Console me.
August 22, 2016 8:13 AM Subscribe
Can you recommend really good, extremely well-padded running shoes that actually absorb impact very well?Due to early onset osteoporosis I have to be mindful of impact on my bones. Yet I love running; it's by far my favorite way to keep fit and I've had a hard time giving it up even though it can potentially cause fractures on weakened bones.
I would like to compromise on a kind of power walk/jog/intermittent run to get the "click" of a real cardio workout that just fast power walking never seems to achieve. But to do this I think I need to invest in extremely padded, shock absorbent running shoes.
I am overwhelmed by the choices.
I preferred lightweight, minimal shoes in the past so this is new to me, and I can't tell the difference between big/thick but less effective padding and the best shoes for minimizing impact.
Assume no budgetary constraints at this point.
I would like to compromise on a kind of power walk/jog/intermittent run to get the "click" of a real cardio workout that just fast power walking never seems to achieve. But to do this I think I need to invest in extremely padded, shock absorbent running shoes.
I am overwhelmed by the choices.
I preferred lightweight, minimal shoes in the past so this is new to me, and I can't tell the difference between big/thick but less effective padding and the best shoes for minimizing impact.
Assume no budgetary constraints at this point.
Yeah, I recommend moving this sentence to the very beginning: "Can you recommend really good, extremely well-padded running shoes that actually absorb impact very well?" That way, anyone who wants to give recommendations for well-padded running shoes is going to click through.
posted by John Cohen at 8:33 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by John Cohen at 8:33 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
I know a lot of folks wear Hokas. They are really um, interesting shoes. Definitely go to a running store and have them look at your feet/gait though. And try on a bunch of things.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:36 AM on August 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 8:36 AM on August 22, 2016 [6 favorites]
Was also going to mention Hokas - I've not tried them myself but have never seen a more cushioned shoe in many years of looking at running shoes. But the "go to a running shoe shop" suggestion is bang on the money.
posted by penguin pie at 8:40 AM on August 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
posted by penguin pie at 8:40 AM on August 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
Another non-shoe suggestion, sorry: can you add more elevation to your run/walks? The only cardio I do that feels remotely as intense as running is hiking on steep inclines. I mean, you may end up saving your bones but killing your knee joints, but if you want intense cardio without high impact, gaining height is great.
posted by mskyle at 8:47 AM on August 22, 2016
posted by mskyle at 8:47 AM on August 22, 2016
Another "go to a running shop" recommendation. They'll remind you that all the padding and support a shoe can offer won't fundamentally make it a non-impact activity, which will remind you about the importance of running form and they'll help you find a comfortable, padded shoe that works for your body. If you can afford it, a sports physiotherapist could also be a really good person to consult on this question.
It's been a while, but I was once a research intern for the Arthritis Foundation. At the time, the org was really pushing getting runners to spend some of their time getting into swimming. Not to replace running, but as a functionally impact-free companion to running exercise. It looks like the recommendations are pretty much the same these days.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:49 AM on August 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
It's been a while, but I was once a research intern for the Arthritis Foundation. At the time, the org was really pushing getting runners to spend some of their time getting into swimming. Not to replace running, but as a functionally impact-free companion to running exercise. It looks like the recommendations are pretty much the same these days.
posted by late afternoon dreaming hotel at 8:49 AM on August 22, 2016 [2 favorites]
Nthing the suggestion to go to a running shop. I knew I'd made a good choice when both my sports medicine doctor, podiatrist, and chiropractor recommended the same shop in the city where I live. Perhaps your doc can make a similar recommendation, if you have too many options in your area?
Edited to add: Swimming can be a good alternative. I, too, had to stop running for health reasons, and I find that swimming is an excellent workout for cardio. Though I do miss running, so I feel you! Good luck, and take care!
posted by onecircleaday at 8:56 AM on August 22, 2016
Edited to add: Swimming can be a good alternative. I, too, had to stop running for health reasons, and I find that swimming is an excellent workout for cardio. Though I do miss running, so I feel you! Good luck, and take care!
posted by onecircleaday at 8:56 AM on August 22, 2016
Mod note: Rearranged post a bit per asker's request, carry on.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:59 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:59 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: Thanks so far! I should have mentioned:
1. I do swim as well, but I can't get to the pool every day (running is so EASY to fit into a busy day!) and while swimming is a great workout it does not strengthen bone.
2. The running store in my town is staffed by sweet runner salespeople who don't know that much more about the shoes than what it says on the box
3. I would LOVE more recommendations for shoes you have tried or know of; for instance I had not heard about Hokas being good for this, before.
Thanks!
posted by flourpot at 9:12 AM on August 22, 2016
1. I do swim as well, but I can't get to the pool every day (running is so EASY to fit into a busy day!) and while swimming is a great workout it does not strengthen bone.
2. The running store in my town is staffed by sweet runner salespeople who don't know that much more about the shoes than what it says on the box
3. I would LOVE more recommendations for shoes you have tried or know of; for instance I had not heard about Hokas being good for this, before.
Thanks!
posted by flourpot at 9:12 AM on August 22, 2016
Best answer: If I recall correctly, in Running Science Owen Anderson notes that running on more padded shoes, or softer surfaces, doesn't have that much effect on the forces that bones and joints absorb. If it did, runners would run noticeably slower with padded shoes, but that's not the case.
That said, I know some runners who swear by Altra Olympus trail running shoes, including one who claimed that they were the only shoes he could run in without pain. I like my pair well enough.
Have you considered race walking? It's not the same as power walking, and it can be quite a workout.
posted by brianogilvie at 9:16 AM on August 22, 2016
That said, I know some runners who swear by Altra Olympus trail running shoes, including one who claimed that they were the only shoes he could run in without pain. I like my pair well enough.
Have you considered race walking? It's not the same as power walking, and it can be quite a workout.
posted by brianogilvie at 9:16 AM on August 22, 2016
Best answer: I'll also recommend Altra or Hoka - the low heel/toe drop will be familiar to minimal footwear. I can wear a 12.5 or 13 Altra, but a 14 Hoka still feels too narrow. If your feet run narrow, Hoka will probably be great. If your feet are wide, or moderate the wide toebox of Altra will have you constantly watching them for sales.
Both Hoka and Altra have versions for trail and road, and differrent amounts of cushining. I got 1200km out of a pair of Torin 1.5's (say it with me; 1.2 megameters!). If budget weren't an issue, I'd only run in Altra.
posted by nobeagle at 9:29 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Both Hoka and Altra have versions for trail and road, and differrent amounts of cushining. I got 1200km out of a pair of Torin 1.5's (say it with me; 1.2 megameters!). If budget weren't an issue, I'd only run in Altra.
posted by nobeagle at 9:29 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
The Brooks Beast or Dyad models are a good choice. Can you buy online? Road Runner offers a money back guarantee even if you run in them. I'm sure there must be other sellers that do this as well.
posted by peep at 9:42 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by peep at 9:42 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
I've tried Hokas and it's like running on a cloud. They're a little funny looking, but they do offer maximum cushioning.
It also might be worth making a trip to a better running store that has staff that are more knowledgeable that your local store.
posted by ATX Peanut at 9:59 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
It also might be worth making a trip to a better running store that has staff that are more knowledgeable that your local store.
posted by ATX Peanut at 9:59 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Some nice padded shoes would be great, but you should also look at taking up powerlifting (with an experienced trainer). Research has shown benefit for osteoporosis AND it will really improve your running — personally I found my running form + breathing made sudden HUGE improvements when I started hitting my max weight in squats, rather than doing unweighted or light-weighted squats.
posted by it's FuriOsa, not FurioSA at 10:22 AM on August 22, 2016 [3 favorites]
posted by it's FuriOsa, not FurioSA at 10:22 AM on August 22, 2016 [3 favorites]
The Saucony Echelon is a super, super padded shoe. It's also marketed to active older adults as a walking shoe, in different colorways. Love it. LOVE IT.
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 10:28 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 10:28 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
I haven't worn Hoka, but a friend who recently had knee surgery swears by his.
posted by slogger at 10:53 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by slogger at 10:53 AM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
I love my Hokas. Softest strike ever.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 12:03 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 12:03 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Nthing hoka or altra. I switched to hoka to deal with some persistent capsulitis, and they've worked wonders. FYI the bondi model comes in a wider width, otherwise I found them too narrow for my feet.
posted by smoke at 3:06 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by smoke at 3:06 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
I have tried Hokas and Altras and they're okay but if you are looking for really, really super cushy running shoes, try Nike Fresh Foam. They're by far the most padded shoes I've ever worn and were recommended to me at the fancy running store when I asked for shoes that will help with my numerous forefoot issues.
posted by HotToddy at 5:58 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by HotToddy at 5:58 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Kayano 21 if you can find them. Also look into the stability part of the shoe, pretty important. Cannot emphasize strength training enough.
posted by metajim at 7:46 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by metajim at 7:46 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
In addition to proper footwear, you can greatly decrease the skeletal impact of running by adapting to a fore- or mid-foot strike. Most people strike with their heel first, because we're used to having a big chunk of EVA foam in our shoe's midsole that absorbs some of the impact. By switching to landing on the front of our foot, we can absorb the impact with muscular resistance, and by allowing and controlling the natural flexion of the ankle and knee. If you're currently heel-striking, it may be worth changing your stride. More info here.
posted by EKStickland at 10:00 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by EKStickland at 10:00 PM on August 22, 2016 [1 favorite]
Came to recommend Hokas. The Empress (training for the Chicago marathon) swears by the One One.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 3:55 AM on August 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 3:55 AM on August 23, 2016 [1 favorite]
"One One" is the name of the brand. Hoka One One. The Clifton model (to me) is the squishest.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:42 PM on August 24, 2016
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 7:42 PM on August 24, 2016
This thread is closed to new comments.
Which is to say, you might want to ask the mods to move your actual question (about footwear) into the above-the-fold question?
posted by greenish at 8:29 AM on August 22, 2016