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Wiz123

4 posts since
Feb 7, 2008

Feb 7, 2008 3:31 PM

Shoes?

What kind of shoe would you suggest for someone with a reconstructed knee from an ACL/PCL/MCL tear. Losing weight and figured I would sign up for a 5k to give me added motivation. Running indoors on a treadmill right now around 20 miles a week. I know once the weather gets better and I run outside I'll have pain.

juststarted

827 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

1. Feb 7, 2008 4:17 PM

in response to: Wiz123

For shoes, go to a running store and have them fit you.

For your knee, I would check with your doctor and make sure running is the right thing to do. If so, the C25K is a great way to ease your knee into running.

Take care.

Wiz123

4 posts since
Feb 7, 2008

2. Feb 10, 2008 1:25 PM

in response to: juststarted

Thanx, I was more looking for what the terminology was for the different types of shoes(motion,support..etc). I went to Brooks web site which was very helpful. The knee injury is over 12 years old, I played two years of football on it after and still play competitive softball. The pain comes from the front of the knee were they took part of the patella tendon and knee cap to make the new ACL.

azza074

69 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

3. Feb 10, 2008 2:30 PM

in response to: Wiz123

Welcome to CR wiz!

The Brooks site is pretty good at explaining the different types of shoes and pronation. Just keep in mind that the type of shoe that will be right for your foot will be determined by the way your foot hits the ground - not by your pre-existing injury. The ACL surgery won't have a bearing on your shoe selection, unless it's changed your stride.

Your best bet would still be to get to a running shop that can fit you, or alternatively, a sports podiatrist. Good luck!

jcrule

197 posts since
Jan 9, 2001

4. Feb 10, 2008 7:30 PM

in response to: Wiz123

Also, in addition to the great advice already...

If you go to a good running shoe where they will not only be able to tell you what sort of support you need (the whole Stability/Motion Control thing), they will look at the shape of your foot and show you some shoes that will fit your foot nicely as well. I'm a female and need a bigger toe box that most, but not a wide size or anything, so Brooks was what RoadRunner did for me. I've been in Brooks ever since! Love their shoe...even after trying a few different brands.

jawjapeech

24 posts since
Jan 11, 2008

5. Feb 10, 2008 8:05 PM

in response to: Wiz123

So....what stores have you all come in contact with that you consider 'good'? Is there a particular retailer you like? My husband went into one in particular last year and it was a joke (I won't name names).....they were more concerned with looking out the door to see who they knew.....I suppose it may unfortunately just be the luck of the draw as to who you get....but has anyone had really good luck with a particular store?? Should I just walk in and ask, "Who knows the most about running shoes?"....:^0

alcesalces

189 posts since
Jan 4, 2008

6. Feb 10, 2008 10:42 PM

in response to: Wiz123

I have the same background, knee reconstruction, three other knee repairs all thanks to college football!!! I went to a local running store and they helped greatly, I ended up with Asics, have been great with the knee!! Good luck, I know how much of a pain it is.

azza074

69 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

7. Feb 11, 2008 7:57 PM

in response to: jawjapeech

HI jawjapeech,

Try posting the city you live in (or closest to), and I'm sure you'll be flooded with recommendations. The larger chains tend to not provide as much individual attention as the smaller, local, specialised running shops.

Michael.

767 posts since
Nov 9, 2007

8. Feb 12, 2008 8:40 AM

in response to: azza074

I find the smaller mom & pop type shoe stores that specialize only in running shoes are by far the best. Of all the big name sporting goods places I have never found anyone there who knows anything about running let alone fitting you for shoes.

If there is a running club near you check with them and ask where they would recommend. To find a club in your area go to The RRCA (Road Runner Club of America) website and look up your area http://www.rrca.org/. Runners are people that want to help beginners get started on the right foot (no pun intended).

What I found was I could of bought a pair of running shoes at a big name store for $40 or so but I would of been on my own. I went to a local store and and paid $65 instead but they spent close to an hour with me making sure I was happy with the shoes and they worked for me. They even gave me the option of bringing them back if they gave me problems running. This is well worth the money in my opinion. I went to a sports Injury doctor a while ago for some knee pain I was having and I brought my shoes. He looked at my gait and examined my shoes and felt my shoes were very good for me. For what it is worth I am an overpronator and wear Asics Gel 1120's. When my shoes wear out I would be inclined to by Asics again. My wife though prefers Brooks. It just depends on your foot.

Mike

My Training Log

2009 Races

July 4 - Village Runner 4th of July 5K
July 25 - Pasadena City College 5K

jcrule

197 posts since
Jan 9, 2001

9. Feb 12, 2008 10:42 AM

in response to: Michael.

Hmm, I wonder what we are considering "big" shoe stores? I really like the attention I got at Road Runner and the Foot Zone. I totally wouldn't get fitted at FoorT Locker or a Nike store or anything like that. IMO

Michael, where did you find shoes that cheap? Are you more a neutral shoe style? Geesh, my Brooks cost me $120...ouch! I haven't been in shoes under $100 for quite a while. Hate having plantiar fac. UGH

Anyhow, once you find a shoe that you really like, you can always go online and see if you can find it cheaper than retail! That's what I'm going to start doing!

Michael.

767 posts since
Nov 9, 2007

10. Feb 12, 2008 11:29 AM

in response to: jcrule

In Big I am thinking names like Big 5 Sporting Good or Sports Authority, I stand corrected. I have never been to a Roadrunner since there is none near me but I have heard they are an exception to this "big name" store issue.

The reason I got off cheap was because they were on clearance due to being last years model shoe. Even then my wife purchased Brooks Adrenaline GTS (I think) and it was about $90. Having PF myself I wear stability shoes.

Mike

My Training Log

2009 Races

July 4 - Village Runner 4th of July 5K
July 25 - Pasadena City College 5K

jcrule

197 posts since
Jan 9, 2001

11. Feb 12, 2008 12:13 PM

in response to: Michael.

Oh for sure! I would never get fitted in one of those stores...I could buy from them if they had a great deal on the shoe I already knew fit me well. I wear stability shoes as well...with ortodics. I've loved the Brooks Trace for years now. Their newest one Trace 7 I'm actually wearing right now...soo comfy!

Wiz123

4 posts since
Feb 7, 2008

12. Feb 13, 2008 4:31 PM

in response to: jcrule

Thanx for the help. I was going to buy the Brooks Trance 6 on-line, but I figured I better get fitted. I found a strictly running shoe store near my house, I'll check it out Sunday. Self fitting myself I have a normal to high arch and slight to moderate pigeon toe. So I really wouldn't know what kind of shoe to get.

chuck43

1,020 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

13. Feb 13, 2008 5:46 PM

in response to: Wiz123

smart choice going to a running store. while your there they might have some info on a local runners club or more 5k's incase you get the fever after running your first. I wish you the best with the knee. I hurt mine in High school Football and haven't had any problums running. good luck and enjoy running.

jcrule

197 posts since
Jan 9, 2001

14. Feb 13, 2008 9:00 PM

in response to: chuck43

I'm not sure what you would do, but if you get fitted and you end up in a Trace shoe. There are tons of Trance 6's on sale on-line right now since it's last year's model. I have both Trace 6 and 7. 7 is MUCH lighter, I could feel the difference as soon as I put it on. But yes, go get fitted. That's a great step. Also do some reading on the subject so when you go in, if you get a lesser sales person you will know better, ya know?