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Angie S.
Angie S. Sendmail

Wondering what kind of shoes to try?

asked 10 months ago | Report

I have tried two different kinds of shoes (currently running in Brooks pureconncet) and I'm having issues with pain in my legs and heals. I'm just looking for suggestions on what kind of shoes to try. Any help is greatly apprceciated!

Thanks,
Anige

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6 answers

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  • Erik K.
    Erik K. Sendmail

    The Pure connect is a low-drop shoe with light cushioning that requires proper form. If your heels are hurting, it means you're heel-striking in the shoe. Your options are to look into good running form or get a more traditional cushioned shoe. My preference would be looking at your form, you can find many resources on the web including some very good videos by Brooks. Different sources have subtle differences, but some key points are landing under your body, not in front of it, keeping good posture, leaning from the ankles, and using high turnover/short stride.

    answered 10 months ago |edited 10 months ago |Report

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  • Dan M.
    Dan M. Sendmail

    I agree with most of what Erik said, but to more specifically answer your question. Get to a running store, bring the Pureconnect, run on the store's treadmill, talk with the staff, and try different shoes until you find shoes that will work for your current form.

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Jerry B.
    Jerry B. Sendmail

    Love my Saucony Guide 5's. Really light with an 8mm drop.

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Frank A.
    Frank A. Sendmail

    I concur with Dan. You should go to a running store and have them help you find the right shoe. The last time I visited my local running store a couple of months ago, I tried on about a dozen different pairs of shoes before finding the ones that best work for me. Good luck!

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    Yeah- it's not that the Pureconnects aren't great shoes (they are, plus, they look good)- but they're kinda' non-traditional in their low drop. There's a reason why there are so many running shoes on the wall of that shop. It's not a style thing like for regular shoes- it's because each person needs something different.

    they're all good. the question is- which shoe is right for you... and frankly, we cannot tell from here.

    first and foremost- the shoe the feels the best, most natural, most comfortable is statistically the one that will give you the least injuries are problems. there's just no replacement for trying them on guided by an expert.

    Have fun. Make your local shop earn their keep... and buy the shoes from them.

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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  • Jen B.
    Jen B. Sendmail

    2 or 3 years ago when I started adding distance and hills to my runs, I started to develop plantar fasciitis (how do you spell that?), so I stopped for a winter season, and when I picked it up again I started getting hip and ankle pain. I got Vibram FiveFingers, have been running in them for a little over a year, injury free. I love running again! If you are not used to being barefoot or without arch support, you need to train into them gradually, but once you do, you should see the benefits!

    I recommend the book Born To Run, which gives a lot of information about the history of the sport and the damage that engineered running shoes can do to your body. It's also a fun and inspiring read, with stories about ultra distance runs and multicultural explorations of the sport.

    I am totally biased towards the FiveFingers, and other advice is probably good too. Whatever you do, good luck!

    answered 10 months ago |Report

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