New runners

[leagunner]

This is for Lara or anyone else...

What is a good sneaker to buy for exercising, mainly walking with some jogging? My old ones are, well, old! I had bought a cheap pair just to use a while back 'cause at the time, I was just getting into fitness, so I didn't want to spend a lot of money. Now that I know I'll stick with it, can you recommend a good brand? Something that is fairly high end, but not too crazy $ wise.

Thanks!

[shaunydt]

The Nike air max maddie's are sooo comfortable..and great for running.

[Lara]

OK--I LUURRRVV my Nike Maddies! They are light pink and dark pink (so cute). Okay, back to business. From what I have learned, walking and running shoes are both built very similarly. They both offer cushioning and support for the impact that running causes on your feet. For this reason, if you are going to get into running or walking, do not think you can wear just any old sneaker. Flat-bottomed canvas shoes won't do the trick for support or cushioning. Nike, Adidas and even the basic running shoes you find at your local Payless Shoesource, etc., offer what you need. As far as how often to replace your shoes is dependant on how hard you are on them. If you run long distances every day, then you will need to replace them every 2-3 months. If you run 15-25 miles per week, then you may have as long as 6 months. Pay attention to your shoes when you start to see wear, then you KNOW you have to start shopping for some new sneaks. I hope this helps. :)

[summer]

I like my Nike cross trainers. It's multipurpose enough for any purpose. I have no idea which one it is though. For proper running, I go for shoes which have a higher arch cushion, as I find it more comfortable. Its from Adidas, but again, haven't got a clue if it's called another name.

[debbie]

they are supposed to work for both training in running and walking. as lara said, once you see wear after a few months, it's time for a new pair. or if you feel any aches or pains like shine splints starting.
i get shine splints when i walk in my addias sneakers. they are a light sneaker but not meant for jogging. just walking. so i would get some with a high arch support in them.
i also break the arches in shoes because i have flat feel. lololol but it's pretty hard to if you have a good arch. running to me is hard since i live in floirda where it's way to hot. even in teh moring it's in the 80's and humid. so i choose to walk or cycle. but good shoes are improtant. good thinking. :)

[dgirl]

Supposedly the best kept secret among professional athletes are Saucony (http://www.saucony.com/) athletic shoes. They were recommended to me after I had been having serious foot and ankle pain, and I had bought several different pairs of Nikes and Reeboks thinking they were the best and most comfortable. After wearing the Saucony's, which I got in a wide width, I realized how narrow those other shoes are. I can't even bear to put my foot in my lovely shiny Nike shoes anymore. Saucony's don't have the glamourous marketing hype and celebrity endorsers that the big name companies do, but they're supposed to be the best shoes out there.

Just my 2 cents. You can read more here (http://www.epinions.com/content_2885066884) if you're interested

[debbie]

they were comfy when i had them. but now i cna't find them anymore. we found them on a whim. i fell inlove with them. but the only bad thing is i am flat footed and broke the arch so quickly in them. but they are a very light shoe too. i had the blue ones. lol
i still have them for rainy days, i can't part with them. lol

[leagunner]

There doesn't seem to be a Saucony dealer in Canada. I think I'm going to try the Nike Maddies or Cross Trainers. Check them out and go from there! Thanks everyone!

[debbie]

and good luck. hope you find a good shoe. :)

[dgirl]

I bought my Saucony's in Canada. On the Saucony website look under "Dealer Finder", and there's a section for Canada and a section for the USA. Just type in your postal code and it'll give you the location nearest you.