Athletic Sneaker Shopping: What to Try If ...

[lizzywednesday]

I wear a size 10D sneaker in most brands' lasts, though with the New Balance SL-1 last, I tend to favor an EE width ... and in their SL-2 last, I am a solid 10.5D.

Sneakers that have worked well for me in the past are:

ASICS GT-3000 series
Brooks ARIEL
Brooks ADRENALINE
Brooks ADDICTION
New Balance 1260-series
New Balance 1340-series
New Balance 940-series (usually need a 10.5 as the last runs short)
RYKA KM-series (current model is KM-7)

Is there anything else I should try?

I am not looking for fashion sneakers like Keds or Skechers, but real athletic shoes. (This drives DH crazy, but because I am so anal about this, I'm not the one whining about my feet and back every time we have to walk further than 30 feet. Which is pretty much every summer vacation.)

[Mommy_Mea]

I have similar size feet, and for my athletic does I almost always have to wear men's sneakers. I have worn Saucony shoes and really liked them, currently have the Guide and Peregrine.

[KrisM]

I wear a 10D as well. I just picked up 2 pairs of sneakers at Famous Footwear and both are comfy. I have Asics Gel-Venture 6 and Saucony Cohesion. I had not tried Saucony in the past and they seem slightly wider than the Asics, which is a nice surprise.

[Kindra178]

I would stick with Hoka or Altra. Life changing.

[AnnieW625]

I wear a 10.5D or 11D in athletic shoes (9.5 Wide or 10 wide in regular shoes). My feet issues are high insteps, plantar fasciitis in my left foot, and over pronation so I usually need a really stable shoe (although I did try the Brooks Adrenaline once and it was too much stability as even though it isn’t as clunky looking as an Addiction it is Brooks most stable shoe).

I was a staunch Brooks Addiction wearer for almost 20 years (when my budget was tight I would wear ASICS Gel 1000s bought from Amazon (in the discontinued colors) for about $50), but I always preferred the Brooks. Within the last two years though they redesigned the materials in the Brooks Addiction shoe (they are now more slick in the insoles due to a material change since they now added some memory stability foam or something) and the shoes just don’t fit the same and I get way too much slip in the heel. I wore the New Balance 960 and they worked okay, but sometimes I had arch pain and then when I replaced that pair this year I tried the 2019 model of the 960 and I got instant arch pain and pain in the calves after walking about a mile so I tried the NB 860 and they were worse (instant pain in the calves) so I ended up with a Hoka One, which is as close to the Brooks Addiction that I have been able to find, and I have been happy with them.

I’m not a distance runner and do more walking than anything but I highly recommend getting sized at a reputable running shoe store that has a good return policy. The store I go to has a 90 day no questions asked return policy.

Just remember what works for us may not work for you. Everyone has different feet even if they are essentially the same size. My DD1 has wider flat feet and she does best with a New Balance shoes and has consistently worn the New Balance brand since she was 2. She has worn the 990 for years, but now that she is 13 prefers the style and color choices of the 860. I have only ever worn two pairs of New Balance (the first was about 17 years ago and I wanted something sleeker looking than the clunky Addiction) and overall they did their job, but they weren’t my favorite.

My DH only wears Nike’s, and DD2 can wear them as well. I haven’t worn Nike in 20 years as my foot got too wide for even their wide width shoes.

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[LBW]

Altra (https://www.rei.com/b/altra/c/womens-footwear?ir=brand%3Aaltra%3Bcategory%3Awomens-footwear&r=b%3Bc%3Bbest-use%3ARunning%7CFitness) and/or Newton (https://www.zappos.com/newton-running-women-shoes/CK_XAVICrRvAAQHiAgMBGAo.zso)? I don't know if either come in different widths, but they both offer really roomy toe boxes, so may work.

BTW I always size up 1/2 or even a full size for shoes that I'll use for running, hiking, or lots of walking. Maybe try that, too.

[Percycat]

If you have hard feet to fit, I would go to a running store.... actually, I go to a running store even though my feet aren't hard to fit. I really appreciate the customer service in selecting shoes. I have lived through plantar fasciitis and think it is very important to get good tennis shoes. Do you have a Fleet Feet near you? If so, they will quickly find shoes that will work for you.

[DualvansMommy]

OP,

I would go to the roadrunners sport store for a fitting and see your brand options. What may work for you years ago may not now due to changing factors.

I believe there’s one in North Brunswick. Which is not far from you, if I recall. It’s my nearest branch so that is a bit of hike for me but so worthwhile for me to go. I’m due for another trip to get another fitting as my sizing changed recently. Its near my work at least, so won’t feel much of a hike for me.


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[lizzywednesday]

...
I’m not a distance runner and do more walking than anything but I highly recommend getting sized at a reputable running shoe store that has a good return policy. The store I go to has a 90 day no questions asked return policy.

So does Road Runner Sports - they'll even let you wear them on pavement!



Just remember what works for us may not work for you. Everyone has different feet even if they are essentially the same size. My DD1 has wider flat feet and she does best with a New Balance shoes and has consistently worn the New Balance brand since she was 2. She has worn the 990 for years, but now that she is 13 prefers the style and color choices of the 860. I have only ever worn two pairs of New Balance (the first was about 17 years ago and I wanted something sleeker looking than the clunky Addiction) and overall they did their job, but they weren’t my favorite.

Yup, I hear you 100% on that! Sometimes, however, I do like to hear about brands I haven't considered because I've worn basically the same 3.



My DH only wears Nike’s, and DD2 can wear them as well. I haven’t worn Nike in 20 years as my foot got too wide for even their wide width shoes.

Yeah, they tried to fit me in a Nike but Nike's wide is a "C" width, not a "D", so it was too narrow.

For the record, I have never been able to wear women's Nikes, but I wore their basketball shoes when I played.

[lizzywednesday]

Altra (https://www.rei.com/b/altra/c/womens-footwear?ir=brand%3Aaltra%3Bcategory%3Awomens-footwear&r=b%3Bc%3Bbest-use%3ARunning%7CFitness) and/or Newton (https://www.zappos.com/newton-running-women-shoes/CK_XAVICrRvAAQHiAgMBGAo.zso)? I don't know if either come in different widths, but they both offer really roomy toe boxes, so may work.

BTW I always size up 1/2 or even a full size for shoes that I'll use for running, hiking, or lots of walking. Maybe try that, too.

For me, it really does depend on whether or not the last runs short. I'm a 9.5 to a 10 in a street/dress shoe, so in most brands that would mean an 11.

New Balance and, I think, Brooks both make a 10.5.


I would stick with Hoka or Altra. Life changing.

My BFF just bought herself Hokas. I think DH would die of embarrassment before he'd walk with me while I was wearing Hokas, so they're probably out.


I wear a 10D as well. I just picked up 2 pairs of sneakers at Famous Footwear and both are comfy. I have Asics Gel-Venture 6 and Saucony Cohesion. I had not tried Saucony in the past and they seem slightly wider than the Asics, which is a nice surprise.

I think I tried Sauconys on ages ago but I needed a shoe with a tad more volume - everything else was fine, but the depth just didn't do it for me.


I have similar size feet, and for my athletic does I almost always have to wear men's sneakers. I have worn Saucony shoes and really liked them, currently have the Guide and Peregrine.

I've tried men's New Balance shoes to get the EE width (shoe was made on the SL-1 last, which runs narrow) and they just felt too heavy. I may want to try the Men's Sauconys.

[niccig]

Whichever one you try, maybe look for black or grey. Lots of fashion sneakers are in those colors. I got a black pair of new balance and I wear them all the time


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[lizzywednesday]

Whichever one you try, maybe look for black or grey. Lots of fashion sneakers are in those colors. I got a black pair of new balance and I wear them all the time...

I am actually stuck with whatever color they have in my size/width, so the last pair of running shoes I had (that really need to be replaced) were light aqua blue with navy blue accents because that's the color combo the company had in my size.

It's been forever since I wore even a white sneaker, but finding a black or grey model tends to be pretty difficult.

[niccig]

I am actually stuck with whatever color they have in my size/width, so the last pair of running shoes I had (that really need to be replaced) were light aqua blue with navy blue accents because that's the color combo the company had in my size.

It's been forever since I wore even a white sneaker, but finding a black or grey model tends to be pretty difficult.

Sounds like my sneakers - similar color combo by Saucony. They’re more comfortable then the black sneakers I have, NewBalance but more a fashion style than a running shoe. Hope you find a pair that fits. I got my saucony fitted at a running store and I now just buy same style online when I need a new pair. So I second getting fitted at a running shoe store.


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[lizzywednesday]

... So I second getting fitted at a running shoe store.

I have to make a trip - I have the local running store and a Road Runner Sports. Both do gait analysis and will spend time with you, but you have to pick a slow time of day!

DH thinks that I should be able to buy a pair of sneakers for $60 or less. I really can't.

I get ankle, knee, hip, and back pain whenever I cheap out, so I'm stuck paying around $125 for "real" sneakers.

[niccig]

I’ve gotten the shoe recommendation from the store and paid their price, but then the next time I’ve found the same style cheaper online as it’s not the latest version. That helps with the cost a bit.


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[lizzywednesday]

I’ve gotten the shoe recommendation from the store and paid their price, but then the next time I’ve found the same style cheaper online as it’s not the latest version. That helps with the cost a bit.

I can't always find them cheaper in the width I need because those sell out first.

[niccig]

I can't always find them cheaper in the width I need because those sell out first.

I hate it when that happens.

Another option, I recently got a pair of hiking shoes, not boots but sneaker style. Much more comfortable than my running shoes for lots of walking. I’ll use them hiking (short hikes) or on next trip where walk a lot (Disney). Still not cheap, but it might open up some options that are more comfortable


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[Kindra178]

My BFF just bought herself Hokas. I think DH would die of embarrassment before he'd walk with me while I was wearing Hokas, so they're probably out.



.


Umm?! I'm relatively to extremely stylish on a daily basis, depending on the day. Outdoor Voices, very cool and on trend athleisure and workout clothes company, did a collab with Hoka on their Clifton 5s. Black, navy and pink. I am not sure what kind of Hokas your friend got but am extremely baffled by this statement.

https://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/22048/womens-hoka-one-one-clifton-5-knit/?cc=680&umap=0&sc=C9X1H421&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=cp_shopping_topb_desktop&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl6LoBRDqARIsABllMSZQ3-DCOeb3LvznJLDOEXEf-lYLxmcpiumASS9UfRacxDzPDxCmXgQaAnBZEALw_wcB

Road Runner Sports seems to have 10.5/11. I don't think you'll need a wide. My DH doesn't wear wide in Hokas cause they are so wide to begin with.

The other option is to get the black Altra Paradign. Fly knit fabric, wide toe box. I commute to work in these.

[lizzywednesday]

Umm?! I'm relatively to extremely stylish on a daily basis, depending on the day. Outdoor Voices, very cool and on trend athleisure and workout clothes company, did a collab with Hoka on their Clifton 5s. Black, navy and pink. I am not sure what kind of Hokas your friend got but am extremely baffled by this statement.

She didn't get athleisure ones; she got running shoes to wear for an obstacle course race.

They look super-comfortable, but are not the kind of shoe I can even breathe on if DH is paying. (And he is.)



https://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/products/22048/womens-hoka-one-one-clifton-5-knit/?cc=680&umap=0&sc=C9X1H421&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=cp_shopping_topb_desktop&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl6LoBRDqARIsABllMSZQ3-DCOeb3LvznJLDOEXEf-lYLxmcpiumASS9UfRacxDzPDxCmXgQaAnBZEALw_wcB

Those aren't like the ones my BFF bought herself; I believe she went with the motion control models.


Road Runner Sports seems to have 10.5/11. I don't think you'll need a wide. My DH doesn't wear wide in Hokas cause they are so wide to begin with.

I can try them on.

I'm not entirely sure about a neutral support shoe - I have had ankle & knee issues while wearing neutral shoes in the past.


The other option is to get the black Altra Paradign. Fly knit fabric, wide toe box. I commute to work in these.

I don't think I've ever tried Altras. Thank you for the suggestion.

[Kindra178]

Those are real running shoes!


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[TwinFoxes]

She didn't get athleisure ones; she got running shoes to wear for an obstacle course race.

They look super-comfortable, but are not the kind of shoe I can even breathe on if DH is paying. (And he is.)



Those aren't like the ones my BFF bought herself; I believe she went with the motion control models.



I can try them on.


I think Kindra's point is there's more than one style of Hoka, your friend's may not be to your husband's taste but there may be others that are.

[cuca_]

She didn't get athleisure ones; she got running shoes to wear for an obstacle course race.

They look super-comfortable, but are not the kind of shoe I can even breathe on if DH is paying. (And he is.)


.

I don’t have any sneakers recommendations, but I have to say that this statement makes me sad. I think, and I say this gently, that both you and your DH need to change your mindset about household money. He is not paying for it. You both are. It’s a marriage, a partnership. I don’t work outside the home, and if my DH ever suggested that he should have the last say on what I buy for myself because he is paying for it, all hell would break lose. That is controlling and mean, and you should not put up with it. Please buy what you like and what is comfortable for you and forget about his opinion.


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[mom2binsd]

OP, I'm very sorry that you have to even consider you husband's opinion on what shoes to buy (didn't you post last year about his opinion on skorts and other summer clothes?).

I am able to wear any type of shoe as I have small, trouble free feet and always have cute on trend shoes, dressy or athletic and the Hoka looked fine. I may not like quite a few of the comfort shoes that many on this board recommend due to foot problems, but the Hoka shoes look totally fine.

It's not like you're out buying Louis Vuitton bags, fancy jewelry etc for yourself, so please pick what works for you!!!

I really feel awful that you go through this, that's not how marriage is supposed to work!

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[SnuggleBuggles]

OP, I'm very sorry that you have to even consider you husband's opinion on what shoes to buy (didn't you post last year about his opinion on skorts and other summer clothes?).

I am able to wear any type of shoe as I have small, trouble free feet and always have cute on trend shoes, dressy or athletic and the Hoka looked fine. I may not like quite a few of the comfort shoes that many on this board recommend due to foot problems, but the Hoka shoes look totally fine.

It's not like you're out buying Louis Vuitton bags, fancy jewelry etc for yourself, so please pick what works for you!!!

I really feel awful that you go through this, that's not how marriage is supposed to work!

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I absolutely agree. I have a lot of feelings about your dh, OP. We’re all rooting for you, just so you know!


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[jgenie]

I absolutely agree. I have a lot of feelings about your dh, OP. We’re all rooting for you, just so you know!


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I agree. OP - I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I really hope your DH wakes up soon and realizes what an awesome person you are!!


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[smilequeen]

OP, I'm very sorry that you have to even consider you husband's opinion on what shoes to buy (didn't you post last year about his opinion on skorts and other summer clothes?).

I am able to wear any type of shoe as I have small, trouble free feet and always have cute on trend shoes, dressy or athletic and the Hoka looked fine. I may not like quite a few of the comfort shoes that many on this board recommend due to foot problems, but the Hoka shoes look totally fine.

It's not like you're out buying Louis Vuitton bags, fancy jewelry etc for yourself, so please pick what works for you!!!

I really feel awful that you go through this, that's not how marriage is supposed to work!

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I have to agree (except that I’m tall with 10.5 size feet). You should be able to choose clothing and shoes that appeal to you. I actually do prefer a more streamlined shoe for every day but since I overpronate, my actual workout shoes are bigger and bulkier. There was a style of Hokas on my list. I have a specific pair of Nike, but my feet are narrow to average so I can’t help much except to say that YOU should get to be happy.

[AnnieW625]

My Hokas are blue and pink....so much better than the year I had to get mens Brooks Addiction in gold, black and silver because they fit better than the women’s ones and they made me look like a New Orleans Saints fan, but no one ever said anything about them or knew they men’s shoes unless I said something. Imho though for most of the time I wore the Brooks Addiction they had more manly colors than they did female colors.

https://www.hokaoneone.com/womens-road/gaviota-2/1099630.html#start=27&cgid=womens-road

I too agree with the others that it shouldn’t matter that your dh is buying the shoes as you need shoes that are supportive and fit your feet. It would drive me crazy if my DH was that controlling. Yes it would be great to do it for $60 and like I said up thread I have when needed to (ASICS Gel 1000s), but I was never super happy with them as I was with the Brooks or how the Hokas.

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