Workout Shoes

AmentsChickAmentsChick Posts: 6,969
edited October 2008 in All Encompassing Trip
I need some advice from all you workout junkies!!!

I have started getting healthy. I have been eating better, cutting back on the vino, and now I'm ready to start working out more. I am ashamed to admit I don't even have a pair of workout shoes (anyone who knows me knows I only wear flip flops). Now...what kind of shoes do I get?? I don't plan on running much...definitely not a marathon kind of girl. I may do a bit of jogging/walking though, and I do workouts via dvds (weights, cardio etc). I am not a member of a gym, however I have been looking into Curves as a possibility down the line.

What I guess I'm saying is that I don't know what kind of exercise shoes I need to get. Running shoes? Walking shoes? Aerobic shoes? It's all very confusing...how do they differ? Is there an all-encompassing shoe that will work?? Any advice/recommendations are welcome!!
This is the greatest band in the world -- Ben Harper

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Comments

  • GraySaturdayGraySaturday Posts: 2,878
    I need some advice from all you workout junkies!!!

    I have started getting healthy. I have been eating better, cutting back on the vino, and now I'm ready to start working out more. I am ashamed to admit I don't even have a pair of workout shoes (anyone who knows me knows I only wear flip flops). Now...what kind of shoes do I get?? I don't plan on running much...definitely not a marathon kind of girl. I may do a bit of jogging/walking though, and I do workouts via dvds (weights, cardio etc). I am not a member of a gym, however I have been looking into Curves as a possibility down the line.

    What I guess I'm saying is that I don't know what kind of exercise shoes I need to get. Running shoes? Walking shoes? Aerobic shoes? It's all very confusing...how do they differ? Is there an all-encompassing shoe that will work?? Any advice/recommendations are welcome!!

    Mer, go to a store with a big variety.. and look for "cross trainers". I've been told that they are best for general working out. Not geared towards anything specific. I must also add that I got these really nice gel inserts that were expensive, but totally worth it, for my shoes. They have lasted over a year, and it feels like little clouds in my sneakers.
  • nick1977nick1977 Posts: 327
    Avoid the large department stores. Find a store that specializes in running, biking, etc. Go in there, and talk to a salesman there who knows his shoes. They will look at how you walk/jog, and tell you the type of shoe you need. They type of shoe will depend upon your walk and how your feet are built.

    Now, you won't find any for $39.99, but you will get the right shoe for you. It will make any jogging you do much more comfortable on your feet and joints, even if you are not going to run a marathon.
  • wolfbearwolfbear Posts: 3,965
    nick1977 wrote:
    Avoid the large department stores. Find a store that specializes in running, biking, etc. Go in there, and talk to a salesman there who knows his shoes. They will look at how you walk/jog, and tell you the type of shoe you need. They type of shoe will depend upon your walk and how your feet are built.

    Now, you won't find any for $39.99, but you will get the right shoe for you. It will make any jogging you do much more comfortable on your feet and joints, even if you are not going to run a marathon.
    Agree with this. Find a small store with a knowledgeable staff. Good shoes make a huge difference in any type of activity. Make sure they ask a lot of questions, have you walk for them, and let you try them out. If they don't go to another store. :)
    "I'd rather be with an animal." "Those that can be trusted can change their mind." "The in between is mine." "If I don't lose control, explore and not explode, a preternatural other plane with the power to maintain." "Yeh this is living." "Life is what you make it."
  • AmentsChickAmentsChick Posts: 6,969
    Cross trainers...got it. I planned to go to http://www.sportsauthority.com after work today....it's on my way home.
    This is the greatest band in the world -- Ben Harper

  • GraySaturdayGraySaturday Posts: 2,878
    Cross trainers...got it. I planned to go to http://www.sportsauthority.com after work today....it's on my way home.

    From the sports authority website:

    Are Cross-Training Shoes Right for You?

    While cross-training shoes are functional and quite versatile, they are not right for everyone.

    Benefits of Cross-Training Shoes

    * They are the most versatile athletic shoes available
    * Cross-training shoes meet the basic comfort, cushioning, stability, and durability requirements of many popular sports and activities
    * They are an economical choice. Cross-trainers allow you to buy a single pair of athletic shoes for a variety of uses.

    Drawbacks of Cross-Training Shoes

    * Cross-training shoes are not recommended for anyone on a regular running program
    * Cross-trainers do not offer enough cushioning and flexibility for runners
    * They are heavier than typical running shoes

    Return To Top

    Key Features of Cross-Training Shoes

    Multi-Purpose Outsoles

    Designed to meet the requirements of many activities.

    I love shoe shopping.. I wish I could go too!
  • AmentsChickAmentsChick Posts: 6,969
    From the sports authority website:

    Are Cross-Training Shoes Right for You?

    While cross-training shoes are functional and quite versatile, they are not right for everyone.

    Benefits of Cross-Training Shoes

    * They are the most versatile athletic shoes available
    * Cross-training shoes meet the basic comfort, cushioning, stability, and durability requirements of many popular sports and activities
    * They are an economical choice. Cross-trainers allow you to buy a single pair of athletic shoes for a variety of uses.

    Drawbacks of Cross-Training Shoes

    * Cross-training shoes are not recommended for anyone on a regular running program
    * Cross-trainers do not offer enough cushioning and flexibility for runners
    * They are heavier than typical running shoes

    Return To Top

    Key Features of Cross-Training Shoes

    Multi-Purpose Outsoles

    Designed to meet the requirements of many activities.

    I love shoe shopping.. I wish I could go too!

    I hate shopping. I was going to do it online...but I realized workout shoes are something I probably need to be in person to buy...
    This is the greatest band in the world -- Ben Harper

  • Thorns2010Thorns2010 Posts: 2,201
    Good to see that people know their shoes!!!

    I was going to suggest Cross Trainers as well. Seeing as how I used to work at a Nike store, I've had my fair share of 'what shoes should I buy?'

    Although this whole 'have the guy watch you run/walk' thing to determine what kind of show you need....never heard of that!
  • AllIAmAllIAm Posts: 1,309
    Mer Bear.. look at you. look at us! aren't you so proud. ok anywho i went to a city sports and got my feet sized and a professional to pick out a shoe for me. def don't do it online.. and you know what an online shopping freak i am. but don't do it. you will never know how they fit.. some i thought were gonna hurt me so bad and were like air.

    ps i like the flip flop touch

    pps we need to talk soon about progress.. check in with a sista will you??
  • AmentsChickAmentsChick Posts: 6,969
    AllIAm wrote:
    Mer Bear.. look at you. look at us! aren't you so proud. ok anywho i went to a city sports and got my feet sized and a professional to pick out a shoe for me. def don't do it online.. and you know what an online shopping freak i am. but don't do it. you will never know how they fit.. some i thought were gonna hurt me so bad and were like air.

    ps i like the flip flop touch

    pps we need to talk soon about progress.. check in with a sista will you??

    Hi my love!! Tonight is weigh-in night..I will let you know what the evil scale says. And, yeah, I figured I had to go INTO a store, rather than online for shoes.

    P.S. GO US!!!!!!!!!!!
    This is the greatest band in the world -- Ben Harper

  • AllIAmAllIAm Posts: 1,309
    Hi my love!! Tonight is weigh-in night..I will let you know what the evil scale says. And, yeah, I figured I had to go INTO a store, rather than online for shoes.

    P.S. GO US!!!!!!!!!!!

    i fell off the wagon a little this weekend. i had too.. my friends ordered a deep fried beer battered pickle. i know i know. most disgusting thing to you. but i had to.

    good luck tonight.. just remember.. scale means nothing.. its how you feel.
  • rival.rival. Chicago Posts: 7,775
    asics. thats all you need to know.
  • AmentsChickAmentsChick Posts: 6,969
    AllIAm wrote:
    i fell off the wagon a little this weekend. i had too.. my friends ordered a deep fried beer battered pickle. i know i know. most disgusting thing to you. but i had to.

    good luck tonight.. just remember.. scale means nothing.. its how you feel.
    pickle? <shudders>


    And, it's ok to fall off the wagon as long as you get back in. I heard something really encouraging...

    Say you're baking, right? And you drop an egg (have a bad week food-wise)...well...you're not going to throw the rest of the eggs on the floor, right?? You just let that one go and move on!
    This is the greatest band in the world -- Ben Harper

  • AmentsChickAmentsChick Posts: 6,969
    Thorns2010 wrote:
    Good to see that people know their shoes!!!

    I was going to suggest Cross Trainers as well. Seeing as how I used to work at a Nike store, I've had my fair share of 'what shoes should I buy?'

    Although this whole 'have the guy watch you run/walk' thing to determine what kind of show you need....never heard of that!
    Hey Thorns! Thanks for that! I guess I'll be picking up a pair of cross trainers tonight.

    P.S. I don't even own a pair of socks!!!!!!!!
    This is the greatest band in the world -- Ben Harper

  • AllIAmAllIAm Posts: 1,309
    pickle? <shudders>


    And, it's ok to fall off the wagon as long as you get back in. I heard something really encouraging...

    Say you're baking, right? And you drop an egg (have a bad week food-wise)...well...you're not going to throw the rest of the eggs on the floor, right?? You just let that one go and move on!

    true that. i've made huge steps towards my goal anyway.. and i got over my fear of doctors.. oy.

    do you like crab? remind me to pass along the recipe for crab cake burgers.. drooooling. actually i got a bunch of recipes.. we will share
  • AmentsChickAmentsChick Posts: 6,969
    AllIAm wrote:
    true that. i've made huge steps towards my goal anyway.. and i got over my fear of doctors.. oy.

    do you like crab? remind me to pass along the recipe for crab cake burgers.. drooooling. actually i got a bunch of recipes.. we will share

    YESSSSSSSSSSSS! SEND IT!! I'm going grocery shopping tonight (as well as shoe shopping and meeting...busy night!).
    This is the greatest band in the world -- Ben Harper

  • Thorns2010Thorns2010 Posts: 2,201
    Hey Thorns! Thanks for that! I guess I'll be picking up a pair of cross trainers tonight.

    P.S. I don't even own a pair of socks!!!!!!!!

    Wait...are you serious?? No socks??
  • nick1977nick1977 Posts: 327
    Thorns2010 wrote:
    Good to see that people know their shoes!!!

    I was going to suggest Cross Trainers as well. Seeing as how I used to work at a Nike store, I've had my fair share of 'what shoes should I buy?'

    Although this whole 'have the guy watch you run/walk' thing to determine what kind of show you need....never heard of that!

    If you do much running, you need to buy shoes from someone who knows about this. It all has to do with pronation...the way your foot strikes the ground. Some need motion control shoes, some do not. It all depends on your pronation. If you don't have the right shoes, your ankle and knees will let you know after running for a good distance. The right shoes will make a huge difference.
  • Thorns2010Thorns2010 Posts: 2,201
    nick1977 wrote:
    If you do much running, you need to buy shoes from someone who knows about this. It all has to do with pronation...the way your foot strikes the ground. Some need motion control shoes, some do not. It all depends on your pronation. If you don't have the right shoes, your ankle and knees will let you know after running for a good distance. The right shoes will make a huge difference.

    I get all that, (I'm a runner...ok former runner myself) but I don't recall ever been taught that in our training sessions at my old job.
  • nick1977 wrote:
    If you do much running, you need to buy shoes from someone who knows about this. It all has to do with pronation...the way your foot strikes the ground. Some need motion control shoes, some do not. It all depends on your pronation. If you don't have the right shoes, your ankle and knees will let you know after running for a good distance. The right shoes will make a huge difference.

    Right on. Used to work at a shoe store, with the way running shoes are made the majority of them are quality, it's just figuring out which one fits your foot best. In Amentchicks case I would get a good pair of cross trainers if you are doing some light running and mostly aerobic-type workouts. They will give you the best support both side-to-side and laterally.
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  • nfanelnfanel Posts: 2,558
    nick1977 wrote:
    If you do much running, you need to buy shoes from someone who knows about this. It all has to do with pronation...the way your foot strikes the ground. Some need motion control shoes, some do not. It all depends on your pronation. If you don't have the right shoes, your ankle and knees will let you know after running for a good distance. The right shoes will make a huge difference.
    yup. i've gone to a specialty running store as well and they watched me walk. turns out i underpronate. finding the right shoes made a world of difference. i also got those little inserts that GS talked about...they help with my underpronating as well.

    i go through sneakers every few months. never realize how badly worn my old ones are until i get new ones. actually got a pair this week and it's like walking on air!!

    i'm so proud of you, mer! and what was that i read... no socks?! not even one pair?! :eek:
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