Running Shoes (courtesy of Kristin)

Dear Wifius,

What is the cheapest of the best running shoes I can get? I just started running and my cheapo Wal-mart specials really aren't doing the trick. Sore knees! Go figure! I have been told to look for good running shoes to solve that dillema I want something good but I don't want to spend an arm and a leg if I can help it. Advice please?

Running Free



Dear RF -

Different runners swear by different shoes. My marathon-running siblings usually go with Saucony and Nike, but one sis ran her marathon in Asics and loved them. But what works for them might not work for you. These days, there are shoes engineered for all the different needs you might have. I got a pair of New Balance that are specifically for people who roll their ankles a lot and they've been life-saving.

Shoes won't necessarily fix everything, but good shoes will certainly help. You might look at inserts (orthotics are difficult to get used to but can be amazing for injuries) or knee bands (especially help with loose kneecaps) to complement a good pair of shoes.

What you want for shoes will really depend on how much you're going to use them. Are these for training for a major race? Are they for casual use (a couple of miles each run, maybe a couple of times a week) or serious use (10-15 miles for a run, 3-5 times per week)?

If you want serious shoes that will hold up for serious use, you're going to spend between $90 and $200. Because I know you're in Orem, go to Runner's Corner (800 South, just east of State St.). The guy who runs that store knows everything about all kinds of shoes and he will help you find shoes that fit your feet (for example, certain brands are made for wider feet but are equal as to quality and price). He also has very regular sales.

Or, you can talk to the expert, find the shoes that work best for you, and go to eBay.

Also, ask about last season's shoes, because those almost always have huge discounts but are just as good quality-wise as new ones. You can probably find a pair of very high-quality shoes for around $50 that way.

Good running!
Wifius