Shoes - Cincinnati,OH

I haven't gotten a pair yet, but I keep hearing great things about Sketchers Tone Ups (not shape ups which are big and bulky). These look like regular shoes and I keep hearing how comfortable they are. I have a problem believeing that any shoe will help to shape you up, but the fact that several people have told me that they are the best shoes they've ever worked out in makes me want to go get some. Also, if you work out 6 days a week you should buy new shoes every 6 months or so.

I would say you need some new shoes because the cushion has worn out. I would look into some saucony's or some asics. Another thing that I do to help cut down on the friction is to put some trouser socks or panyhose that come to the calf under my regular socks. Make sure to have some good socks too. I would check out some thorlo socks. They are expensive but, I have had one pair for like 10 years. Do not wear your work out shoes outside just for working out and wear the old ones when you are outside.

Shoes and feet are SO individual, you need proper advice. What works for me won't necessarily work for you. You should go to an independent running shoe store - not a chain where the clerks don't really know anything - but a place where the owners/clerks are athletes. They should have a treadmill there or a place where they can watch you walk or jog. They can look at things like pronation and also the shape of your foot, and help you select something with a big enough toe box, arch, and side supports as needed. Tell them exactly what sorts of exercise you do - even if it's not running, they work with athletes whose feet take a beating and they can advise you.

You should not have numb toes - so ditch those shoes or take them with you to the store to address whether they can be used for some activities but not others. Maybe they are okay for the circuit training or just for gardening (I know, I know - you didn't spend the money for that!) but not for the motion of the elliptical. I'm not a runner but I do zumba, weight training and treadmill, and the store helped me find the right shoes.

My whole family works out and my son/husband are distance runners. They spend the money on great shoes and get their discounts on their other running attire. You should do the same. It's not worth ruining your feet or causing more problems that will require medical attention. Ill-fitting shoes can result in knee and hip issues as well, so it's really important to go to a place that is dedicated to sport and not just a quick sale.

A person at a running store I go to told me that the numbness is caused by your shoelaces crossing over the tops of your feet. She said if you find shoes that lace off-center that can solve the problem. For me, I swear by Saucony's - they are the most comfortable shoes I've found (and believe me, I've tried them all!)

Good luck!

I love my Asics. I just bought my second pair of the ones with the gel. They feel so good. I used to come in from work and put on a pair of slipper socks to get comfortable for the evening, but now if my feet are sore from a busy day I go to my Asics because they offer such comfy support. I wear them on casual days at work and when I am coaching as well. I have tried many other brands, but these arre my favorites.
Good luck! :)

I like the Nike workout/sprort shoes. Of course I never pay full price I go to an outlet Nike store to buy them.

The best thing you can do is just go try various ones on, walk, and run in place to see which ones seem to fit you the best. Since you use them all the time it seems that shoes only last 3-5 years so be ready to replace them in that time frame.

I do not have any specific suggestions for shoes, but you might want to go to Bob Roncker's Running Spot. Tell them what you are looking for and they will help you find it. They will also make sure that the shoes fit properly.

Everyone's feet are different. You need to find a shoe that is right for your feet and for what you are using them for. The last time I bought a shoe I checked online for a shoe with good arch support. Some malls have a walking store. You can go there and they will have you step on some device that shows where and how you are distributing your weight. I chose a Asics gel shoe for walking.

What ever shoe you like, buy a 1/2 size bigger. My husband runs marathons and goes to the running stores that help pick your shoes for your feet and that is their suggestion.

I love New Balance. The higher the number, the better the shoe.

I would definitely get your feet/walking checked by a shoe expert first. Our bodies and feet are all so different.

Brooks are awesome! My husband & I are very frugal, but these are worth the money. (Just look for last year's model or something a bit cheaper, if you want.) But talk to a shoe specialist. Tell them what you like/want & what hurts/what you don't like. They'll be able to narrow down the shoe choices for you. But we love Brooks. Asics can be good, as well, but you have to get the right Asics. Talk to the shoe specialists -- you'll be happy with this purchase when you get the right ones! :)