Shoe.....dang, that really do MATTER!!!

I have been told and believe that excercise is the key 2 sucessful weight loss. Man, I tell U, I was gun whoe!  I put on my 3 yr old tennis shoes and I thought I am on my way. No one else was in the gym and I was just doing my thing. My feet started 2 hurt and I looked around and wanted 2 scream 4 help!!!! My secret, I wanted 2 crawl out 2 my car, but who would have helped me stand-up and open the door. I sucked it up like a big gurl and came home and was able 2 scream 4 help! I'm gettin new shoes 2day!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My knees and hips bother me, so I always buy New Balance running shoes. I wear them to walk in or use at the gym. I have found that running shoes provide enough extra cushioning for my aching knees and hips.

Kim

I have two pair of the "toning" type of shoe - one sketchers and the other Fila and I love them.  I don't know if they do what they say, but they are like walking on air they're so cushiony.  Is that a word? lol  I use them even on the treadmill, but not when taking classes like Zumba.  They can be difficult on lateral movements.  I love them so much I went and bought a pair of the sketcher sandals for summer this year.  They're just so comfortable.

And yes, shoes do make a big difference and they do wear out.

cat

 I just bought a pair from danskin.  I was wondering about using them for the gym. I figured no for the elliptical but you use it for zumba?
wendy

No, I don't use them for Zumba - that might be dangerous.  I actually don't take Zumba at my gym, although i shoud.  They have a Zumba class in the building I work at and it's actually on carpet so I just wear converse so I have less tread on my shoe.  Otherwise I'd be catching myself on the carpet all the time.

cat

I love my shape ups for work. I can work an entire 12 hour shift and my feet dont hurt. but I hate them for working out on the eliptical or power class, so it's my new balance cross trainers for exercise.

I haver plantar facisiitisso bad I have been in physical therapy twice in the last 2 years. I bought the reebok retone. Wow what a difference. I can walk, I can even run! I am getting a second pair soon. I was looking at shoes and the sales lady (who did not work in the shoe dept) talked me into trying them on. It was love at first step.

I have tried lots and lots of shoes.

Aesics, Reboks, Nike, Addidas, Easy Spirit, New Balance, Sacony, Avias, Skechers.. u name it I've probably tried it on.

When I first started, Addidas and Easy Spirits were the only things that were wide enough to get on my feet.

Now I love love love New Balances.  Plus N.B.'s still have some factories in the US (if that's important to you.. it is to me).  And New Balances come in more than average widths.  Yeah!!

I know a lot of people who like the Vibram Five Fingered shoes.  I've tried them on.. they're not for me.

If you live in a city big enough for a really good shoe store.. one where they still measure your foot and bring the shoes out to you, I'd advise trying one of them until you learn what works for you.  If you live in a poorly served area, Zappos might be a good choice.  While they're a bit more $$, they do free shipping and free returns.

I had runtones.. yes, they feel good on the bottom of your feet, but I don't like the instability.  I ended up taking them back.

I also found it very helpful to add my own inserts.  Softsoles makes good ones, they run about 20.00, but are well worth it.  I get the ones for athletes, even tho I'm far from an athlete, I figure I need the extra cushioning/support.

Wow, sounds painful. The right pair of shoes does make all the difference. I was wearing old shoes when I started walking last month. I was up to 1/2 mile twice a week. But my knees and hips were hurting so bad. I got a pair of K Swiss and now I'm up to 3/4 of a mile with much less pain during and after walking. I used to work on a concrete floor in a factory 40-60 hours a week. I experimented with different shoes. For me I found K Swiss to be the most comfortable and they most durable. They never slipt out in the toe or on the sides. And they don't have a narrow toe like Nikes. I also wear Skechers. They have a wider sole for more stability. Also very comfortable. Exercise is hard enough. But, wothut the right shoes, it can be unbearable.