New shoes - where to start?

SadiePie · April 2012

Hey ladies,

So I am relatively new to regular exercise, and after about 8 weeks of consistent gym time, I have realized that my current shoes are not cutting it. My feet were killing me today and I've got to get some better shoes.

However, I have no idea where to start. I know there are specialty running stores where you can get fitted for good running shoes, but I'm not really a runner (trying to get better though!). I do a varied mix of activities - BodyPump, spinning, BodyStep, elliptical, stationary bike, circuits, etc.

I think I need cross trainers, but how do I pick the ones best for me? Try on a bunch? Any help you can provide would be appreciated!!

GRKaters · April 2012

I'd probably still go to my local running store (LRS) and ask them where to start, because that's familiar to me and I know they'll have more of an idea than I do.

daves_sweetpea · April 2012

I went to my local store & told them my price range ($100 or less), concerns (wide feet, orthotics), and activity (walking, day to day life). I went to a New Balance store and while they knew their stuff I do wish I had gone to a running store that carried a wide variety of brands. I left with running shoes and they're great for walking and other exercise but the quality wasn't what I expected for a $100 pair of shoes.

firsttimersluck · April 2012

Circuits and BodyStep require a more cross-training shoe (ie a show with a smaller base than running shoes)

I use just a basic Nike cross-training shoe or my Trek Vibrams for those two classes. I wear the Vibrams to BodyPump, Yoga/BodyFlow (sometimes), trail running, hiking, elliptical, stairmaster, etc. . (heads up, if you do BodyCombat, Vibrams are a liiiiittle to sticky on the floor to pivot properly :P )

What are your main concerns with your feet? Not enough arch support, need extra toe space, etc? What are the reasons your current shoes aren't cutting it in the gym classes?

Photo5kCupcakes · April 2012

Go to a running store and get fitting. It was one of the best things I ever did!!

ChiTownBelle · April 2012

go to Foot Locker or Finish Line and get fitted there. They have a wide variety of different kinds of shoes, NOT just running shoes like everyone else is recommending. You clearly stated you don't want running shoes, so why go to your LRS? Get fitted for cross-trainers.

SadiePie · April 2012

firsttimersluck:

Circuits and BodyStep require a more cross-training shoe (ie a show with a smaller base than running shoes)

I use just a basic Nike cross-training shoe or my Trek Vibrams for those two classes. I wear the Vibrams to BodyPump, Yoga/BodyFlow (sometimes), trail running, hiking, elliptical, stairmaster, etc. . (heads up, if you do BodyCombat, Vibrams are a liiiiittle to sticky on the floor to pivot properly :P )

What are your main concerns with your feet? Not enough arch support, need extra toe space, etc? What are the reasons your current shoes aren't cutting it in the gym classes?

This is great info, thanks! I have a very flat foot (pretty much no arch at all), and when I do my squats and lunges in Pump, my foot feels very strained, kind of like I am about to get a Charlie horse. My shoes are also very worn out, they are frayed all along the sides and stretched, so when I do something like lunges or spinning, my front foot has slid and scrunched up at the front of my shoe.

SadiePie · April 2012

ChiTownBelle:
go to Foot Locker or Finish Line and get fitted there. They have a wide variety of different kinds of shoes, NOT just running shoes like everyone else is recommending. You clearly stated you don't want running shoes, so why go to your LRS? Get fitted for cross-trainers.

Great, I will look into both of these stores, thanks! Yeah, I'm not ready to drop big bucks on a running shoe when I don't run that often. I'll cross that bridge when I can actually run a mile Smile

New shoes - where to start?

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