Runner Triathlete News [ return ] From Message juliet   5/07/2002 09:15:46 Subject: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: I have a tendency to get shin splits. What is the best kind of running shoe (for women) that I should buy? Does anyone know. John   5/07/2002 10:44:19 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: There are just too many parameters relating to shoe selection. Unquestionably, shoes are probably the most important equipment required for injury prevention. Myself, I've been running for nearly twenty years and have learned to rely upon the staff of a sports equipment store. There are a few GOOD stores staffed by very knowledgeable people who themselves are runners. As far as shin splints are concerned, its a common problem amongst individuals with limited experience. We tend to quickly grow out of this problem after a few months of regular exercise however, that does not negate the need for a good shoe. Again, if your not already doing so, start buying your shoes from those who themselves are runners and deal with these issues on a daily basis -- you'll be happy you did. juliet   5/07/2002 12:05:00 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: Thanks! Justin Daerr   5/07/2002 15:20:34 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: Just want to say something about the shin splints. I have shin splints every now and then and. One of the best ways to deal with shin splints is to stretch and massage the area, focusing on the stress point. You want to be careful while training with shin splints in order to avoid a stress factor. I have been training for several years and have only recently experienced shin splints. Check out www.ironmanutah.com and look under the forum. In the "run" section there are posts on how to treat shin splints. They work great. Hope this helps. Justin Daerr juliet   5/07/2002 16:32:34 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: I used to run a lot when I was younger and never got shin splints. But when I started running again recently (I'm 35) I started getting shin splints. Mike Daniel   5/10/2002 04:43:40 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: Juliet: I agree with John about purchasing your running shoes from one of the local running stores. They can do an analysis and determine what shoe is best for you. Also how many miles do you have on your current shoes? 300/400 miles is about the maximum. You may also have a biomechanical problem that may have to be corrected by an orthodic, they corrected my shin splints. Good luck!!!!! John   5/10/2002 08:32:25 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: Oops, I forgot the most obvious and thus far no one has picked up on my ommission. The wear and tear on your current running shoe(s) will be most helpful for those evaluating a shoe that is most appropriate. Be sure to bring them along the next time your at a shoe store. One last point, I'm 5'-8" and weight between 185 and 190 pounds. I'm getting 400-500 miles on these shoes and the personnel that help with my selection concur with my rotation and replacement schedule. Shoe longevity is a function of construction, care and maintenance and many other factors. Bottom line, running shoes are both our most important and expensive factor in running. Doesn't it make a lot of sense to treat shoe selection accordingly? RTN Editor   5/10/2002 14:29:02 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: I've always looked at new running shoes as an investment. Sure they may cost upwards of $100 or more, but I'd rather spend my $100 with one of the local running specialty stores (and stay injury free), than have to spend $100 at the doctor's office (and have to take time off). As soon as I start getting little aches and pains in ankles, knees, shins, etc. I get a new pair of shoes. Almost always solves the problem. I bet if I looked back at this, it would average out to be around every 400ish miles. Lance Phegley juliet   5/28/2002 09:26:49 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: I'd like to do that - bring my old running shoe to a store and the shoe store salespeople could look at the wear & tear on the shoe. Hopefully I'll get a salesperson who has some knowledge about running shoes though. Sometimes people at those stores just don't know anything. juliet   5/28/2002 09:27:50 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: What is as good BRAND of shoe? Is Nike any good? John   5/28/2002 11:12:09 RE: best running shoe IP: Logged Message: Once again, there are just too many parameters in shoe selection. I've purchased Nike shoes and was moderately pleased, especially with Nike's policy on returned shoes. My foot size is better than a triple-e. After ripping through the sides of two pairs I switched to another vendors offerings. Much to Nike's credit, they replaced both pair. My next vendor's selection also poised problems. Then I smartened-up and started working with a store that specializes in running equipment. Right off the bat, the salesman, who himself was a runner suggested the a would be better off with a semi-last shoe. Don't know why but it sure helped. What these sales-people have taught me over the years is that the vast majority of vendors provided a good product. There is absolutely no need of ending up with a poor shoe selection. The key will depend upon your pattern of foot wear, where you train, running surfaces, how you train(e. g., pure aerobic condition-ing, trail running, 400M track work-outs, road racing etc.) Because of my physical size (eee-eeee shoe size,5-8, and 185 pounds) what works best for me for daily training running is New Balance. This vendor tends to special-ize in shoes for pork chops with hugh feet. But, I also wear a Saucony when racing, an aasics for rotation and trail running and Minzuno for track workouts on an asphalt 440 yard track. Juliet, you've been working on this issue for a month or more now. Your effort is commendable. I would love to suggest where to purchase your shoes but,its probably unethical to do so. Thus, may I suggest that you take a trip to Memorial Park or some other running venue where lots of runner gathers. When you observe an individual who seems to be into serious running, ask where they purchase their shoes. As a backup question, ask why they go their. If ther reply is anything other than, because they've worked with me on the best shoe for my needs, your probably talking to an individual who is purchasing their shoes from a mass merchandizer thus, move on to the next runner. P 1 Next Page>>