes!</p>
<p>Here is a store in my neck of the woods where collegiate and HS athletes shop:</p>
<p>One last thing. Splurge on some proper clothing. You will never get out the door in bad weather if you don’t have the right stuff to wear. I have two pairs of loose tights for the winter, lots of the drifit tops (altho I am no longer buying Nike), and various polartec vests, long sleeved jackets, hats, gloves, etc. Most days, even today when it was 28 degrees, I can manage with a long sleeve top with a polartec vest. Go in layers and you will be much happier.</p>
<p>I use aftermarket inserts that cost more than the shoes that provide additional support and cushioning. There are various types of inserts for various kinds of problems or if you just want additional cushioning. I generally buy running and tennis shoes and cross-trainers at the New Balance Factory outlet - I usually pay about $25 for a pair of shoes.</p>
<p>All the boys in my family (including the big one) are doing Asics these days (actually, have been for a couple of years). I’m doing them too, just because I have no reason to buy anything else. They’ve worked fine for me.</p>
<p>I also wouldn’t spend a ton of money. I think any decent shoe that fits well will serve your purpose.</p>
<p>I also don’t usually have the time/energy to go to a good running shoe store. I’m a big fan of Zappos. My sneaks are always a half size larger than my other shoes, but if you don’t like what you ordered, you can return them for free.</p>
<p>(And I too am curious about the curved-bottom shoes that are supposed to make your legs look like Steffi Graf’s. Anybody used them and actually noticed a difference?)</p>
<p>I imagine playing a few hours of tennis a day has more to do with Steffi Graf’s appearance.</p>
<p>She was more of an old-school player (she used an Eastern forehand) and had great movement, speed and preparation. I guess the closest player today would be Henin. Most of your modern players hit with a Western Forehand and two-handed backhand and hit with more power so you generally have players with more muscle today.</p>
<p>I tried on MBT shoes ( Masai barefoot technology), but because I am double jointed, they hyperextend my knees too much. :(</p>
<p>I prefer shopping online- because I like to research the heck out of things, plus I can feel pressured to buy something if the sales person is particulary helpful, even if they don’t have anything that would work for me. ( which they often don’t)</p>
<p>I like TNF, ( the north face- they don’t have running shoes though) I have a long high arch and short toes & they fit well.
It helps to know how you walk.
For instance not only do I have loose ligaments ( doulble jointed- more in some areas than others), but I supinate ( wear to my shoes is on the outside), and need extra cushioning under the ball of the foot.</p>
<p>I did lots of searching online and found a blog of a runner that has the same issue and swears by Mizuno wave riders. Havent’ ordered them yet though.</p>
<p>Look up Zappos or Foot Smart for reviews by others, it can give you the info you need and save time.</p>
<p>My daughter may have gotten away with wearing flip flops through Africa and India ( that is also what every one else wears), but once you get to be " mature", your joints are not as forgiving.</p>
<p>I want to stress that shoes are very important- every thing stems from how you are centered and you will have fewer injuries if your shoes fit well.
I also like SuperFeet orthotics that many shoe stores carry, and have them in most of my shoes.</p>
<p>Good point about socks MOWC, they make a difference too- although I have a hard time keeping track of mine- so if I am not raiding my daughters drawer I am going to Costco to buy a pack.</p>
<p>I would plan to spend at least $85 on a good pair of running shoes (to be used for walking). If you go to a running store, they will watch you walk and determine the best shoe for you. Get good socks, too. I am a runner, but am happy with some of the Nike models right now as well as New Balance and Saucony. Spira makes a good walking shoe, too.
The curved bottom shoes (MBTs, Sketchers) are comfortable and great for walking the dog or neighborhood walks, but for the treadmill and working up to true fitness walking I agree that a running shoe is best.</p>
<p>The NB Factory Outlet basically has nice shoes that are heavily discounted. The catch is that what’s on the shelf is what they have to sell. If your size isn’t there, then you’re out of luck.</p>
<p>It is worthwhile to try on LOTS AND LOTS of pairs of walking/running shoes. One of those pairs will make your feet feel great. Keep trying until you’ve found that pair.</p>
<p>Agree with DMD…try on lots until you’re really comfortable. I’ve had lots of brands over the years and right now I have on the off-brand that I find myself returning to. I’ve wanted to get New Balance for a long time, since they’re Made in America, but have never found the exact right pair. H, on the other hand, found his NB match years ago, and has been mail ordering them two or three times a year since then.</p>
<p>I walk and use the treadmill and elliptical. Wear the Asic gel treadmill shoe and have for years. The new shoes with the curved bottom are not for anything other than walking around the house and walking the dog (IMHO).</p>
<p>I tried the Asics treadmill shoe and sent it back. Everyone on my running forums is in agreement that it is a cheap, stiff, terrible shoe. But if it works for you, go for it! Goes to show there is a reason there are a gazillion models of running shoes!</p>
<p>My old aerobics teacher was a big believer in replacing the inserts. Currently I’ve got Reeboks with inserts. They are okay. I’ve had New Balance in the past. There are lots of brands I can’t wear because my feet are too fat and my arches are too high. Since I can never remember what they are, I just go to the store and try things on. I’ve got cross trainers I think.</p>
<p>Ride a bike. Feel the wind in your face. Fresh aire vs BO.
Easy on your knees and hips. Not a much bouncing and jiggling.
Your moving too fast for anyone to notice the condition or brand of your shoes and clothing.</p>
<p>I wear ‘New Balance’ running shoes and socks. They have some items actually made in the USA instead of China. I think they’re the only athletic shoe manufacturer that still makes shoes in the USA (and the socks too). Their shoes also fit my wide feet better than most others.</p>
<p>I have wide feet and high arches as does my son. We started using New Balance when he was a child because he couldn’t find anything else that fit and we’ve used them exclusively since. We both use the 4E but they also have 6E in some models. They have very narrow widths too.</p>
<p>They used to make the shoes in the factory in Allston and the factory outlet store was right next to it. The factory outlet store moved down the road - not sure where NB manufactures their shoes in the US now.</p>
<p>I’ve been wearing New Balance for the past 7+ years. The most important thing is how the shoe fits – what works for me may not work for you and v.v. And, remember that even if your shoes seem fine, the support can be be gone – so replace them well before they literally fall apart. My current NB shoes run a full size small. I just found a new pair at a reasonable price by searching online. Of course, the fact that they’re available at such a discount most likely means NB is coming out with a newer version.</p>