I run miles and running shoes need to be replaced often. I'm a heavy runner, though I am finally losing weight. I usually find them on sale, but even then they are pricey ($85 range). I have found shoes that after I run several miles, my feet still don't hurt, thanks to LAB's brand suggestions. They're Asics. This type: http://www.zappos.com/n/p/p/7201293/c/50326.html Though those are expensive even for expensive.

Where does this fall in the realm of "need"?

It is a need. IMO.

Being healthy is a need, not a want. And, you must protect your physical self in the process - thus, shoes are not a want. You have to be good to your knees. Those shoes are cheap by comparison to knee surgery.

(reminder to self - you need new running shoes too)

I also run and I put this as a high need.

Here is why:

1. running is helping your overall health and therefore will save medical bills in the long run.

2. running is a stress manager and may help keep you from impulse shopping. (if you tend to impulse shop when you are stressed...like a self-medicating action)

3. if you don't keep your shoes in the condition you need them to be, you will injure yourself and then will have to spend more money in medical bills for that injury.

Anyway those are the reasons I can think of off the top of my head. I'm not a heavy runner....I only run between 15 and 20 miles a week. So take that lack of major experience into my response. (I'm not anywhere near LAB's expertise and experience!! That is for sure!!!)

Isn't it great when you find shoes you like? New Balance is the one for me. :)

Michelle

hey, where is LAB's thread about shoes? I try to read any of her posts about running, but I think I missed that one.

Michelle

I think good running shoes are a need too. So buy them and don't feel bad about it. $85 is a lot less than a gym membership.

Tawnya

P.S. BTW, my Drill Sergeant husband who puts miles and miles on his shoes as he runs with new soldiers only buys Asics and they are expensive. We buy them every six months. But we look at it as equipment for his job and he had to have a job to provide....

definitely a need.
a coupon or purchasing last year's model would be my only suggestion.
nak

Good running shoes fall in the realm of heath care, and is not a want, but a need. Excersie strenghtens the immune system, and crappy shoes make you have to visit the ortho. No contest there.

Need. Just like visiting the dentist or anything else you might do for your health. Even if you walked, you'd still need shoes. It's not really optional. Just look for the best price, and pay it.

DH wears mostly asics too. They are pricey but they aren't killer on the knees. I prefer "barefoot" running shoes.

Anyhow, definitely a need. Running in poorly made shoes can cause injuries.

Need! As PP said, running in bad shoes can actually harm you which would end up costing MORE in the long run!

My hubby runs a lot 6-8 miles a day, and sometimes more if he's training for a race. Te replaces his shoes every 3 mos usually. He has huge feet too size 14/15 so we have to usually buy full price.

If you do want to find a way to save, find a type/brand that fits you well and religiously watch for sales and then buy 2 or 3 pairs when you find one that fits you well.

If you have a Costco, check the shoe area every time you go. Ours has Asics about every 3rd or 4th time they go with a different brand--Addidas, Nike, Asics, Etonic?. I'm sure they rotate through depending on what they get on sale. But, dh was able to find his 'kind' of Asics running shoes there and bought the two pairs they had for only $29.99 each. We haven't seen them again in men's, but I got my last pair of Asics there as well.

Yeah, I think they're a need, but I'd also only buy them on clearance/sale/ebay if possible, so I was at least getting the most bang for my buck.

I bought Dave another pair of work shoes today. He walks miles and miles every day on concrete floors. The pair that just wore out only lasted 2 months! But it's a need. I did get them on clearance, though. I can't get myself to pay full price for anything. Ever. It's a disease. Seriously.

Kerri

I agree that they are a need. Do you have any large running stores where you are? The one here has an outlet where they sell the shoes people return for a lot less. I always tell dh to get fitted and go over there but he just buys them when he is fitted. I don't run enough yet to justify them but dh is telling me to go get fitted. So far, the ones I have are fine, but I know I will need better ones soon and can't just buy what I find on sale. Oh, also watch Sierratradingpost.com. You wouldn't find the new model there but in the future you might find those shoes. Buy em and keep running!

Coming to this late, but I agree - it's a need. Try to get a deal, but not at the price of sacrificing shoes that you know fit you and work well for you.