@MomofWildChild - have you tried minimalist shoes?
I have worn Vibrams, Altras, Frees, HStreets (the first minimalist shoes, really) and still wear Altras for some of my training. There has been a shift away from them in the last year or two. They are good for some people, but not for your average recreational runner- or older runner. Most of my running friends have moved to Hokas for at least longer runs. I had a small Brooks sponsorship for a few years (recently), and think Brooks makes great shoes, but I wear Hokas for a lot of my training. I DO look for shoes without a huge amount of drop (heel to toe ratio), which is one thing the minimalist movement brought to the table.
If you go to the online runnersworld site and click on “running shoes” under “shoes and gear” there is a link to “store finder” that will give you specialty running stores in your area, good list of stores in NYC.
The reason why minimalist shoes took off originally was the lack of drop, resulting in a more natural gait. But as many later realized, the lack of cushioning did not do any good. Plus, unless you need to spread your toes artificially, by doing so, Vibrams actually HURT your feet bone structure in the long run (pun absolutely intended). If I find the article written about this subject, which I have posted here in CC, I will post the link again.
Bottom line: as MOfWC said, zero drop shoes with a wide toe box (Altra, Hoka…) are much better options to enjoy the benefits of “barefoot running.”
If you are thinking of minimalist shoes, be aware that they require a totally different running style, like the Tarahumara runners in Born to Run - you run with the ball of your foot hitting first and your feet and legs absorbing the impact, rather than running heel-first and the cushy heel of your shoe absorbing the impact. Until I read Born to Run and switched to 5-finger shoes and barefoot running, I had never been able to run without knee pain, so I’m a big fan.
Barfly, have you tried Altras?
^If someone were going to choose between Altras and Hokas, is there a clear favorite?
You need to try the shoes; also, there is a ton of different models of the same brand.
Here is an interesting summary on Vibrams:
http://regressing.deadspin.com/the-scientific-case-against-vibrams-fivefinger-running-1575132888
No @BunsenBurner. Are they awesome? I really like my 5-finger shoes for running. I have some older zero-drop shoes I like, but they have no cushioning at all. Are the Altras all pretty cushioned, even though they are zero-drop (I prefer no cushioning)?
I know lots of runners who prefer regular running shoes, but since the OP mentioned knees, I thought I’d mention that my knee pain ended when I started running barefoot or in my Vibrams. But I know they’re not for everyone.
Years ago I went to a great running store called Fleet Feet, and I can vouch for having an expert help you with shoes. They looked at my stride and feet and my size, and quickly pointed me to 3 styles. They explained that since I’m light, I could do with the cheapest. They were the most comfortable, best fitting “traditional” running shoes I ever owned, and I ended up taking all my kids there for their track shoes from then on. So @acollegestudent, if you are looking for “traditional” style running shoes (for want of a better term), definitely consider going to a running shoe specialty store.
I would say that Hokas appeal to more of a range of runners/recreational joggers than do Altras. Hokas have a LOT of cushioning, which I have decided is a good thing. Altras don’t all have a lot of cushioning. In fact, the models other than Torin and Paradigm are quite light on the cushioning, but still don’t feel like boards.
I will warn that most running shoes these days are not great on sole wear. That is because we all want lighter shoes, and the old carbon rubber soles are a thing of the past. With an uneven foot strike (me) or lots of wear, the soles really get worn down. Shoo Goo is your friend.
What is shoe goo?
Rubbery substance in a tube to add to areas wear to prevent more deterioration. I have only used it for Birkenstocks, but assume that is the running shoe use, anyhow. Reading along to see that someone mentioned forefoot strike for knee pain.
Enjoy! Know that some hospitals and clinics have Couch to 5 K programs led by PTs to minimize problems.
I’m echoing what many said about going to a real running store. That will be your best bet for getting good advice.
Do NOT do the “minimalist” shoe, at least until after you have quite a bit of experience. Very few people pull that off successfully and many of them still end up with problems later on.
Another question - what is the difference between more high-end brands (like Hokas) and more low-end brands (like Asics (sp?) gels)?
I think this is kinda being beat to death. If you’re only running once a week and maybe running 5k’s in around 30 minutes or so, just take $50 or $60 to a local running shoe store and have them help you select a pair of shoes.
OP - for differences, take a look at the current issue of Runners World - it’s their spring shoe issue.
Asics has different shoes for different markets and at different price points.
If you are looking for a brand recommendation, my husband, son and I all wear Asics Gel Kayanos. We get them at runners world. My husband runs a LOT, something like 1200 miles or more a year. He gets new shoes often. Mine last a long time as I only where them to the gym and for walks.
You can also look at this running store experience as an education. Ask lots of questions, see how the shoe you buy does for you. Once you tweak and get to know your feet, your running form, stance, etc. you will be better prepared to go into a discount store like Nordstrom Rack (or somewhere with last year’s models) or to shop on 6pm for a cheaper pair that is still of good quality. But you need the education first.
And, consider adding a second day a week for running. It’s hard to improve and be consistent on one run per week (I don’t know how you just up and did an 8 mile run if you haven’t been running regularly!) - even if you are younger!
Asics is nit a low end brand. Runners’World is a magazine- not a retailer- unless it is a local retailer. I think you mean RoadrunnerSports.
Acollegestudent- I think you can do a little research. Google is your friend.
Shoe Goo closely resembles rubber cement.