Need advice re: walking shoes good for use on a treadmill.....

[Rowdyboy]

First of the year I devised an exercise program for myself that includes an hour a day on a treadmill (I'm up to 4 miles a day). In 5 1/2 weeks, I've walked almost 100 miles and, now, "baby needs a new pair of shoes". I have no idea if any name brand is preferable (though my feet need as much support as possible). Its a birthday gift from my guy so money is no object!

Suggestions?

on edit: Light, good shock absorbing shoes would be perfect

[SeattleGirl]

1. Nikewalk shoes are what I have.

Good support for the feet.

[Rowdyboy]

2. Appreciate the feedback.....I'm really looking for the support

Thanks.

[flvegan]

3. I like New Balance, but your best bet

is to look up a local store that specializes in running/walking shoes and caters to that "marathon" crowd. They'll be able to outfit you the best.

BTW, I like New Balance as the ones I buy are critter free and union made in the good ole USA. Just my opinion.

[Rowdyboy]

4. Sounds like something I could get into....

Thanks for the recommendation!

[nytemare]

5. New Balance, Asics, and Brooks are good shoes.

I agree with going to a specialty shop. The shoes are pricier there, but they can give a point in the right direction as to the right shoe for the person.

Walking shoes are usually a little heavier.

[Rowdyboy]

8. Thats the kind of information I need to know....

While I'd like lighter shoes, I really have to pay attention tosupporting my feet. Two votes for New Balance will ensure I check them out. Thanks!

[Digit]

32. New Balance

I tend to walk on the inside of my heel with one foot rolled slightly inward. This is called pro-nating, or pronating.
After doing some research, I found the New Balance 901's are good for this. I did not realize the numbers had any significance.

So, if you have any issues with your feet or the way you walk, it might be good to either go to a store where the employees are knowledgeable in this area or do the research yourself.

I could not be happier with my NB 901's.

[LeftyMom]

6. It's a fine opinion indeed

They're nice shoes and they last well. Considering that they don't cost any more than Nikes made by 12 year olds out of materials I'd rather not think about, seems like a no-brainer to me to get a pair.

Especially since they have multipe widths and I can actually get shoes that really fit.

[Rowdyboy]

12. I MUST have wide shoes....

That, along with your comments about manufacture and product content make New Balance a strong probability.

[LeftyMom]

14. Same here

I have very wide (and just generally huge) feet. They make just about the only shoes that are wide enough without haing a ton of room left over in the toe box.

[Left Is Write]

7. New Balance are my favorite too.

[Rowdyboy]

15. Before asking this question, I'd never heard of New Balance shoes

Now, because of you guys, I'm ready to get serious. Thanks

[GOPisEvil]

10. Yep - that's excellent advice.

I've had really good luck with New Balance over the years, but the last time out I bought some Asics. They're nice too.

[Rowdyboy]

16. Thats why I asked you guys.....DUers have consistently given me

excellent product purchase suggestions. I run every potential major purchase past you guys and you never fail to give me excellent advice.

DU is such an incredible asset!

[GOPisEvil]

18. If you look at New Balance, make sure to look at the label.

Some of their shoes are made in the USA, some aren't. Well, if that matters to you, that is. ;)

[Rowdyboy]

27. Oh hell yes, it matters to me.....

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll be certain before I buy. Its a very good point.

[Elidor]

9. Try a pair of these:

[Rowdyboy]

20. Beats what I'm wearing now......

[sbj405]

11. Find a local running store.

They will fit and should know what's best for you based on your feet and treadmill use.

[Rowdyboy]

21. Good advice......Thanks

[PassingThrough]

13. Here is where I buy my shoes. Good site for advice. Even has forums.

http://www.roadrunnersports.com

Great prices and they have hard to find shoes.

[Rowdyboy]

22. Appreciate the site....I'll check it out

[Lars39]

17. Reebok DMX walking shoes.

My feet no longer accept anything else. :D

[Rowdyboy]

23. I'll add it to the list of possibilities....

I'm willing to consider all possibilities. Thats why I love DU.

[AlCzervik]

19. I got Asics running shoes, i use them on the treadmill only, just a tip

i actually got here was to get running shoes and not walking shoes. You can walk in running shoed but you can't run in walking shoes. My orthopedic surgeon agreed with that.

[Rowdyboy]

24. Good information...thanks

[Pithlet]

25. I use Asics running shoes, too.

I alternate between brisk walking and jogging on my treadmill, and they're great.

[Rowdyboy]

26. Stupid question....

At what speed do you change from walking to jogging?

On the machines that I use, I walk a mile at 3.8 in about 16 minutes, and try to do 4 miles a day now. Decades ago when I tried jogging I got shin splints almost immediately, but I'm thinking about trying again.

[AlCzervik]

28. i run at 5 mph.

[Rowdyboy]

29. Dynamite! Thanks for the information....

You'd be surprised at how long I've wondered the answer to that.

[AlCzervik]

30. Really? I've found that speed is comfortable for me after trying faster

ones. At 5mph i don't feel like i'm going to pass out and go flying off the deck. glad to help.

[Pithlet]

36. Sorry for answering late.

For me, a jog starts about about 4.0 or higher. I have long legs, though, and it's probably different for each individual depending on stride, height, etc. Did you jog on concrete or a track? I tend to get shin splints, but so far I haven't had any on the treadmill. I also find I do better if I work my way up to running, starting with a brisk walk for a week or so, then a slow jog, and so on. If I start right out with jogging or running after being inactive, I have problems.

[Redstone]

31. TREADMILL? Why don't you just go for a walk outside? You could see

an awful lot more interesting things and people that way.

Redstone

[Rowdyboy]

33. Too damned hot in the summer, too cold in the winter.....

We have a decent neighborhood, but day after day after day it gets boring. Plus I'm self-conscious. I can walk inside, on a treadmill, and people can't drive by mock me. I can relax and concentrate on walking. And, sadly, crime is a problem here. Lots of poor people in Mississippi.

Plus, they have machines to work on your upper and lower body. A body-building friend of mine suggested that using the machines, walking on the treadmill, and swimming was a pretty decent workout (1 1/2-2 hours a day-I'm retired and can do what I want).

[politicat]

35. In my case, it's safer.

No potholes, no roots to trip over, and if I blow a ligament, I can drag my sorry ass to the kitchen for an ice pack from my den much easier than if I blow a ligament on the far end of my walking route.

I only walk outside if I have someone with me.

[argyl]

34. I like New Balance Offroad for plain walking around shoes. Made for easy

trail walking so they should give you more than enough support for treadmill use.