Underpronation. Where Do I Buy A Good Pair Of Cross Training Tennis Shoes?

[longer-life 139]

I have what they call "underpronation". I need a good pair of tennis shoes for the gym, zumba etc. If I ever start to run, I would buy a different pair. Where can I go to be fitted? I need a place that can confirm my "diagnosis" of underpronation, so the staff needs to be knowledgeable and offer a personalized service. I don't know if the running shoe stores also sell cross trainers.

[Amanda 3.0 140]

I have bought many pairs of cross trainers at running stores. I think most running stores offer a selection, so worth a try.

I recently had a bout of plantar fasciitis, and the doctor wanted me to buy custom shoes from him. I instead looked online and found "Orthaheels" brand. They have a ton of styles from flip flops to slippers to athletic shoes. Once I tried the flip flops, I got rid of all my other flip flops. Then I bought the athletic shoes and they are great too, so I got rid of my New Balance. My neighbor bought the athletic shoes and one pair of flip flops and called them "life changing". I bought my husband the Orthaheel orthotic inserts and he says they are his favorite. He has some nerve damage in one leg and they correct his gait.

I swear I do not work for Orthaheel, I just have no more pain since switching to their shoes and they are a heck of a lot cuter than the nasty custom shoes at the foot doctor.

You can read reviews and buy them at Zappos.com, but they are not the cheapest shoes out there for sure.

I plan to buy some for my stepdaughter because she pronates, but they are not really the style for 17 year old girls, sadly.

[favoredone 590]

My podiatrist sent me to a New Balance store... I would google running/all sports stores in your area...

[Geeewhy 30]

I think you live in the Jacksonville area, right? THere are a couple different locations I know of in Jacksonville that do foot pressure and gait analysis to try and find the correct shoe. The first is Jacksonville Running Company (http://www.jacksonvillerunningcompany.com/Fit_Process.html) and the other is 1st Place Sports (http://1stplacesports.com/). I've not used either yet, but I plan on going to the Jacksonville Running Club in the next week or two, as I'm planning on start a "Couch to 5k" training regimen.

[Jerry Weikert 5]

i got new balance and i love mine

[longer-life 139]

Thanks everyone! I wasn' sure if the runners shoe store carried cross trainers. I will check Orthaheel, New Balance and the runners stores suggested by Geewhy.

Geewhy, I do live in the Jax area. I will check those websites. Thanks!

[PdxMan 4,292]

Have you Googled cross training shoes supination? This can at least give you some models to check out when you are in the stores. I went to a running shoe store to get fitted (neutral) and bought the right shoe for me.

If you're going to be doing Zumba like activities, you definately don't want a running shoe, but rather a cross trainer. There are lots to choose from. Google those terms and get on the phone to find stores that carry them.

Good luck

[Amanda 3.0 140]

Thanks everyone! I wasn' sure if the runners shoe store carried cross trainers. I will check Orthaheel, New Balance and the runners stores suggested by Geewhy.

Geewhy, I do live in the Jax area. I will check those websites. Thanks!

If I had not found out about Orthaheels, I would still be in New Balance. They are both very good shoes. Orthaheel is a very good corrective shoe, where I have very happily used New Balance for years as a non-corrective shoe. Love New Balance!

The correction on the Orthaheel is rather dramatic. It takes a couple of days to get used to them. I was hesitant to spend $100 on a pair of shoes off the internet, but the reviews were that good and I was that miserable. They are "walkers" but I used them at Zumba every week at boot camp. Now I use them for walking and on my elliptical. I also wore them on a 5K that was mostly going up stairs in a town situated in a ravine, if you can imagine that.

There are a lot of good choices out there, and the people at any serious running store should also be able to help you find a good cross trainer. And, they can show you tips on how to lace them different ways so that they fit perfect.

[Geeewhy 30]

So longer-life, have you had a chance to check out any of those places? I'm getting ready to buy some shoes and was wondering if you had any feedback?

[longer-life 139]

Sorry Geewhy, I have been procrastinating. I was supposed to start exercising the first week of January and I am dragging my feet. Ugh. I do have an idea of what gym I will be going (have one more I want to tour) and tomorrow I will be taking my bike to get a tune up. Baby steps is all I am taking right now. Please post here when you go. I will do the same.

By the way I just noticed you live in St. Augustine and came to Jax to have surgery and I did exactly the opposite. (I think we both ended with excellent surgeons. )

[Geeewhy 30]

Yeah, I think we both ended up being lucky. Funny thing is I went with Dr. Webb in Jax as much for the NOVUS support as the recommendation of Dr. Webb, then they folded shop 2 months after my surgery!

I can let you know about the Jacksonville Running Company after today, I'm going at lunch to check it out.

[sleeve 4 me 910]

I will tell you I LOVE MY NIKE FUSIONS...they are the BEST tennis shoes I've ever worn...and I love that they are hot pink and black lol. I don't know if they are cross training, hmmm I'm going to have to look that up.

[longer-life 139]

@PDXman-sorry I missed your post. I completely skipped it by mistake. I will google what you suggested. Thanks!

@Sleeve4me-I will check them out thanks. I like pink and black too. :-)

@Geewhy- shucks! Sorry to hear about Novus right after your surgery. Does that mean you don't have access to a nutritionist and other professionals?

[Geeewhy 30]

I had my surgery at St. Luke Hospital, and as they are trying to start a bariatric practice to help replace Novus, I have access to their staff. The nutritionist from Novus is with them now and she's great.

I was thoroughly pleased with my experience with the Jacksonville Running Store. I went through the fitting process and I am also "neutral", and bought a nice pair of running shoes. But I don think they are almost exclusively running, so maybe not the best place to check for cross-training shoes.

[longer-life 139]

Thanks Geewhy! Glad to hear you have a good support system and have found a good pair of tennis shoes. Are you ready to run??? I'm impressed.

Sadly I have always been a couch potato, except for some short periods. I have finally started though. I have ridden my bike for the last two days and hope to continue almost daily. Now that I have the bike option, I have decided to join a gym after my overseas trip in March, so I have a little time to buy the tennis shoes.