Running Shoes

[Jarick 5]

Odd question, but I might as well give it a shot.

My running shoes are about six years old, and I've been jogging quite a bit to get in shape. I get some knee pain after only a couple miles, and I'm thinking it might have something to do with the shoes getting too old and worn down. Thicker insoles have helped, but I think new shoes might work even better.

I've got feet that fit Vapors in EE, so most running shoes seem narrow to me. Any ideas of a wider fitting running shoe?

[RecLeagueHero 0]

Odd question, but I might as well give it a shot.

My running shoes are about six years old, and I've been jogging quite a bit to get in shape. I get some knee pain after only a couple miles, and I'm thinking it might have something to do with the shoes getting too old and worn down. Thicker insoles have helped, but I think new shoes might work even better.

I've got feet that fit Vapors in EE, so most running shoes seem narrow to me. Any ideas of a wider fitting running shoe?

My solution was using basketball shoes with a lower profile than the usual high types. Most of the big companies like Nike and Reebok make such shoes. They're a little heavier than your typical running show, but the additional comfort makes the weight a non-issue.

[chippa13 1844]

I forget if it is New Balance or Saucony but one of those two makes a wider than normal running shoe.

[_HSB_b345t 0]

I forget if it is New Balance or Saucony but one of those two makes a wider than normal running shoe.

New Balance.

[kovey10 0]

Asics make some of the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. They make great running shoes and they come in wide widths aswell.

Try a pair of them on and see what you think.

[Brokensticks 0]

Most shoe companies make differing models of running shoes. Running shoes especially need to be fitted to your feet, even more so than skates. You cannot overpay for quality running shoes. Good skates will allow you to skate better, but good running shoes will save you years of knee, joint, and back pain. Don't skimp on running shoes, especially if you are running on streets/sidewalks. I would HIGHLY recommend going to a good running/shoe store to get shoes that properly match your feet and match your profile (suppination/pronation) and the activity you will be using them for (treadmill, street, trail running). I could not stress that enough. I learned the hard way early. Your back and knees will thank you. Plus, running shoes should be replaced usually once a year, most likely earlier if you are putting a lot of miles on them.

[number21 3]

+1 Broeknsticks

[Jarick 5]

I did spend $100 after getting fitted on some Saucony's in college (what I'm running in now), but they still fit and feel funny, like they're too small, pinch my feet, and I get the knee pain.

Am I just doomed to having knee pains in running, or was it just a bad fitting?

I had the exact same problem with skates, got fitted for 8D Vapors and had tons of foot pain and edge problems until I got re-fitted for 7.5EE and it was a world of difference.

Also, are running shoes supposed to fit tight (small) or snug? Mine fit tight, and though I don't have any foot pain, I have tried on more comfortable ones recently. But that gets me to thinking maybe they are supposed to be tighter to prevent injury?

[TBLfan 25]

Brooks also makes a nice running shoe.

Asics have a lot of good shoes to choose from, you'd probably need a wide in Asics. The Nimbus and 2130s are pretty good values, premium Asics like the Kensei are going to cost near $200. Very comfortable shoe though.

New Balance is wider fit standard, you may be able to pull off a standard width. New Balance offers a D/E and EE width.

The most comfortable shoe for me is the Nike Air Max 180/360. Great shoe.

Knee pain can come from a few things, the Air Max and Kensei both have great shock absorption in the heel, that may help. You'll want them tight or you'll get blisters and foot pain.

[number21 3]

Various companies make very thick/sturdy soled shoes to help combat flat feet, or bad knees or whatever.

[AnthonyJTa 0]

I go along with all the guys that say Asics... I've been in a nice Asics stability shoe for a few months now, and it's really, really helped. I was never able to run long distances/durations... but now I'm getting a lot better at it after a decent training regimen. My guy at my local City Sports says to go with a new pair every 8-10 months, depending on how much mileage you're putting on them.

[saba 0]

I recommend a good fitting if your serious about running. There are so many variables in foot shape, strike zone, and pronation/supination that getting the right shoe by trial and error is an ardorous task. Got a buddy tennis player who was using running to get in shape for tennis season, had lots of foot problems went in for one pair got a fitting and came out with a very different pair. He says his feet and knees have never been happier

[Allsmokenopancake 0]

I've got slight pronation, would have had to change the insoles in most runners I get. However, Brooks have models for pronation, suppination and neutral running.

I'm a big guy, so needed decent runners for the support. I have a pair of Brooks Beast and they are fantastic.

That said, I know nothing about running, or running shoes, I had a guy who runs a lot come with me and help me out.

[hockeysc23 0]

1. go to a local running store and get fitted ... makes an amazing difference.

2. Try insoles. I use superfeet (the green ones) worth their weight in gold for my knee pain.

3. What kind of knee pain do you have?

I have Jumper's Knee and tears in my meniscus so I bought some knee straps. Like these: http://www.allsportmedical.co.uk/images/ca...ct/SU2346-L.jpg

Make a world of difference. Takes a little while to get use to them and adjust them so they are just tight enough to do the job but not cut off blood flow. Also do you tend to pound your feet when running? Try working on landing softer. Makes a heck of a difference after you get use to it.

[sickwilly 37]

I have EEE width shoes and the higher-end Asics have worked very well for me. I also have some knee pain and have found that throwing a pair of heel cushions has been helpful. Cheap fix, too.

[Thockey17 1]

The most comfortable shoe for me is the Nike Air Max 180/360. Great shoe.

No chance in hell would i ever run in an Air Max.

Love a majority of them to death, but they are not a good running shoe at all.

[Makoto 3]

I have a wide fore-foot and a normal ankle size and I've been an Asics guy for the past ten year plus. The first thing that caught my eye about your post is that 6 years is way too long to use running shoes. I have experienced joint pain from running in the past and new shoes has always at least helped.

-MK

[TBLfan 25]

The most comfortable shoe for me is the Nike Air Max 180/360. Great shoe.

No chance in hell would i ever run in an Air Max.

Love a majority of them to death, but they are not a good running shoe at all.

Are you referring to the Air Max shoes you have shown in the "kicks thread" or the Air max 180/360 running shoe?

Breathable uppers, wide heel, flexible forefoot, lightweight, great support, great shock absorption... If Nike shoes fit you, its a great running shoe. They're Nike+ too, if you want to use that feature.

[Jarick 5]

The knee thing started in college when I was running in street shoes on sidewalks. So I ponied up the $100 to get the Saucony's and they helped a little, but not a lot. I ran a couple times a week for a few months that year, then sporadically after that. So it hasn't been like I've logged thousands of miles on them, more that I think a new pair of shoes might fit better and help with the knee pain.

The pain is just below my knee cap and above the shin, hard to describe, but it hurts after a while and stops hurting once I stop running. It doesn't give me any trouble when I play hockey, go on an exercise bike or elliptical, or do anything else.

[number21 3]

You could go see a sports med Doc. They may recommend something better like orthodontics or a brace or something. (Not that I should suggest such things since i have what is probably a ligament strain/sprain and I haven't been to a doc in years.)

I did get orthodontics in high school for my flat feet. That helped some major knee pain back then.

[hockeysc23 0]

The knee thing started in college when I was running in street shoes on sidewalks. So I ponied up the $100 to get the Saucony's and they helped a little, but not a lot. I ran a couple times a week for a few months that year, then sporadically after that. So it hasn't been like I've logged thousands of miles on them, more that I think a new pair of shoes might fit better and help with the knee pain.

The pain is just below my knee cap and above the shin, hard to describe, but it hurts after a while and stops hurting once I stop running. It doesn't give me any trouble when I play hockey, go on an exercise bike or elliptical, or do anything else.

Wouldn't hurt to have it checked out. Does you knee make a popping sound a lot? Do you properly stretch before a run like hockey?

Could be a ton of different factors and obvi worth checking out. I delayed having my knee looked at and now at 25 its awful and surgery might be the only answer, but I am trying to avoid it.

Go have it looked at.

[Jarick 5]

Well I got my knee x-rayed and looked at last year when I slammed it into the boards full speed and they said it was fine. Since the problem's been going on for many years with no change in severity and no other impact than running, I figured it's probably just a result of bad shoes. I have had a doc say something to that effect.

[TBLfan 25]

Is the pain just under the patella running laterally along the lateral/medial meniscus?

[Jarick 5]

I believe so. I believe it's just "runner's knee", and like I said, never causes an issue outside of running. I did have several surgeries done on the knee as a kid when I had bits of broken glass stuck in it from an accident, but I have no idea if that affected it or not.

And I'm fully aware that I'll never be a marathon runner, just want to get a few miles in a light jog a few times a week.

[hockeysc23 0]

Well I got my knee x-rayed and looked at last year when I slammed it into the boards full speed and they said it was fine. Since the problem's been going on for many years with no change in severity and no other impact than running, I figured it's probably just a result of bad shoes. I have had a doc say something to that effect.

Ah ok. Well try the bands. I find for 10 bucks they are great. I've also done more strengthening of my hamstrings because my quads were always strong due to hockey but the hamstrings lacked behind and weren't properly supporting my knee.

Best of luck with the shoe hunt. Never had a problem with my Asics Nimbus. I was also told by my doctor to stop wearing sandals as there is no support and your joints take all the pressure. Just a thought.