Cheap running shoes?

[HellsCanyon]

Hey guys, I've been using some old gym shoes for the last 5 years and definitely need a new pair. I've had pretty bad issues with my shins in the past running and I use custom orthodics. Would like something that I can use for trails as well as running and the gym.

What are ya'll using?

Mike

 

[Hardstalk]

Im rockin ua running shoes ( 2years old and pretty delapitated). But I recently stumbled onto theclymb.com and they have some great deals. Might want to check it out.

 

[Wrongside]

I've really been liking the New Balance Minimus shoes I have. The minimalist shoes take some time to work up too, but in the long run help correct issues and strengthen feet and legs. At least in my limited experience.

I usually buy them on clearance from local sporting goods stores.

 

[ORbowhunter869]

Be careful buying cheap running shoes if you are going to use them to truly run alot. I've tried that before and it is almost like an injury waiting to happen! Might look on Sierra Trading post they sometimes have some good deals on running and trail shoes.

 

[UltraBound]

I have never had good experience with cheap shoes. I have a history of shin splint issues, and I find that cheap poorly fitting shoes make it way worse. I go to a running store and have someone watch me walk barefoot, and have them tell me a few shoes that should work good for me. The extra money is well spent. I also try to run off road as much as possible.

Some guys can get away with whatever shoes they slap on there feet, and if you are one of the guys you are very lucky. Most need a proper shoe to keep from having more pain then then gains from running.

Once you find a shoe you like, wait for the model to be discontinued and then buy three or four pair. I have done this with pretty good success in the years past.

If you find your self in Spokane or TriCities I highly suggest "Runners Soul". Great people that know running, and know shoes.

 

[Brock A]

Couldn't agree more with these guys on cheap running shoes. Treat it no different then buying hunting boots.

 

[wapitibob]

Cheap shoes weAr out quick and your shins will let you know when. My new balance were 2 years old and shins were hurting bad, new shoes and problem vanished. As said, go to foot zone or comparable and get setup. Cost will be 75 - 125. I'm not a runner either. 6'4. 235 and on week 5 of couch to 5 k.

 

[Lawnboi]

Brooks, my shoe of choice.

The pure grits are what I really like. I also have a couple other pairs of their pure series shoes that I really like

Going cheap will only make any problems youv had worse

 

[Backstrap]

I'll second or third the cheap shoes do you no favors while working out. There's a running shoe store in my town that puts you on a treadmill and some other device I think and they have cameras on your feet as well as sensors in the devices. After a couple of minutes of walking and running the computer indicates what kind of foot strike and posture you have (your "profile" is then saved in their data base for future use). The best part is the testing is free. The technician then reads your profile and recommends brands and specific models for you based on your profile.

Being a larger than average bear, I develop a lot of problems when I run a lot until I get broken in again myself. Since I've been tested by this system, all of the major problems have been compensated for. FWIW, the higher end air max's do the trick for me.

 

[Arrowslinger]

I manage a running store, spend the money and get a good pair, your body deserves it! Expect to pay $110-150 depending on level of support and cushioning.

 

[CaseyU]

The right shoes = no shin splints

 

[Jason Snyder]

Cheap shoes aren't the best way to save money. I don't bat an eye at dropping $100 on a pair of running shoes each year, it's really miniscule in the grand scheme of things and honestly you can find some very good shoes on sale at places like Running Warehouse and save a lot of money.

All of you guys that are having shin splint problems should really look at your gait. I am willing to bet that the majority of you are heavy heel strikers when you run. When you try and speed up your jog, do you increase the cadence of your stride or do you make your stride longer? When you run, your foot strike should occur pretty much right underneath your body. If it happens in front of it you are overstriding and are creating a much more forceful impact than you should. This then puts additional stress on all of your joints and also creates a "braking" effect. This can create IT band syndrome, shin splints, and knee issues.

Count your cadence when you run, and try to get 90 strides per minute. Much less and you are almost certainly doing what I described above. No matter how fast or slow a pace you run, you should be trying to maintain the 90 stride cadence. Obviously there are times when that is not feasible or possible, but as a rule of thumb shoot for this and it will help you develop a more efficient running gait. Resist the urge to run on the balls of your feet when you do this, and instead try to strike with your heel and midfoot landing almost simultaneously. Maintain a good erect and linear posture. If you slump forward or lean way back you are wasting energy and efficiency. Keep your core engaged and body straight, chin slightly down.

 

[HellsCanyon]

Man solid replies all... I guess I should've titled it quality or reasonable shoes... I'm not afraid to spend the money. I've never been a runner... last time I hit the track I made it one lap then had to hit the grass soccer field to finish my run as the track hurt my ankles/shins too much. I have zero problems running trails or mountains but flat n hard just destroy me.

I might be down in that tri-cities area next weekend! Other than that I'll do some looking around here locally to see if we have a decent store!

I usually have a pretty long stride so I'll try to keep that in mind... thanks again!

Mike

 

[slvrslngr]

Way too many variables to recommend a shoe, so yeah, find a dedicated running store and they'll hook you up.

 

[Slim Jim]

Mike,
You know that you get what you pay for. I use the high end Brooks and Asics. Both make great shoes

 

[fillthefreezer]

NB minimus here. they are not holding up well but i still like them.
i use them for just about everything, running roads, trails, backpack cardio, camp/river crossing shoes

 

[bbrown]

The NB Minimus keeps popping up on Steep and Cheap for lass than $60 with lots of sizes and colors - FYI...

 

[jmez]

All depends on your foot. Adidas and some Asics are the only running shoes I can wear comfortably. I don't run but spend all day every day walking on concrete. I wear running shoes a lot daily because of the comfort factor. For me, adidas are by far the most comfortable. Their trail running shoes really hold up well if they work for you.

 

[trdhunter]

Once you find a shoe that works for you, you can buy last years model of the shoe for a lot cheaper than the new model. Most of the time there are very few differences from year to year, mostly color. I have never been a big runner, but now with my daughter I dont have as much time to hike, so i just run near my house.

 

[2rocky]

TRD makes a very valid point. But first you have to find a shoe that works for you.

That is where the Local Running Store (LRS) comes in. They actually size your feet (there can be a full size difference between feet) watch how you run (Pronate or supinate), and then give you options on shoes that will compliment your running. Also working on proper form will help with many injury issues.

To give you an idea, I'm a former Defensive lineman that has been able to run marathons and ultra marathons because I invested in proper footwear and some coaching. You can buy 4 pairs of shoes (2000 miles worth of running) for the price of the latest and greatest pack.