Are running shoes for various foot problems a good investment?
368104
If your foot problems are bad enough to need a special shoe, you'd be better suited by just ponying up the extra cash and getting some custom-fit insoles.  They'll work far better than any out-of-the-box so-called "specialty" shoes.
999713
Well you should ask your doctor first about the appropriateness of running first. Yes, walking is not as exciting, but it is the way to start out. if you travel a lot, you have great opportunity to walk in places that most of us never get to see...\n\nThe best walking shoe is whatever is most comfortable for you.  Good luck.
582311
You should see a podiatrist, who will tell you what would work best for you specifically. Everyone and their ailments are different.
279397
Hey again=)\n\nIf you have bad knee problems like I do, you should go with the eliptical machine- I use the one w/o moving the arms..but it just depend on you what you like better.\nYes, they are as effective as running...and for me it's just fun to work out on these machines=)\n\nCarola\nPersonal Trainer\nISSA certfied
56503
Go to the gym and talk to a personal trainer.  They will give you the best advice about what you should do right down to the type of shoes you should have.  Good luck and I hope you win!
732913
Excellent!  There's absolutely no reason you can't do this.\n\nGet to a real running store, and have them fit you.  Some of the more sophisticated shops have a tool that will image your feet and strike patterns.  At the very least, they will watch you run.\n\nThe big key sometime hinges on stability control, pronation and supination.  Without knowing exactly what you do, it's pretty useless to recommend a specific shoe.\n\nHowever, I have excellent luck with New Balance shoes.  They seem to offer widths, and a wide range of products with and without stability control.  The Brooks Beast is a good shoe, if it fits you.\n\nIf you are running now, bring your old shoes with you.  This can be very helpful.  Do NOT go to a big retail chain.  It's rare to find a tech who knows anything about running shoes.\n\nThe salesperson will probably recommend going up one-half to a full size.  At high mileage your feet swell significantly.  It's more of a concern for a marathon, so a half size should do it.\n\nGood luck!
947435
You need to see a podiatrist to design orthodics for you. After you put them into your running shoes, you will feel a lot better and your feet, spine etc, are better aligned and will give you the endurance you want.
1077152
Strength shoes, I'm assuming the type with the raised heel (that gained it's fame after Cosmo Kramer wore them in Seinfeld), can work, but only if useed properly.\n\nIf you wear them too much, you can put alot of stress. The best way to use them is by wearing them when you exercise your legs, but doing exercises that are safe to wear them, such as sprints or jumping, rather than haevy squats or long distance running. If you don't exercise, then wear them for a good walk every other day.
665586
I had fallen arches when I was young, so I went to a doctor and was given inserts to put inside my shoes. Also I had to do certain execises each day for my feet.\n\nThey are fine now so it does work.
414017
There is no best shoe. You should buy a shoe that you know you can run in. A shoe that is comfortable to you. But in track meets you should have track spikes. Some are expensive and some are cheaper. Buy one that you think is a good fit and make sure it is a reliable brand.  I like brooks and saucony. :)
263872
More and more superstores/grocery stores [Wal*Mart...depending where you live - Meijers] are starting to sell namebrand clothing and shoe brands. You could try that. Or there's always eBay. I know that they have online stores connected to eBay that sell running shoes wholesale - brand new for really cheap. Those are a few options. :) Good luck!
512279
I have spent alot of money of trainers over the years.\nI am 30 years old and was a University Basketball Coach.\nThrough my experience and also my own feet's opionion I totally recommend the Nike Air Jordan trainers of the last 10 years.  I have not had a more comfortable shoe in over 15 years but the Jordan designs throughout the last 10 years have been the best.\n\nI hope that helps\n:-)
289605
www.runnersworld.com has some great beginning running programs on their site ("training" link).  Like others have said, good shoes are a must or you'll just injure yourself.  Expect to pay a bunch for the first pair you get and buy them at a shoe store where you can test them out on a treadmill in the store.  Have the salespeople help you with different brands and types of cushioning until you find what works for you. After the first pair, you can find your next pair on sale or online after you know what you want.\n\nJust listen to your body and work gradually.  Avoid injury by training smartly.
111452
It's not a matter of favorites.  Different brands cater to different foot shapes and problems.  Do your feet roll in or out when you run?  Do you have knee problems or high arches?  A full-service athletic shoe store clerk should be able to help you find the type that will work best for your physical anatomy.
940919
I wear Nike shox and last time I bought mine  i paid $110\n\nbut I run a lot.. so I guess it depends on how often you will use those shoes. I'd go cheaper if you dont workout as much.
716712
i have a really good pair of asics that I use for everything. running outside, inside, sometimes i just wear them for fun because they're so comfortable. the best thing to do is go to a sporting goods store and try on the ones that you like.
224653
Cross-trainers are going to be the best. Try New Balance. They have a lot of cushion, they're durable, and they come in a WIDE variety of sizes and widths that allow you to have a custom fit. \n\nCross-trainers provide good all around stability and cushion. They're also more versatile than shoes that are made specifically for running or for walking etc.\n\nAthletic shoes (a good pair) are kind of expensive. By getting a cross-trainer you're set to walk, to city hike, to stair climb, to do tae-bo, or even a step aerobics class. Good luck in your quest for fitness!