question for runners

[HouseofWool]

How much wear do you get out of a single pair of shoes?

Lately, my knees are bothering me and I am wondering if part of it is that my shoes are less cushiony than they used to be.

[SoonerTexan]

http://running.about.com/od/shoesapp...placeshoes.htm

In all likelihood, if you are feeling pain, they probably need to be replaced. Shoes wear out a lot quicker than you think they do.

[diggitydot]

We replace about every 6 months-ish, depending on use. DH runs more so we replace his about every 3-4 months.

[HouseofWool]

I am thinking it is a combination of factors, needing new shoes being part of it. Having crappy genetics is a big part too. My dad was just told this week that he should have his second knee replacement surgery done. On top of that, I just upped my mileage to get to the 5k mark.

The crappy genetics is the worst part because even though I don't really enjoy running, it is the fastest means to a very specific end for me, namely not looking like a hippo.

[diggitydot]

Have you ever been fitted at a running store? It's usually free and VERY helpful for reducing fatigue and joint pain.

[SoonerTexan]

Have you ever been fitted at a running store? It's usually free and VERY helpful for reducing fatigue and joint pain.

THIS. There is usually no cost, but the shoes are never cheap. Made a MASSIVE difference for me, though.

[diggitydot]

Oh, yeah -- the shoes are expensive. Worth it to me, thought, to avoid even part of my foot pain.

[BonBon]

*tiptoeing in*

I don't do running shoes anymore. Because of winter I haven't been out in a while, but I use my cheap-ass Target swim shoes when it's cold or wet...and go barefoot when it's nice out. Without shoes (or with cheap, crappy, zero support shoes) your footfall changes. You don't heel strike; you land on the ball of your foot and it's much easier on your joints. I only tried it because no matter what I spent on shoes (even bought MBTs) my plantar fasciitis was killing me, and somehow, my arches managed to fall. I'm much happier without giant soled shoes because you get a huge amount of feedback through your feet. I. uh, stumble a lot less. (If anyone is interested, you have to start SLOW. As in 5 minutes without shoes and that's IT)

[diggitydot]

I've heard good things about barefoot running, but I can't get past the ick factor.

[HouseofWool]

Intellectually, I get the idea of barefoot running. But the truth is, my feet and knees bother me if I don't wear shoes even just walking around the house. As for running, I do most of it on the treadmill, so the ick factor isn't there.

[bokelley]

I have been breaking in my barefoot running shoes. About 5 mins at a time. It does take some getting use to!

[BonBon]

Let me know how you like those, Brandi. I've been thinking of transitioning to those once I get the full hang of barefoot. The track that I use gets very wormy when wet and I really do not want to ever step in dog shit.

[SuzySunshine]

K do you have a "Running Room" in LC? There is one in Rochester and they will watch you run on a treadmill and then help you find the right shoes.

[HouseofWool]

We don't. I may have to check them out in Rochester. The only places to buy shoes here are chains staffed by kids. I don't know that I trust their opinions...

[Cinderella]

After my brand of New Balance shoes that worked for me were discontinued several years ago nothing else worked for me. I tried so many shoes going back and forth to the running store exchanging them until I found a pair that didn't cause me pain. It took several months figuring it out but I was finally pointed to barefoot running by an online running group. I did some research on it and I was skeptical at first. I spoke with the running store employees about it. They knew about it but hadn't mentioned it to me before. There were the vibram 5 toes shoes many people swore by but I didn't go for those. One of the lines of shoes that was recommended was the Nike Free line. The 3.0 flexible sole simulates barefoot running and it decreases the pain in the joints and legs. It's highly recommended for overweight and pregnant runners and even as a regular shoe for wear. I went for the 5.0 myself and I've never looked back. I didn't have anymore pain running and they fit like a glove. I love them! The only down side is because they are thin soled and I run frequently outside they have to be replaced every 3 months and they're around $90 and worth every penny. I think the surface you run on and the mileage you put on them makes a difference how quickly they need replacement.