AMN, You once mentioned (I think ) you have or had New Balance shoes with the rollbar. I like New Balance and need new shoes.

How did the rollbar help you and did you like them?

Anyone else have experience with New Balance rollbar shoes?

Snoopy, I'm wodering if this is related to the "foot assessment" I had on my daughter.

I bought her expensive running shoes, as she does core training for ball. Her trainer said they were not satisfactory, as she needed to buy one of the "preferred" brands (going on memory ~ which isn't great ~ I think it was either of Asiacs or Mitzuno). They wanted up to $300 for a pair of those!

I spent considerable time talking to a "foot assessor" at the sports shop, and it seems that these manufacturers now make runners that have special support in various locations of the sole. Depending on your problem (if you tend to walk with your knees together, or put most of your weight to the outside, etc.), they make runners that will support and retrain the foot.

My daughter was assessed, and we figured out what "her" issue was (can't remember though). There is a "standard" support shoe, which is ok for everyone, but if you want the best bang for your buck, an assessment is advised. I do think there is some merit to that . . . well at least I bought into it . . . and we did get her the 'special need' shoe. It cost about $50 more, but her running time, spasms, muscle pain, and injuries have improved CONSIDERABLY since then.

Cherie

Cherie, I think I know what your talking about. We have The Foot Store (?) which I believe will give an assesment of your feet and the best shoes for support.

I had thought about going to The Foot Store but I'm guessing the end cost will be more than I'm willing to spend. I have tried different brands through the years but I always come back to new balance, they are light weight yet offer the support I need.

This is what the new balance rollbar shoe looks like. It appears it would keep the pad of your feet as well as the toes up more and more of a rocking motion when walking:
http://www.newbalance.com/fitness/walking/WW844/

I have three pairs now and I see no signs of turning back, the rollbar helps me immensely with my balance and my weak ankles. So much so, that I will even wear my hikers just with my FootFlexr instead of my big, honkin' AFO.

Go for it!

That sounds like a good evaluation from the previous poster.

I go to a running shop and they want to see your old sneakers before they suggest which shoe you should get, based on the wear areas of your older sneakers. ( I don't run anymore because of my age. )

I need Saucony sneakers because I have a wide foot. I think sneakers are great because they provide so much support for your foot compared to sandals.

I walk so much faster in sneakers now that I am running around
Manhattan this summer.

There are places online that sell sneakers at a discount which might help you. Of course I would try them on at a store first to see how they fit your foot and how they feel. If money is an issue, that is one way to work around it. Hope you find a solution.

Thanks Cindy.

Did it take anytime to adjust to the rollbar or did it just feel normal for you?

Starfish, I have a pair of Saucony and have owned others but Saucony and many other brands have heavy soles or at least heavy for me so lifting my feet and legs become more difficult.

New Balance has wide sizes (I also have wide feet) but new balance is lighter wieght (probably why I keep going back to New Balance )

Honestly, LA, if I didn't know it's there, I wouldn't know it's there!

I have a pair of Sauconys that I wore before things got difficult and haven't worn in years. They don't compare to the stability I get with the NBs. Mine are very light and have leather uppers which give me good support.

I do have one pair of NBs that don't have the rollbar and I notice the difference immediately after standing up on them. It's not bad, they're very stable and supportive shoes, but the rollbar seems to be the grail shoe for me.

Thanks again, Cindy.

I guess I'm over thinking this and just need to try them out.

New Balance shopping will be on my list today

The weight of sneakers is a big issue for me. I didn't realize that NB shoes were lighter. However, when I have bought them in the past, I found they were not narrow enough for me. Now I'm really wondering whether I should give them a try again. The Reeboks I'm wearing fit well, but I have such a struggle some days picking them up that I am constantly tripping over my toes.

Holly, good shoe stores have sales people who know how to adjust the fit of your shoes. Tongue pads are in all my shoes because I'm a narrow fit especially at the heels. They often put another layer under the insole to snug them up for me. It's amazing what those little adjustments can do and they never charge me for it.