Forever

Since I've been losing weight over the last year (with some stalls here and there where I got off track ), I've been getting more into exercise. I've always picked sneakers from what was on sale at the sporting goods store, but I've been thinking about getting a better pair of sneakers.

First, do the different types of sneakers really make a difference? I'm expecting to hear both ways on this one.

Second, I've mostly been a brisk walker, but I've been building up to where I can jog more than walk (5 mph vs 4 mph). This is just in case it matters in the shoe area. I'd like to possibly build up at some point where I can run, as long as I find a better supporting sports bra. Ouch!

Oh, and third, 90% of my walking/jogging is done on the treadmill.

So what kind / brands of shoes do you guys recommend?

Thanks!

jay-g

I'd say New Balance, Adidas and Nike "cross trainers" are good for what you want. Asics brand also, have some good excercise shoes.

hannukah harry

i say go to a shoe store that specializes in running shoes. if you're gonna be doing running for carido, don't use your normal shoes, invest in a good pair of running shoes. if you go to a store like "running fit" (in my area) they'll help you find a good pair that works wihtyour foot size/shape, etc, that won't cause yo problems down the road. i've heard that getting stuff from normal shoe stores isn't really as good of quality, but i don't really know for sure.

=-hh

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ChrisJericho

In my opinion, shoes that are about the same cost (whether they be Nike, New Balance, Adidas, Asics) are usually about the same quality. However, the main difference between the shoe brands is how they fit. Personally my feet are a bit wide, but not wide enough to necessitate a "wide" shoe. I've never been able to fit into the Nike's, so I pretty much stick with New Balance and Adidas. So basically get whatever fits YOU best.

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Hard8s

For general workout stuff cross trainers will work well. For running it would be best to get running shoes. Nowadays the shoe manufacturer;s have done so much testing that they know what kinds of stress each sport does to the body, and they design their shoes to those stresses. Also when it comes to running shoes you really need to look at your foot. You need to get shoes that help. If you have flat feet then you need a shoe which will help give you an arch, if your overpronate then you need shoes with a wider sole, etc.

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kulrblind

The best shoes I've owned have been Saucony. They're very popular with the running crowd, and they make an indoor runner (well, many indoor runners) and a trail runner. I found them to be very comfortable; more so than Adidas, Reebok, or *gag* Nike. Of course, each shoe brand fits differently, so personal results may vary. Oh, I've also found them to be competitively priced, much to my joy.

For straight-line training (like treadmill running), definitely stick with running shoes, not cross trainers. Your heels and arches will love you for it.

mr sticky

Athletic shoes are individual. We have a store in a neighboring city that will assess your stride, gait, etc. and pick a pair for you.

Of course, price is an issue, I read somewhere that athletic shoes are only rated up to like 110 hours of use.

Go figure...

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