Help me find a better running shoe.

April 6, 2007 10:53 AM

Is there a running shoe for people who overpronate that isn't huge, boxy, and heavy?

My entire life I've been running around wearing these great big heavy shoes to make sure I have arch support. However, I recently bought a pair of Nike Free just to walk around in, and they are so eminently comfortable that I am feeling envious of people with normal feet.

Is there some sort of compromise between the two? A shoe that will give me both support AND be lightweight sleek? Or is that a contradiction in terms?

posted by tumbleweedjack to Health & Fitness (16 answers total)

not a running or foot expert, but if i were you, i would see one. most cities have at least one hardcore running store, usually an indie one where they'll watch you run and tell you which shoes to buy. (as a kid i remember looking longingly at some blue ones and having them insist that the world would implode if i bought that particular pair, they were so wrong for me.) but, they'd be familiar with the market and all the brands and models, and i'm sure could answer all your q's. any running clubs or marathoners would know where to send you. good luck!
posted by sacho at 11:04 AM on April 6, 2007

Don't they make shoe inserts for this? Like these?
posted by DU at 11:18 AM on April 6, 2007

the best running shoes are asics, the more expensive the better.
posted by complience at 11:19 AM on April 6, 2007

Echoing what sacho said- your profile doesn't list your location but here is a list of running stores in the US where they will help you get fitted. If you happen to be in the Bay Area I highly recommend La Foot on College Avenue in Berkeley. They will watch you walk barefoot and analyze your stride and they have a huge selection of shoes and extremely knowledgeable and helpful staff.

Price isn't always the best indicator - sometimes, the shoe that fits *you* best is a cheaper model.
posted by ambrosia at 11:36 AM on April 6, 2007

I recently was looking for the same thing - something light, yet comfy, and supportive. I'm only a mild overpronator. I really enjoy several Asics styles and Mizuno Wave Riders.
posted by ick at 11:47 AM on April 6, 2007

the best running shoes are asics, the more expensive the better.

I don't know about the "best" across the board, but complience is right -- Asics has the reputation for lighter weight and not-so-boxy-looking shoes for overpronators. I've not used them, but they come highly reviewed, from what I've seen. My next pair will likely be Asics.
posted by middleclasstool at 11:49 AM on April 6, 2007

The Lynco orthotics that DU points to (which were suggested to me by my physical therapist) changed my life. But, they may not fit all kicks-- they reduce your headroom in the shoe considerably. The Nike Frees you mention might be compatible with this, since they have that stretchy topside.

I'm now at the point where I have more of the same orthotics for multiple pairs of shoes, including the now-self-consciously-boxy NB 992s I use for running. Boxy but good!
posted by activitystory at 12:46 PM on April 6, 2007

I would suggest that you look for a trail runner. Asics does make a good one. They are little heavier than standard runners, but give more lateral stability.
posted by slavlin at 12:57 PM on April 6, 2007

My feet are flat as a board, and I always had to wear the Brooks Beast to keep my ITB from flaring up. I recently got fitted for custom-made orthotics - expensive ($400), but they'll last for 5+ years, and the guy who made them said I could throw the Beasts away.

I also nth the indie running store idea. DO NOT get advice from someone at a chain athletic shoe store.
posted by adverb at 1:05 PM on April 6, 2007

I have a really great pair of Brooks Adrenaline shoes for my severe overpronation, and I'm not embarrassed to be seen in them.

(My local running store picked them out for me.)
posted by limicoline at 1:37 PM on April 6, 2007

I'm with limicoline - my running store also picked out the Brooks Adrenaline for my overpronation (and they're a little "boxy" but light enough). And they were given the thumbs-up by my foot doctor. And I now also have custom orthotics. So I guess I went the full route, but I won't have to worry anymore.

The most important thing - I will nth what others said - find a good local running store, and ask to be fitted. They should watch you run in at least three pairs of shoes. I adore Fleet Feet - they're a national chain, but the stores in Chicago, at least, are great (and also have a thumbs-up from my foot doctor).
posted by bibbit at 1:49 PM on April 6, 2007

Another chime-in for the "local indie running store."

I tried on 10-12 pairs at mine before the right ones "found me." Seriously- you'll know it when you get the right pair. No pressure there, either. They'll run the the whole inventory if that's what it takes. Great guys!

They let you go outside and run around, whatever you want- to make sure you're 100% satisfied. Don't settle for less!
posted by I_Love_Bananas at 1:55 PM on April 6, 2007

Indie running store. They've fit my overly pronating flat feet for several pairs of asics now.
posted by wildeepdotorg at 8:53 PM on April 6, 2007

complience is right. I overpronate and there is nothing that can touch asics as regular running shoes for me. Right now I'm using GT-2110s, they've probably been replaced with a successor model already (they replace them every year). They look just fine.
posted by azazello at 7:06 AM on April 7, 2007

I overpronate to a hysterical degree. My best friend majored in acting, and after four years of movement classes, cannot walk behind me because it freaks her out.

FOCUS: The three types I have always had recommended to me are Asics and Brooks (as mentioned above) and certain models of New Balance. I've always gone with NB because they were the least clunky/screaming white/blinding neon trim in the seasons when I needed new shoes, but that could be happenstance. My stepdad's a lifetime runner with normal feet, and he likes them too (though a different model).

Another plus with NB: once you figure out your size, you can stalk them online and buy them on the cheap. Possibly true of the other brands; I've never tried.

BONUS TIPS: Sketchers makes Oxfords which are miles more comfortable than most "work" shoes, and if you have ankle problems, seriously consider yoga.
posted by sarahkeebs at 5:35 AM on April 9, 2007

I know I'm late to the party here, but I run 6'3" and 250+ pounds at the best of times, and I've had nothing but good luck with Brooks: I've worn the Beast, the Addiction and the Adrenaline, and loved all three of them.

I've worn Asics, and found them too thin for my own personal comfort level, but YMMV. I've also gotten a huge amount of life out of my Brooks shoes by swapping Superfeet (the green ones) in when the Brooks liners finally go south.

I run (5K), work out at the gym, and do hospital rotations in these shoes (12-hour shifts on hard surfaces).

I nth the indie shoe store recommendation: in Northern California, my gold standard is The Runner's High, who have done an amazing job for myself and my wife.
posted by scrump at 10:28 AM on April 12, 2007