Running Shoes or Cross Trainers?

rayofsunshine99 · April 2012

I've always had cross trainers since I hate spending a lot of money and don't want to buy shoes for running and separate shoes for my other workouts. And I don't *think* it's ever mattered much. I use to get a sore knee every so often after some runs but I don't know if that had anything to do with shoes or not and I haven't had the problem in a while.

However, I have my first 10k coming up and I am wondering if I should invest in some running shoes, and wondered if anyone else notices a big difference or not.

What do you do?

shorty20 · April 2012

I would invest in a good pair of running shoes if you're training for a 10k. They don't have to be super expensive, depending on the ones you choose.

Cross trainers are designed more for side to side movements (like you'd do in classes), while running specific shoes are designed for forward motion.

It is possible that your sore knee was caused by something else, but it could've been your shoes.

FWIW though, I do wear old running shoes as my gym shoes on occasion, but I never run in cross trainers. That's just me.

jadeorchid21 · April 2012

I would get some running shoes for the 10K. Believe me when I tell you this. It is more money but your body will not be as sore as if you used cross trainers.

daves_sweetpea · April 2012

You could get fitted for a running shoe and then look online for the best price. I bought a $100 pair of New Balance shoes last year, then a couple of weeks later found them for $64 on Amazon. Maybe buy your first pair from a good running store b/c they should work with you if the shoe isn't quite right. Once you find your ideal shoe you can buy your next pair online.

historychick79 · April 2012

I find cross trainers too heavy with too thick of a heel for running comfortably. Even if you try on expensive shoes at a store to learn which running shoes work best for you, you can often find the same support style at discount places or Amazon for a lower price, just older color patterns.

MrsLokiAngel · April 2012

You want running shoes, which are designed to work with the food/leg in a running motion. Cross trainers are designed to allow you to do many things, and therefore often are heavier and bulkier than you need. Studies have shown that you use significantly more energy to run in a heavier shoe.

Sadlebred · April 2012

You will want to go to your local running store to get fitted for shoes. It is courteous to buy the first pair there since they spend the time helping you. They will also have a generous return policy in case the shoes don't workout. Next time you can guy them online.

rayofsunshine99 · April 2012

Thanks everyone. I appreciate the help. I will get a running shoe from a shoe store. Also, I had no idea about the return policies. So basically, if I wear the shoes outdoors, running, and for whatever reason they don't work, the store will exchange them for me?? For some reason, I've always assumed that once you wear them outside and the wear is visible, you can't return them.

psyri · April 2012

Running stores vary in their return policies, but typically you can return them even if you have worn them outside. Just check how long the return period is, keep the box, and keep your receipt. The running store wants you to keep running in shoes that work for you.

MayFlowers22 · April 2012

I would get running shoes for your 10k.

rayofsunshine99 · April 2012

Thanks everyone! I went to a specialty running store and got some awesome running shoes (Mizunos). They weren't cheap but I love them!! MH didn't understand the "need" to get running shoes and asked why I couldn't "just wear the ones I have". Anyway they're great!! Thanks for all the help/advice!

Running Shoes or Cross Trainers?

Re: Running Shoes or Cross Trainers?

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