I was thinking about shoes today, well sneakers actually and I remembered this thread from way back when.

The shoe thread

You can read it for a few chuckles if you'd like...Wonder if Rob still has his oil change sneakers?


Anyway, I have some heel issues going on. I got new sneakers for the Zumba class (which are recommended for the lateral moves) and the heel seems OK in the class. I've also been doing a bit of walking and light jogging and using a jogging sneaker (they are relatively new), and VERY comfortable, however, for some reason the jogging shoes aren't working for me. My heel hurts.

I used to have the same issue if I wore jogging shoes to walk. I seem to do better with a firmer heel, such as in a pair of cross trainers. I'm going to try those next week, I have a new pair of my usual New Balance in the closet, though they are a bit clunky.

I know a few folks around here have heel issues. Any tips besides stretching, ice, etc. What sneakers give you the most comfort?

 

Footsmart's Heel Pain shoes

I've bought lots of shoes from Footsmart.com. ^Here's what they have in the way of heel pain shoes.

 

Thanks, Patty. The first sneaker/shoe pictured looks very similar to the New Balance I've been wearing for years. They are just "clunky".

I am curious as to what sneakers/shoes work for folks? Before I spend more $$ on sneakers, has anyone ever tried and had any luck with heel inserts? I may pick up a pair of those today.

I'm off today, puttering around the house. I dug out the New Balance cross trainers and am wearing them to break them in a bit. Never had to break in this sneaker before but they feel tight. My heel feels pretty good this AM in these sneakers, however, I think they are too heavy for any jogging. I'd likely trip over my own feet. Maybe I'll have to stick to walking.

 

Lainey;

I do a fair amount of jogging. About 3X / week and about 3 miles / outting. I have a very heavy heal strike and have found, at least for me, the Nike Air 360 to be the best. I have tried NB, Rebok, Saucony, etc. and always come back to the Nike. Down side is price and that the toe box is narrow.

For work I wear the Rebok Zigs. I am on concrete 8 - 10 hours a day and these are the best bar none for comfort and support.

dan

 

We have a small local chain of running/triathlon "gear" stores. Their prices are a little higher than the discounters, but what they offer are shoe sales people and not clerks. The look at you gait and how you stand and make a recommendation regarding the the proper fit of shoe, i.e. do you a pronator or supinator, are you flat footed, are you knock kneed, and a few other things. Most shoe makers design each shoe either as an all around shoe, or specifically to correct one of the problems above.

I have had extreme pain in my heel caused by plantar fascitis which was brought on by the wrong pair of shoes. At this time I am wearing Saucony shoes and they work great for me. Maybe worth a try? I learned that I can not buy shoes off of the internet.

 

Ken, I don't know that I have plantar fascitis, as I don't have all the symptoms, but I know my heel hurt like heck last night. I know heel pain is pretty common. I'm pretty sure I know what kind of sneaker will work best, and I browsed a bit today while I was out. For now, I've purchased some gel inserts for the jogging sneakers. They can/will be returned if they don't help when I go for my walk/jog tomorrow. I also bought another pair of inserts to try if the gel inserts don't work. I told the guy at CVS that I'd be back, as I'm sure one, or both sets of inserts will go back.

My nephew is an employee of Fleet Feet and I think they do the same thing you mentioned when selling you a pair of shoes. I know we have a local family owned sporting goods store, I can always head there if no improvement, with my Plan A, B and C.

 

I would say try different brands and styles. I used to buy the New Balance that were made with the SL-2 last. I have not found them in the stores lately and I will not order a model that I have not been able to try on. Currently I am wearing SAS Shoes all the time for everything.

My link

 

I need to find a shoe store that lets you return the shoes after being worn. The shoe may feel comfortable in the store, but once you get going......

I did see a company mentioned on line, that fit your foot. If you were unhappy with the sneaker/shoe, you could bring them back even after wearing them.

 

Good point Ken, we purchase all of our athletic shoes from a Running company at the beach. They videotape your gait and custom fit their shoes. I also had plantar fascitis and got custom orthodics made and now purchase my shoes from this shoe company. No problems anymore. And, they are not that much more expensive.

 

Handsdown the most comfortable shoes. Ecco
Have you ever tried an asics or a brooks? i work in a higher end shoe store and can say that wearing nikes for strenuous activity and for long periods of time, they will cause damage in the long run. For $160 i could buy a lot better of a shoe. Ive had three pairs of the 360's and they are comfortable for occasional wear, but have found other nicer brooks and asics that feel great. I have pair of zigs and the are pretty good. They are APMA certified and nowadays thats hard to come by.