I am lucky enough to able to wear any kind of shoes I like to work, well, maybe not flip-flops or
open-toed shoes. For years, I wore nothing but New Balance cross-trainers. Over the last couple of years, either my feet have changed or New Balance has changed the last in their shoes. I have tried various styles and brands with no luck. I even went to a specialty running shoe store and they videotaped me walking and worked with me for about 2 hours trying to find the perfect pair. I have also tried several inserts. Nothing had been working. Princess and the Pea, shoe style.
I did, eventually find a pair I loved: Asics T154N running shoes. A stability shoe.
Almost every shoe company has 3 basic categories of running shoes:
- Cushioning: for those with more rigid, higher arched feet that tend to supinate. (curved last)
- Stability: for those needing moderate pronation support and good cushioning. (semi-curved last)
- Motion Control: for those with a hyper mobile foot, needing a lot of support for their rear-foot and flat feet. (straight last)
Because of the shape of my foot and my bad arch, I might fit into the motion control shoe on paper. I find those shoes a bit heavy because of everything that goes into them to make them so supportive. They also tend to run a bit on the ugly side. If they made me feel great, I would not care how they looked, but I also seem to crave more cushioning.
More info: http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/running+shoes.html
Minimalist shoes are a whole other category of shoe. I am not a runner and have experienced a variety of foot issues and injuries, so I do not believe that this is the right answer for me. The story that I have heard behind this movement is that heel to toe running is a fairly modern invention. People were looking for ways to increase stride length and this may have led to the heel striking running form. The heel now needed more cushioning. Starting with waffle makers and extending into the high tech shoes of today, shoe companies have made millions on cushioning the heel and making the muscles of the feet lazy with all of the support. Just go slowly into the minimalist option, if you go. Your feet need time to adjust. I encourage you to check out these links for more information.
Running Times: http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=19217
Fellow blogger: http://100poundsin1year.wordpress.com/2012/04/26/the-princess-and-the-puma/
Real Woman's Health 
I had a pair of these and loved them so much Iwore them out…
Ya, mine are on a rotation: work only until the cushioning starts to go, running errands until the support starts to go, then gardening. I will ask someone with knee or foot pain how old his/her shoes are and the answers are amazing. “They are still pretty new, just a couple of years.” “…About 8 years.” The interior of a shoe can wear out long before you get a hole in them. Shoes also have a shelf life. So even if they were sitting in a closet for 8 years, the cushioning and support would likely be compromised. I have dress shoes that old but I call them my “sitting shoes”. Thanks for the comment. Sorry to use it for a point that I forgot to put in the post 🙂
🙂 It’s all good.
I really need to see one of those shoe fitting specialists. My head was spinning when you were using those big words. I have always (for no reason) wore Nike shoes. I guess I just knew the size so, it made it easier to buy Nike size 9. After I put some miles on them they always seem to fit just like the old ones. I need to replace mine more often.
The most important thing is that they are comfortable and do not rub or compress anything. Those specialty shops are great, if for nothing else, great information on your feet and shoes in general. Happy hunting!
I just found my perfect shoe as well! I am currently trying to start running on a regular basis, and was recommended the vibram shoe. At first I said “No way will I wear those funky looking things!” but after having the opportunity to try them on and wear them, I couldn’t possibly wear another sneaker for my activities. They were pretty expensive, but worth it for me, especially since it seems impossible to find a comfortable shoe for my feet. Congrats on finding your Solemate! haha.
And congrats to you and your new sole mate! I know people who wear those everywhere and with conviction because they love them so much.
I’m not THAT crazy about them. I know the people you are talking about though. Either way…. YAYY SHOES!
Absolutely, girl’s gotta rock her shoes. When they feel good, it’s a whole lot easier.
My shoes must be good for walking a lot, as well as looking good. Naturalizer has a good last for me…and I usually find a style that works as well!
Great, they do have a nice product. Sometimes the cushion to support ratio is not right for my picky feet. Maybe Paddleboarding will strengthen them enough for more styles.