Are expensive gym shoes worth it?

[littlecricket2]

Hey everyone,

I wonder if there are any jogging/running enthusiasts out there who could offer me some advice. Lately I've gotten into running, and I generally run/walk about 2 miles a few mornings a week. However, the gym shoes I've been wearing (my only pair) are about 5 years old (actually, they're probably older than that--possibly much older--but I honestly cannot even remember when I got them, ).

I was just at Super Target the other day and noticed that they sell some gym shoes (cross trainers, etc.) for as little as $20-$25. On the other hand, go to Lady Foot Locker, and you can buy a new pair of Nikes for over $80. Do the expensive name brand gym shoes really provide better shock absorption, etc.? I notice that if I run more than two miles, or if I run two days in a row, my right knee starts to bother me. I hope it's the shoes and not the fact that I'm running incorrectly. Would a more expensive shoe offer better protection? Does anyone prefer a particular brand? I am trying to save money, so I'd like to know what the best quality shoe is that I can get for say, $50-$80. Thanks for any responses!

[AliceLover]

#1 Theres a SUPERTARGET?????????????
#2 No I think its stupid to get expensive running shoes. Ive had this pair of nikes for a couple years and they were about 20 bucks. My feet are growing out of them though.

[pianogirl04]

More expensive doesn't always mean better. Everybody's foot is different -- the only way you're going to know if something feels good on your feet is if you try it on, walk around, bounce around a few times in it and see what happens. I used to have Nikes as cheerleading shoes and they made my knees hurt so bad -- I didn't feel any arch support, plus they were too narrow. I also used to wear Skechers a lot, but the cushion inside wears down really quick and depending on what kind of tread it's got, I wear down the tread on the heel in a matter of two or three months.

When I went to Houston, we found a DSW shoe store -- don't know if you have that where you are -- and I found a crosstrainer by Ryka that I'm loving to pieces. Never heard the name before and it was around $50, but when I tried it on it felt so good. So far I've gone walking twice in it and I feel no pain -- no calves, no knees, not even my bad one, no back -- no pain at all. Even went overtime tonight because it felt so good! Since I've got a knee injury, my biggest concern is support -- do I get enough support on my heels and does it have a good arch to it, but not one big enough that's going to make my foot hurt. The last thing I want to do is make a big problem even worse.

Here's to shoe shopping -- good luck!

[darklinensuit]

Many many years ago when I sold shoes, Saucony had a running shoe that was rated best of the best. Even priced around $68 it was a good deal less expensive than many other popular shoes but felt pretty amazing. I bought a pair back then & felt it was totally worth it.
I haven't run on a regular basis in years.
These days, as someone with back problems, I will pay a high price for the right shoe for any purpose.

- Jake

[AliP]

If I were you I would pay the money to get a good pair of shoes. I run alot and I can tell the difference when I wear my running shoes with shocks and good support. Personally, I prefer Adidas. They are a little bit bulky, but I like that because they offer alot of support, especially if you have high arches. You probably could find a good pair for around $60.

I also like New Balance. Nike is ok. I got a pair that were supposedly running shoes on sale for $30 or something and I could really tell the difference. They were really flimsy and didn't offer very much support.

[darklinensuit]

BTW, before choosing the models you like you might research about their compatibility with your foot type (pronate, supinate, etc.). No shoe is ideal for everybody, regardless of price. (And studded platform Reeboks are ideal for just about nobody, got it? )

- Jake

[amber]

Originally Posted by AliP

If I were you I would pay the money to get a good pair of shoes. I run alot and I can tell the difference when I wear my running shoes with shocks and good support.

I definitely agree. In fact, I have two pairs of running shoes from the same brand, and I can tell a bunch of difference between the $75 pair and the $125 pair.
I've always been a fan of Asics Gel. We always wore them for volleball when I was young, but they make fabulously comfortable and cushiony running shoes, too, that's what I have now.

So, yes, more expensive ones will probably be better, to varying degrees.

[golden braid]

Originally Posted by AliP

If I were you I would pay the money to get a good pair of shoes. I run alot and I can tell the difference when I wear my running shoes with shocks and good support.

I totally agree. I don't mind paying a lot of money for a good pair of running shoes because otherwise if I don't have enough cushioning my joints can get sore. I try to replace my shoes about every year and I can feel the difference when I have a new pair. My body appreciates it.

[all the same]

If you have a running store in your town, you should go ask them to help you. We've got several running stores in Calgary and I've been fitted for shoes by them. If they're a good shop, they'll watch the way you walk to see what kind of support you need. If you're gonna run, you need good shoes. Not necessarily expensive, but good. Your knees joints will thank you! Spend a bit of money if you need to.

[LikeAWillow]

Originally Posted by pianogirl04

I used to have Nikes as cheerleading shoes and they made my knees hurt so bad -- I didn't feel any arch support, plus they were too narrow.

Say it ain't so! My squad just bought these really narrow Nikes as our new shoe, I am seriously hoping they are not the ones you are talking about

[StevieNicksEO17]

Originally Posted by LikeAWillow

Say it ain't so! My squad just bought these really narrow Nikes as our new shoe, I am seriously hoping they are not the ones you are talking about

I have Nikes for Colorguard for football season and they're ugly as sin. They're pretty comfy, though.

[sara1998]

I have the most comfortable pair of Nike Air Women's walking shoes that I have ever owned. They are very light, and I have high arches, and the support is amazing. The top of the shoe is cloth, so I can wiggle my toes! These are absolutely the best shoes I've had. I wish I could find a picture of them to show you. I think they ran me about $60 at Kohl's.

[littlecricket2]

Wow, thanks for all the advice guys! I have a DSW, a Kohl's, and more professional athletic shoe stores ala Lady Foot Locker nearby, so I have a lot to choose from and I will keep the brands you guys mentioned in mind. I will also make sure I can get good service at the more professional place in terms of them measuring my foot, etc., before I buy from them.

By the way, yes there is such a thing as Super Target (some of the older ones were called Target Greatland, but I'm not sure if that's exactly the same thing). Anyway, they have groceries as well as the other department store type products. I just bought my groceries there, as well as a new workout outfit on clearance (shorts and a top) for less than $8.00 total (the outfit--groceries not included). I'm wearing it right now, but I will not be running this morning as it is currently raining buckets, so I'll just have to do one of my workout DVD's.

[Carolina Girl]

Definitely spend some extra money and get "real" running shoes from one of the well known brands, if you're going to be running or walking on a regular basis. Unless you're going to be running more than 15 miles per week, you can get by with one of the less expensive styles. For example, I wear Asics exclusively for running/walking. I generally buy something in the $50-60 range, but there is almost always an Asics shoe available for $30-40, and I will choose that one unless the more expensive one feels a great deal better. I have paid over $100, but my mileage really doesn't warrant that expense.

Try the shoes out in the store...run around a little bit. It might take you a few tries to find out which brand works well for you.

Whatever you decide, do it soon! After five years, the cushioning and support are GONE!! Running shoes need to be replaced much more frequently than that, if you're working out regularly. And ideally, they should only be worn for running.

[DrummerDeanna]

But - the thing is - you don't necessarily have to spend a lot on expenisve shoes - I'm a fan of places like Famous Footwear, DSW etc....they usually have great prices on shoes that are normally WAY high-priced at places like Foot Locker.

I had to buy an emergency pair of shoes in NYC recently -and paid like 80-some bucks for Saucony's at a Foot Locker (they were, miraculously out of every shoe on sale )- and they are actually great shoes

Good luck with the running