I purchased a pair of Nike Air Zooms only a few months ago.
I love them. They’re lightweight, stylish, and comfortable. But unfortunately, they’ve become collateral damage in my attempt to lose 150 pounds in 2009.
I’ve literally ran right through them. Not just one shoe, but both. I’m in the need for new running shoes, preferably shoes designed for overweight runners.
What running shoes should I buy next?
{ 42 comments… read them below or add one }
Congrats on running through your first pair of shoes :)
Anything look good from New Balance? They seem to have cornered the market on shoes for us fat guys (or formerly fat guys, in your case)…
Try Fleet Feet — they will recommend shoes based on your size, foot shape, running style, workout program, etc., and the shoes are usually $50-$95. http://www.fleetfeetcolumbia.com/
For how much you’re exercising, that’s probably an acceptable lifespan for the shoes. Since you liked them, I’d get the same ones again.
A good sneaker store will have you run in the shoes you try on so they can see if your gate is good. My store has an area in the parking lot specifically for this; some even have a place where they can scan your feet to see where the pressure points are! You’ll spend more, but the experience will be worth it. Have them explain why certain shoes work or don’t work for you, and if you like what you get, buy two pairs.
I recently traded out my New Balance 749’s for a pair of Nike Dart’s. I don’t run yet, but for comfort and support, both shoes were great when I got them. According to the guy at the store (a Modell’s), Nike doesn’t make a whole lot of good running shoes, but they have two lines (the Dart and another I can’t recall) that he really recommended. Having said that, I’d agree with what Bill said, if you were happy with what you used, get another pair. If you can, stock up on 3 or 4 pairs. You can also ask the salesman how many weekly miles the shoes are rated for. For example, the Dart’s I got are rated at 60 miles a week, a pair of Asics I looked at are rated for 110 miles a week, which is total overkill for my needs, but may be what you’re looking for. Finally, if you have a local place with all the cool stuff Leah mentioned, I’d make a beeline for that, even if only as a learning expedition. After spending 20 years in improper fitting/shaped shoes, I can tell you it’s well worth the time to go in and have someone knowledgeable help you find the right ones.
Hope this helps, keep fighting the good fight!
I’ve always had nothing but good experience with New Balance. As someone with flat feet (over pronator) they make the best shoes IMHO. Plus if you go to any New Balance store they’ll tell you which of their shoes is best for what situation you’re in, e.g., for me I need runners or cross trainers for over pronators so they set me up with a pair of 857s.
You definitely should go to a running store and have them check out how you run. Different shoes work for different people. Nikes would never work for me because they don’t offer support where I need it. I land on the outside of my feet, which I guess isn’t very common, but I needed shoes that have more support on the edges and have good arch support because my feet are on the flattish side. The people at the sporting goods store I went to suggested Brooks, which have been awesome. I paid about $130 or so but it’s been worth it with the amount I’ve been running. For some people, Asics offers the best support. If you have a wider foot, you might be best in New Balance. There are so many choices that it’s probably best you leave this up to the professionals!
I’m by no means no expert, but it almost looks like those shoes may be too small. I have a pair of running shoes with almost 500 miles on them (I only use them for running.) The treads are almost gone, but other than that they look almost brand new… BUT you also use yours for the elliptical, and I imagine maybe some other exercises. You might want to look at a cross trainers.
For what’s it worth, I’d got to a running store like Leah said, have them find out what your shoe size is too. I wore 10.5 for years, then one day happened to be at a shoe store, measured my foot and lo and behold, it was an 11. Go figure.
I already wear a 12 1/2. If I have to move up to a 13, I’d feel like a freak.
I wear a non-freakish 14, and burn through 5-6 pairs of athletic/walking/cross-training type shoes each year.
Besides, I’d think you’d have better luck finding a wider selection in 13 than in 12.5.
i feel like you literally JUST got those! wow! well, at least we know that you are giving 110% during your workouts! i use aisics and i love them. they hold up pretty well. at least shopping for new/cool running shoes is fun! enjoy!
I’m hooked on the Nike Free. When I started working out, I bought a pair of the trainers – they simulate bare feet. I switched to the running shoes in June. They offer more heel support. I needed that to stop the shin splints once I started running – ouch! I hear you about the running when overweight. You feel every friggin’ pound hitting the pavement.
I get mine from NikeID.com – you can customize them at about the same price as the off-the-shelf shoe. Mine have my initials and weight goal on them. Great for motivation. They make them in China, so I feel a little guilty about 8-year-old Asian girls sewing my shoes for $2 a week, but, damn, they look good!
That’s just wrong, Will. True, but wrong.
Yeah. Chinese-based products are so pervasive in the current US market, that it’s almost pointless to buy only non-china-made products. I’m not sure there would be that much left to buy.
Definitely go to a running specialty store. I buy my shoes at TrySports – go see them if you are local to one. http://www.trysports.com
They will measure your feet, have you run on a treadmill where they video your feet and use a computer program to determine the correct type of shoe. It may be a little more money, but certainly worth every penny to your happy feet!
Read blog post regarding running shoes: http://melissaoh.com/2009/07/try-it-my-way-and-you-will-never-look-at-shoes-the-same-again/
You should go to a running store and get fitted by a professional. Take in this current pair of shoes so they can see where you wear & tear the most (obvious!). Good luck!
Go with one of the “classic” New Balance high mileage shoes. They’re built like tanks. The 998 is an example. They’re not the prettiest, but they’ll take a beating. I’ve been wearing nothing but New Balance for the past 10+ years.
Whenever I talk about running, these comments get lit up. I have a lot of hardcore runners reading this blog, apparently. You guys should start a cult, I’d join.
Lots of places have local running clubs. They do races and socialize together. I remember you saying you were signing up for a race – ask around and see if there’s one in your neighborhood.
i agree with the suggestions to check out a running store. they will find you something great. and once you know what you want, you can always shop around, especially online, for better deals. I personally like Brooks. i would hesitate to advise you to buy multiple pairs at this point. your body is changing so much and your fitness level is increasing everyday. obviously your running style may change as well. once you reach your goals then maybe multiple pairs will be good. lastly, track mileage. shoes are only truly supportive for so long and often do not look worn out when they actually are. good luck finding something great!
Unless you’re independently wealthy, look for discontinued styles. Most of them are no different than the “new” styles for the year – except that they are less expensive. I have had excellent results at JoesNewBalanceOutlet.com (no affiliation). And I have learned to buy my shoes two pairs at a time.
Also, you may not have this problem, but my feet get hot easily, so I always buy shoes with mesh in the tops. And despite the fact that I am no longer fat, my feet are still wide (I would have made a good duck), so New Balance is the brand for me!
Good luck!
I also like New Balance for us flat-footed big (not for long) guys. It’s all I buy for my running/active time.
I agree with going to a running specialty store and that your shoes are too small. I wear a women’s size 7.5 in regular shoes and an 8.5 in my running shoes. Your toe should never poke through the end and you should have at least half an inch in your toe box. I was shocked by the size at first too, but the increase in size made all the difference in the world. The arch support finally hit my foot in the right spot.
When you do go to the running store, take your old shoes with you. It gives them a good idea of how you run and what type of support you might need. Also, take your time at the store. Try on a pair of shoes, and run in them. If they feel good, run a bit more in them. Try on another pair to compare how they feel and run some more. Last time I went shoe shopping I worked up a good sweat!!
I agree with the advice about going to a running store (not a chain footwear store) and get a professional assessment of your running style. For me, New Balance is the way to go.
I think Nike should buy you a new pair of shoes !!!
I found I wear 1/2 size larger in running shoes because your feet expand when they get hot. I find Brooks to be very comfortable because they generally have a wider toe box.
I recommend going to a real running store and having them look at your stride. I found the perfect shoes that way.
Psst-Tyler, you’re not a fat guy anymore!
Check out Road Runner Sports-online they have Shoe Dog and they have great in store support/advice if you have a location near you.
hi, congrats on running through a pair of nike’s.
i would recommend an adidas supernova or a good pair of saucony running shoes. but ultimately it’s going to come down to what feels comfortable on your feet when you run.
going to a running shop is the way to go. only then can you compare different fits and ways that the shoes feel when you’re actually running in them.
I agree it’s best to go to a local shop and get fitted, but as a big guy I would suggest the Brooks Beast(http://www.brooksrunning.com/prod.php?p=1100521D&k=123202&gclid=CKnTgueo9psCFRINDQodeRqb-A) They’re designed for big guys, and the last a lot longer than the cheap stuff.
The last time you asked this, a bunch of us in the comments told you to go to a real running store to have a gait analysis. Do it.
I agree. Spend the time and money to get properly fitted. It’s so worth it.
I love New Balance and have purchased quite a few pairs over the years. My current runners are built for my body/foot/foot strike style and it makes all the difference in my workouts.
I won’t recommend a perticular shoe, but get something that works with the Nike+ iPod deal. I’ve got a pair, and they’ve been great running motivation for me.
It puts you in challenges with people worldwide, it records your distances and times (and the new version automatically posts your results to Twitter & Facebook, so you don’t have to program something yourself like I did).
I remember you saying once you’ve already got the iPhone, so now all you need is the iPod kit and the shoes, and you can jump on board!!!
I think you should get a hot pair of pink Converse All-Stars! Growing up, wanted to break dance, and I wanted a pair of them with the fat green laces.
My feet were always too wide. Now, it is your turn to live the dream!!!!!!
Hi! Just thought I’d drop a note to say that your story has really motivated me to get moving as well – thanks!
Coincidentally, I was reading over at neuroanthropology right after your blog and their post today was over shoes, more specifically, running barefoot. http://neuroanthropology.net/2009/07/26/lose-your-shoes-is-barefoot-better/
I’m curious to see what you ultimately decide as far as shoes.
Thanks again for letting the world into your journey – looking forward to future posts!
i’ll have to add myself to the ones who recommend you to find out what kind of runner you are before you buy a new pair of running shoes!
here’s a simple test for you
Brooks makes a shoe for heavy runners called “The Beast” it will probably be my next running shoe purchase, my podiatrist recommended it to me.
I wear “The Beast” as well, they are amazing. I went to a local runners shop and the new exactly what I needed.
I’ll weigh in (har dee har) in favor of the Nike Frees. I was having shin splint problems, heel problems and my knees started to be sore after running in a pair of high end Adidas running shoes that were selected for me at a store that specializes in fitting runners through a pretty elaborate process. I was ready to give up when a friend suggested I try the Nike Free. I’m running without any pain now, 3 times a week, 3 miles per run. The only thing about them is that you need to walk in them for about a week to get your feet used to them before you run. And the sizes run small, so if you’re a size 12 you’ll need a size 13.
I LOVE Nike Free style shoes, but here’s a caveat. You can’t run much more than 3 miles in them. I’ve tried. I also tried running barefoot some (maybe I’d have more success if I got a pair of Vibrams Five Fingers), but for me, I’d hit a wall at 2-3 miles running barefoot. It would just start to hurt to much. Now, I just like Nike Free for everyday wear.
Haha very good! You’re supposed to get new running shoes every 6 months or 500 miles depending what comes first. Their soles die (that was fun to say) and the tread goes bald. I only use Nike for running but I have high arches that are narrow but a really wide ball so most other running shoes don’t cinch up properly. Also there are these freaking aweom Dr Schols pads that are great for running. They’re only a half sole and go in the heel part. Perfect padding.
I really like http://www.joesnewbalanceoutlet.com Any shoe that has a model number over 700 should work fine.