Q. Can anyone recommend me a good, versitile all terrain running shoe that I would be able to use on a hiking/jogging trail that has challenging steps, and be able to use on a paved road (like around the block of a neighborhood)?
What experience do you have with the shoe you are recommending (I just don't want a Google search on "good trail shoes/ good running shoes and copied here)? Where would I be able to get a pair of what you are recommending?
Thank you!
~jaz~
Okaaay...good advice but it really didn't answer my question though.
Thanks for the input though, I'll keep that in mind...but still looking for shoes..
Okay Chris, more in depth info.
But let me see if I am understanding this correctly.
You're telling me there is no such thing as a "hybrid" shoe? A shoe that you could take on a jogging trail that may include a little rought terrain on the way? Like for instance, a par course that may have some obstacles in the way for additional exercising. I understand that there will be shoes that specialize just in running marathons or sprinting, but it doesn't make senseto me there wouldn't be a versitile shoe.
Also, the pronating part. I am becoming somewhat familiar with this as I am just starting, although it is still a little bit of a foreign term. Still, this is another strange concept in that why would one particular company make a line of shoe that caters to just one type of pronation? Wouldn't it make sense that if they had developed a really good shoe to just make that shoe available in the different pronation formats?
So, let's say 2 deifferent people liked a certain Brooks shoe (because of the style, or color availibility or the technology of the soles). One person was a normal pronator, the other an overpronator.If the Brooks shoe was designed for normal pronation, the other guy is out of luck and would have to settle for a shoe that had been designed for overpronation?
I find this kind of wierd actually. It's like making a really good-looking blazer in one color and in only medium. People who wear small or large are just plain out of luck.
Why wouldn't a manufacturer that designed a shoe that could potentially be a hot seller make it in the various pronations to suit a wider audience?
That is why I ask about what particular shoe people like. I figured I could just be "fitted" with the proper one. Like a blazer being tailored to fit you.
This is actually making me rather discouraged. Just because a salesperson says a particular shoe may be the "right" fit for me, I may not like the way it "looks", or feels in general.
Anyways, I hope I find a shoe. Was hoping someone could've given me a heads up. Looks like I am on my own though.
Chris....much better explanation and in depth insight . I didn't want to burden anyone with having to type as long an explanation as you did, but I immensely appreciate it.
After the discussion about pronation, I looked it up and have a much better understanding about it (I guess I should have stated that before you wrote back, although I had no way of knowing you were going to followup). I went to runnersworld.com (I think).
I still don't understand though, that if a company creates a great looking shoe they know will have mass appeal, why they wouldn't just make that style with the 3 different pronations. It seems to me that it would take just as much effort, if not more, to create a whole different style for another pronation. Anyways, I wouldn't expect you to know why a company would or wouldn't do that. Just seems bad marketing to me.
However, because of your explanation I do understand and feel slightly more confident in my search for a shoe.
Really, the whole reason I asked this was because I wanted to look for a shoe on eBay that I could buy. But it seems with what you've been saying and how it's presented on runnersworld, I should be "fitted" for one.
Although my intention would have been to save money on eBay, I would be wasting my money completely if I had bought one on eBay that wasn't right for my foot. In essence spending more money on one that would be right for me.
Thanks again!
~jaz~
Answer
You can't buy running shoes based on other peoples experience. Because all our feet pronate differently and are different shapes if you buy a shoe that was suitable for someone else, who may be an overpronator, and you're an underpronator then those shoes would not be suitable and would cause a whole range of problems for your feet and legs. You need to go to a specialist running store, they will work out what type of gait you have, and will then using this information reccomend which trail shoes would be suitable. I will not give you a reccomendation for that reason, if you come back with a list of shoes that you've been told were suitable people could help by saying their experiences with these shoes.
Trail shoes are not designed for running on road, they have minimal cushioning and as such will not absorb the shock and will cause problems such as shin splints. Really they should only be used for a short distance to or from a trail route.
Edit in response to your further questions:
First off hybrid shoes that can cope with both trail and road do exist of sorts; but its a bit like jack of all trades master of none. Not enough grip for long periods off road, and not enough cushioning for long on road periods; usually it will be a road shoe with slightly greater grip, if you do just want to do road running with a few off road bits aim for a road shoe that has a harder wearing top and better grip. A trail shoe will not be suitable though, because it will not have sufficient cushioning for the road and will cause problems such as shin splints. Basically work out what the majority of your work will be sone on and buy a shoe suited for that, if its mainly on road buy an on road, mainly off then buy a trail shoe.
The remainder about pronation suggests a lack of understanding about wha it is, and why shoes must cater for this (something you concede in the first line). Very simply pronation is the way the foot rolls when it hits the ground, and is a natural part of the gait cycle. If you normally pronate your foot strikes the ground and rolls round to push perfectly off the ground. With underpronation it doesn't roll enough, with overpronation it rolls too far.
So your foot is moving in completely different ways and pushing off from different positions to someone with different types of pronation. So you need different parts of your foot supported, so that the pressure is absorbed correctly so that long term damage isn't caused. So shoes can;t be the same for all pronation types as they don't require the same support; different foot types also require different support.
Another major reason is that shoes for under - and especially over - pronators 'correct' the pronation type, so the foot is pronating normally. As is obvious, if an underpronator waers a shoe built for an overprontor not only will the foot not be supported properly but the correcction would be forcing the foot to underpronate even more, perhaps causing serious damage. This is why each shoe must be specific to a type of pronation and cannot be shared among different foot types.
The reason a hot seller can;t be adapted to all the foot types is because the construction required is different, although the shoes may be very simialr, the construction needed to provide addequate cushioning, support etc. for a foot type means it must be different to that for another foot type. You've got to stop thinking all running styles as just a running style, which is univeral. Different running styles are completely different things, and are not comparable, they need different shoes made to fit them; all manufacturors can do is maximise the choice available for each foot type, they cannot make the shoes available for each type.
Also regards your last a salesmen would not find 'a' shoe for you, but rather would select several shoes. Manufacturers design several lines of shoe for each different foot type, the way they need to be built dictate they can't be the same though; but there is a wide range for each foot type to choose from. You are highly unlikely not to find a single shoe that fits you.
I've tried to explain it in an easy way but its late and I doubt I did a good job throughout; e-mail me (through my profile) with any further if you wish; I may check back on this question if I remember to see if you've changed it.
JAZ
If you get fitted out for your first pair you'll be able to buy off ebay after that, as you'll know what you're after. I won't give advice to a particular shoe as I don't know your foot type, but I would say in my experience that TNF should be avoided, they've tried to enter the running shoe market but they are not succesful at it.
what are the best running shoes?
Tammy
Answer
If you have several pairs of running shoes or other sports shoes odds are that when you bought them comfort and style were your main selection criteria. However, consider that about 25 percent of runners need some type of specialized shoe that is matched to their foot type, you may benefit from knowing your foot type before you buy your next pair of running shoes. Feet come in all shapes and sizes, but their structure tends to get grouped into the following categories.
Flat Feet
Your foot is flat if you have no visible arch and your footprint is completely visible with no inward curve between the big toe and heel.
High Arches
High arches are easy to spot. There is a clear arch between the heel and the ball of the foot. If your footprint has a large curve with a skinny outer edge, or perhaps an actual gap between the ball and the heel, you have a high arch.
Neutral Foot Type
A neutral foot type is neither flat-footed or high-arched. Your footprint will have a small inward curve of no more than an inch.
Overpronators
Overpronators tend to roll inward from heel strike to take off during every stride. Those who pronate often need more stable running shoes.
Supinators
Supinators tend to roll outward from heel strike to take off during every stride and need a flexible, cushioned shoe to absorb road shock while running.
How to Determine Your Foot Type
To learn your foot type you can do the footprint test and look at the the outline of your foot shape. About.com's Running guide offers a great visual guide for determining your foot type with the footprint test.
You can also visit a local running shoe store and talk with the running experts. Many running stores now offer foot type analysis where you run across a computerized surface or run on a treadmill while their video tape your foot motion during running.
To determine your foot type at home, you can take a look at the soles of your current running shoes. The location of the wear can tell you if you land on the heels, roll in or out or have a neutral foot strike.
Next, place your shoes on a flat surface and look at them from behind. If the wear is on the inside of the heels, you likely need a more stable shoe to keep from pronating, or rolling inward as you run.
If the wear is on the outside of the heels, you may be a supinator, and roll to the outside. This is even more likely if you have high arches. In this case, you may benefit from shoes that have good cushioning and shock absorption.
The Five Shoe Types
There are basically five shoe types and what you buy depends upon your foot type and training needs
Motion-Control Shoes
These are the most rigid, durable, control-oriented running shoes that limit overpronation. Buy these shoes if you overpronate, you wear orthotics and want a stable shoe, or you have flat feet.
Top Motion Control Shoes
Stability Shoes
A good blend of cushioning, support and durability. Buy these shoes if you are of average weight and don't have any severe pronation or supination, but do need support and good durability.
Cushioned Shoes
The most cushioned shoes with the least support. Buy these shoes if you underpronate, have a rigid foot (high arch) and don't need any extra support.
Lightweight Training Shoes
The lightest of the training shoes designed for fast-paced training or racing. Buy these shoes if you have no motion-control problems and are a fast, efficient runner.
Trail Shoes
These shoes offer the best traction, with stability and durability. Buy these shoes if you run off-road or in inclement weather and need extra traction, more durable uppers and a thicker soled shoe
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