Running Shoes

[ctg492]

Running on the open road seems like it sould be so frugal and simple, Seems like a pair of shoes/ shorts and top would be enough, but it is not.
How often do you Purchase new running shoes? I mean really do you follow the 300-500 mile per pair? DO you have some sort of special thing you look or feel for to see if they need replacing? Or do you run them into the ground? Honestly that many miles does not seem like many.
They are so expensive. I used to get cheap ones, till I actually started really running and then I felt I needed to invest into quality for my poor old feet. They really made a difference. Now in my NMiC year, my choices are limited to New Balance and they only make a couple pairs here, I do not feel I will be able to hold up on this purchase and will have to venture into made somewhere else :(

[lmerullo]

I run as well, and really don't pay attention to mileage. I do find that little aches, pains and sorenesses will signal time to purchase new shoes. I got fitted at a local running store based on running style (they had me run on a treadmill) and such. I bought the inserts they recommended ($100) and just take out the insoles that come in new shoes and replace with these things. I got a different pair of shoes recently at what I thought was a bargain (Nike last year model for $35) but guess what, I will just be doing cross training classes in them, as they hurt my insoles/foot bones. Don't know how else to explain it. So, I will go back to the tried-and-true $125 shoes.

When you find a style you like, you can always purchase online. Even sources like ebay, although for these shoes I would only buy NEW.

[Zoe Girl]

I find also I see when the tread is worn or I feel too many aches to change out shoes. I only get new Balance, I prefer narrows so I often have to special order but sometimes the regular shoe in regular width works pretty well. I get a new pair every 8-10 months depending on how much I am running

I started running when i was 13, that would be 1979. I recall my first pair of New Balance we had to go to the huge sporting goods shop downtown and really search out good shoes. They were $70 back then. Running tights did not exist and the sweat pants for other sports did not fit my short body. We wore nylons under shorts for races. When my kids swam good suits that could stand up to daily lap swimming were $50 often, sometimes you got a deal at a meet with a vendor closing out weird colors. So I do not flinch at some of these prices, the inflation has been pretty much under control as running became more popular and it still is more accessible than many sports.

[ctg492]

Thanks both,
I went to my local shop today and took two pairs in to look at. The owner told me "I shuffle when tired" he could tell by the wear. The thought was at 20 miles a week, about three more months of life in the one pair. This would be far longer then the amount I read on the net. I then got an insole which did feel nice. I hate doing this to the local shop, but same as the bike shop, if I am getting something I already know how it fits and works, I then go to eBay.

[Spartana]

I have high mileage so need new shoes about every month. You can usually find good quality running shoes like New Balance at a discount store like Marshalls, T.J. Maxx, Ross, etc.. for around $25 - $35/pair. I often stock up on several pairs at a time when they are on sale - and also get several pairs as gifts for B-days and X-mas from sis. I generally trail run so buy trail running shoes for the most part (and they seem to last longer too) but just regular good quality running shoes you can buy at the discount store work fine for me. I do think running is one of the most simple - and can be frugal - sports around. I can think of some more frugal sports but running is one you can do anytime, anywhere, and without needing others.

[lhamo]

I have "Morton's Toe" and very narrow feet (especially at the heel) so finding running shoes that work for me has been a real challenge. I got two pairs of Adidas Response that I liked when I was first using them (very cushy), but they were a bit wide and probably a bit short so if I wasn't really meticulous about lacing them right I ended up with purple toenails. In about two years of running I have had about 6 toenail losses. Not fun. I probably put about 500-600 miles on each pair and would still be using them if I didn't have the toe problem. I did want to get a new pair when I was back in the US for the holidays, but Adidas doesn't seem to make that brand of shoe anymore so I decided to switch to Nike Free 3s. They seemed to fit my feet well and I want to try changing my footfall a bit to see if that helps with the toe thing. I also got a half size bigger (9.5s -- I am only 5'3" so I look a bit like a clown.....) So far seems to be working -- no purple toes -- but I'm starting my running routine really slow between stepping back to the Hal Higdon "5k novice" training routine and trying to avoid all the air pollution we've been having in Beijing lately.

If these shoes work long term I'll probably wear them until they fall apart. I mean, they are supposed to be like "barefoot running" so why not? They were $100, so not cheap.

lhamo

[ctg492]

I questioned my two nails that fell off and one that is terrible looking. That was when he showed me I was shuffling and this was causing the toenail issue. I was looking into the New Balance Minimus but really after viewing them I just not see much support and the bunion I thought could get hurt. So I suppose I will stay with the Mizuno's. I really do not know much about shoes, only what the shop tells me. SO I take his word for it on why they are a fit for me. The fellow asked why I had these two styles of Mizuno's, what I liked and did not like and such. I said I have them because you picked them out and sold them to me :)