Marathon Shoes?

Question

I am running in the Chicago Marathon in October 2007 and was wondering if any one had good advice for a pair of shoes to train for the marathon as well as run the marathon in oct. thanks.

I am a female with a medium size arch in my foot.

Answer 1

I used to run alot of 5 to 10 mile distance and ran one marathon. Nike isn't the best running shoe.

Stick with a brand like Saucony or New Balance. They are higher end shoes and have many models made just for running. Also they have better fits as far as arch support, width sizing, etc. And their sales associates are better trained to fit the shoe to you based on what you are doing.

Bottom line for me: The Saucony Grid Fastwitch 2 is the best for women in long distance.

Answer 2

Go to a specialty store that only sells running gear and shoes. Tell them you want someone to watch you run and recommend a shoe for marathon training. Their salespersons will be runners who can watch you run in the parking lot and recommend a shoe for your particular foot. Some stores can even let you run in the store on a treadmill to analyze your form. Take in your old running shoes so they can see how they are wearing. Shoe fit is extremely important to prevent injuries, especially as you increase mileage for the marathon, Don't blindly follow recommendations from other runners who haven't seen you run, because everyone's foot biomechanics are different. A shoe that's great for me might not work for you.

DO NOT just buy any shoe from a department store or mail order. The risk of injury from the wrong shoe is very high when training for your first marathon. Once you find a shoe that works for you, you can buy the next pair online to save money if you must. However, most veteran runners support their local running stores. If you join the local running club, you can usually get a 10% discount on all your running shoes and apparel.

Unless you're planning to run sub-four hours, you can run the marathon in your regular training shoes. Make sure that you don't buy your shoes too small. It's a very common mistake. Wear the same socks you will run in when you try on the shoes. Don't go by the size of the shoe. Some running shoes are notoriously small. I wear a full size larger running shoe than a casual shoe. If you try them on and can't decide between, say, an 8 and an 8.5, go with the larger size. Your foot will swell as you run long distances.

Asics sells more running shoes than any other manufacturer. Brooks, New Balance, Mizuno, and Saucony also make great running shoes. You should be able to find a great shoe for you without looking beyond these brands. Nike is hit and miss. Some of their running shoes are great. Some aren't very good. Surprisely, Nike has a only a very small percentage (about 9 percent I think) of the running shoe market. Asics has over 30 percent.

Answer 3

I think Nike Frees are good running shoes for people with decent arches. I have had a few pairs of these and they are so light and comfortable to run in. Initially it takes a few days of running to get used to them because they are supposed to simulate barfoot running. But it will help strengthen your calves and feet muscles. I used to hate running because of the discomfort of my feet; they would feel hot and heavy even when I paid a lot for nice shoes, but I love the Frees! After using them my foot discomfort went away. I have never run a marathon in them but I have run distances as long as a half marathon and they are very comfortable and durable.

I think they are good for training as well as for running the actual marathon.

Answer 4

You need to go to a regular brick and mortar shoe store and get fitted for the proper shoes. They will tell you what shoes you need and fit you for the proper pair.

Answer 5

yes. i have advice. go to a shoe store like finish line or foot locker and go look under the 'running' section