Here’s the deal. I hate going to the specialty running stores for shoes. I always leave with a billion dollar pair and feel a tad pressured when I’m in one. I know I should just put on my big girl panties and tell them no…but…I used to work in retail (Worst. Job. Ever.) and I always feel kind of bad for the folks who work there so I end up buying shoes that are great but that cost an arm and a leg.
I’ve found that I love the Asics Gel Kayano 15’s, but unfortunately, they have gone extinct in my size. I wear a 10 if you must know. What? Don’t look at me like that. I’m a tall girl! Anyway, I’ve worn the Kayano 15’s for the last three shoe purchases and now they are gone. (I tried the 16’s at one point but they gave me blisters like nobody’s bidness.) If I purchase shoes online can I send them back? And how many times can I wear them before I send them back?
So dear bloggy friends what do you all recommend? Here’s my stats:
1. Medium-high arch
2. Need some stability
3. Like cushioning
4. Don’t really want to spend more than $100
Help me out will ya?
Go to Road Runner Sports. They are amazing and totally committed to runners and their shoe needs. You have 2 months (of wearing your shoes) to return any unwanted purchase. They also have a shoe specialist you can talk to on the phone if you want info about good ones to try. I strongly recommend you go to their website and check it out.
I always buy the Asics GT series – the same that the Redhead wears actually. Also, have you looked on Amazon for shoes?
Runningwarehouse.com lets you return shoes — they ship for free and the shipping back is for free too. Love it!
And I feel your pain. I'm a size 10 on a good day, 10.5 or 11 is more likely. 😉 Rock it!
-00kate.com
I would find a running shoe specialist you can trust and a shoe store that allows you to return your shoes after a test run or two. You won't find this at a chain…
You could try switching brands to an equivalent model in the same size. I recently switched from Asics 2150 to Brooks Adrenaline. I had a Brooks representative help me out to find the comparative match and size. Brooks actually runs a 1/2 size bigger than the Asics. I still run in the Asics sometimes so don't tell Brooks… hehe.
I bought the Brooks Adrenaline GTS10's after going to a running store and getting measured and fitted. My arches are also medium high and I need cushioning. These shoes absolutely rock! My feet used to hurt in my old shoes after a few miles, but these I never have that issue anymore. They cost around $90 I think.
I second RunningWarehouse.com
If you take a video of yourself running on a treadmill and email it to them, they'll do a free gait analysis and send you some recommendations. But, since it's online, there's no pressure. Free 2day UPS shipping (and returns). Plus, there are some discount codes floating around the internet for 15% off of their prices (which are almost always lower than regular stores to begin with). I've been getting almost all of my running stuff from them lately.
I've got the Mizuno Waves and like them. They might be a good fit for you too.
http://www.zappos.com/mizuno-wave-inspire-6-white-shocking-pink-anthracite
I found them online for about $85 w/free shipping and returns. You'll have to search around for that deal if you want to try them. Good luck. They worked really well for me in my marathon this weekend.
I usually run in Kayanos also, but have recently started experimenting after foot issues that may (or may not) be linked to my shoes. I have also run a bunch in Brooks Trance series (7, 8 and 9; a 10 ought to be out this summer), and liked them a lot. I also just bought a pair of Saucony Hurricane 12s (have not tried yet). I also found my size consistent across shoe brands, i.e., 12.5 Asics = 12.5 Brooks, etc
All in all, I heartily recommend Brooks. The Brooks GTS line is a little bit cheaper ($100 or so), but also is almost universally liked.
I always buy shoes on line because of my funny size (12.5).. I have used Running Warehouse and RoadRunner Sports, both of which provide excellent service. I have never returned a shoe, so can't address it. But, to give you an idea, I ordered the Sauconys on Monday, about 2 pm ET; they were in my office by 11 am Tuesday ($10 overnight shipping; free 2 day shipping.) Super deal, also.
I second Road runner sports. I recommend that to my patients and I have never had any issues. They are quite helpful. Hell the might even have the 15's. Use the website to find the right shoe type then try on other brands in the same category. I have a word document that I can fwd you if you want it. WORD?
If you go online and order shoes, yes, you can send them back!!! I ordered 11 pair before I got it right!! I'm not even sure that I got it right because I ended up with a knee injury and I'm headed in to knee surgery this Friday ( sorry, got off subject!!) .
Wear them for a couple of short runs and one longer run…..after each run, bring them in and clean off the bottoms with 409, a magic eraser, and a q tip for the grooves…. clean them up real good before you send them back……works like a charm…… They usually give you about 30 days for the return!!!
Yep, it's me, I haven't posted in 3 months….tax season was upon me , and with knee surgery coming, haven't run in 7 months…ugghhh….hope you are well, I've missed my bloggy friends!!!!
No help with the shoes but I know that you aren't THAT tall!!!! Size 10…………….. ha
I'm also afraid to go to specialty running stores for that very reason! Why do they have to put on the pressure like that? I currently work in retail (with no commission, thankfully!) and try not to do that to people. Unfortunately, I'm no help for shoes. I haven't needed a pair yet and I'm trying to put that day off for awhile. Good luck finding a pair!
If you found the Kayano's to be good on your feet, try the Asics GT2150's. They are a stability shoe very very similar to the Kayanos. The only real difference is they are a little less cushiony inside, but they are superior when it comes to wear.
I dropped down from the Kayanos to the GT2150s about a year ago. I get about 150 miles *more* per pair *and* they cost about $40 per pair less. Winner on both counts in my book!
I wear a size 10 too, so don't worry…actually in running shoes, I have a size 10.5…CRAZY!
Anyways, the last pair I bought I went to a running store, tried on a few pairs, picked out the ones that I liked, and actually them came home and googled them, and found the best price for them. I have found that endless.com is a really good site for shoes, and it is free shipping, and you get them the next day. AWESOME! Good luck…can't wait to hear what you decide on.
As a person who works at a local running specialty store, I know all the tips.
I'd recommend the 2150 or the Adrenaline (and the size we sell the most of in women's shoes is 10.5!) I say go to a local store (your money stays local that way, and you have a person you can specifically take the shoes back to if they are not right) – walk in like you know what you're doing and you've done it a millions times. You've run a lot and know what works for you. Tell the first sales person that helps you that you want to see both of those shoes in your size. If they want to show you more expensive or different shoes, just say "no thank you, I know that these shoes work for me, and I'd like to stick with them." (even if it's a lie, it's ok. It's completely fine to not want to 'risk' a different shoe.)
Both of them should be no more than $100, so you won't go pricey and you won't have shipping or wait time. The sales person should be able to tell you the differences in the shoes, and you should be able to feel them as well.
The 2150 is basically the Kayano with fewer bells and whistles and is a great compromise for the money spent. The Adrenaline is almost exactly the same shoe but with a slightly more sturdy fit. Both should work just fine for you, and you'll want to go with the one that's more comfortable on your foot. They both should be lighter than the Kayano too, so less shoe to carry around!
I also wore Kayanos for years and switched to the Asics GT 2100 series. They are a good shoe and pretty much identical. When you start wearing out your shoes every few months it's nice to get a more economical pair. I think you'd like them. And I get mine from Road Runner Sports as well. They have great service, fast shipping and you can send them back if you don't like them up to 60 days. Good luck!
Saucony pro-grid ride 2. You pretty much described my needs in a shoe word for word. About $80 on eBay. 🙂
I'd second (third?) the recommendation for the Asics 21xx series. I've run several past models of these shoes with good success. Not all of the bells and whistles but a good shoe.
I'd also recommend the Brooks Defyance. It's a little less cushioned / corrective than the Addiction but very comfortable so far (200 miles into my first pair)
10 isn't that big. That's only about a 9 in a men's shoe. You can still get half sizes in that range.
I really want to try the Reebok Zigtech. I have heard good things, but I dont know anyone else who has tried them.
I have used the Brooks Adrenaline for years, love 'em. Ditto to the running warehouse and road runner websites for shopping.
Good luck finding new shoes!
Thank you very much
check ebay for your Kayano 15's!
i have had great luck finding brand new or worn once kayano 11's on there for VERY reasonable prices.
i'm dreading the day when i have to switch shoes… good thing i've been stockpiling!
I know I'm posting after you decided but… WOW, I just went thru all those suggestions and not a single Nike made the cut. I have a very narrow foot (size 9- and I'm not tall) and for years ran in the Asics, then I tried a Nike for a while (never felt right but kept it because of the Nike+). So I then tried Brooks, they were good but when I went back to get another pair they didn't have narrow so I started trying all kinds and they have a good return policy so I tried the Nike Pegasus (different from the first pair) and love them, I ran the half marathon in San Fran in them and had no issues.
I always go to our local running stores (Big Peach in Atlanta is awesome). When you're Orlando, I love Track Shack and I have never felt pressured there and they are very knowledgeable.